Rovinj: old town, St Euphemia and a day trip from Bale

Updated October 12, 2026.

Walk from Rovinj’s harbour to St Euphemia’s Church through the former island town. Extend your trip from Bale with fishing heritage and a coastal walk.

For a first visit, we suggest walking up through the old town, returning to the harbour and, for a longer day by the sea, continuing towards Zlatni rt forest park. Allow half a day for the old town, or a full day if you include the museum and a swim.

From Balbi’s Arch to St Euphemia

Rovinj’s old town occupied an island until 1763, when the channel separating it from the mainland was filled in. That explains its tightly packed houses, passageways and steps: builders had little land to work with, surrounded by the sea.

From Trg maršala Tita, pass through Balbi’s Arch, built in 1678 and 1679 on the site of an older town gate, then follow Grisia uphill. The street leads towards St Euphemia’s Church and has hosted an open-air art exhibition since 1967. The exhibition is a separate one-day event, not a daily feature of the street.

At the top stands the three-aisled Baroque church, completed in 1736. Inside is the sarcophagus containing the relics of the town’s patron saint. On the adjoining bell tower, a copper statue of St Euphemia turns with the wind. The climb along Grisia involves stone paving and steps. With a pushchair or limited mobility, the waterfront is an easier option than this route up to the church.

Batana and Rovinj’s fishing heritage

Back on the waterfront, visit the House of Batana. Objects and audiovisual displays in the permanent exhibition introduce boatbuilding, fishing and the Rovinj dialect. Residents donated the exhibits, and the museum occupies a house once inhabited by fishing and seafaring families.

In 2016, the Batana Ecomuseum entered UNESCO’s Register of Good Safeguarding Practices for intangible cultural heritage. The recognition concerns the way the local community participates in keeping that heritage alive.

The coast and arriving by car

South of the centre, Zlatni rt forest park stretches around Lone and Škaraba bays. Its woodland paths and lawns make a longer coastal walk possible after sightseeing. Entrepreneur Georg Hütterott began planting the park in the late 19th century. Among its trees are Himalayan cedars planted in the shape of a six-pointed star. Our beach guide will help you choose somewhere to swim.

When driving from Bale, leave the car outside the old town. Velika and Mala Valdibora are paid car parks with barriers on its northern edge. In October 2026, parking a car costs €2 per hour. Each started hour is charged, with a five-minute grace period, while stays of up to 45 minutes are free. Different conditions apply in summer.

For another trip from Bale, consider Lim Bay or Dvigrad.

Distance from Bale: 19 minutes driving (14.3 km)

For: families, first time visitors, history lovers, art lovers, nature lovers, dog owners

Address: Rovinj, Istria, Croatia

Watch the video about: Winter day in Rovinj, Music in video: Domagoj Terzić, Caffe' Concerto - Rovinj / Rovigno

What to do: information, architecture, activities, sea, landscape, recreation, refreshments

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