Villa Marea

Above Rovinj's old harbor on Vukovarska, Villa Marea occupies a four-star townhouse a short walk from the Baroque spire of St. Euphemia's church. Rooms face either the terracotta rooftops of the peninsula or the Adriatic channel toward Katarina Island, a five-minute stroll from the ferry dock.

The address suits couples and independent travelers who want the old town's cobbled lanes on foot rather than a car. Breakfast is served on a small terrace overlooking the marina, and staff keep local fishing-boat schedules for guests wanting fresh catch at the morning market nearby.