Rovinj Holidays

Rovinj's often called the Pearl of Istria – a peninsula in the north of Croatia – and it’s easy to see why. A postcard-worthy stop on the Istrian Riviera, it centres around a Venetian old town that's packed with cool bars and classy restaurants. Beyond the bustle of tourist shops and gelato stands, you'll find acres of parkland and pine woods, too.

If Rovinj were a table setting, its Venetian old town would be one heck of a centrepiece. The Balbi Arch is a firm favourite among visitors, and the remnants of the original town walls and cobbled alleys that lead right to the sea are worth a wander. A climb up the Church of St Euphemia's bell tower gets you an impressive vantage point for your holiday snaps.

The city proudly wears Lone Bay – a necklace of tiny shingle shores hugged by a forest. Most of the coves have snack bars, so you can grab some goodies without abandoning your sunbathing spot. A little farther along the coast lies Montaura Cape – bring your camera, because this little lookout's got breathtaking views of the Rovinj archipelago.

It’s just a 45-minute drive to Pula, where you can tour around an old Roman amphitheatre, a triumphal arch and the Temple of Augustus. Drive 40 minutes in the opposite direction and you'll land at the Baredine Cave – keep your eyes peeled for weirdly cute white salamanders.