The Mystery Trip.

We flew to Trieste Airport in Italy, although Pula would also be an option. A road transfer had been arranged, taking approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic, along a motorway lined with wonderful mountain and coastal scenery.

We checked into the beautiful 5* Lone Hotel by Maistra Collection and received a warm welcome. A beautifully appointed, spacious premium room awaited us, with a large veranda overlooking the park, warm earthy tones, fabulously comfortable beds, a walk-in shower, bathtub and all the amenities you would expect from a hotel of this calibre. The grounds of the hotel are immaculate, full of lush foliage, with an inviting pool and a private section of the beach club overlooking crystal-clear waters. Wellness is a strong focus at the Lone Hotel, particularly in the spa, where use of the facilities is complimentary apart from paid treatments. It is a wonderfully inviting and relaxed hotel with an exceptionally hearty breakfast offering.

For active guests, there is the option to rent bicycles, play tennis, enjoy Zumba or yoga, work out in the gym, or head off on walks and hikes in the nearby Golden Cape Forest Park. From the main town, the hotel is only a 5 minute taxi ride or a 20 minute stroll.

On our first evening we ventured into town and were greeted by a beautiful evening scene. As we strolled through the pedestrianised cobbled streets, we were struck by how clean and well cared for they are. Inviting local shops offered handmade local items, souvenirs, and regional delicacies. Approaching the main square, we were surrounded by bustling restaurants where people were enjoying their evening meals, chatting over drinks, or simply wandering and soaking up the atmosphere. We enjoyed a delicious dinner of local fuži pasta with truffles, fresh fish, and handmade pizza. After a long day, it was time for a good night’s sleep to recharge for the next 72 hours.

Following a leisurely yet glorious breakfast at the hotel, complete with a glass of cava, we ventured out for a stroll along the promenade into town. We could not stop taking photos along the way. The sun was shining, the views were wonderful and the buzz was electric. As we approached the port, we were greeted by impressive yachts bobbing in the water, local families and children having fun at the water’s edge and the striking view of the 18th‑century Church of St Euphemia rising above the town.

Our plan for the day was to walk up the famous Grisia Street in the old town to reach the Baroque church. We meandered through cobbled streets lined with local artists and shops offering everything from handmade clothes and paintings to eclectic jewellery and the famous lavender products. Once at the top, the view over the town and coast was truly breath-taking, and we took time simply to sit and take it all in.

When lunch beckoned, we wandered back down to the town and discovered the local market, full of wonderful produce and, of course, the famous truffle oil. We enjoyed lunch by the water before returning to the hotel to prepare for our evening adventure.

That evening, we had booked a sunset dolphin excursion. Although sightings were promised, we were still a little dubious. However, during the 1 hour 30-minute boat trip, the promise was well and truly fulfilled, with many sightings of dolphins enjoying the sunset too, wild, and free as they should be. It was an absolutely wonderful experience and a real highlight of the trip.

We rounded off the evening with another local dinner in the old town, enjoying more regional dishes and sampling some local wine, all framed by the town’s stunning architecture. Another fabulous night’s sleep at the Lone Hotel set us up for our final full day of exploring.

On our last full day, we booked a driver to take us to two medieval towns, approximately one hour’s drive from Rovinj. These are absolute must‑visits if you are in the area.

Our first stop was the Istrian hill town of Motovun, well known for its annual film festival. We drove through the valley of the Mirna River and approached via winding slopes surrounded by vineyards, with visible Roman and Venetian remnants along the way. A stroll up through the town gates offered spectacular views of the countryside. Once inside, we were greeted by a colourful courtyard housing the church and perfectly preserved buildings. Motovun is a small town, and you can quickly wander through the cobbled streets lined with local cafés, restaurants and shops selling handmade souvenirs. It was a delightful experience and fascinating to learn about the history of a town that has lost most of its residents over the years.

To the west of Motovun, approximately 15 minutes’ drive away, we arrived at what became the highlight of our trip, Grožnjan. This medieval gem was revived by artists and artisans who have lovingly brought it back to life. I could have stayed there for hours. We meandered through its delightful, cobbled streets, soaking in the history, the energy, and the unique atmosphere of this stunning small town. We stopped for refreshments in the courtyard of a restaurant overlooking the vast valley below. It was an incredible feeling to walk in the footsteps of a prehistoric Roman fortress site first mentioned in 1101.

Our driver had also secured lunch reservations at an exceedingly popular restaurant on Lim Fjord, The Viking Restaurant. Thankfully, he had, as it was bustling when we arrived. We enjoyed a fabulous lunch of local pasta and fresh fish on the terrace, followed by a quick photo opportunity at the fjord. A swift twenty‑minute drive then took us back to the hotel to refresh for our final evening.

For our last night, after soaking in the amazing sunset, we chose once again to dine in the old town, this time for amazing handmade pizza at Stari Grad restaurant. As we chatted and reflected on our 72 hours in Rovinj, we all agreed that this is most definitely a place to put on your radar. While the transfer is longer than some might prefer, you simply would not want to miss the chance to experience this immensely popular and atmospheric town on the Istrian coast. The journey is worth every mile.

An early start marked the end of our stay, but it was not a goodbye forever. There are so many more experiences I would love to incorporate on the Istrian peninsula, and I will absolutely return. This area is perfectly suited to couples and families alike, as well as honeymooners and solo travellers, and it is ideal to include in a 2–3 centre holiday if you decide to hire a car. Driving is excellent, we felt very safe and the roads are fantastic throughout.

If reading about this mystery escape has inspired you, I would be delighted to help you plan your own tailor‑made adventure to Rovinj and the wider Istrian region, designed entirely around what you love to see and do.