Best places for shopping in Rovinj

Shopping in Rovinj is part of the Old Town experience: browse Carera Street for everyday boutiques, wander up Grisia Street for art and handmade gifts, and stock up on local flavours at the Valdibora market.

This guide covers the best places to shop in Rovinj - from shopping streets and artisan galleries to the green market and food souvenirs worth taking home. Whether you are looking for quality Istrian olive oil, wine and truffle products, locally made jewellery, ceramics, or small design finds, you will find practical, visitor-focused recommendations for what to buy and where to go.

Rovinj shopping quick overview

Rovinj is compact and easy to shop on foot. For the best mix of everyday stores and souvenirs, start on Carera Street (the town’s best-known shopping street), then explore the Old Town lanes for boutiques and gift shops, and finish at the Valdibora market for fresh produce and local food products.

Best for boutiques and essentials: Carera Street (clothes, footwear, pharmacies, practical shopping)
Best for art and handmade gifts: Grisia Street (galleries, studios, jewellery, small crafts)
Best for local flavours: Valdibora market (seasonal fruit and veg, honey, olive oil, and other edible souvenirs)
Best time to shop: mornings for the market, late afternoon/early evening for Old Town browsing

What to buy in Rovinj: Istrian olive oil, local honey and jams, wine and liqueurs, truffle products, handmade jewellery, ceramics, small art prints, and linen/textile gifts that pack easily.

If you only have 60–90 minutes, do this loop: Carera Street → Old Town side lanes → Grisia Street → Valdibora market (for a quick, high-value souvenir stop).

Rovinj

Best shopping streets in Rovinj

Rovinj does not have a big mall scene, shopping here is about short, walkable streets, artisan studios, and small boutiques woven into the Old Town. The two names to remember are Carera Street for practical shopping and everyday stores, and Grisia Street for galleries, handmade pieces, and higher-quality souvenirs.

Ulica Carera (Carera Street): the main shopping street

Carera is Rovinj’s best-known shopping street and the easiest place to do your “useful” shopping in one pass. You will find a wide mix of stores, clothes and footwear, food and medicine, office supplies, plus classic souvenirs, making it a smart first stop before you head into the Old Town lanes.

Best for: everyday shopping, affordable clothing, beach essentials, and practical items
Also good for: comparing souvenir prices before buying in the most scenic Old Town spots
Look out for: locally made “upcycled” or repurposed-material gifts (small, original, and easy to pack)

Grisia Street: art galleries, studios, and handmade souvenirs

Grisia is Rovinj’s iconic stepped lane leading up toward the Church of St. Euphemia. It is known for its concentration of galleries and artists, and it becomes a famous open-air art exhibition street during the traditional Grisia event in August.

Best for: original art, ceramics, jewellery, prints, and small handmade gifts
How to shop it: browse first, then buy, items range from truly handmade pieces to mass-produced souvenirs
Tip: wear comfortable shoes; the stones and steps can be slippery

Old Town lanes near the harbour: boutiques and gift shops

Between the harbour promenade and the Old Town core, short lanes are packed with boutique fashion, accessories, design gifts, and speciality food shops. This is the best area to shop slowly and pick up compact souvenirs you can carry back to your accommodation without a plan.

Best for: boutique clothing, accessories, design-led gifts, and easy-to-pack souvenirs
When to go: late afternoon or early evening, when most visitors combine browsing with a harbour walk

Rovinj Market at Valdibora Square

For the most authentic shopping stop in Rovinj, head to the local market on Valdibora Square, just outside the Old Town. It is a lively mix of seasonal fruit and vegetables, local food products, and an adjacent fish market where you can choose the day’s catch.

Valdibora is also Rovinj’s main parking zone, so the market is a convenient first stop if you arrive by car. If you are planning your logistics, use our Rovinj parking guide to find the best place to leave your car before walking into the Old Town.

Green market: produce and local food products

The green market is the best place to shop like a local. Expect seasonal fruit and vegetables alongside Istrian staples such as olive oil, honey, herbs, mushrooms, and other regional products. If your accommodation has a kitchen, this is the easiest place to pick up ingredients for a simple Istrian-style dinner.

Best buys: seasonal fruit, tomatoes and greens, honey, olive oil, herbs, preserves, and local delicacies
Best time to go: morning for the best selection
Tip: prices can vary from stall to stall, so a quick lap before buying often pays off

Fish market: the day’s catch next door

Next to the green market you will find the fish market, where you can choose freshly caught seafood. It is a great stop if you want to cook, or if you simply want to see what’s coming in from the Adriatic that day.

Best for: fresh fish and seafood for cooking
Tip: go earlier in the day for the widest choice

If you want to combine shopping with sightseeing, time your market stop before exploring the Old Town highlights, our Rovinj attractions guide is an easy way to build a walking route that includes both food stops and the city’s top landmarks.

Best souvenir and specialty shops in Rovinj

Rovinj shopping is at its best when you skip generic keychains and focus on what the town (and Istria) does well: small art and design boutiques, locally made gifts, and food souvenirs like olive oil, honey, wine, and truffle products. Most of the best finds are on Carera Street and in the Old Town lanes, especially around Grisia.

