The Polesana Marina where resides Belisama is very close to the Pula arena, one of the best preserved Roman Arena in the world. Any visit to Pula starts with a tour of the Arena, and if you are lucky, you can attend to operas and concert during summer months, alternating with gladiator fights.
With the crew having arrived, we visited Rovinj by land as winds were not favourable for a 20 nautical miles cruise. But it is a must seen along the coast in any case, even though, it is best apprehended from the sea...
Rovinj old city centre from the harbour
Rovinj is one of the nicest spot along the Istrian Coast. The old city is centred around the Saint Euphemia basilic overseeing the whole area. On top of the basilic tower is the statue of Saint Euphemia, a Christian Martyr which indicates the direction of the winds. The reason for dedicating the basilic to Saint Euphemia is questioned. Rovinj devoted their city to this Orthodox church saint who was martyred in Chalcedon in 303 after JC. Rovinj claims that the Sarcophage of Saint Euphemia appeared miraculously along the coast of Istria and was brought up to the church by two bulls driven by a young kid. Since then the city is centred around the cult of Saint Euphemia, with celebration on 16 September.
Climbing on top of the bell tower should be avoided by anyone being subject to height sickness...
Saint Euphemia sarcophage
The view from the top is astonishing. For sailors, you can moor either on the far right side of the picture in the buoy field, where free anchoring will be charged for a decent cost, or on the left side where few boats are showing up, and probably for an acceptable price.
Rovinj, from the tower bell top.
Then we departed from Marina Polesana, heading to Cres islands. However, with head winds, we could not make the crossing before night and decided to anchor in Polje cove, on the way, with Porer lighthouse in background, marking the Southern spot of Isria.
From Polje, the following day, we engaged in a 27 mile crossing to Cres, which we reach mid-afternoon right in time of a refreshing swim.
Cres monastery, where anchoring is free and accessible with tender easily. Very nice spot!
110 nautical miles over the 5 days
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