Rovinj's charming old town, crystal-clear sea, centuries-old pine forests and relaxed Mediterranean pace attract travellers from all over the world, whether they are seeking an active holiday, a family trip or a few days of complete peace. Below, we reveal what is worth experiencing in Rovinj and why Porton Nature Hideouts is the ideal starting point for exploring it.
Situated on the western coast of Istria, Rovinj attracts travellers with its unique blend of history, Mediterranean lifestyle and unspoilt nature. Once an island, only connected to the mainland by a causeway in the 18th century, it is now one of the most famous and most photographed destinations on the Croatian coast. The narrow stone streets, colourful façades and fishing tradition have created a city of unique architecture and culture, where Croatian and Italian are naturally intertwined.
A stroll through the old town centre leads you through a labyrinth of stone alleyways, small squares, galleries and art studios, which is why the town has been attracting painters, photographers and creatives from all over the world for decades. At the very top of the town stands the bell tower of the Church of St Euphemia, Rovinj's most recognisable symbol, offering one of the most beautiful views over the town, the sea and the Rovinj archipelago. According to tradition, her marble sarcophagus washed ashore in the 8th century, and it was only a boy and his oxen who managed to pull it to the top of the hill where the magnificent baroque church now stands. For more than 1,200 years, this legend has shaped the city's identity, and the feast day of Saint Euphemia was for centuries the largest pilgrimage in Istria, gathering the faithful from all over the peninsula.
But Rovinj is not special just for its rich history. Its nature is equally impressive. The entire coastline, with its 22 islands and islets, is a protected natural heritage site, and just a few minutes from the old town is the Zlatni Rt park forest, one of the most valuable green areas on the Croatian coast. In the late 19th century, the Triestine entrepreneur Georg Hütterott embarked on a visionary afforestation project with the aim of creating a climatic spa that was to become one of the most prestigious tourist destinations in this part of Europe. The park was designed according to the then-modern English landscape concept, with avenues, meadows, walking paths and cycle paths that blend naturally with the coastline. Today, alongside native pines, cypresses and laurels, numerous exotic species also grow here, such as the Lebanese cedar, ginkgo, Douglas fir, eucalyptus and Himalayan cedar, brought back from Hütterott's travels.
Rovinj's special charm lies in the fusion of two worlds: on the one hand, the vibrant waterfront and the stone alleyways of its thousand-year-old old town, and on the other, the dense pine forests, hidden coves and crystal-clear sea. It is precisely the mild Mediterranean climate and the air filled with the scent of pine trees that make Rovinj one of the most pleasant destinations to stay in on the Adriatic.
Rovinj has for years been considered one of the most romantic cities in the Mediterranean. If you're in Rovinj with your other half, we suggest you start your adventure with a leisurely stroll through the narrow, stone streets of the old town, where small galleries, flower-adorned passageways and charming squares hide around every corner. Climb up to the Church of St Euphemia and enjoy the panoramic view of the town's red roofs and the Rovinj archipelago.
Spend the afternoon on the rocks of Balota or Monte beach, favourite bathing spots just below the historic centre, and finish the evening watching the sunset from the promenade or in one of the restaurants with a sea view. For a special experience, set sail to the islands of St Catherine or St Andrew, where you will find quieter coves, crystal-clear sea and a completely different perspective of one of the most beautiful cities on the Adriatic.
Rovinj is one of those cities best explored without a plan. Wander the stone streets of the old town, discover small galleries and art studios on the famous Grisia Street, stop for a coffee in Marshal Tito Square, or watch everyday life at the city market and fish market.
It is also worth visiting the Arch of the Balbi, the historic entrance to the old town, strolling along the promenade to the ACI marina, or getting lost among the numerous passages that lead to the sea. Photography enthusiasts will find subjects almost everywhere, from the colourful façades and fishing boats to the views from the bell tower of St Euphemia or the rocks below the old town.
Families will find numerous facilities for children of all ages in Rovinj. Beaches such as Cuvija, Villas Rubin and Veštara offer organised swimming areas, shallower water and additional facilities for the little ones, while nature lovers will enjoy a full day exploring the Zlatni Rt park forest. Numerous walking and cycling trails wind through the shade of centuries-old pines and lead to hidden coves ideal for swimming or picnicking.
Children will particularly enjoy a visit to the Ecomuseum 'House of the Batana', where interactive exhibitions allow them to discover the traditional way of life of the fishermen of Rovinj and learn why the batana became one of the city's symbols. The Rovinj Ethnographic Museum, housed in a former baroque palace, is also worth a visit; through its art collections and historical exhibits, it tells the story of the city's development over the centuries.
For a family day out, a boat trip around the Istrian archipelago or a day trip to the Limski Channel is an excellent choice. The channel is known for its impressive cliffs, oyster and mussel farming, and its rich flora and fauna.
