I’ve wanted to go to Croatia for the last several years. I heard wonderful things about the country and how beautiful (and relatively affordable) it was compared to the rest of Europe. It’s located in Eastern Europe and is just a few hours from Italy.
Last year, my friends and I organized a group trip to visit Rovinj, a small coastal town on the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. It’s a gorgeous town full of romance. Everything is stunning there, from the streets to the houses. The food is also excellent.
We went for a kizomba dance festival. Later in the trip report series, I will introduce you to kizomba and describe what an incredible dance it is! The dance festival was amazing and Croatia is definitely a place I want to return and spend more time exploring! The trip’s retail cost was ~$17,000 but I paid ~$900.
Rovinj Is a Gorgeous City With Beautiful Ocean Views and Lots of History to Explore
Captivating Croatia Trip Report Index:
- Part 1 – Introduction and Planning
- Part 2 – Admirals Club Lounge, New York (JFK)
- Part 3 – Air Berlin Flight to Croatia
- Part 4 – Getting to Venice
- Part 5 – A Night in Venice – Gritti Palace Hotel Overview
- Part 6 – A Night in Venice – Gritti Palace Hotel Room
- Part 7 – Apartment in Rovinj Croatia
- Part 8 – Activities in Rovinj Croatia – Discovering the Old Town
- Part 9 – Activities in Rovinj Croatia – Exploring the Old Church
- Part 10 – Activities in Rovinj Croatia – Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes
- Part 11 – Activities in Rovinj Croatia – Dance Festival Review
- Part 12 – Eating in Rovinj Croatia
- Part 13 – Shopping in Rovinj Croatia
- Part 14 – Return Flight on Lufthansa
- Part 15 – Conclusion & Reader Giveaway
My Solo Adventure
I only had a day or 2 left in Rovinj, so I decided to take a walk on my own and explore the city. I enjoyed spending time with my friends, but it was also nice to take an evening to myself to walk around the town and go exploring.
I started out by the Rovinj coast, and followed the signs up to the church. Along the way, I saw a few outdoor art galleries. Some of the art was so good – I was highly impressed by the quality!
Local Painters Display and Sell Their Works in the Streets of Rovinj
I would have loved to get some art to take with me, but some of it was expensive. It’s very easy to take art home with you. Just request the shopkeeper to roll up the canvas, and put it in a tube for shipping. You can ship it home or carry it back with you.
I Was Tempted to Buy Some Art, but the Ones I Liked Best Were Also the Most Expensive!
I finally made it up to the church, where there were amazing views over the coast.
The Church Is High Above the City With Terrific Views of the Water
The church itself is fairly large. I love how it sits upon a hill and overlooks the Adriatic Sea and the village!
The Church of St. Euphemia Was Built in 1736
Inside, the church looks like many others in Europe.
The Church Is Baroque Style, Like Many Others in Europe
The highlight to me was the church tower. You had to climb lots of stairs to get to the top, but it was worth it! Entry to climb the stairs was just a few dollars.
Don’t Look Down! It Was a Hike to Get to the Top of the Tower, but Well Worth It!
The views were gorgeous. I was so glad to see the sunset views.
It Was the Perfect Time of Day to Climb the Church Tower
I met 1 other person at the top of the church tower, and interestingly enough he also collected miles and points!
Miles & Points Enthusiasts Find Each Other Everywhere – Even in Random Spots Like Church Towers!
I spent nearly half an hour enjoying the views and soaking in the beautiful sunset shimmering onto the coast.
Savoring the View of the Old Town From the Church Tower
Birds were flying around, also enjoying the views.
You Couldn’t Help but Feel at Peace in This Beautiful Setting
I really hoped that 1 day I would get the chance to return to such a magical place.
Peek-a-Boo! You Could See for Miles in All Directions
It was a great way to spend my last evening in Croatia.
So Long for Now, Rovinj! I’ll Be Back!
Soon, it was time to venture down the stairs and start going home. I didn’t want to leave the pretty sunset views!
As Night Fell It Was Time to Start Heading Back to the City
On my way home, I passed romantic little restaurants nestled in the hills.
There Were So Many Adorable Cafes and Patios – Perfect for a Romantic Date
Even the street corners were like something out of a fairy tale!
Locals Bring the Cobblestone Streets to Life With Pretty Plants and Flowers
Bottom Line
Taking an evening to myself to explore the cobblestone streets and see the church views at sunset was 1 of my favorite activities while in Rovinj.
Sometimes the best way to explore a new city is to wander around and see what you find!
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