Located in the Istria Peninsula area of Croatia, Rovinj is a popular seaside resort on the Adriatic Coast. Often compared to the more popular Dubrovnik, Rovinj still feels more authentic – allowing you to admire the spectacular scenery alongside the local culture! Officially bilingual in Croatian and Italian, Rovinj has an interesting amalgamation of both cultures.

As an up and coming destination, it can be tricky to figure out where to stay in Rovinj. The compact city has a few distinct areas, each offering something a little bit different.

That’s why we’ve created this guide! We’ve figured out the seven best areas in and around Rovinj, and categorised them based on who they are best for.

So let’s get started!

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Rovinj

• Where to stay in Rovinj for your first time? Old Town
• Where to stay in Rovinj close to everything? Wider Town
• Best neighborhood in Rovinj for families? East
• Where to stay in Rovinj on a budget? North
• Where to stay in Rovinj for couples? South
• Where to stay close to Rovinj for a calm seaside stay? Porec
• Best neighborhood close to Rovinj for natural beauty? Umag

Where to Stay in Rovinj

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Rovinj.

Rovinj 7 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the five best neighbourhoods in Rovinj. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighbourhood that’s right for you.

Neighborhood #1 – Old Town

Best neighbourhood in Rovinj for your first time!

• COOLEST thing to do in Old Town – take a short cruise out to Katarina Island – a popular getaway spot for locals
• BEST place to visit in Old Town – visit the main square, where some of the most popular landmarks are – including the fountain and Church of St Euphemia

The Old Town is where most tourists spend the majority of their time in Rovinj! Located on a peninsula, the Old Town is mostly car-free – adding to the ancient atmosphere of the area. As the name suggests, this is the oldest part of the city and where you will find most of the historic architecture and major attractions.

Though Rovinj is not really a big nightlife city, there are plenty of bars around the harbour area where you can enjoy a few drinks with locals and fellow travellers! Most of the hotels in this area are small and located in old buildings, giving you a cosy atmosphere right in the heart of the city.

• Head down to Obala Alda Rismonda in the evening – this harbourside street is where most of the bars and late night restaurants are located
• During the day, Trevisol Street is the place to be – this romantic walkway is packed with boutiques selling clothes, jewellery and souvenirs from local artisans
• Creative travellers will also relish a trip to Atelier Sottomuro – this small gallery showcases work by local artists that you can purchases to take home
• Tipico Old Town, located right in the heart of the area, is a small taverna where you can sample the best cuisine of Istria
• If you’re interested in street food and locally sourced fresh ingredients, the daily market Valdibora is well worth a visit.

Best Budget Hotel in Old Town

Casa Amando Boutique

Casa Amando Boutique is a small bed and breakfast that has some of the best ratings of budget accommodations in the city! Rooms are fully air-conditioned and come with high-speed WiFi access. There is a free tennis court on-site, allowing you to enjoy some recreational activities during your stay.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Old Town

Hotel Arupinum

Hotel Arupinum features some incredible on-site facilities including a sparkling outdoor swimming pool, an à la carte restaurant, a chic bar, and a spacious sun terrace. It also has a fantastic location, just a short stroll from both the beach and the center of Rovinj.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Old Town

Grand Park Hotel

Though located outside of the Old Town, Grand Park Hotel is only a short walk away making it the closest five-star accommodation to the historic centre! Rooms come with espresso machines, walk-in showers and separate bathtubs. There is also access to a balcony or terrace from every unit.

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Neighborhood #2 – Wider Town

Where to stay in Rovinj close to everything!

• COOLEST thing to do in Wider Town – take a bicycle tour of the city and surrounding areas with RM Group
• BEST place to visit in Wider Town – Rovinj Aquarium is a popular attraction with locals where you can discover native marine life

Still considered a part of the city centre, the Wider Town area completely surrounds the Old Town. As you cannot drive cars into the Old Town, this area is the best for getting around the city! If you have hired a car, or need quick access to public transport, we recommend opting for a hotel in this area.

There are plenty of attractions in the Wider Town area where you can discover local life! Many of the city’s tour companies operate from this part of Rovinj, giving you plenty of options to discover the city with a knowledgeable guide. Most parts are also within easy walking distance of the Old Town and the beaches.

