Rovinj, Croatia Cruise Port

Cruising through the North Adriatic Sea may bring you to the port of Rovinj, Croatia. Located on the west coast of the Istrian Peninsula (the largest in the Adriatic Sea), the city is also called Rovigno, which is the Italian name: Thanks to its proximity to Italy, both Croatian and Italian are the official languages here. Both fishing and tourism contribute to the local economy, with a Mediterranean climate making it a great destination year-round for outdoor activities, and summer days are full of sunshine. Captured by the Romans during ancient time and later part of the Byzantine Empire, Rovinj went through a period of being ruled by a succession of feudal lords. After World War I, the city became part of Italy, then Yugoslavia; when Croatia became independent in 1991, Rovinj rose in prominence. Here are a handful of our favorite experiences for the cruise port of Rovinj, Croatia:

• One of the most popular areas in Rovinj is Old Town, where the past meets the present. With charming cobblestone streets that lead north to a hilltop church and south to Lone Bay, there are plenty of places to shop, dine, and just admire the architecture.
   
• If you go north from Old Town, you'll find the Church of St. Euphemia (sometimes called the Basilica of St. Euphemia). Its Baroque style façade looms over the city, and views of the harbor from above are picture-postcard perfect. Inside, you'll find relics of Saint Euphemia within a 6th century a Roman sarcophagus, along with art from the 15th-17th centuries.
   
• Get back to nature in Punta Corrente Forest Park, also close to Old Town. Full of oak, pine and cypress trees, there are seemingly endless paths to explore. The beach area is a lovely place to relax or stroll along the gorgeous coastline.
   
• Archaeology buffs will want to see Monkodonja, a hill fort occupied during the Bronze Age (around 1800–1200 B.C.). Not only will you see the ruins of the fort, but there are also grave monuments and grave mounds nearby that add even more atmosphere to this fascinating site.