Through the happy medium of photography, I am taking you to Labin – which actually is really just an excuse to upload a few of the several thousand images I took of the place – it is truly bewitching…
Most people have heard of Rovinj (an hour and a bit further from here by car) – both Rovinj and Labin have a lot of similarities in that they were both ruled by Venice once upon a time (you can actually still pop across by Ferry today!), and long before that they were both under Roman rule, known as Albona (Labin) and Ruvininium (Rovinj)…
Although Rovinj is surrounded by the sea, and Labin is a hill town, from a distance they look pretty similar. Both are fortified given that they have impressive town/city gates, and the Venetian influence is massively evident in both – there are winged lions everywhere, and plenty of balconies and buildings to admire, harking back to that particular Baroque style…
But that’s where the similarities end, as Rovinj is obviously much bigger and can cope with its masses of visitors each day, but Labin still has a distinctly sleepy feel to it. You almost feel like tip-toeing around the ancient cobbled streets so as not to disturb it, or its many sleeping feline residents!
The old town is cobbled and has many small steps that eventually lead you to the top (yet somewhere else NOT to bring a pushchair!!), but the view out across the countryside to the sea on one side, and out and above the towns and villages below is well worth the short trek.
Obviously if you like things a little more bustling, you should pay it a visit during the day. But on an evening when the main square is full of locals and tourists alike, out to enjoy dinner and a few drinks, then you will find the streets of the ancient old town gloriously bereft of people, but with all the lovely galleries and craft shops still open, and all that perfect golden light as the sun gives its last for the day.
Keep looking up for some of the local faces of the past, and afterwards sit and have a drink with some of the local faces of today (just hopefully not headless ones!).
Incidentally, it’s also worth a look at the newer part of the town too, it has equally lovely views… Enjoy.
beautiful photos! Surprised to see Labin being blogged about:) not the usual choice for visitors..
I think a friend of mine recommended it, and as we drove down. We absolutely loved it. Such a pretty place to explore! (:
Oh my lord – it’s gorgeous. That photo of the steps full of flowers!
Thank you for the photo-fest – Labin certainly warranted that.
Thanks so much Trish x
What a stunning place to visit – looks like the cat has the right idea!
Thanks Kara!
Looks great and so peaceful! I guess we share the same passion for beautiful facades, colorful doors and cute windows:)
I think we do! Thanks Teodora! :)
It really is such a beautiful area isn’t it? It’s a shame more people don’t see it x
Thanks Cass! :)
This place is absolutely incredible! Such colour and great buildings!
Thanks Tom! (:
Yellow is my favorite colour and these pictures make me happy. The colours are amazing. It looks like a beautiful historical place, albeit one with lots of steps!
Thank you Jen! (:
Labin is such a nice cute little town, I’ve been there 7 year ago… Great photos!
Lovely isn’t it? Thank you! :)
What a beautiful place! I’d never heard of Labin, but your pictures tell a wonderful story!
Thanks Vicki! (:
These photos look exactly like Cuba! Absolutely beautiful! :)
I can see the resemblance, apart from the big vintage cars! :D Thanks Crystal
Beautiful. I have never been to Croatia but it always looks like a combination of Italian and Greek architecture and atmosphere. Stunning views x
It really is! Thanks Louise! :)
Love seeing all the photos. Makes me want to go even more.
Thanks Lara! (:
Such a beautiful place to visit. Lovely photos. I love the winged lions. And the cat looks content. :)
Thanks Rebecca!
Beautiful, your pictures really draw me in and I could easily see myself wandering around those narrow streets and enjoying the views. Mich x
Thanks Michelle, glad you enjoyed the pictures! :)
I’m not surprised you took so many photographs! I love all the little touches in the walls such as the tiles and headless figure.
Thank you Jess! :)
Love the little cobbled streets and vibrant colours of the buildings, looks like the perfect place to explore! We’re just back from Slovenia (our first time in that part of the world) and are itching to try Croatia next, looks so beautiful.
Thank you Heather, Slovenia is lovely isn’t it? Parts of it were gorgeous as we drove through!
Croatia is on my ‘to visit’ list and we hope to go there next year! xx
I would really recommend it! Thanks Emma :)
What a beautiful place! I’d love to go back to Croatia to explore more of the country.
Thanks Kirstie! (:
I would love to visit here. I like the low-key atmosphere and the history. Your pictures captured it well!
Thank you Lisa! (:
Beautiful! I would be happy to see even more pictures :)
Thank you Kinga