Every June, Rovinj's harbour fills with wooden boats rigged the way they were a hundred years ago. The Rovinj Regatta of Traditional Boats with Lug and Latin Sail is one of the last traditional sailing races on the Adriatic, and the 2026 edition — the 20th anniversary — runs from June 12 to 14.

What to Expect

Around 40 traditional sailing boats from Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia gather in Rovinj's main harbour for three days of racing, exhibitions, and waterfront festivities. The boats race under lugsails and lateen rigs — the same wind-catching setups that powered Adriatic fishing and trade for centuries. No engines, no modern sails, no GPS.

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The races loop through the archipelago and back into the harbour, so you can watch the starts and finishes from the Riva or from the breakwater near St. Euphemia. Between races, the harbour becomes a floating exhibition — restored batanas, gajetas, trabaccoli, and other wooden boats open for visits.

The TRANS MARIS Launch

This year's regatta doubles as the public launch of TRANS MARIS, a new EU-funded project run by Casa della Batana and partners from Italy. The project pairs experienced sailors and boat builders with young people, teaching them traditional maritime skills — rowing, sailing, sail-making, and boat maintenance.

During the regatta weekend, expect demonstrations, talks, and a first look at the mentorship programme. It's part of a broader push to keep Rovinj's maritime traditions alive beyond the museum walls.

Where to Watch

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  • The Riva (main waterfront promenade) — best for the harbour atmosphere, food stalls, and up-close boat viewing.
  • Molo Grande (the big pier) — good vantage point for race starts and finishes.
  • The breakwater near St. Euphemia — less crowded, wider view of the racing course.
  • By boat — if you can get on the water, you'll see the races from their best angle. Boat tours may offer regatta-day specials. Keep a respectful distance from the racing crews — these aren't tourist boats, they're competitors mid-race, and wakes from spectator boats can interfere with the sailing.
  • From St. Catherine island — for a quieter view, take the ferry across to St. Catherine and watch the regatta with the wooden boats in the foreground and Rovinj's old town behind them. It's one of the best vantage points and well away from the crowds. Check the ferry schedule — it runs roughly once an hour, so plan your crossing ahead.

Practical Info

  • When: June 12–14, 2026 (Thursday to Saturday).
  • Where: Rovinj harbour and surrounding waters. Events are centred around the Riva and Mali Mol.
  • Cost: Free to watch. The harbour and waterfront events are open to everyone.
  • Getting there: The old town is pedestrian-only. Park outside and walk in — see our parking guide. If you're driving from outside Istria, check our coast road tip to avoid the Slovenian vignette.
  • Stay nearby: June is shoulder season so accommodation is more available than July/August, but the regatta weekend fills up. Book ahead.
  • Combine with: Visit Casa della Batana before or after — it's the same organisation running the regatta, and the museum gives context to everything you'll see on the water.

The Rovinj Regatta is small by international standards — no sponsors on the sails, no megayachts. That's what makes it good. It's a harbour full of people who actually sail these boats, racing in front of a town that actually built them.