• Take a boat tour of the Rovinj coast and surrounding islands with Mare Nostrum, based right next to the aquarium
• Sample gorgeous Croatian wines, with many of them coming from the Istria region, at Agricultural Trade Vivoda – they also offer some great local snacks!
• Church of Our Mother Mercy is a major religious monument located on the boundary between the Old Town and the Wider Town
• Istrian culture is deeply influenced by Italy, and a great place to sample this impact on local cuisine is at Gostionica Orlando
• Looking to unwind after a few days of exploring? Yoga Centre Sadhana has a variety of classes and facilities available

Best Budget Hotel in Wider Town

Sunset Residence Rovinj

Sunset Residence Rovinj is a beautifully renovated bed and breakfast situated in the city’s Wider Town neighborhood and provides guests with a great value-for-money place to stay. With extremely competitive prices matched with deluxe rooms, the Sunset Residence Rovinj is a fantastic place to stay on a budget.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Wider Town

Eden Hotel by Maistra Collection

If you want a relaxed and peaceful place to stay in Rovinj then the Eden Hotel by Maistra Collection is a great option. The hotel is surrounded by the lush vegetation of the 100-year-old Zlatni Rt park forest and provides some fantastic facilities. At the hotel, you can expect to find beautifully designed indoor and outdoor pools, a wellness & spa center along with sun-bathing terraces.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Wider Town

Hotel Monte Mulini

If you want the typical seaside resort experience, look no further than the five-star Hotel Monte Mulini! It comes with multiple swimming pools, a spa and a lush Mediterranean style garden. A complimentary buffet breakfast is provided every morning, as well as free high-speed WiFi in every room.

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Neighborhood #3 – East

Best neighbourhood in Rovinj for families!

• COOLEST thing to do in East – Paintball Point Flash is a popular activity with local families as well as visitors to the city
• BEST place to visit in East – Croatis Souvenirs and gift shop, located to the south of the area, is the perfect place to pick up unique mementos of your stay

Though East Rovinj is usually left off most itineraries, this peaceful area allows you to experience authentic Istrian life! For families, East Rovinj has a calm atmosphere and family-friendly manner that allows you to enjoy some peace and quiet away from the busy centre. Nevertheless, it is well connected with the city and only a twenty-minute walk.

East Rovinj is not as packed with sights as other parts of the city, but still has some unique attractions worth discovering! There are a few tour companies based in this area, making it the perfect choice for families looking to explore further afield.

• Istarska Street is the main hub of East Rovinj, where you will find many of the area’s best boutiques, restaurants and cafes
• Take a trip out to Mala Valtida, a towering mountain area with great hiking trails to suit all levels, and equally brilliant views across the city
• Ranch Fortuna is a truly upmarket dining experience in the rural parts of the area offering unbeatable steaks and a vast wine menu
• For something more traditional, try Pineta – their menu features both Croatian and Italian cuisine, and has some great kids’ options
• Marin specialise in transfers from Rovinj to other parts of the peninsula, but they also offer bespoke tours – perfect for families looking for a little privacy.

Best Budget Hotel in East

Accommodation Suran

Accommodation Suran has a beautiful location near some of Roving’s most picturesque streets and is surrounded by numerous restaurants serving up tasty local cuisine. The hotel also features some fantastic facilities, including a cute garden with plenty of plants, a sun terrace along with an outdoor fireplace.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in East

Hotel Boutique Natka

This traditional yet modern 4-star hotel provides guests with luxurious amenities at mid-range prices. On-site at the hotel, you will find a range of personally decorated room options along with a tasty on-site restaurant and bar area serving up a tasty selection of food and drink options.

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Best Luxury Hotel in East

Apartments Ana Wellness

For a little bit of an upgrade, you won’t regret staying at Apartments Ana Wellness! All guests are given free access to a massive wellness area that includes saunas, Turkish baths and holistic therapies. Bike rental services are also available on-site, and there is a small children’s play area within the complex.

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Neighborhood #4 – North

Where to stay in Rovinj on a budget!

• COOLEST thing to do in North – try out scuba diving and snorkelling with Rovinj Sub Diving Centre
• BEST place to visit in North – take a tour of the Mirna fish processing plant, a unique insight into the local economy

North Rovinj is a little bit rougher around the edges than other parts of the city, though still completely safe and perfect for those looking to stick to a strict budget! Rovinj is notoriously one of the most expensive cities in the country, so staying in the more industrial North area allows you to watch your spending whilst still being within easy access of the city centre.

That being said, North Rovinj still has plenty of its own attractions to keep you entertained throughout your stay! This is a great area to discover local life and learn about the unique culture of the Istrian peninsula. 

