If you’re looking to escape the business of your everyday life and take an amazing vacation, look no further than Rovinj, Croatia. This quaint seaside city has been attracting tourists from all over the world for decades, and its popularity has only grown in recent years. From the historic churches and art museums to the award-winning local cuisine, here are eight reasons why you should book your flight to Rovinj right now!

The Friendly Locals

One of my favorite parts about traveling abroad is getting lost in a new city and meeting people. I love listening to other cultures and observing how they do things differently. In addition to learning more about different customs, these interactions make you feel like a local rather than just another tourist. After all, isn’t that why you travel?

There are Historical Sites Too

Not all of Rovinj’s history is ancient. Although most of its original structures have been converted into churches or otherwise renovated and repurposed, there are some interesting old buildings scattered around town. The Church of St. Euphemia is a Romanic church that dates back to 1207 and has been recently restored to its historical condition.

There are Water Sports and Hiking Trails

One of Rovinj’s greatest draws is its harbor—and from there you can set sail for nearby islands and beaches. If you enjoy water sports, then a vacation in Rovinj is just what you need. Snorkeling, diving and kayaking are all common tourist activities in Dalmatia. For those who prefer staying on land: hiking trails line much of Rovinj’s coastline.

The Food is Amazing

In case you haven’t heard, Croatia is famous for its cuisine. Dishes like pljeskavica (spicy beef patties), pršut (prosciutto-like ham), and peka (roasted meats) are commonly served at restaurants all over Zagreb. The town of Punat has a locally popular restaurant known for its seafood.

Rovinj is Affordable

A three-star hotel in Rovinj will set you back just $50 a night on average; that’s hard to beat. If you opt for a less expensive Airbnb instead, your cost will only go down.

Beaches Galore

The coast is one of Croatia’s biggest draws. The waters of its 1,780 miles of coastline are remarkably clear—due in part to very mild currents and a lack of underwater topography—and while they’re not warm year-round (the water averages around 68 degrees), they’re calm enough for swimming even in winter.

Affordable Accommodation

There are a number of different accommodation options available in Rovinj—you can stay in private apartments or stay in a hotel. Regardless of where you stay while visiting Rovinj, it’s an affordable option. Hotels will cost around $50 per night and will come with a breakfast buffet included in that price. The average price for an apartment is approximately $300 per week.

The Architecture is Breathtaking

Rovinj is a coastal town on an island in central Dalmatia. It’s known for its seaside promenade, or Lungomare—one of Europe’s longest pedestrian promenades. The Lungomare leads along Old Town and hugs a deep-blue harbor with hundreds of sailboats.