Reasons to Buy Property in Rovinj?
We love Rovinj for its picturesque Old Town, cobbled streets and narrow lanes, colourful buildings, charming squares, art galleries, bustling harbour filled with small excursion and fishing boats, and its waterfront bars and restaurants. We also return often because Rovinj has some of the best ice cream in Istria, and we are sure the rest of the city’s food scene will impress you just as much. Buying property in Rovinj will not only give you your own retreat in this popular coastal town, but also the chance to own a small piece of the history of this remarkable region.
About Rovinj
Compact and easy to explore on foot, Rovinj is an exceptionally charming town. The newer part of the city surrounds the older area, which includes the historic, car-free Old Town set on a hilly peninsula. The city’s most recognisable landmark is the Church of St Euphemia, built at the top of the hill.
Properties available in Rovinj
Eurovilla’s agents love exploring properties in Rovinj. The local property market is diverse and full of character. Below are some of the most interesting types of property you can find in Eurovilla’s portfolio.
Land
Building plots are an important part of the property market, and Rovinj is no exception. Buying development land or a building plot gives investors the freedom to create a property to suit their own plans. Whether you want to build a home for personal use or develop a commercial project, Eurovilla has opportunities worth considering.
Apartments
Buying and selling apartments on the Croatian coast gives buyers access to an exceptionally diverse market. Our portfolio includes apartments that reflect traditional Rovinj and Istrian architecture, as well as new-build properties designed in line with modern construction and energy-efficiency standards. From compact studio apartments to large and spacious homes, Eurovilla can help you find a property that suits your needs.
Houses
The property market in Rovinj offers houses in a wide range of styles, locations and sizes. From traditional Istrian stone houses to modern urban homes, Eurovilla’s portfolio includes options for a variety of tastes and requirements.
Villas
When talking about buying property in Rovinj, a villa close to the sea is often one of the first things that comes to mind. Rovinj has some exceptional villas for sale, although supply is limited. Whether traditionally styled or contemporary in design, these properties make it easy to imagine spending your perfect holiday on the Istrian coast.
Developments
Another interesting part of Rovinj’s property market is new development. Buying a property before completion can often offer buyers a more attractive price, while construction schedules are becoming increasingly precise and reliable. There are opportunities available for buyers looking for a modern project that suits their needs.
View the full selection of properties in Rovinj here.
Rovinj on the map
Rovinj is located 30 kilometres south of Poreč and 30 kilometres northwest of Pula on the western coast of Istria. It is well connected with many of the region’s other attractions. Venice is approximately 260 kilometres from Rovinj and can be reached in under three hours. Zagreb is roughly the same distance from Rovinj.
Travelling from Rovinj to Split is a much longer journey. The two cities are around 500 kilometres apart, with a driving time of approximately five hours. The journey is straightforward thanks to Croatia’s modern multi-lane motorway network.
The tourist season in Rovinj
September is an ideal month to visit Rovinj. There are far fewer people, the sea is still warm enough for swimming and accommodation costs are lower. If September is not an option, spring, early summer or late summer are also excellent times to visit.
Peak season runs from the final week of July until mid-August, within the wider main season that lasts from late June to mid-September. These three peak weeks, along with winter, are generally the least favourable times to visit.
Many taverns, restaurants and shops close during the winter. The town is quiet and the weather can be cool and rainy. At the other extreme, the peak period from late July to mid-August is hot, busy and crowded.
Why Rovinj?
Rovinj is a destination everyone should experience. Even for first-time visitors to Croatia, the town deserves a place on the itinerary. After Dubrovnik, it is the second most popular tourist destination in Croatia. It is particularly well known and loved among European travellers, while fewer visitors from outside Europe think to include this part of the country in their trip.
Here are a few reasons why you may want to visit and consider buying property in Rovinj.
Romance
We believe Rovinj is one of those places everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Experiencing it in person is the only way to truly understand its appeal.
The Old Town is full of charm and nostalgia. As you explore its streets, there are countless opportunities for memorable photographs. If you have the opportunity to buy property in Rovinj’s Old Town, it is certainly worth considering.
A cosmopolitan atmosphere
Rovinj’s hotels are modern and cosmopolitan, creating an appealing contrast with the historic atmosphere of the Old Town and its unmistakable sense of la dolce vita.
