Rovinj, Croatia

Friday, midday

Check into the Amarin Hotel (www. maistra.com, doubles from £175), which sits on the shores of the Adriatic with great views of the old town. Three outdoor swimming pools tempt at this family-friendly four star.

1pm

Enjoy an impressive array of local sashimi and cold meat cuts at Rovinj’s Brasserie Adriatic, before salt baked sea bass caught by the local fishing fleet.

3pm

Ease up to the Church of St Euphemia, Rovinj’s literally unmissable main attraction. The belltower apes St Mark’s across the water, while the views are superb.

5pm

Walk back to the Amarin enjoying the views back to the old town. Stop off at one of the beach bars en route.

7pm

Dine at the Istrian Beach House right on the water, with local regional produce and wines on the menu to go along with a burning Adriatic sunset.

Saturday, 10am

Time to explore further afield. Drive north and check out the family-run olive oil stands on the way to Limski Kanal, before heading down to the nearest Croatia has to a fjord.

Midday

Enjoy lunch at Trattoria Basilica by the yachts now cruising into the up and coming resort of Vrsar. Istrian truffles with pasta are the top starter with grilled tuna to follow.

3pm

Back in Rovinj wander along Grisia, a winding stone paved street alive with wee souvenir shops, art galleries and studios.

6pm

Take a cushion and place it on the rocks right down by the water’s edge at Valentino’s as you settle in for a sundowner.

8pm

Dine at the incomparable Monte (www.monte.hr). This creative gastronomic temple in Rovinj’s old town spices up the country’s superb produce and matches the sparkling dishes with the excellent wines that are getting Istria noticed these days.

Sunday, 9am

Take a last dip in one of the Amarin’s pools or enjoy a spa treatment. ■

Easyjet (www.easyjet.com) flies to Pula from Edinburgh (via London Gatwick). Holiday Autos (www. holidayautos.com) offer car hire at Pula Airport.