There's more to Rovinj than sunbathing (though that's great too). Cycling, diving, island hopping, boat tours — the Istrian coast has plenty to keep you busy, whether you're the adventurous type or just looking for a good day out.

On the water, Rovinj is a launch point for some of Croatia's best-known excursions — the Lim Fjord boat tours, quick ferries to Sveta Katarina and Crveni otok (Red Island), snorkelling trips along the limestone coves, and sunset cruises that round the southern point. Kayak and SUP rentals operate from the harbour and the Mulini beach area in summer. Diving schools run day trips to the Baron Gautsch wreck and to the underwater cliffs off Cape Kamenjak.

On land, the Parenzana cycling trail — a decommissioned narrow-gauge railway — runs inland through Istrian hill villages, wine country and olive groves. Rock climbing at the Punta Corrente quarry is a quiet favourite for sport climbers. For day trips further afield, our guide to day trips from Rovinj covers Pula, Poreč, Motovun, Grožnjan and the truffle country around Buzet — all reachable in under an hour by car. And if you only have a day in Rovinj itself, the things-to-do guide lays out a sensible itinerary.