Rovinj is a Croatian town on the west coast of Istria. It features a cultural and historical tradition and natural sites. Rovinj is a city that attracts tourists because of its authentic and unusual architecture, a mix of traditional and modern, and a multitude of tourist activities can be done here. The Telegraph magazine points out that Istria is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for tourists, especially Rovinj, which competes with Dubrovnik as the most picturesque destination of the world. Rovinj, a town that represents a former island, has a deeply engraved seal of the Venetian empire. Namely, this town has been a part of the empire for 500 years, and is often called "little Venice". Napoleon was the one who came to an end of the Venetian power in the Adriatic and beyond. Traces of Venetian influence can mostly be noticed through the Old Town, especially in the architecture which is typically in Venetian style. For instance, magnificent structures of lions embellish almost every corner.

By walking through the Old Town you will understand why Rovinj is the top destination for photographers. With its pastel-colored Venetian style facades, small shops, art shop displays and jewelry shops, the Old Town is the most popular part of the town for visitors. Not surprisingly, the Old Town is the protected historical center of Rovinj.

"It is wonderful to experience the old part of the city which is rich in many Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical windows, balconies, altanas (roof terraces), portals, and skaladas. Walking through the narrow streets and squares, we will be fascinated by the beauty of the narrowly built high houses supporting each other on the slopes at the basis of the church of St. Euphemia. Once protected by safe early medieval and Renaissance city walls, which are partly preserved till today on the southern and northern sides of the old town. "

If you choose to visit Rovinj, the first thing you will notice is the Tower of the Church St. Euphemia, which represents the highest point in Rovinj. The church, in its baroque style, has a bell tower which is a replica of the Basilica of St. Mark in Venice. Until the X century, at the exact same place was the Church of St. George. Between 1725 – 1736, the Church has gone through massive reconstructing and was renamed into the Church of St. Euphenia. Its history is associated with an interesting legend about the fifteen- year -old martyr Euphemia, after which the Church was named. Namely, after being tortured for her faith, the Emperor Diocletian ordered to cast her body into the fire. The fire did not succeed in harming her body, after which she was thrown into lion`s den, but the lions could not devour her body. According to the legend, her body disappeared on a stormy night, and appeared on the coast of Rovinj in the ship. Her sarcophagus is kept in Church St Euphemia. Actually, after her body was found in 800th, local people began to pilfer on her grave. Today, the Church of St. Euphenia is one of the most popular attractions in Rovinj, almost always crowded with tourists.

If you are an archaeologist in the soul, we believe that you will be interested in visiting the archaeological site of Monkodonja. It is 5 km east of Rovinj. It was discovered in 1953, dating back even to the Bronze Age.

Another attraction of Istria is the only protected ornithological reserve named Palud. Located 10 kilometers south of Rovinj, Palud is open once a year. It is about 10 kilometers south of Rovinj and is open once a year. The entry is not payable but it is possible to rent a professional guide in order to have a full experience. Since this area is rich in birds, both migratory and resident, there is a particularly popular bird watching activity at this site.

"An interesting swamp area about ten kilometers away from Rovinj, the geomorphological unit rarely even visited by the locals. The water, both fresh and salty, along with the wet vegetation, provide shelter and a place to rest for: resident birds, turtles, eels, and shrubs. It is also possible to see really rare species in this bird's desert. For all those who are attracted to birdwatching, this is the right destination. The reserve also has an expert.“

Rovinj is a particularly popular place for scuba diving experience due to the shipwreck Barun Gautch, which is still in good condition. Shipwreck Barun Gautch is the most visited place for scuba diving in all of Croatia. This Austrian ship was built in 1908 and submerged in 1914 and is at a depth of 40 m. Since the shipwreck was the largest maritime tragedy of World War I, every year there is a traditional dive and laying of wreaths in honor of those who lost their lives.

Twenty minutes from the center of Rovinj is Golden Cape Forest Park. It is also the most important public garden on the Adriatic coast. It is rich in plants, both domestic and intake. Golden Cape is very suitable for jogging, cycling, hiking, swimming, as well as rock climbing. It should also be noted that Rovinj generally has some sandy beaches, but is mostly rocky, which is typically characteristic of Croatia.

Besides agriculture, wine growing and grapevine, Rovinj's local population also lives from fisheries. Since the natural conditions of Rovinj are very suitable for development of fishing, you have several fishing charters and turs. Accordingly, Rovinj is an ideal area if you want to do recreational ( sport) fishing while you are on holiday. For example, you have Abyss Fishing Charter, Fish Picnic, Lim Fjord, MORA Fishing & Pleasure Rovinj and Nevera Fishing. MORA Fishing & Pleasures offers you an adventure with Captain Matija who will teach you how to cast, hook the fish and how to reel it in. He will also take you on a sportfishing boat powered by two 240 HP engines and a top speed of 27 knots. Depending on the level of your experience, you will have the opportunity to engage in different types of fishing. You can do bottom fishing for smaller species such as Dentex, Bream, Conger etc. or if you are a more experienced person you can be involved in a "big game fish" like Mahi Mahi, Bluefin Tuna or even Shark. The most popular features of MORA Fishing & Pleasures include: Fishing License Included, Live Bait, Catch Cleaning & Filing, Drinks, Toilet, Child Friendly, Snorkeling Equipment, Ice Box,

Reference:

Grad Rovinj- Rovingo, Stari Grad, http://www.rovinj-rovigno.hr

Grad Rovinj- Rovingo, Ornitološki park Palud, http://www.rovinj-rovigno.hr