• Steel is one of the few nightclubs in the city – this makes it popular with the locals, and they also have surprisingly low drinks prices
• Istria Wine Tours depart from North Rovinj, giving you insight into the cultivation, production and storage of wine in the region
• Scale Lastre Mountain, where you will be rewarded with mesmerising views across the Mediterranean coast
• Beach Bar Porton Biondi offer a variety of Croatian and Italian dishes, with a spectacular view from the covered terrace area
• If you want a truly traditional dining experience, head to the far north of the region and pop into Konoba Storija

Best Budget Hotel in North

Blu Locanda

The bed and breakfast is beautifully designed, allowing you to soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere of Rovinj from the comfort of your hotel! Rooms are fully air-conditioned and come with the latest modern conveniences for ultimate comfort. A continental breakfast is served every morning with vegetarian options available.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in North

Rooms and Apartment Sanja

Located on the boundary between the Wider Town and North Rovinj, this is a great mid-range option for those who want to stay close to the main attractions! They offer regular hotel rooms as well as fully serviced apartments at low prices, allowing you a little extra privacy for less.

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Will you be in Dubrovnik a while? Here’s your guide to the top day trips from Dubrovnik for exploring the area!

Best Luxury Hotel in North

Family Hotel Amarin

This beautiful beachside hotel is perfect for families that want to splash out on good accommodation, but without the added cost of staying close to the centre! Rooms are well equipped and designed in the minimalist style, giving you a calm setting to unwind after a long day of exploring Rovinj.

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Neighborhood #5 – South

Best neighbourhood in Rovinj for couples!

• COOLEST thing to do in South – interested in fishing? MORA Fishing & Pleasure offer great rates on boats and equipment hire
• BEST place to visit in South – there are multiple excellent beaches in South Rovinj – we recommend Mulini Beach for couples

South Rovinj is a popular resort area to the south of the Old Town, with plenty of excellent beaches waiting to be discovered! For couples, this laid back neighborhood is the perfect choice for a romantic getaway on the Istrian peninsula. From the sunbeds of Mulini Beach to the watersports of Skaraba Beach, there’s something for everyone.

As a major tourist spot, South Rovinj is well connected by public transport to the rest of the city! Most of the accommodation is within easy walking distance of the Old Town, and the beaches are also well serviced. There are also plenty of excellent restaurants, bars and shops around the area.

• Skaraba Beach is another excellent beach in the area with water sports activities available, as well as large sun lounging areas
• Mini Croatia is a quirky landmark where you can explore miniature representations of the entire country – from Rovinj, to Zagreb to Dubrovnik
• It seems like every city in the world has a Segway tour these days and Rovinj is no different – Segway Rovinj depart daily from the south of the city
• For the ultimate date night experience, head to Wine Bar restaurant on Mulini Beach – they have high-quality food and excellent views of the sunset
• Grill Lovor offers a more typical Croatian dining experience – it is also a little more secluded, giving you an intimate atmosphere

Best Budget Hotel in South

Gaspar

Gaspar Guest House gives you a more typical Croatian experience in an old building! The rural setting is a calm retreat away from the busy city centre and is only a short walk away from some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. There is a large sun terrace at the front.

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Once you’ve booked, check what there is to do in Dubrovnik!

Best Mid-range Hotel in South

Hotel Delfin

Situated in the south of Rovinj, just a stone’s throw away from Rovinj Marina, Hotel Delfin has one of the most sought-after locations in the city, with it being surrounded by beautiful restaurants and bars. The four-star hotel also offers a deluxe selection of modern room options!

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Best Luxury Hotel in South

Hotel Monte Mulini

The hotel so nice we’ve mentioned it twice – Hotel Monte Mulini straddles the boundary between the Wider Town area and South Rovinj! This gives you easy access both to the historic attractions of the city centre, and the vast beaches of the south. As previously mentioned, it has excellent facilities.

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Neighborhood #6 – Porec

Where to stay close to Rovinj for a calm seaside stay!

• COOLEST thing to do in Porec – shop until you drop at the quaint boutiques that line Decumanus Street
• BEST place to visit in Porec – marvel at the Euphrasian Basilica – a Byzantine monument that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site

There are plenty of quaint small towns lining the Istrian coast, and Porec is only a short journey away from Rovinj! Its small size gives you a more laid back atmosphere than that of Rovinj itself, however, its coastal location allows you to soak up the vibrant Mediterranean culture of the peninsula.

