Rovinj, a picturesque town located on the Istrian peninsula of Croatia, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, charming old town, and delicious cuisine. Rovinj is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Croatia.
While seafood and meat dishes are the norm in this region, Rovinj has also become a vegan haven in recent years, with a growing number of restaurants catering to plant-based eaters.
WHY IS ROVINJ A MUST-VISIT FOR VEGANS
Rovinj’s growing vegan scene is just one of the many reasons why this town is a must-visit for vegans. Istrian cuisine is known for its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, making it easy to find vegan options at traditional restaurants.
In addition to vegan restaurants, Rovinj also has a number of health food stores and markets selling fresh produce, vegan snacks, and plant-based products.
WHERE TO STAY IN ROVINJ?
We visited many different accommodations throughout our visits to Rovinj. The best luxury hotel is the Grand Park Hotel. The hotel features elegantly designed rooms with breathtaking views of the old town, islands, and the sea. The best rooms are the ones with a private pool. You can check the availability here.
This hotel is one of the most luxurious accommodations in Rovinj, but the price tag is nowhere near as much as what a luxury hotel would be in more popular places like Split or Dubrovnik. You can also find many vegan options at their fantastic breakfast.
For camping, our best recommendation is Vestar Camp. It is a family-friendly open-air resort conveniently located near the town of Rovinj. The campsite offers a variety of accommodations, including spacious pitches with electricity, water, and drainage hook-ups, comfortable mobile homes with private terraces, and glamping tents.
BEST VEGAN RESTAURANTS IN ROVINJ
TIPICO GREEN GARDEN
Tipico Green Garden is a vegan-friendly restaurant located just outside of Rovinj in beautiful Croatian nature. The restaurant offers a variety of vegan dishes, including salads, stuffed zucchini, baked tofu, veggie stir fry, and a vegetable plate. They also offer a delicious vegan dessert.
Tipico Green Garden is a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner in nature.
BOOKERIA
Bookeria is a bistro located in Rovinj that offers vegan options. The restaurant serves a variety of vegan dishes made with fresh local ingredients. It is a great restaurant for vegans and vegetarians looking for healthy and delicious food.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, and drinks, and is a great spot to relax and enjoy a meal in a cosy atmosphere.
GELATERIA ITALIA
It is a family-owned Italian ice cream shop located in the old town of Rovinj. The restaurant offers a variety of flavours of gelato, including vegan options. The menu offers classics like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, as well as more unique flavours like lavender, fig, and pistachio.
Everything vegan is marked, so you can’t order the wrong ice cream. Sometimes you can even find vegan croissants and other desserts.
BALBI
Balbi is an Italian-inspired restaurant located in Rovinj that offers vegan and vegetarian options. The restaurant has a few vegan dishes on the menu, and the staff is accommodating to dietary restrictions.
It is very popular during the summer season, and you cannot make a reservation. It is possible that at dinnertime you will have to wait for a table.
LAB SALAD BAR
Lab Salad Bar is a healthy restaurant. It offers a few vegan options such as açai bowls, chia pudding, oats & granola, fruits, and vegan poke. The restaurant also serves freshly squeezed juices and vegan smoothies made with fresh fruits, vegetables, and superfoods.
It is a great place to have a light lunch or breakfast on a hot summer day. Overall, Lab Salad Bar is a great option for those looking for healthy and delicious vegan options in Rovinj.
MCDONALD’S VEGAN
McDonald’s in Croatia is now offering a vegan burger and salad on their menu. It is a great, affordable, and quick lunch or dinner option.
LA CONCHA
La Concha is a Mexican restaurant located in Rovinj. It offers vegetarian and vegan options upon request. The staff is very friendly and can help you with choosing the dishes that can be made vegan.
You don’t have to sacrifice your taste buds for your diet because burritos and chimichangas can be made vegan by removing dairy products. The restaurant’s live music performances are one of its well-known features, adding an exciting and lively atmosphere to the dining experience.
Beyond food, Rovinj offers plenty of activities. The town’s stunning beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Rovinj is also home to several parks and nature reserves, where visitors can hike, bike, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
For those interested in culture, Rovinj has a rich history and is home to a number of museums, galleries, and historic landmarks.
WHAT TO DO IN ROVINJ
Rovinj offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
You can explore the Old Town, which is a maze of narrow streets, colourful buildings, charming cafes, and alleys that wind their way up to the hilltop church of St. Euphemia. The old town is home to a number of historic landmarks, including the Balbi Arch, the Town Clock, and the Church of St. Thomas.
You can also explore the town’s many art galleries, boutiques, and souvenir shops. The old town is best explored on foot, and you should be prepared for some steep climbs and uneven terrain. High heels are not the best option.
Rovinj’s daily market is a must-visit for anyone interested in local cuisine and culture. The market is located in the heart of the old town and offers a variety of fresh produce and local specialties.
You can sample Istrian truffles, olive oil, and wine, and can also purchase souvenirs and handicrafts made by local artisans. The market is open every day from early morning until mid-afternoon.
Rovinj also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. You can enjoy a drink at one of the many beach bars, dance the night away at a club, or enjoy a romantic dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
BEST BEACHES IN THE AREA
Some of the most popular beaches in Rovinj include Lone Bay, Mulini, and Zlati Rt Beach. Spend a day soaking up the sun and swimming in crystal-clear waters.
Many of the beaches in Rovinj are also surrounded by pine forests, making them a great spot for a picnic or a hike.
One of the best ways to explore Rovinj is by taking a boat tour of the surrounding islands and coastline. Take a boat trip to the nearby islands of Sveta Katarina and Crveni Otok, where you can explore secluded beaches, ancient ruins, and lush forests. Boat tours are a great way to see Rovinj from a different perspective and to explore some of the hidden gems of the Adriatic.
In conclusion, Rovinj is a must-visit if you are looking for a beautiful destination in Croatia. From cosy vegan restaurants to fine-dining establishments, Rovinj has something for every taste and budget.
With its stunning beaches, beautiful parks, and rich culture, Rovinj is the perfect destination for a vegan-friendly vacation. It is also great for all kinds of travellers, including families, couples, and solo travellers.
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