There was some miscalculation and we arrived in Rovinj at a different peer which meant we had to walk a further five hundred metres. It was late but this town comes alive at night, and we had no trouble finding our accommodation and the bonus was- no hills or steps…which is really saying something in Rovinj. 

Our accommodation was wonderful- spacious, clean, well-appointed and brilliantly located. We delt with Avoir Apartment rentals and they were brilliant. The following morning, we breakfasted at one of the many restaurants on the port, and just minutes from our apartment. We got in touch with family and planned our day.   

We had been meaning to do this at every visit and finally got around to cycling through Punta Corrente(Golden Cape) Forest Park, a 90-hectare nature reserve adjacent to the town. It is a heavily forested park criss-crossed with bike trails and walking paths, peppered with bays and beaches and stocked with restaurants, bars and kiosks. We got lost and ended up at a resort a few kilometres further on but came across the most amazing resort.

We had been riding along a gravel trail when that all changed, and we were riding along a paved path with very swish beach with lounges and umbrellas on the beach and beside a waterpark. There were a couple of restaurants and what looked like an enormous buffet crowded with people. We decided to eat. The challenge was getting in. Our way was blocked by pot plants and wire walls. We walked around but could not find an entry. Eventually one of the wait-staff noticed and approached us enquiring as to whether or not we were guests. No. Then did we want to eat. Yes. ‘You will have to pay.’ (Umm that’s novel…) ‘It will be €10…for the buffet.’ Holy mackerel no wonder it was crowded. He asked us to follow him and took us through the enormous cafeteria to the concierge who was so lovely but said that there were so many children we would be waiting too long. She then informed us that the restaurant adjacent was open. We were very happy to go there. She was so accommodating and encouraged us to come another day and they would definitely be happy to look after us. We discovered it was the Maistra Rubin Resort. There are so many resorts and camping options around Rovinj!!!

We had cycled, swum, and eaten and after five hours we had had enough. We returned the bikes and headed for a well-deserved rest. It had been a good day.