Porec has plenty of excellent attractions that make it a destination in its own right! There is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of the town, and plenty of great examples of historic architecture dating back to the Roman era. Porec is truly a microcosm of everything Istria has to offer.

• Adventurous types will love the opportunity to head deep into the Baredine Cave – there are plenty of excursions departing daily from Porec
• Cardo Maximus Street, located close to Decumanus, is an interesting area where you can discover ancient Roman architecture and art
• Ulixes is perhaps the most renowned restaurant in the town, offering fantastic seafood with a cosy and inviting atmosphere
• Church of Our Lady of the Angels is the religious heart of Porec, and an intriguing place to discover its impact on local culture
• Like the rest of Istria, Porec has been deeply influenced by Italian culture – Pizzeria Napoli is said to have the best pizza this side of the Adriatic!

Best Budget Hotel in Porec

Hotel Porec

The best-situated hotel in the town, Hotel Porec is only a few minutes walk from the beach! They provide a large buffet breakfast every morning, helping to set you up for the day ahead. There is also a 24-hour bar on-site, as well as a casino and a beauty salon.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Porec

Hotel Meditaren Playa Laguna

Hotel Mediteran Plava Laguna in Poreč offers a tranquil location surrounded by cedar and oak woods and is only steps away from the shores of the Adriatic Sea. For those outdoor lovers, the hotel also offers a range of sporting activities including tennis, mini golf, and beach volleyball.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Porec

Boutique Hotel Mauro

This hotel is the ultimate luxury choice in Porec, situated right in the heart of the Old Town area! Rooms are elegantly decorated to beautifully combine the old architecture of the building with modern conveniences. They offer a bike rental service, as well as complimentary WiFi access throughout.

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Neighborhood #7 – Umag

Best neighbourhood close to Rovinj for natural beauty!

• COOLEST thing to do in Umag – discover what creatures lie beneath the surface of the Adriatic Sea with Aquavision Glassboat Catamaran
• BEST place to visit in Umag – the Old Town itself is an attraction with beautifully restored medieval buildings and fantastic views of the Croatian countryside

Umag is about an hour north of Rovinj, however, is a fantastic alternative if you want a town that beautifully combines medieval architecture with stunning natural beauty! Umag is often considered the gateway to Istria, with good connections to other parts of Croatia as well as Slovenia and Northern Italy.

The Old Town has faced a turbulent history, meaning much of it has been restored. Despite this, it has still retained its medieval charm and is a great place to learn about how Croatians view their past! 

• Villa Tiola is a must visit for divers – this converted Roman spa building is now a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkelling
• The oldest lighthouse on the Adriatic coast is in Umag – Savudrija is open to the public and comes with a romantic back story
• Konoba Miso is a coastal restaurant offering a wide range of typical Croatian cuisine and delectable wines
• In the evenings, head to Cafe Tondo – though mostly casual dining, it is also one of the only nightlife spots in the town.

Best Budget Hotel in Umag

ANA House

ANA House is a collection of two small apartments offered at great prices – perfect for backpackers on a budget that want to explore this charming town! The studio apartment has a fridge and basic amenities, whilst the one bedroom apartment has a well-equipped kitchen.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Umag

Boutique B&B Luna

Despite offering very competitive rates, Boutique B&B Luna has some luxurious finishing touches that amplify your comfort during your stay! They offer both buffet and continental breakfasts at your convenience, as well as free parking facilities on-site. This is a great option for couples.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Umag

Hotel Meliá Coral

Though located outside of Umag, Hotel Meliá Coral is easily accessed by those who are renting a car in the region! It has a vast wellness centre that includes outdoor pools, a well-equipped gym and spa facilities. There are two on-site restaurants and a bar, and a buffet breakfast is provided.

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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Rovinj?

It’s easy to see why Rovinj is becoming one of the most popular destinations in Croatia! With vast beaches, historic charm and intriguing cultural attractions, Rovinj perfectly showcases the best of everything the Istrian Peninsula has to offer. We recommend visiting soon before it gets even more touristy.

For the best area, we have to go with the Wider Town! Whilst most of the attractions are based in the Old Town, the Wider Town area is more accessible and has a better selection of hotels.

That being said, everywhere mentioned in this guide has its own charms, and we hope we’ve helped you to plan your itinerary for your upcoming trip to this gorgeous city!

Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments!

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