Istria is famous for its charming coastal towns. Among them, Vrsar stands out as one of the most beautiful destinations. Placed on the west coast of Istria, Vrsar will provide you with everything you need for a perfect vacation. From discovering the city’s long history, and stunning beaches, to exploring rich gastronomic offers, here is how to spend your time while in Vrsar.
The Historical Heritage of Vrsar
When you enter Vrsar, you can immediately notice that the city is filled with history. The heart of Vrsar is its old town, a real museum in the open. It is placed on top of the hill, while underneath it is a harbor.
You can enter the city through the main city gate. This historic entrance was built in the 13th century by Venetians. Walking up the narrow, cobble streets will take you to the Church of St. Martin, the biggest church in Vrsar. Here you can also find the Vrsar Castle. The castle was originally built as a summer residence for bishops who ruled here in the 16th century. Today it’s in private ownership.
Thanks to its uphill location, Vrsar has a lot of viewpoints overlooking the Adriatic Sea and surrounding islands. One of the best ones is the Bell Tower of Vrsar. Even though today, it doesn’t serve as a bell tower, inside you can find an exhibition of old bells. With its 40-meter height, the tower will provide you with a breathtaking view of the whole Vrsar and its archipelago.
Beaches and Sea Activities
One of the best parts of vacationing in Vrsar is the beaches. Most of the beaches are pebble or rocky, with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming or simply lying in the sun. Some of the most popular town beaches are Orsera and Belvedere.
One of the best nudist camps in Europe is located in Vrsar. Naturist Camp Koversada is a perfect place to visit if you’re looking for peace in a natural environment away from the crowds. Koversada is located on the island, but you can reach it on foot from Vrsar, by crossing the bridge.
Vrsar is surrounded by 18 small islands. Most of the islands in the archipelago are uninhabited. The best way to explore them is by boat or kayak. This way you can explore hidden coves, swim in secluded bays, and enjoy the beautiful Adriatic scenery at your own pace.
To discover the marine life of Vrsar, you can pick one of the several diving centers that offer courses for beginners but also organize trips for experienced divers. On these tours, you can explore shipwrecks, underwater caves, and beautiful reefs near the Lim Channel.
The Lim Channel, located just a short distance from Vrsar, is a narrow fjord-like bay stretching around 10 kilometers inland from the Adriatic Sea. This natural phenomenon is a must-visit place for everyone visiting Vrsar. The channel is famous for its crystal-clear waters and abundant sea life, particularly its mussel and oyster farms, which thrive in the nutrient-rich waters. Visitors can take guided boat tours that include stops for swimming and snorkeling or enjoy seafood delicacies in one of the local restaurants nestled along the channel’s shores.
Gastronomy and Wine
Istrian cuisine is famous for fresh, local groceries and a combination of Mediterranean and continental flavors. While in Vrsar you will get a chance to enjoy authentic Istrian dishes made from seafood and homemade pasta. Some of the most famous ones are fuzi.
Istria is one of the few regions in the world where truffles grow. Truffles, especially white truffles, which are the most prized, grow in the forests surrounding Vrsar. Your stay in Vrsar is the perfect opportunity to enjoy this delicacy. Numerous restaurants and taverns in Vrsar offer dishes with truffles, from pasta, and risotto, to simple dishes such as omelets, where truffles add a richness of flavor. In addition to enjoying the food, you can participate in organized “truffle hunts“.
Vrsar has a rich wine tradition. Even though the city is small, the area has a lot of vineyards where famous Istrian wines, Malvazija, and Terran are produced. While you’re in Vrsar visit one of the wineries and find out more about how wine is made and try some of the wines.
Culture and Entertainment
During summer months Vrsar hosts numerous events. One of the most famous ones is Vrsar Summer Nights. During this event, a series of concerts is held outdoors in interesting locations or by the sea.
For art lovers, near the city center, you can visit the statue park of the famous artist Dušan Džamonja. His sculptures are placed out in the open and incorporated with the nature surrounding the artist’s house and studio.
How to get to Vrsar?
Vrsar is well connected to the rest of Istria, and it is easy to reach by car from Poreč, Rovinj, or Pula. For those traveling by plane, the nearest airport is in Pula, about 50 kilometers away. Also, Vrsar has a good bus connection with larger cities in the region, so it is easily accessible by public transport.
If you plan to visit Vrsar, the best time to do so is summer, when all facilities are open and the city is bustling with life. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, spring and early autumn are also great options as you can enjoy a calmer atmosphere and the weather is still ideal for swimming and exploring.
When we talk about accommodation, Villsy villas in Vrsar offer a luxurious and relaxing stay, with private pools, modern interiors, and a beautiful view of nature or the sea. The villas are ideal for families and groups looking for a quiet vacation with top comfort and proximity to all local attractions.