Rovinj Day Trip: Old Town, Parking and Tips from Pula & Pomer

If there is one postcard image of Istria, it is Rovinj: an old town on a peninsula, tightly packed pastel-coloured Venetian houses and, above them, the bell tower of St Euphemia’s Church. From Pomer, Rovinj is a classic day trip – close enough for a spontaneous outing, beautiful enough for a whole day.

Rovinj in brief

Rovinj has around 13,500 inhabitants and lies on the west coast of Istria, according to guidebooks around 35 to 40 km north of Pula. The old town is completely car-free; you park on the edge and walk in. There is no rail connection – you arrive by road or by boat.

Old town highlights

St Euphemia’s Church and bell tower

The church of Sv. Eufemija stands on the highest point of the old town. Its bell tower, around 60 metres high, is modelled on the Campanile in Venice and is the tallest structure in the town. You can climb the tower and will be rewarded with a panoramic view over the rooftops, harbour and islands. Opening hours and admission change with the seasons – please check locally.

Grisia street

The Grisia (La Grisia) winds up from the main square to the church. It is lined with small boutiques, galleries, cafés and restaurants. Tip: the old cobblestones are polished smooth – wear shoes with a good grip rather than smooth-soled sandals.

Balbi Arch

The 17th-century Balbi Arch near Tito Square is the traditional entrance to the old town. This is where the classic walking tour begins.

Harbour and promenade

In the harbour, fishing boats lie alongside excursion boats, and in the evening this is the best stage for the sunset. Many visitors simply sit on the rocks by the water and watch the old town bathed in golden light.

Greenery and sea: Zlatni rt and the Red Island

Zlatni rt forest park (Golden Cape)

South of the old town is the Zlatni rt forest park, with walking paths, old trees and numerous swimming coves. Ideal if you are looking to cool off after strolling around the old town. According to istra.hr, Škaraba bay by the quarry is an area where dogs are allowed.

Red Island (Sv. Andrija)

The Red Island lies off Rovinj and can be reached by boat; according to guidebooks, boats run hourly in season. From there you get a lovely view back to the old town.

Parking in Rovinj (as of 2026)

Parking is the number one topic in Rovinj. For the high season (1 June to 30 September 2026), the official tourism website lists, among other things:

• Barrier car parks near the old town: Velika Valdibora, Mala Valdibora and Boksiti, plus Nova Hladnjača, Obala Nona and Fra Pavla Pellizzera
• Zone 0 (Mirna): approx. 6 euros per hour
• Zones 2–3: approx. 3 euros per hour
• Zone 4: approx. 7 euros per day
• Barrier car parks: mostly approx. 3.50 euros per hour, Nova Hladnjača approx. 6 euros per hour
• Day ticket: approx. 25 euros

At the barrier car parks, every hour started is charged as a full hour. You can also pay via app (Bmove or Aircash). All details as of 2026 – please check locally.

Our tip: in summer, arrive before 10 am. After that it gets tight, and hunting for a free space costs more nerves than it saves.

By boat to Rovinj

Instead of driving, you can also travel in a relaxed way by sea. Several operators sail from Pula to Rovinj, often combined with the Red Island or the Lim Fjord, a swimming stop and food on board. One operator, for example, offers a day tour from about 9 am to 5 pm sailing past the Brijuni islands; another quotes 50 euros for adults for a Pula–Rovinj–Lim tour, with children up to 14 paying half. Prices and departure times change – please check with the operator. You will find more about tours from the southern tip in our guide to Medulin boat trips & dolphins.

How to plan the perfect day in Rovinj

1. Set off early and park at around 9 or 9.30 am.
2. Old town loop through the Balbi Arch and up the Grisia to the church; climb the tower while it is not yet too hot.
3. Lunch break in the shade – or a picnic in the Zlatni rt forest park.
4. Afternoon by the sea: swim in one of the coves at the Golden Cape or take a boat to the Red Island.
5. Sunset at the harbour, then dinner and a relaxed drive back.

If you want even more culture, you can combine Rovinj with a detour inland – for example to the hill town of Motovun. What awaits you there is described in our guide to truffles & Motovun. That does make for a long day, though; with children it is better to plan two separate trips.

What to bring

• Sturdy shoes for the smooth paving
• Water bottle, sun hat, sun cream
• Swimwear for Zlatni rt
• Change or a card, and the parking app for the car park

Best time to visit Rovinj

In July and August Rovinj is very crowded. If you have the choice, May, June and September are ideal: pleasant temperatures, swimming weather and much less of a crush in the lanes. More in our guide to the best time to visit Istria. A grey day also suits Rovinj – the old town with its galleries and cafés works in any weather.

From Little Dream

From Little Dream in Pomer, first drive to Pula and from there continue north to Rovinj. The route is straightforward and well signposted; in high season, allow some extra time for traffic around Pula and finding a parking space in Rovinj. If you would rather not drive yourself, book a boat trip from Pula or an organised tour – some operators pick guests up in Pula and Medulin.

Rovinj by day, back to the peace of the southern tip in the evening: if that appeals to you, we look forward to hearing from you – send an enquiry for Little Dream.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Pula to Rovinj?

The most flexible way is by car: Rovinj is around 35 to 40 km north of Pula, and the drive takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Rovinj has no railway station, but you can get there by bus or on an organised boat trip from Pula.

How far is Pula from Rovinj?

Depending on the source and route, it is about 35 to 40 kilometres. From Pomer, add the distance to Pula.

How much does parking cost in Rovinj?

In high season (1 June to 30 September), according to the tourism website, parking costs around 3 to 6 euros per hour depending on the zone, a day ticket around 25 euros, and in outer zone 4 about 7 euros per day (as of 2026, please check locally).

Is Rovinj or Pula nicer?

That is a matter of taste: Rovinj stands out with its picturesque Venetian old town on a peninsula, Pula with its Roman Arena and more big-city life. The two are so close together that you can easily see both on your holiday.

What is a must-do in Rovinj?

Climb the bell tower of St Euphemia's Church, stroll along Grisia street and enjoy the sunset by the water in the evening. If you have more time, take a boat across to the Red Island or walk through the Zlatni rt forest park.