Golden Cape Forest Park

Zlatni Rt, the Golden Cape, is the wooded headland immediately south of Rovinj, and the trees on it were planted: Baron Georg von Hutterott bought the estate in the 1890s and had the bare karst planted with Aleppo pine, cypress, cedar and holm oak, laying out paths and avenues in the process, so what looks like natural Mediterranean forest is a designed nineteenth century landscape. It was protected in 1961. Paths run through it to a series of small bays and rock swimming places, and the cliffs at the southern end are used for climbing. It is walked and cycled from Rovinj in a few minutes.

Highlights

• A planted forest, not a natural one - laid out from the 1890s.
• Pine, cedar and cypress on karst - the baron's planting scheme.
• Bays and rock swimming places - along the shore paths.
• Climbing cliffs at the far end - a well used crag.

When to go

April to October. Half a day.

Before you go

There are no sand beaches - swimming is off rocks and concrete. It is busy in July and August with everyone from Rovinj. Cars are restricted and parking is charged at the entrance. Facilities are a few seasonal bars.

Nearby

Rovinj's old town is minutes north; the Lim channel is up the coast.

Key facts