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.

SEE ALSO: 

Struggling to Eat Vegan in Porec? We have Got You Covered

The post Discover the Delicious Side of Rovinj: Top Vegan Restaurants to Try on Your Next Travel Adventure appeared first on Vegan Friendly Travel.

Split hosts the Ultra Europe music festival, one of the best and most famous in the region. Brac is the biggest island in this area. While Zlatni Rat beach in Bol is beautiful, it becomes very crowded during the summer season.

If you have a car, which I recommend when travelling in Croatia, you can find other top-notch beaches on the island of Brac and around Bol, offering more peace and personal space.

I suggest visiting Romantic Beach, a 20-minute drive from Bol. Be sure to arrive early to secure a parking spot. It is a wild beach with no bars, restaurants, or official parking, but it is one of the best beaches I have ever visited in Croatia.

TIPS FOR TRAVELLING TO BOL ON THE ISLAND OF BRAC

For fresh fruits and vegetables, visit the farmer’s market in the centre of Bol. Though it’s not huge, you can buy fresh produce to eat and cook, perfect for bringing lunch to the beach. One day, we enjoyed my vegan tomato pasta – simple and delicious.

We noticed that grocery stores around Bol have almost no vegan options. Items like tofu and vegan yogurt are hard to find. You might find some vegan milk, but that’s about it. I recommend stopping at a shop in Split before you take the ferry to Brac Island to stock up on essential vegan foods.

We shopped at Interspar, a regular grocery store, and Bio&bio, a health food shop. However, there are days on holiday when you really don’t want to cook. Here are some of my recommendations for eating vegan in Bol on the island of Brač.

BIOMANIA BISTRO IN BOL

My top choice on Brac is BioMania Bistro, a fully vegan restaurant in the centre of Bol. From 8:30 to 11:30, they offer a variety of breakfasts. You can choose between avocado toast, a smoothie bowl, a chia fruit bowl, and even pancakes.

For the main meal, BioMania Bistro offers different appetizers like soup or a vegan cheese platter. Their mains include vegan burgers, power bowls, and pasta, and you can also enjoy a vegan dessert. Many of their dishes are gluten-free, and they offer a vegan children’s menu if you’re travelling with kids.

For breakfast, we tried a smoothie bowl, which I loved because it was made from fresh, seasonal fruits. For dinner, we had a delicious BioMania vegan burger and a Falafel Bowl, which was my favourite dish. The Bollito Bowl, while tasty, was quite pricey and small, making it our least favourite choice.

The double chocolate cake was one of the best raw, vegan chocolate cakes I have ever had – you have to try it! With dinner, you can also enjoy organic wine or kombucha. They also offer Indy&Pippa ice cream, which you can take to go and enjoy at your Airbnb, as we did.

BIOMANIA VEGAN STREET FOOD TAKEAWAY IN BOL, BRAC

On Zlatni Rat beach in Bol, you’ll find BioMania vegan street food takeaway restaurant. Their menu includes Mediterranean wok, surf & walk wok, sandwiches, falafel bowl, and bollito bowl. You can also enjoy some vegan sweets and drinks.

We tried the surf & walk wok, which was good, but the portions could be a bit bigger for the price. All the food they serve here and in the bistro is organic, which might explain the higher prices. It’s great to see Croatia stepping in the right direction by offering vegan options even on the beach.

ZLATNI RAT BEACH FOOD STANDS IN BOL, BRAC

On Zlatni Rat beach in Bol, you can enjoy vegan smoothies at the Fresh Juices smoothie bar. Just check the ingredients to ensure there’s no milk or yogurt. They also offer fruit salads and chia pudding, but again, verify that they don’t contain dairy. In the summer heat, I love having smoothies for breakfast or lunch as they are a refreshing treat.

Along the walking promenade from Bol to Zlatni Rat beach, there is another smoothie stand we regularly visited. The prices are a bit more affordable than those at the beach smoothie bar. I always had a smoothie called Green Queen because I love green smoothies. My boyfriend preferred the Think Pink one as he enjoys berry flavours.

I am not sure what this smoothie bar is called, but here is a picture to help you find it while walking around the Bol area.

On the same promenade, you can find vegan Magnum ice cream! Just look for the Magnum advertisement in front of the drink stands. I was so happy when I discovered it.

RESTAURANT WITH VEGAN OPTIONS BUT BAD REVIEWS

In the centre of Bol, Brač, there is a restaurant called Vendetta by Vagabundo that offers vegan breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. However, the reviews were so bad during our visit that we decided not to try it.

For breakfast, they offer vegan chia pudding, waffles, oats, and smoothies, along with coffee with plant milk. For lunch and dinner, you can have sushi or other Asian fusion dishes.

VEGAN OPTIONS IN THE CITY OF BOL ON THE ISLAND OF BRAC

One day, we wanted something simple, so we tried Ranch Restaurant in Bol, which has great reviews. Although it mostly offers meat and fish, you can find vegan options among the sides and salads. We both had fried potatoes, grilled vegetables, and a salad. It was nothing special, but it’s a good option if you want a break from cooking at home.

Some coffee shops on the island of Brac offer plant milk for coffee. We found a sign in front of one such coffee shop, called Riva, in the city of Bol.

WHERE TO STAY ON BRAČ IN CROATIA

There are many great apartments to rent in Bol, some with amazing sea views and others that are more affordable. It depends on your budget, but you can find a lot of different options on Booking.com.

In Bol on Brač, it is better to stay in an apartment than a hotel because it makes cooking and finding something to eat easier. Restaurants are not cheap, and there aren’t many vegan options. You can also check our other articles about eating vegan in Croatia.

