Discover Beautiful Rovinj Beaches: A Guide to Enjoying Your Vacation
Rovinj Beach is a popular tourist destination located on the western coast of Istria in Croatia. With crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, Beautiful Rovinj Beaches are the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun during your vacation. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make the most of your time at Rovinj.
Discover Lone Bay
Lone Bay, a popular destination in Rovinj, is considered the town’s main beach. It is located just a short walk or bike ride from the town center. And is near various tourist facilities including hotels, sports centers, and the ACI marina. The 15-minute walk from Trg maršala Tita is easy to reach, and you can also park near the ex-MONVI amusement center.
As part of the protected Forest Park Zlatni Rt, Lone Bay offers breathtaking scenery. Including holm-oak trees, aleppo and brutia pines, and towering wilmoren fir trees. The centuries-old olive groves and exotic plants, once gifts to Count Hütterodt, enhance the beauty of the area.
This beach is perfect for families with kids or seniors as it offers safe swimming, sunbathing, and play areas. You can also find shaded spots under the trees and refreshments at two snack bars along the bay. The view of the old town and Katarina Island adds a special ambiance to the beach. And free-climbing enthusiasts will enjoy the nearby quarry with its stunning views of the Rovinj archipelago.
Note that Lone Bay is not a nudist beach, and most visitors choose to wear swimsuits or go topless. Nudists can head a few hundred meters south where they can find more secluded spots in smaller bays.
Discover Beautiful Rovinj Beaches: The Golden Cape
The Golden Cape (Zlatni Rt/Punta Corrente), and Montauro Cape are located about 1.5 km from the town center to the south of ACI Marina and Lone Bay. The coastline is predominantly rocky. With a few small stone-covered beaches and Kurent Bay being the most popular beach in the area, with a gravel bay.
The Golden Cape features a pier for boats, and a small gravel bay. With the restaurant located in a stone building that once served as a stable for Count Huetterott’s horses on his journeys to and from St. Andrew’s Island (The Red Island). The view from the Cape is spectacular. Heading west towards Kurent Bay, you’ll find rocky beaches that still provide easy access to the sea. With vegetation providing shade throughout the morning. The proximity of the well-maintained meadow, which offers various sporting and social activities, is a bonus.
The Golden Cape also features a snack bar, public dress cabins. And a beautiful old cinerous forest that provides shade throughout the day. West of Kurent Bay, you’ll find a few small bays covered in small stones that are ideal for small children. The Montauro Cape features an old Venetian stonepit that is popular with free climbing enthusiasts. Offering many well-trodden paths and stunning views of the Rovinj archipelago.
A walk along this part of the beach is highly recommended, as the natural beauty is breathtaking. Montauro Cape’s beaches, however, are not as attractive due to steep, high rocks making it challenging to access the sea. These beaches primarily frequent naturists and can only be accessed via a few passages.
Discover Beautiful Rovinj Beaches: Cisterna Bay and Bačvice Bay
Cisterna Bay and Bačvice Bay are located 6 km from the town of Rovinj. Can be reach by car via the road to Pula. After reaching the Kokuletovica locality, which is 4 km from the town center, take a right turn. This road will take you to Camping Veštar. Where you will find an unpaved logging path on your left, 10 meters before the entrance to the campground. Turn left before reaching Camping Mon Paradis and follow the road. Making right turns at each intersection until you reach the bay.
The road to Cisterna Bay is maintained annually with repairs to potholes and trimmed vegetation to prevent damage to your vehicle. However, be cautious when parking near bushes and low trees. There are no designated parking areas at Cisterna Bay and limited facilities. With the nearest amenities located at Camping Veštar, about 2 km away. The bay does have a beach bar.
Discover Beautiful Rovinj Beaches
The area around Cisterna Bay is characterized by Mediterranean macchia, with the coastal oaktree (Quercus ilex) as the dominant species. From August onwards, you will be captivated by the yellow-green Christ’s thorn (Paliurus spina-christi) fruits. Vibrant red fruits of the wild rose (Rosa canina), and the tasty fruits of the blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) among other native species that add a special charm to the vegetation during this time of year.
Cisterna Bay is a secluded beach without sports facilities, restrooms, dining options, or other services. So it is recommended to bring everything you need for a full day of enjoyment. Cisterna and Bačvice Bay are the most beautiful beaches along the southern coast of Rovinj. And boast large bays with white, snow-like gravel and a sandbank visible at low tide. Due to the popularity of these beaches, finding a spot to swim may be challenging during the months of July and August. So it is advised to arrive early or plan a full-day visit. Also, bring a sunshade or other sun protection as it is not wise to spend extended periods in direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
If you drive to Cisterna Bay, you will find parking on the road leading to the beach. If you arrive early, you may be able to find a spot in the shade of nearby trees. For those seeking a more intimate setting, it is recommended to explore nearby bays for a quieter experience.
Monte Beach, Rovinj
The Monte beach can be found on the western side of the historic Old Town. It is just a short walk away for those staying in the area. It is a popular spot for visitors starting their tour of the Old Town, as they can escape the heat by taking a dip in the Rovinj sea. The 150-meter-long beach is divided into various sections. Including the Little and Big Guguliera for families with young children, and Baluota and Lanterna for the older crowd who prefer to enter the sea by diving or climbing from the rocks.
There are several cafes and restaurants located just a few meters from the beach. Including the XL café and Monte restaurant situated near St. Euphemia church. The beaches are rocky with no shade, so it’s best to bring a hat and refreshing drinks. During strong winds, the waves can make it difficult to enter or exit the water, so it’s better to visit one of the many sheltered coves in Rovinj instead.
Access to the beach is only by foot as motor vehicles can not drive in the Old Town center. The beaches also offer a romantic setting, with many visitors choosing to watch the sunset from its shores.
Discover Beautiful Rovinj Beaches: Red Island
Red Island, also known as Crveni otok, is a renowned tourist destination located in Rovinj. The island is made up of two artificially connected islands, St. Andrew’s Island and Maškin Island.
Getting to Red Island is a breeze. Just hop on a taxi boat from the main town square or Delfin pier and enjoy a scenic 15-minute ride. As you sail, be prepared to be captivated by the beauty of nearby Katarina Island, Lona, and Zlatni rt bays. The island boasts a lush Mediterranean underbrush and a restored coniferous forest. As well as well-manicured flower parks and paths near the hotels and annexes. Despite being heavily damaged by a storm in 2002, the island has since undergone extensive cleaning and renovation. Making it a perfect place for a peaceful getaway.
Red Island is home to numerous beaches, ranging from stony coves to pebbled shores. The most popular beaches are located on the south side of St. Andrew’s Island, near the hotel and annex. And offer various amenities, such as a restaurant, pool, miniature golf courses, and a diving center. A small portion of the shore near the port has been covered with gravel, making it ideal for families and seniors. On the west side of St. Andrew’s Island, you’ll find high rocks that make for excellent diving spots. And a less crowded area to find a quiet corner.
The beaches on Maškin Island are mostly stony or rocky, with gentle rifts and small bays. The most visited beaches are located near a snack bar on the south side of the island, which offers limited services.
Red Island is a popular spot for guests and local yachters and boaters, so it’s important to exercise caution when swimming or diving in open waters.