The cafes at the north-west end of Rovinj harbour, such as the cocktail bar in La Puntulina {see left), Valentino or the Zanzibar, are perfect places for sundowners. After dark, the best bar crawl is to be had in the tiny streets at the bend of Obala Alda Rismondo and in Joakima Rakovca, a little street near the harbour; stand-outs include Buzz (no.5), Hannibal (no.36) and the Rock Cafe Roxy (no.15).
Rio Bar
On the harbour, the Rio's comfortable terrace offers a scenic spot to start the evening. Outgoing staff and patrons give the place a lively atmosphere and set you up for a night's barhopping.
Obala Alda Rismondo 13 (052 813 564). Open llam-lam daily.
Valentino
Pricy cocktail bar at the end of the harbour has fabulous outdoor seating on a terrace just a few feet over the sea. Step off the street, lose the crowds and commune with nature, your cocktail and your companion. It's lively day and night.
Sv Kriza 28 (052 830 683). Open llam-lam daily.
Zanzibar
Big, loungey wicker chairs with bright red cushions surround low drinking tables on the terrace of this popular cocktail bar near a busy section of the harbour. At happy-hour, tables fill with people here to gawp at people or the gorgeous sunsets over the sea. Inside, the mainstream DJs encourage you to hang around for the rest of the night, perhaps a pricy proposition with cocktails running at 60kn plus.
Obala Pina Budi&na (052 813 206). Open llam-lam daily.