Sveta Katarina

Sveta Katarina is the small, forested island that sits just off the shore of Rovinj. The island is home to Hotel Katarina and is a a popular day trip destination for tourists. The island boasts spectacular views of Rovinj's old town and St. Euphemia's Basilica as well as swimming access to the bath-like waters of the Adriatic Sea. 

Walking is the best and an easiest way to check out all of the possible spots to either claim a lounge chair or lay out a towel. A short 15- to 20-minute walk around the island will give you the best perspective on where you can soak up the sun and see views out into the Adriatic Sea and back onto the town of Rovinj. 

There are countless spots to sunbathe around the island, but some of the best come from walking around the western side of the island. There you'll find lounge chairs set up on the rocky shore and ladders that allow easy access into the bright blue water when the sun gets a little too hot. Bringing along an inner tube or other type of pool float is a great idea for lounging in the water. Hotel Katarina also rents out pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards, and beach canoes for hotel guests looking to get out onto the water. 

For those seeking a little more thrill during the day on Sveta Katarina, a short walk to a small inlet on the north side of the island reveals a small cliff face with many different jumping possibilities. The jumping spots range from 5 to 25 feet, making it easy for everyone to find the perfect height for themselves. A metal ladder makes getting out of the water and back up onto the rocks easy, although it is a bit of a scramble back up to the trail. 

Hotel Katarina takes up a large portion of the island, and it is a wonderful place to relax and soak up the sun for a few days. The boat shuttle into Rovinj (which is free as a hotel guest) makes it easy to go into town if the island life gets a bit too relaxed for your taste. The hotel provides a decent restaurant for lunch as well as a small outdoor café with coffee, beer, sodas, ice cream, and crêpes available. The pizza from the lunch restaurant is delicious, although you're not missing out if you decide to bring your own food for a picnic. 

Getting There

Hotel Katarina runs a boat shuttle to and from Rovinj every hour. The first boat to Sveta Katarina departs at 5:30 a.m. and runs hourly until 12:30 a.m., and the boat to return to Rovinj begins running at 6:00 a.m. and departs hourly until 1:00 a.m. The boat costs 25 kuna for adults and 10 kuna for children under 10. A full boat schedule can be found here.