The main coastal destination of Croatia’s Istria region, Rovinj has been stepping its game up when it comes to places to stay. We’ve rounded up our favourite boutique hotels in town.
The waterfront of Rovinj (Photo: m.nikitin via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Lying on a humped promontory lapped by the upper Adriatic sea, Rovinj’s old town is an exquisite blend of coastal charm and Venetian heritage, where little squares and narrow pathways wind their way up to the hilltop Saint Euphemia’s Church. Picture-postcard vistas pop up at every corner, helping make it one of the most popular seaside destinations in Croatia. And choosing the right accommodation is crucial to enjoying the slow-paced vacation the town demands of its visitors. Here are our favourite boutique options that have emerged in recent years.
Casa Amando
A family-run guesthouse tucked away in the cobbled alleyways of Rovinj, Casa Amando is currently the only accommodation in town to have obtained official eco certification from the regional authorities. Original architectural elements such as brickwork and stone walls have been preserved, telling the story of this ancient house while blending in a modern and smart design. Two apartments with sea views, three rooms and a fully-equipped communal kitchen are available for guests. For tips on where to eat, drink or shop in Rovinj, the owners’ personal recommendations focus on local, off-the-beaten track options.
One of the apartments at Casa Amando (Photo: courtesy of Casa Amando)
Spirito Santo Palazzo Storico
Once owned by a wealthy Italian family, three 19th-century buildings house Spirito Santo Palazzo Storico. An extensive restoration project brought them back from major neglect preserving original elements and traditional Istrian design along the way. These features go hand in hand with modern comforts in the hotel’s seven guest rooms, some of which come with private terraces overlooking the sea, while others look out onto Saint Euphemia’s Cathedral. The communal spaces include an original fireplace and the building’s historic well, the latter now repurposed as the on-site canteen. Croatian, Slovenian and Italian wines offer excellent pairings for the homestyle cuisine served at the on-site restaurant.
Spirito Santo Palazzo Storico (Photo: courtesy of Spirito Santo Palazzo Storico)
The Melegran
Featuring a stylish bar and a shared lounge area, this 4-star hotel is ideally located in the heart of Rovinj. Its name translates to ‘pomegranate’ in the Istrian dialect – a homage to the local culture reflecting the owner’s deep roots in the region. Some of the guest rooms come with a panoramic terrace, while others are fitted with a well-equipped kitchen. Bright colours and a light design create a playful and stylish look and feel, enriched by vintage touches tastefully scattered throughout. A wide variety of services and experiences can be arranged at the front desk, from bike hire to regional wine tours.