Lone Bay

Lone Bay, called Baia di Lone in Italian, is a wide bay on the coast south of Rovinj's old town, a short walk or cycle ride from the centre along a seaside path. It lies next to the Punta Corrente forest park and is part of the same green stretch of coast, with the dark crowns of pines and holm oaks reaching almost to the water. For visitors staying in the old town, it is an easy way to reach a swimming place without the crowds of the main town beaches, and for local people, it is a familiar spot for an afternoon on the shore.

The bay is a gentle curve of coastline with a mix of small pebble beaches, flat rocks and grassy areas under trees. The water is shallow near the edge and clear, and swimming is pleasant from late spring to early autumn. Lone Bay has a calm, open feel, and many people choose to lay a towel on the grass rather than on the pebbles. The scenery includes views of the coast and, on a clear day, of the islands off Rovinj. A large hotel in the bay gives the area some development, but much of the shoreline remains open and natural.

Facilities are limited, so it is wise to prepare. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented in places for a daily fee, and there are toilets, but cafes and shops are few, which means that you should bring water, food and sun protection. Water shoes are useful on the pebbles and rocks. Boat traffic in the bay can affect the cleanliness of the water at times, particularly in the morning, so it is better to swim away from moored boats. The bay is open to everyone, and there is no charge to enter the shore.

For comfort and quiet, arrive early in the morning or visit in late August or September, when the crowds thin out and the sea is at its warmest. Cycling along the coastal path is a pleasant way to arrive, since the route is mostly flat and shaded, and it passes through Punta Corrente, which has trails and picnic areas. The Golden Cape park and the forest park are listed in this guide as neighbouring attractions.

Rovinj's old town, with the Church of St. Euphemia, the market, the harbour and the Batana Eco-Museum, is only a short ride away, so Lone Bay can be combined with a day of sightseeing. The bay suits families, cyclists, couples and anyone who prefers a relaxed swim to a lively beach scene. Allow two to four hours.