It was around the 18th century, when this idyllic piece, formerly an island, on the western side of the Istrian peninsula, was connected by the Italians to the Croatian coast and turned into one of the most beautiful and famous Croatian archipelagos with strong Italian influences impregnated by the Venetians who dominated it but also with a lot of vestiges, traditions and unique architectural and natural jewels that have been preserved over the centuries. Rovinj (or Rovigno in Italian) is, in one word, exciting, with cool, charming spots with divine views that attract many people like a magnet every season.

1. I recommend you to stay in the old city center, where there are many Airbnb options but also hotels such as The Adriatic; it is better to talk to the staff for the parking in advance, parking that you usually find in one of the special places next to the old center, with a card for the desired period, but also about the luggage, that is if you want to ask for help ( if you book in advance, they carry your luggage for a fee) because the streets are cobblestone and it is tricky to walk, especially if the distance from the parking to the hotel is longer.

2. Take full advantage of all the bits and corners of the old city center, since the streets are extremely picturesque.

3. You can admire the town from the top of the tower of the Baroque Church St. Euphemia - a landmark of the city – be careful, the stairs are quite steep and you can slip easily, so if you want to go up you should have proper shoes (it was not my case, unfortunately).

4. For the beach you can go to the small island St. Katarina with a boat, as it is very close to the center and it is supposed to be one of the best beaches in the area, irresistible I might say  ; if you fancy a beach club you have Mulini Beach Bar from The Maistra Hotel, with panoramic views, but also Amarin beach. Important: you will not find sand in Rovinj, but gravel, so it's good to know what to expect.

5. Choose perfect bars to enjoy a nice drink at sunset, such as Valentino Cocktail and Champagne Bar where you sit on pillows on the cliffs,

or Mediterraneo Bar,

anytime even for morning coffee - fab Buffet Trevisol,

or Circolo with excellent cocktails and live music.

6. Cafea buna you have at Irundo

but also at the terrace Cafe Bar Adriatic of the Adriatic hotel, where you can see the port in all its splendor.

7. For good food you should try restaurants such as La Puntulina where you can take a romantic dinner on the rocks or you can sit at big tables with friends, in story-like sets with sunset and with Italian vibes,

La Vela, with very tasty food, and local ingredients, plus fresh fish, but also Mali Raj, with delicious Dalmatian cuisine.

8. Do not miss the charming villages near Rovinj: Motovun famous for its truffles, where you can eat whole truffle-based menus (Konoba Mundo restaurant is a must from this point of view)

and Groznjan, full of fine art galleries and wonderful cafés.

9. If you want to visit Ljubliana it is only at 2 hours distance by car,

and the gorgeous Lake Bled is one hour away from Ljubljana, so you can also take them into consideration.