Rick Steves Says This Croatian Town Is Like A Crowd-Less Venice
By Mina Elwell
VACATIONS
If you love Venice but hate peak season crowds, Rick Steves suggests visiting another area on the Adriatic Sea: Croatia's Istrian Peninsula and the town of Rovinj.
Steves loves the region's truffles, vineyards, sea air, vibrant history, and picturesque little port towns. It was once in the Venetian republic, and that cultural link endures.
"Croatia's romantic Rovinj is like a little Venice on a hill," Rick Steves states on his travel website. Rovinj is an Italian town culturally and has dozens of street vendors.
Guests will love walking along Rovinj's rocky beaches and looking out at the water. While there aren't any gondola rides, you can still enjoy the ocean on a boat tour.
Other wonderful destinations in Istria include the bustling port of Pula, the Brijuni Islands, or tiny Hum, which all have incredible scenery, art, culture, wine, and food.