Located in North Istria, a wonderful historic town Umag is among the most popular coastal Croatian tourist destinations. Tennis fans know it very well because of the annual Croatian Open tournament. Still, this picturesque old town also has a rich history and beautiful architecture, making it a perfect holiday destination.
If Umag is on your destination list and you’re wondering what to do there while visiting, our short guide will make planning your itinerary a lot easier. If you want to make your vacation memorable, staying in one of the numerous villas in Umag will surely do its magic.
Explore the Umag Historic Old Town
Umag, a real Croatian vacation gem, has a long history that dates back to ancient times. The location was so beautiful that later, Roman noblemen chose it as a dream place to build their holiday houses, just as beautiful as the ones Villsy offers you for your stay.
While you stroll down the cobbled streets of the old town, you can see beautiful Roman villas just as the traces of turbulent times that followed, and medieval walls that embrace the city from the 10th century.
If you want to learn more about the history of the city, head to the Bishop’s Tower and visit the Museum of Umag, where you can explore permanent and various temporary exhibitions.
To make this exploration complete, after the museum, make a stop at the main square, and sit in one of the cute local cafes or restaurants to feel the real city vibe.
Relax on Umag’s Beautiful Beaches
Getting to Istria and visiting Umag wouldn’t be complete without enjoying one of Umag’s marvellous beaches. The city has an amazing, 45 kilometers long coastline, decorated with enchanting beaches and crystal clear sea. Some of the most popular Umag beaches are – Laguna Stella Maris, Osmica, and the main city beach. You can enjoy all three of these beaches when travelling with children, as they are family-friendly. The beaches are also well-equipped with versatile amenities, and areas for relaxation so you and your children could enjoy. In addition to all that, beach Osmica also has an outdoor seawater swimming pool.
Even though it’s located 9 kilometres outside the Umag, Savurdija beach is a place you should not miss. This beach is one of the landmarks of Umag with its wooden pillars and Savudrija Lighthouse. The place is even more amazing at sunset when you can enjoy the mesmerizing game of colours, light, and shadows.
Experience the Thrill of Water Sports
If you’re an active traveller and love water sports, you will enjoy your vacation in Umag even more as the city offers a variety of water activities.
Umag’s crystal clear waters are perfect for exploring the underwater world and the city’s sea depths. On this adventure, you will get a chance to witness the remains of the shipwrecks, different species of fish, corals, and other sea creatures.
While in Umag you can also try other exciting water sports, like parasailing, surfing on sup board, windsurfing, riding a banana boat, water skiing, and many others. You can explore Umag’s coast by renting a kayak to get a view of the city from another angle.
Visit Local Vineyards and Enjoy Wine Tasting
A wine trip in Istria, with Umag as a key destination, promises to be a memorable adventure through one of Croatia’s most celebrated wine regions. The Mediterranean climate is perfect for creating outstanding wines, and Istrian soil adds just a little bit more spice to it. Whether you’re a real connoisseur or just enjoy a glass of wine now and then, visit local vineyards and indulge in wine tasting while vacationing in Umag.
Try some local wine varieties like Malvasia or Teran, from one of the renowned winemakers. Learn all the secrets of the traditional winemaking process from experienced professionals and take a tour through the vineyard to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes that complement the region’s superb wines. For a complete sensory experience, you should pair your tastings with local cheeses, prosciutto, and olives which most of the wineries offer. After the wine tasting, you can purchase your favourite wines directly from the source, bringing a piece of Istria’s rich viticultural heritage back home with you.
Delight in the Local Cuisine at Umag’s Restaurants
Croatian cuisine is amazing no matter which destinations you decide to visit, and Umag is just one of the places that confirms that. You can find many restaurants in Umag. Whether you enjoy seafood, homemade pasta, or well-prepared meat there is something for everyone. For a real Istrian food experience, try dishes with fresh truffle and pasta called Fuzi, or some of the other traditional Croatian dishes like black risotto, grilled fish, oysters, or fritaja. With each bite, the culinary traditions and authentic flavours of this area will completely take over all of your senses and leave you craving for more.