Sher

I would like some feed back from those of you who have visited this city and stayed in the center of the old town.
I know that it is pedestrian only. I am planning to spend three days there in October to tour some of Istria.
I have read reports of those who like to stay on the outskirts and those who prefer to be in the center and use public parking lots.
What I would like is an opinion of the logistics of getting into and out of the town which we will probably do only once in the morning of two of the days with a car.
Thanks

Sher

Anyone?

KayF

We stayed for 4 nights in the centre of the old town in Rovinj and absolutely loved it.

http://www.portaantica.com/

If you look at the photo on the website above, we parked in the area with the blue parking sign and it was about 10 mins flat walk to the Porta Antica apartments (also marked on the photo). Parking was not cheap but there was lots of it, it's a big flat area right next to the sea.

We had no trouble finding the parking lot then walking to the apartments but we had checked it all out on Google maps before leaving home.

There are lots of cafes and restaurants in Rovinj, it's very picturesque and peaceful.

Kay

Sher

Thanks Kay. We have been looking at apartments in the old town and the agent says there is not a problem with finding parking and it would be about E15 a day.

I will try to find out the address of one of the apartments I am interested in and Google it.

This helps.

anniemackie

Sher, we are always in search of free parking, especially with the exchange rate. We stayed in the Old Town in Apartment Felix and used the free lot just beyond, and a block off, the pay parking. It's a beautiful walk, and in a perfect place; a bit uphill when you are fresh in the morning and all downhill to get home!

You will love Rovinj!

--Annie

anniemackie

Oh, and it is a small enough town that we never had any trouble getting into or out of the Old Town area. The signage is very clear. Hope this helps!

--Annie

CarolA

I also stayed in Porta Antica aprarments mentioned above. I loved staying in the old town. I never considered the outskirts and can't see any reason to if I returned.

Sher

This is great news. You know how difficult it can be getting into and out of some of these towns by car.
I am looking for an apartment with a washer/dryer or just a washer. There are many in Rovinj that have them, This is mid way through our 15 night trip and I thought it would be really nice to have the opportunity to do laundry.
It is not a deal breaker but it would be nice.

anniemackie

Doing laundry in Rovinj was one of our funniest experiences. I thought I was clicking the button to open the door and remove our finally dry laundry only to hear the whoosh of more water entering the machine. It was also when we were most thankful we weren't sitting in a laundromat! The worst part is we had very clear instructions right next to the machine. Yeeesh...

So, does this mean you have decided on the Old Town?

--Annie

Sher

anniemackie Yes. We have decided on the old town.
I have never been able to quite get the hang of those washer/dryer things. When I tried the combination washer dryer part the first time (in Lisbon) the same thing happened to me. More water. I think those clothes washed about three hours!
The next time, the clothes came out so mangled that I suppose I couldn't get the temperature right for the dry.
So from then on I just used the washer and hung the clothes.

I don't mind the walking to the public lot or back, but I don't really like to deal with complitcated getting into and out of those little medieval towns. I don't trust my driving skills that much. I guess I should consider that my travel partner on this trip is used to driving all over Ireland. Maybe I will give that job to her in Rovinj.

monte07

Definitly stay in Old town. Parking is just 5 minutes of walking distance, and since is october is cheaper then in season. It's only 1-2kn/h.

Sher

I never realized there would be so many rental apartments available. I am having a great time looking.
And since it is realy near the low season the minumum rental days are somewhat relaxed.
But I checked out Porta Antica and they want 25% more for only three nights. Apartment Felix does not.

Mimar

We just parked for free on the streets behind the old town. It was a little walk in, but no biggie, in fact kind of pleasant. There's a laundry in Rovinj (near the bus station) but I didn't trust them to wash my more fragile items.

Sher

I actually have found an apartment in the old town on the water and it says parking inside the yard.

This confused me as I thought there was no parking anywhere near the old town. I wrote the landlord. I will see.

KayF

Hi Sher, locals are allowed to drive into the old town, we saw a few cars and motorbikes but not many. Some of the streets though are very narrow and you wouldn't get a car up them. If they have a space on their land you can park, that would save quite a bit of money.

Kay

maitaitom

We spent three days in Rovinj two years ago. Click on the link below and then click on Rovinj 2008. It has trip report and photos. We really liked Porta Antica.

http://web.me.com/tomfielding1/Tom_%...e/Welcome.html

Sher

Kay. I have emailed the owner as I wasn't quite sure if the description was completely accurate. I would think one would have to have a residence sticker or some such to drive on those streets. I can just see me getting a ticket for illegal entry.

maitaitom. I did read your trip report. The Porta Antica does look very nice but they charge 25% more for three days or less. That would make the room E136 per night. We could probably park in free parking but if not it would be E15, not so much. This apartment is E100 with no surcharge. Of course it may not be as nice.

This apartment looked good to me as it is on the ground floor, has a balcony at the water with chairs, is completely equipped except for internet and is supposed to have parking. Some of the apartments are on the fouth floor and is difficult for me with my knees although I wouldn't be going up and down them many times a day.

So I shall see. Thanks.

Judy

We stayed in the old town....our hotel had a limited number of parking passes for the public lots. If the apartment with parking doesn't work out it might be worth asking about passes.

Sher

Thanks Judy. I didn't realize you could get passes from hotels.
Where did you stay?

Judy

Sher, the trip was 3 years ago and the Rovinj hotel is the only one I cannot remember! Sorry. We loved our stay there and did day trips every day. You'll be happy you chose Rovinj.