Episode 156
Idemo na ples!
Our Croatian Summer Destination Series refuses to end.
It will never be stopped!
We are in the lovely city of Rovinj today.
Let’s learn some special vocabulary and phrases you might need for your visit to this gem of the Istrian peninsula.
Lesson
Istrian peninsula - Istarski poluotok
Old town - stari grad
tight streets - uske ulice
Grisia street - Grisia ulica
Art galleries - umjetničke galerije
St. Euphemia Church - crkva Sveta Eufemia
Rovinj is on the Istrian peninsula. - Rovinj se nalazi na istarskom poluotoku.
Grisia street has many art galleries. - Ulica Grisia ima mnogo umjetničkih galerija.
Super Slatko Report
In this edition of the Super Slatko Report, DJ Moe tells us about an annual event that’s held in Rovinj every year. The Croatian Summer Salsa Festival brings together beginners and experts from all over the world to enjoy dancing and festivities. What a treat!
If you’re not into dancin’ or cutting a rug, maybe you haven’t seen Salsa live and in person, its pretty fantastic; they do body rolls, cross-body leads, and high-octane spins; really exciting stuff! And every summer, the picturesque town of Rovinj, Croatia, trades in its quiet cobblestone charm for a full-throttle celebration of salsa, bringing dancers from around the world together for a week of sweaty brilliance. The Croatian Summer Salsa Festival, or as the locals and dance diehards lovingly call it, “CSSF,” is part beach vacation, part dance pilgrimage, and from what i read; crazy addictive.
The Croatian Summer Salsa Festival first spun onto the scene in 2005, founded by the creative team behind the dance organization Los Mamberos, based in Zagreb in collaboration with Salsa Adria Productions. Inspired by the global rise of salsa, they envisioned a festival that would combine top-tier instruction, all-night parties, and the magnetic backdrop of Rovinj’s sun-soaked coast. The Old Town, the beaches, the Mediterranean air—it’s the kind of place that practically begs you to move your hips.
So, what actually happens at this thing? Workshops. Beach parties. Social dancing until the sun comes up. The days are filled with high-energy dance classes taught by world-renowned instructors—from salsa and bachata to kizomba and styling sessions. Whether you’re trying to master your “on 2” footwork or just learn how to not step on your partner’s toes, there’s something for every level. By night, the city transforms. Open-air stages, castle parties, and dance floors on the beach to keep things rolling well past midnight. There’s too many good things going on, but there is a clear stand out . The Saturday Night Gala, this is where dancers dress to impress and legends of the salsa world often perform. And don’t worry—there are also plenty of informal pop-up parties and “just dance” zones for anyone who wants to keep it low-key.
If you’re thinking of going, here’s what you’ll need to know. Fly into Pula Airport (PUY), which is the closest and just about 40 km from Rovinj (24.85 miles). You can also fly into Zagreb or Venice and take a bus or rent a car. As for accommodations, Rovinj fills up fast during the festival, so book early. Hotels, Airbnbs, and even nearby campgrounds are options, depending on your budget. You’ll want lightweight clothing (breathable fabrics are your friend for all the dancin’ you’re gonna do), a good pair of dance shoes, and maybe a second pair for beach dancing. Festival pass pricing vary depending on how many workshops or parties you want to attend, remember to to also budget daily expenses—food, drinks and beach lounging. Renting a Car is optional; Rovinj is a walkable town, and shuttle services are available during the festival. Rideshares are limited, so plan ahead.
This festival isn’t just for professionals or seasoned salsa veterans—though you’ll definitely see some world champions brushing shoulders with beginners on the same dance floor. The beauty of CSSF is that it’s built for everyone: curious newcomers, intermediate dancers, and those who just love the music and the community vibe. Many people come solo and leave with a dozen new friends from five different countries.
So, if your idea of a vacation includes sweating through your shirt while grinning ear to ear, sipping cocktails with salsa beats bouncing off medieval walls, then CSSF just might be your bona fide summer destination.
And thats it for the Super Slatko Report.
