Rovinj, Croatia

We have now left Italy to begin our exploration of the former Yugoslavia.  In 1991 with the fall of communism, Yugoslavia broke apart into individual states:  Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia. War soon broke out. With the veil of communism removed, these little states wanted to become independent countries.  In response, Serbia  (the most powerful state) aggressively tried to extend it's borders and exert it's influence over the other states in an attempt to prevent them from breaking away. After a long and costly war, Serbia was finally defeated. Today, peace rules throughout the Balkan peninsula and tourists have returned.

Our first stop was Rovinj, Croatia.  It is a quiet "island" town located in the northern Adriatic. If you look at a map it sits on the western side of Croatia's Istrian Peninsula. It's history dates way back to the Illyrian tribes followed shortly thereafter by the Romans and later the Republic of Venice. Today, it is an active fishing village.

We arrived by ferry from Venice in the early evening.  The ferry ride was roughly 5 hours.

Rovinj was built on an island, but it was later connected to the mainland.  This is a harbor view of the southern side of Rovinj.

Our rental located on the third floor in the heart of tiny Rovinj.

Walking down the main street towards the harbor.

Market where we bought fresh strawberries.

North side of Rovinj

Monument left over from communist Yugoslavia.  It depicts a Nazi sticking a rifle in to the back of a Yugoslav with his arms  raised.

View from the church that sits atop Rovinj.

Beaches in Croatia turned out to be a little on the rocky side.

After dinner drink at an outdoor restaurant.

I'm liking this place!