Croatis: local souvenirs and Istrian products

If you want one easy stop for “take-home Croatia,” The Croatis store is a reliable pick. It specialises in locally made souvenirs and Istrian products such as honey, olive oil, truffles, wine, liqueurs, and lavender-based items, and it is conveniently located on Carera Street.

Best for: giftable local products and “one-stop” souvenir shopping
Typical buys: honey, olive oil, truffle products, wine and liqueurs, lavender goods
Location: Carera (easy to combine with a Carera shopping walk)

Local art and design shops for original gifts

For higher-quality souvenirs, look for shops that curate work by local artists and designers. These are the places to find ceramics, prints, jewellery, and small objects you will not see in every tourist town.

Nothing to Sea: a well-known Old Town boutique for locally made art and design gifts (often praised for non-touristy, original pieces)
Atelier Galerija Brek: a long-running gallery-shop known for quirky objects and accessories, including pieces made from repurposed materials
Behar Art Gallery: a Grisia Street gallery focused on Croatian art and design (a good stop while shopping Grisia)
Riberia Studio: a jewellery studio/gallery with handcrafted pieces

Profumo di Rovigno: Rovinj-inspired fragrances

For a souvenir that is genuinely different, Profumo di Rovigno is known for perfumes and home fragrances inspired by local herbs and flora (lavender, wild sage, rose and other Mediterranean notes). It is a compact, gift-friendly option if you want something light to pack but still distinctive.

Truffle and gourmet shops (easy edible souvenirs)

Rovinj is a convenient place to pick up truffle products without leaving the coast. Look for speciality shops offering truffle oils, spreads, honey, cheese, cured meats, and gift packs, great for bringing home a taste of Istria.

Tartufi Istra (Rovinj shop): a dedicated truffle shop in Rovinj offering truffle products and gift packages
Zigante tartufi shop (Rovinj): a truffle-focused shop option that appears in Rovinj visitor listings

Tip: many small boutiques in Rovinj are seasonal and keep longer hours in summer than in winter. If a specific shop is on your must-visit list, check the latest opening hours before you go.

What to buy in Rovinj and Istria

The best souvenirs from Rovinj are the ones that feel local: Istrian olive oil, wine (especially Malvazija and Teran), truffle products, artisan ceramics, and small handmade pieces you will not see in every Croatian town. If you want gifts that are easy to pack and genuinely “Istria”, focus on edible souvenirs and lightweight crafts.

Edible souvenirs that travel well

Extra virgin olive oil: Istria is famous for high-quality olive oil; look for sealed bottles and clear origin info on the label.
Wine: Malvazija (white) and Teran (red) are classic Istrian picks, and many shops sell travel-friendly gift packs.
Truffle products: truffle oils, spreads, honey, cheese, and pasta sauces are easier to transport than fresh truffles and still deliver the flavour.
Honey, jams, and herbs: compact, giftable, and widely available at markets and speciality shops.
Brandy and liqueurs: rakija-style brandies and herbal liqueurs are common regional buys (check airline liquid rules if you are flying).
Cheese and pršut: great if you can pack them properly and travel the same day; otherwise choose vacuum-packed options where available.

Traditional and local crafts worth buying

Ceramics and pottery: bowls, mugs, small vases, and decorative pieces are popular Istrian-style gifts; choose smaller items that can be wrapped safely.
Art prints and small originals: especially around Grisia Street, where many studios and galleries sell work directly from artists.
Handmade jewellery: a practical “pack-light” souvenir that still feels special and local.
Lace and textiles: Croatia has strong lace-making traditions, and you can sometimes find delicate lace items (doilies, runners, napkins) and quality linen/textile gifts in boutique shops.
Local-design gifts: notebooks, stationery, candles, soaps, and small home items curated by local makers (often the best alternative to mass-produced souvenirs).

Smart souvenir tips

Shop the market first: for edible gifts, compare a few stalls at Valdibora before buying.
Choose packable sizes: small bottles, jars, and vacuum-packed items are easiest if you are moving hotels or flying.
Avoid “generic Croatia” magnets: the best-value souvenirs in Rovinj are the ones tied to Istria (olive oil, wine, truffles, artisan pieces).

Boutiques and practical shopping

Rovinj is easy to shop without a plan: use Carera Street and the Old Town lanes for boutiques, then head to the larger stores outside the centre when you need groceries, toiletries, or home essentials. The main “big shop” zone is outside the Old Town, while the most upscale browsing is found along the waterfront near the Grand Park Hotel.

Fashion, beach gear, and everyday essentials

For clothing, accessories, and holiday basics, start with Carera and the nearby Old Town lanes. If you are looking for a more polished, design-led shopping stroll, the Lungomare Plaza promenade near the Grand Park Hotel is known for boutiques and concept stores (including resortwear-style shops) that pair well with a waterfront walk.

