From Opatija, Rovinj lies along the scenic Istrian coastline. By car, the drive covers approximately 85-95 km, taking around 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes—depending on traffic and whether you take the coastal route or scenic roads. It’s a wonderfully pleasant ride, with glimpses of shimmering sea on one side and lush hills on the other.

Rovinj is famous for its Venetian flair, narrow cobbled alleyways, and pastel-hued architecture that harks back to its time as a Venetian stronghold. Its historic core is perched on a peninsula, crowned by the bell tower of Saint Euphemia’s Basilica, which offers sweeping views of the Adriatic. The town is also a hub for arts and culture, with numerous galleries, museums, and cultural events throughout the year.

•Limski Kanal (Lima Bay): A beautiful fjord-like inlet, perfect for boat trips and oyster tasting—often compared to Norway’s fjords for its stunning natural beauty.

•Park-šuma Zlatni rt (Golden Cape Forest Park): Just outside town, this natural reserve offers shaded walking paths, secluded beaches, and a peaceful retreat by the sea.

•The “Batana”: Rovinj’s traditional wooden fishing boat—celebrated through local models, museums, and an annual folk festival, weaving maritime heritage into the fabric of the town.

Poreč sits just north of Rovinj. From Opatija, it’s roughly 80–90 km and takes about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes by car—depending on which route you choose. The drive winds through the idyllic Istrian countryside and coastal vistas, making the journey part of the pleasure. If you want to take a short break on your way to Rovinj and Poreč and explore central Istria better, we recommend checking out our blog about medieval towns in Istria to get some ideas.

Poreč is world-renowned for the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics—widely considered on par with those in Ravenna and Istanbul.  The town also boasts a charming old core filled with Roman remains, pastel façades, and a vibrant waterfront promenade.

Here are some highlights:

•Byzantine Mosaics of the Euphrasian Basilica: These stunning 6th-century mosaics are the cultural crown of Poreč—elaborate, colorful, and evocative of early Christian artistry .

•Roman Heritage: Scattered around the town, you’ll find remnants of Roman streets, forums, and architecture—a testament to Poreč’s ancient past.

•Istrian Culinary Delights: Poreč shares Istria’s gastronomic reputation—seafood, truffles, olive oil, local wines—making it a destination as delightful to taste as it is to explore.

Starting from Opatija, both Rovinj and Poreč make for wonderful day trip destinations. Ideal itinerary:

•Morning: Drive to Rovinj, wander its labyrinth of stone streets, relax in a café by the harbor, maybe take a boat ride or visit the Golden Cape.

•Early Afternoon: Head to Poreč, explore the Euphrasian Basilica and the old town, enjoy a seaside lunch with Istrian flavors.

•Evening: Return to Opatija, with your heart and camera full of memories.

Whether you’re journeying for art, history, nature, or food—Rovinj and Poreč are two faces of Istria’s enduring charm. Each town offers its own rhythm: Rovinj’s romantic, bohemian spirit flows from winding alleys and sunset views, while Poreč reveals layers of cultural depth through ancient mosaics and Roman stones.