Where?

Rovinj in the Istrian region of Croatia.

Why now?

This picturesque Istrian fishing port on the western coast of
Croatia
is the jewel of the Adriatic Coast, which remains relatively
undiscovered because it’s a little tricky to get to. Offering some
of the country’s best scenery with colourful, rustic buildings
lining the waterfront and not a car in sight, the promenade has a
French
Riveria feel to it, with traditional boats bobbing in the
marina and seagulls soaring overhead. The narrow streets are as
tangled as those of Venice
and packed with buzzy restaurants, cafés and bars, while Croatia’s
first Michelin star has recently been awarded to Monte , a contemporary
restaurant to put on your holiday hit list. Further inland, the
rolling hills and bountiful forest produce olive oil, cured meats
and local specialities which we recommend sampling in ample amounts
when you’re there and taking home as souvenirs.

When to go?

Croatia is one of Europe’s sunniest spots with 12+ hours of
sunshine a day between May and August, so if you’re there to get
your tan on this is the perfect time to visit. However, if you’re
after a more cultural experience and wish to pass the time sampling
local olive oil and the renowned Istrian orange wine, come in
spring or September, when you’ll also benefit from lower prices and
fewer people.

Who to take with you?

Croatia overflows with
festival options during the summer. Why not visit with your
friends for some downtime following a heavy weekend? It’s also the
perfect spot for a romantic long weekend.

Most likely to bump into?

Chic Italian tourists and local fisherman.

Don’t miss

Get lost wandering through the archaic streets in the direction
of the hilltop church of St Euphemia, with it’s dramatic steeple
towering over the whole of Rovinj – the climb to the top is worth
it for that mandatory
Insta holiday snap. If you want to chill out, find a rocky cove
or hit up one of the beach clubs on the outskirts of town. But
don’t expect to relax on soft sand – its only pebbled beaches in
Croatia. You’ll be surrounded by crystal-clear waters though, with
the added bonus of not getting sand in places it shouldn’t be.

How to get there

Fly to Pula airport between March and October, a 40-minute drive
from Rovinj. The largest international airport is in Venice, a
three-hour drive from Rovinj (including a ferry).