Islands
Rovinj Archipelago
Rovinj · Istria
QUICK INFORMATION
- CATEGORY
- Islands
- COUNTRY
- Croatia
- REGION
- Rovinj · Istria
- DURATION
- 1–2 days
ABOUT THIS ATTRACTION
The Rovinj archipelago is a chain of around twenty small wooded islets just off the old town, protected as a nature reserve and reached in minutes by boat taxi from the harbour. The largest, St Andrew (Sveti Andrija), has a former Franciscan monastery and a lighthouse, while the others are uninhabited, wooded and ringed by swimming coves. They are Rovinj’s escape — clear water and quiet beaches a short boat ride from the busy old town.
HISTORY & BACKGROUND
The story behind it
The islands were used for fishing and grazing for centuries, and the Franciscan monastery on St Andrew was founded in the 18th century as a retreat. The whole archipelago was protected as a nature reserve in the 20th century, which has kept the islands uninhabited and wooded, and the boat-taxi service from the harbour has made them the standard day trip for visitors.
WHAT TO SEE
What to see here
St Andrew Island, with its Franciscan monastery, church and lighthouse, and a rocky swimming cove.
The smaller uninhabited islets, each with its own swimming cove and pine shade.
The clear water over the seagrass meadows between the islands, good for snorkelling.
The short boat-taxi crossing from the harbour, with the old town receding behind you.
WHY IT MATTERS
Why it matters
The archipelago is the reason Rovinj works as a beach destination — the clearest swimming water and the quietest coves are out on the islands, not in the town. For a visitor a boat trip to St Andrew is the standard second-day activity after the old town.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Before you go
THROUGH THE LENS
From the road
MAP & LOCATION
Rovinj Archipelago
Rovinj Archipelago, Rovinj, Istria, Croatia
45.0600, 13.6200
MORE ATTRACTIONS
More to see in Rovinj
FOOD & DRINK
Where to eat nearby
Old Town and harbour restaurants for Istrian seafood, pasta and seasonal dishes
Local taverns and wine bars for Istrian olive oil, truffles, Malvasia and Teran
HOTELS & STAYS
Where to stay nearby
Old Town guesthouses for historic atmosphere and pedestrian access
Waterfront and Golden Cape hotels for easier beach and park access
ITINERARIES
Day-by-day routes
NEARBY DESTINATIONS
Continue the journey
PART OF
Keep exploring
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