SEE ALSO:

Check This Guide to Find out Where to Eat Delicious Vegan Food in the City of Dubrovnik!

The post Let me help you find vegan restaurants near Zlatni Rat, the most beautiful beach in Croatia, located in the city of Bol on the island of Brac appeared first on Vegan Friendly Travel.

WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK?

We stayed at SUNce Palace Apartments in the Old Town of Dubrovnik. The location is excellent, and we were very happy with the apartment. It is near Stradun Street, the main walking area full of shops, bars, and restaurants. The apartments also come with a parking spot!

Dubrovnik is quite a pricey city, especially for Croatia. Because of this, you might not want to eat out for every meal. You can cook your own meals in the apartment’s kitchen, which can be a great way to save money.

One thing to know about Dubrovnik is that many restaurants are fully booked, especially in the summer. If you want to enjoy a delicious vegan meal, book your restaurants ahead of time. Finding lunch is usually easier since most people are at the beach, but dinner time in the Old Town can be very crowded.

STARA LOZA RESTAURANT IS OFFERING VEGAN OPTIONS

Stara Loza, featured in the Michelin Guide, offers dining with a view and a terrace with an amazing city view. Not knowing about the reservation situation, we only managed to get a table for lunch outside on the street.

They offer a vegan and vegetarian menu. The vegan options include grilled vegetables, vegetable wok, and quinoa salad. You can also have a vegan breakfast if you ask for a breakfast bowl without honey. For lunch, we tried the wok vegetables, and it was amazing—one of the best meals we had on our vacation. You really have to try this restaurant for a delicious vegan meal in Dubrovnik.

DUBROVNIK VEGAN RESTAURANT: NISHTA VEGETARIAN/ VEGAN 

Nishta is Dubrovnik’s vegetarian and vegan restaurant located in the Old Town. They offer vegan, raw, and gluten-free dishes, mostly using organic products. The menu includes raw starters and warm starters like almond gnocchi or beetroot tartar. For the main course, options include raw dishes like zucchini lasagne and sweet potato spaghetti alfredo, as well as many warm main courses.

I tried the moussaka with spelt and ratatouille, avocado mayonnaise, and vegan cream. It looked and tasted delicious. The restaurant is very small, so don’t forget to make a reservation to ensure you don’t miss this vegan gem in Dubrovnik.

VEGE URBAN & VEGGIE RESTAURANT DUBROVNIK VEGAN

Just outside the Old Town of Dubrovnik, in the historic port of Gruž near the city’s main food market, is the vegan restaurant Urban & Veggie. They focus on using seasonal and local produce.

For lunch and dinner, they offer two different starters and a variety of mains such as risotto, healthy super bowl, and homemade seitan. You can also try their classics like the veggie burger, vegan kebab, and pasta. Desserts include raw chocolate cake and lemon tart.

We stopped there for a quick breakfast. I chose my all-time summer favourite, a smoothie bowl, and my boyfriend chose vegan scrambled eggs. I’ve tried many vegan scrambled eggs, and this one was among my favourites.

DUBROVNIK VEGAN SMOOTHIE BOWL

As mentioned, I’m a big fan of smoothie bowls, especially in the summer. While walking around Dubrovnik Old Town, we found a smoothie bowl bar called Refresh Juice Bar, which also offers coffee with soy milk.

I think it might be a seasonal spot because I can’t find it on Google Maps anymore. It’s located right next to the Museum of Selfies & Memories Dubrovnik.

BEST VEGAN COFFE IN DUBROVNIK

We found a cute coffee shop called Cogito, which is close to the entrance of the Dubrovnik City Walls. The café is tucked away in a beautiful alley, offering a little escape from the crowds. You can enjoy your coffee in the company of cats. The coffee was delicious, and I was thrilled with the option of soy milk.

The main tourist season in Dubrovnik is from June to September. During this time, the city is very hot, crowded, and full of tourists. We visited in August, and since there aren’t many beaches nearby, it was quite hot. Many vegan restaurants were fully booked, and queues for attractions were long. If you have the opportunity, visit Dubrovnik in late spring or early autumn to enjoy the city without the crowds.

Croatia is one of the countries I have travelled to the most, and Dubrovnik is a city you cannot miss. Many coastal old towns in Croatia are beautiful, but Dubrovnik is something special. The best part is that the city has high-quality vegan options in many restaurants.

WHAT TO DO?

My favourite part of Dubrovnik was the City Walls. These walls, built around the Old Town, are the city’s most famous feature. You can walk on top of them and circle the entire Old Town. The views are amazing, and although the entry ticket is pricey, it’s worth it.

Another popular attraction is the Dubrovnik Cable Car, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding area.

In the Old Town, Game of Thrones walking tours are available, taking you to all the secret filming spots. where they will take you to all the secret filming locations. The city is also on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Online, you can find photos of exact filming locations to explore while walking around the city.

There’s so much more to Dubrovnik than just Game of Thrones. The city boasts amazing architecture, with buildings and even the floors made of stone. The paving stones are so polished from years of use that they can get quite slippery.

Dubrovnik might not be ideal for beach hopping, but there are some nice beaches nearby. I particularly liked Danče Beach, about a 10-15 minute walk from the Old Town. To truly experience the city, stay in the Old Town. It has a lot of charm, and everything, including vegan restaurants, is just a few steps away.

SEE ALSO: 

Are you Vegan on a Budget or do you Prefer Fine Dining? Istanbul has it All! Check This Guide for the Best Restaurants

The post Check This Guide to Find out Where to Eat Delicious Vegan Food in the City of Dubrovnik! appeared first on Vegan Friendly Travel.