Best for: boutique fashion, swimwear, accessories, and giftable design items
Where to go: Carera and the Old Town for variety; Lungomare Plaza for upscale concept-store browsing
Tip: if you are shopping for something specific (sizes, swimwear styles), go earlier in the day for the best selection

Supermarkets, drugstores, and home stores

For groceries and practical supplies, plan a quick stop outside the town centre. Rovinj’s larger supermarkets are located away from the Old Town, making them ideal for stocking up when you arrive (especially if you are driving and parking at Valdibora).

Supermarkets outside the centre: common options include Lidl, Plodine, and Konzum (useful for weekly groceries and better prices than mini-markets in the Old Town)
Toiletries and cosmetics: dm drogerie markt is a convenient stop for sunscreen, toiletries, baby items, and travel essentials
Household basics: JYSK is a practical option for home items if you are staying longer or need extra supplies

Tip: if you are staying in the Old Town, it can be worth doing one larger grocery shop first (outside the centre) and then using small convenience stores only for top-ups.

Practical shopping tips in Rovinj

Rovinj is easy to shop, but opening hours and availability can change with the season. In summer, many Old Town shops stay open later, while in the off-season some places shorten hours or close on quieter days. For stress-free shopping, plan your market visit in the morning and keep a backup option (pharmacy, mini-market, or supermarket) in case a small boutique is closed.

Opening hours and Sundays

In Croatia, most retail stores are generally closed on Sundays, with shops allowed to open on a limited number of Sundays per year (retailers choose which Sundays they operate). That means Sunday shopping in Rovinj can be hit-or-miss depending on the week and the season.

Best strategy: do souvenir and boutique shopping Monday–Saturday, and use Sunday for sightseeing, cafés, and прогулка-style Old Town wandering.
What may still be open: exemptions exist for certain locations and services (for example, some shops in transport hubs and similar categories), plus many hospitality businesses operate normally.
Practical tip: if a specific shop is a must, check the latest hours the same day (Google listing/door sign) because seasonal schedules change quickly.

Tax-free shopping basics for non-EU travellers

If you live outside the EU, you may be eligible to claim a VAT refund on goods you buy in Croatia and take out of the EU. In Croatia, the minimum spend is commonly stated as €100 in one store (on one receipt) and the goods must be exported within the required time limit.

Before you pay: ask the shop for a tax-free form (not every store participates).
When leaving the EU: present the goods, receipt, and tax-free documents to customs for validation (typically within 3 months of purchase).
Getting the refund: follow the provider’s instructions (e.g., refund desk/kiosk or card refund, depending on the operator).

Shipping, breakables, and avoiding tourist-trap buys

For olive oil, wine, and liqueurs: choose sealed bottles, keep receipts, and pack liquids in a protective bag; if flying, remember cabin liquid limits and pack bottles in checked luggage.
For ceramics and fragile gifts: buy smaller pieces, ask for bubble wrap, and place them in the centre of your suitcase surrounded by soft clothing.
For truly local souvenirs: prioritise Istrian products (olive oil, honey, truffles, wine) and artisan items from galleries or curated design shops, not mass-produced “generic Croatia” magnets.
Price-check tip: compare the same type of souvenir on Carera vs the most scenic Old Town lanes, location can affect price.

FAQ: Shopping in Rovinj

What are the best shopping streets in Rovinj?

Start with Carera Street for everyday shopping and a broad mix of stores, then head into the Old Town lanes (especially around Grisia) for galleries, artisan gifts, jewellery, and higher-quality souvenirs.

Where is the Rovinj market?

Rovinj’s local market is on Valdibora Square, just outside the Old Town, near the main parking area (Valdibora).

When is the best time to visit the market?

Go in the morning for the best selection (especially at the fish market). In peak summer, some stalls and souvenir stands are more active, while outside the main season the market can be quieter.

Are shops open on Sundays in Rovinj?

Sunday shopping can be hit-or-miss. Croatia’s retail rules generally restrict Sunday opening, with retailers allowed to choose a limited number of Sundays per year when they can open. In practice, plan your shopping for Monday–Saturday and treat Sunday openings as a bonus.

Can I shop tax-free in Croatia?

If you are a non-EU traveller, you may be eligible for a VAT refund on goods you buy in Croatia and take out of the EU. Typically, you need to meet a minimum spend per receipt, ask the shop for tax-free paperwork, and get the documents validated at customs when you leave the EU.

What are the best souvenirs to buy in Rovinj?

The most “Istria” souvenirs are extra virgin olive oil, wine, honey and jams, truffle products, and small artisan items like jewellery, ceramics, and art prints from galleries and curated design shops.

Where can I buy groceries and essentials in Rovinj?

For better prices and a bigger selection, use supermarkets outside the Old Town (on the approach into town). If you are staying inside the Old Town, do one bigger shop first, then top up from smaller convenience stores.

How do I avoid tourist-trap souvenirs?

Price-check similar items on Carera versus the most scenic Old Town lanes, prioritise locally made goods (or clearly labelled Istrian products), and buy art/crafts from galleries or studio shops when you want something genuinely original.