Sveti Ivan na pučini

St. John lighthouse, built in 1853. It is located on the most distant islet of the small archipelago in front of Rovinj. This islet is actually a 70 x 50 meter rock with a relatively easily accessible shore and shallow waters, which makes St. John an ideal destination for families with children that would like to spend a Robinson Crusoe type of holiday.

The 23 m high lighthouse tower offers fabulous view. There are two four-bed apartments in the lighthouse building. The islet has a berth where smaller boats can be pulled out with a crane. Due to splendid underwater sites and numerous species of fish, this destination is very popular for those looking to get away from the everyday life, as well as for those that like to go fishing and diving.

Rock formation on St. John is ideal for suntanning. There are two beaches with shallow waters on opposite sides of the islet. We advise swimmers to be cautious and not to swim far away from the coast due to changing currents.

THE STORY

A Venetian doge was navigating in the direction of Rovinj in unfavorable weather conditions. His crew spotted the dangerous cliffs of St. John on time and changed their navigation route. The doge vowed to St. John to light him a candle as high as a cathedral tower if he made it safe and sound to Rovinj. After having arrived safely to Rovinj, the doge forgot about his vow. Since he was in a hurry back to Venice he did not even light a little candle on. He remembered that he had not kept his promise several months later when he found himself in the middle of a tempest in the same area. His ship was thrown into the cliffs of St. John and the whole crew along with the doge disappeared in the stormy sea.
Depths of the sea that surrounds St. John vary from ten meters to forty meters where the seabed is rocky and rich in flora and species of fish. St. John is perfectly suited for underwater and sports fishing.