Rovinj is one of the best destinations in Istria for an active holiday. The Zlatni Rt park forest offers kilometres of cycling and walking trails through Mediterranean vegetation, and along the coast are numerous coves perfect for swimming or a short break. Sea lovers can explore the coast by kayak or SUP, dive among the islands of the Rovinj archipelago, or try their hand at sailing and other water sports. A particularly special experience is a cycle ride to the Palud Ornithological Reserve, the only protected wetland in Istria, where over 200 species of birds can be observed throughout the year.
The longer you stay, the more you will discover that Rovinj is a city that offers a unique combination of nature, culture, gastronomy and an authentic way of life, making it one of the most special destinations in the Mediterranean.
With a 10% discount on mobile homes and camping pitches, your holiday comes with fewer worries. Free WiFi and parking are included in the price, and the biggest advantage is the location – quiet enough for complete relaxation, yet just a 15-minute stroll from the historic centre of Rovinj. This means you can leave your car parked while you explore the stone streets, restaurants, galleries and waterfront of one of the most beautiful towns on the Adriatic.
The greatest advantage of Porton Nature Hideouts is that there is no single way to holiday. Some guests prefer a fully equipped property where, after a day spent on the beach or exploring Rovinj, they can enjoy the comfort of their own terrace and modern interior, while others can't imagine a summer without a campervan, caravan or tent, waking up under pine trees and feeling the freedom that comes with classic camping. That's why Porton offers both options, and whichever you choose, guests can expect a peaceful, natural setting, proximity to the sea, and an excellent location from which the historic centre of Rovinj is just a leisurely fifteen-minute walk away.
If you want your holiday in nature to include all the comforts of modern accommodation, Porton's mobile homes are an excellent choice. Both types of mobile homes are 32 m² and are designed for up to four people, which makes them particularly popular with families with children, as well as with groups of friends who want to spend their holiday together without sacrificing privacy.
The standard mobile home features two separate bedrooms, two fully equipped bathrooms, a spacious living room and a fully equipped kitchen which includes a dishwasher, microwave, coffee machine and toaster. Guests have access to air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a safe, towels and bed linen, while the covered terrace becomes a favourite spot for a morning coffee or relaxing after a day on the beach.
For guests seeking extra privacy, a mobile home with a pool is also available. With the same layout and an identical 32 m² area, this version features a private pool, sun loungers, and a covered terrace where you can enjoy complete peace and quiet. The living room includes an extra bed, and satellite television provides an added level of comfort, along with the ability to use your own private pool at any time of day without leaving your accommodation. This is precisely why this option is one of the most popular choices for guests seeking a blend of nature and luxury.
Camping enthusiasts who wish to be as close to nature as possible can choose from four different categories of pitches, adapted to different types of vehicles, camping equipment and travel styles.
The largest are the Prestige pitches, with an average area of 90 m², which can accommodate a camper up to 8 metres or a caravan up to 7 metres. In addition to an electrical hook-up, they have a water and drainage connection, making them the best choice for longer stays, families and guests travelling with pets.
Premium pitches are approximately 65 m² and can accommodate campers up to 7 metres in length. Situated in the dense shade of pine trees, they offer an electricity hook-up and ample space for a comfortable multi-day stay in the great outdoors.
Comfort pitches, measuring approximately 50 m², are intended for smaller campervans or guests travelling with a tent and car. They can accommodate campers up to 5.5 metres in length or larger family tents, and their practical size makes them an excellent choice for active guests who spend their days exploring Rovinj and its surroundings.
The simplest option is the tent pitches, with an average area of 25 m². They are intended for guests who want an authentic camping experience, whether they are travelling by bicycle, motorbike, or with a small tent. It is important to note that a parking space for a car is not provided for this category, which helps to further preserve the peace and natural character of this part of the campsite.
Regardless of the plot chosen, guests have access to modern, well-appointed sanitary facilities, a chemical toilet for campervans, a laundry and drying room, a dog wash, and all the amenities needed for a carefree multi-day stay in the great outdoors.
If you prefer maximum comfort, privacy and the amenities of modern accommodation, our mobile homes will provide you with a real sense of home in the great outdoors, while the versions with private pools will add a touch of exclusivity to the entire experience. If you're more drawn to the freedom of camping, waking up under pine trees and living outdoors, the Prestige, Premium, Comfort or tent pitches will provide you with just that experience.
To secure your preferred type of accommodation and take advantage of the Summer Special offer, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially if you are planning to stay during the peak summer season. When booking, simply select your desired dates, accommodation type (mobile home or camping pitch), and the promotional terms will be applied according to the offer's rules. This way, you'll receive a 10% discount on your chosen accommodation, along with free WiFi and a parking space for the duration of your stay.
Check availability and book your holiday today via the Porton Nature Hideouts website: https://www.porton.hr/ponuda/summer-special
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