Yes, that’s true. Rovinj is very often mentioned as the most romantic place on the Mediterranean, lying on the west coast of Istra peninsula on the north Adriatic.
This place refers to the destination for all who desire the atmosphere of past times imbued with many legends and romances.
Rovinj was firstly built on a small island that later became a peninsula which small surface led to the construction of narrow houses, narrow streets and small squares.
The church of St. Euphemia dominates the vistas of Rovinj along with characteristic colors of its facades. One of Rovinj’s traditional attractions is Grisia Street which cascading steps lead up to the plateau of the parish church of St. Euphemia where the view spreads along the neighboring archipelago.
The street is picturesquely cobbled with winding stone staircase which is used as the stage for a one-day art competition, founded by visual artists who contribute at the art colony in Rovinj.
Furthermore, as Rovinj has always been oriented to the sea, there is a festival of batana and bitinada. Batana is traditional vessel characteristic for Rovinj, which was built and used by local fisherman for centuries. On the other hand, bitinada is a specific traditional folk song and represents the inseparable musical tradition of batana building.
According to the tradition, bitinada was sung by fishermen when they were fishing or busy with repairing their nets. Since their hands were busy with the job they were doing, fishermen tried to imitate different instruments by their own voices, creating a hypothetical orchestra.
Both bitinada singing and batana building are put on the list of protected intangible heritage of Croatia maintained by the Croatian Ministry of Culture and UNESCO. Furthermore, Rovinj established its respected position among tourist destinations thanks to Monte Mulini Hotel which was elected the best hotel in Croatia among the visitors who contributed the pole on Trip Advisor web portal while Naturist Camp Valalta was elected the best naturist camp in Europe and bears the BestCamping quality label ever since.
Rovinj also established its position on the list of yachtsmen favorite destinations. There is more than one reason for that. First of all, there is well organized ACI marina in Rovinj, just across the city center, offering the best view to the old town.
The small archipelago in front of Rovinj also provides some beautiful spots for anchoring. Last but not least, some of the most competitive regattas are being held in Rovinj, such as ACI Match Race which welcomed the most important names of the international sailing sport. Sporting events in recent years were about the finals of RC 44 Cup, founded by world famous sailor Russell Coutts.
If sailing North Adriatic, Rovinj should definitely be on the list of your stops while you can easily start your north Adriatic sailing trip at Rovinj since there are several respectable charter fleets in ACI Marina Rovinj.
For more useful information on where to sail in Croatia and what to see, visit Sailing Croatia Boats.
I wish you a calm sea, a fine wind and a strong mast!