Experience the luxurious Monte Mulini, Grand Hotel Park and Hotel Lone, as well as the creative atmosphere of Hotel Adriatic. These hotels are attractions in their own right. If you buy property in Rovinj, they can also become ideal places for relaxed socialising or business meetings.
Rovinj’s food scene
It is difficult to go wrong with Rovinj’s restaurants. You might choose the fine dining at Monte, enjoy an outdoor meal with exceptional views at Puntulina, try a fish pie at Maestral, experience elegant dining at La Serra inside Lanterna Castle, or sample the sweet creations of Konoba Jure.
Beaches
Rovinj may not be known for kilometres of sandy beaches, but if that is what you are looking for, Croatia itself is unlikely to be your first choice.
There are many beautiful beaches stretching south from the famous Lone Bay, through the forested beaches of Zlatni Rt, past Punta Eva and towards the nearby island of Bale. Some of the properties for sale in Rovinj within Eurovilla’s portfolio are located close to these natural attractions. Owning a property here gives you the freedom to enjoy these beaches regardless of the season, number of tourists or the town’s accommodation capacity.
Activities
Whether you are looking for a day at the beach, an adrenaline-filled experience or outstanding local wine and food, this charming coastal town has plenty to offer. You can easily spend a week or two here, particularly if you see Rovinj as an ideal base for exploring the rest of Istria or taking day trips to nearby Slovenia and Italy.
Here are a few activities worth experiencing in Rovinj.
Punta Corrente Forest Park
Punta Corrente is a beautiful wooded park located just a 15-minute walk from the Old Town. As well as providing space for relaxation, it is a popular destination for swimming, cycling and running. The park was developed between 1890 and 1910.
The park’s rugged limestone cliffs also provide excellent conditions for climbing. The climbing area is located in an old quarry just 20 metres from the sea, with routes suitable even for beginners.
A ride in a batana
The traditional small fishing boat known as a batana is a wooden, flat-bottomed vessel measuring between 4.5 and 8 metres in length and traditionally fitted with a sail. Few people still fish from batanas today, but a number of enthusiasts continue working to preserve this important part of Rovinj’s fishing heritage and local identity.
As part of this initiative, the local Batana House Museum began offering visitors a programme that includes a traditional dinner and a ride through the Old Town in a batana at dawn.
We believe it is an unforgettable experience and warmly recommend it.
Diving
Because there are numerous shipwrecks in the surrounding waters, diving is a very popular activity in Rovinj. The Baron Gautsch is one of the most visited and best-preserved shipwrecks in Croatia. The steamship sank in 1914. The wreck now lies around 12.5 metres offshore at depths ranging from 28 to 40 metres.
A number of nearby diving centres organise scheduled dives at the wreck site. A single boat dive costs approximately €45 per person. If you own property in Rovinj, excursions and adventures like these can easily become part of your everyday coastal lifestyle.
The Old Town
Rovinj Old Town sits on a narrow peninsula. Its houses are packed closely together, with some appearing to rise directly from the sea. The area is distinctive and full of hidden treasures around almost every corner.
Cobbled streets climb towards the top of the peninsula, where the Church of St Euphemia stands above the town. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the bell tower, Venetian-style architecture, an artistic atmosphere, charming small shops and countless streets waiting to be explored.
La Grisia
La Grisia, one of the town’s main streets, is easy to find. This broad cobbled street leading towards the Church of St Euphemia is lined with art galleries, jewellery and souvenir shops, as well as several restaurants.
Church of St Euphemia
The town’s patron saint, St Euphemia, or Fuma as she is known locally, is the subject of numerous legends.
Euphemia was a devout Christian who lived in Chalcedon in Asia Minor. She was imprisoned at the age of 15 and, after refusing to renounce her faith, was killed by lions, although according to tradition they did not consume her body. In short, her body was preserved because she was considered a martyr, and her sarcophagus was eventually kept in Constantinople until 800 AD. According to local legend, the same sarcophagus containing the remains of St Euphemia later floated across the sea to Rovinj, where a young man carried it to the top of the hill with the help of two cows. The sarcophagus is displayed behind the main altar.
The church bell tower is a smaller replica of St Mark’s in Venice. Visitors can climb its staircase, and from the top enjoy spectacular views over the town and the Adriatic Sea.