23 Places Where Cruises Dock Right Into a Fairytale Village

14. Rovinj, Croatia: An Istrian Coastal Jewel

Imagine sailing towards a charming peninsula crowned by a hilltop church, with pastel-coloured Venetian-style houses tumbling down to the Adriatic Sea. Rovinj, on Croatia's Istrian coast, is pure magic. Its tightly packed old town is a delightful tangle of cobbled lanes, artists' studios, and hidden squares. Climb the bell tower of St. Euphemia's Church for breathtaking views, wander the harbour watching fishing boats bob, and savour fresh seafood. Easily accessible for smaller cruise ships docking nearby or tendering ashore, Rovinj feels like stepping into a beautifully preserved Mediterranean dream.