Rovinj, Croatia, is a quaint fishing port that completely took my breath away the first time I visited. Picture colorful houses lined up along the shoreline, each one extremely unique and charming. It’s the kind of view that feels straight out of a postcard. I visited at the end of August, hoping for a relaxing beach day, and discovered Red Island—a delightful little beach escape just a quick 15-minute ferry ride from the mainland.
How to get to Red Island:
Getting to Red Island is a breeze. You can buy ferry tickets at the Rovinj Taxi Center. The ferry departs from Rovinj every half hour from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., so there’s plenty of flexibility to plan your trip. I’d recommend arriving a bit early to buy your ticket and line up for boarding since it can get busy. A round-trip ticket cost me $13.50, which felt like a great deal compared to renting a smaller water taxi (those only hold about 12 people and are a lot pricier). This ferry is also the main way guests reach Island Hotel Istra, the only hotel on Red Island, so it can be especially crowded during peak hours. (Fun tip: Hotel guests ride for free!)
The ferry ride itself was magical. As we left Rovinj’s port, I couldn’t stop staring at the vibrant houses shrinking into the distance—it’s such a neat perspective to see the town from the water. Even though the boat was pretty full, the 15 minutes flew by, and it was still comfortable with quite a bit of seating. Bonus: you’ll pass another small island along the way, adding a little extra charm to the ride.
The beach at Red Island:
Once we docked, it was just a short five-minute walk to the beach. The water was so clear you could practically see your reflection, and it had that perfect, refreshing chill to it. A heads-up, though: the beach is covered in pebbles, not sand. I opted to lay my towel on the cement walkway and spent most of my time either in the water or sitting on the ledge overlooking the shore. Make sure to be extremely careful when walking on the pebbles, they can get very slippery. This beach was the perfect spot to relax, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy the slower pace of life on the island.
Close to the pebble beach, I found a quaint food shack. It serves snacks and drinks—perfect for keeping the day low-key and easy. While the prices were a bit higher than what I’d typically expect in Croatia, the convenience and views made it worth it. They have about five tables for sitting, but I grabbed my drink in a plastic cup and took it back to my spot near the water. Nothing beats sipping cold wine while looking out at that gorgeous view!
Spending a weekday at Red Island was such a treat. Between the crystal-clear water, laid-back vibes, and scenic ferry ride, it’s a perfect day trip if you’re in Rovinj. Don’t miss it! Ready to visit another beach in Europe? Check out my post about a fun beach town in Bruges, Belgium!
Have you ever visited Rovinj, Croatia? What was your favorite beach getaway? I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below—I’m always on the lookout for new adventures to add to my list.
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