About Umag
Umag is a town in western Istria and also the westernmost point of Croatia, opening its gates to travelers from all over Northern Europe to the stunning Adriatic coast. It captivates with its allure, diversity, and richness of tourist offerings, delighting travelers with its absolutely charming historic core, numerous interesting attractions, and beautiful surroundings with many fantastic sights.
For your holiday, there are plenty of beds and bedrooms in beautiful villas with pools and sea views. Here you will also find excellent Mediterranean cuisine, beautiful beaches, and plenty of sports activities - the town is particularly known for the annual Croatia Open, the country's oldest and most famous tennis tournament.
What Makes Umag Special?
This place is a beautiful seaside location welcoming visitors from Western Europe warmly. It prides itself on being the first place to greet visitors at the northern entrance to Istria and capturing hearts with its rich history, vibrant culture, and modern sports offerings.
The history of the town dates back to Roman times when nobles enchanted by the charms of the coast chose it as a summer residence. Today, it displays graceful architectural remnants of its historical past. The walls, fortresses, and a variety of Renaissance and Baroque buildings testify to a time when this place was a beacon of splendor and grandeur.
Located amidst pine forests, Umag offers natural shade and protection from the summer heat, ensuring pleasant travel even in midsummer. The beaches are known for their wide range of water activities, from surfing to boat trips. Active visitors love this place for its numerous sports activities such as cycling, hiking, mountain climbing, and climbing, especially for its international ATP tennis tournament held every July.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Umag?
The best time for your arrival depends on your preferences. Although winter is usually mild and sunny with occasional rainy days, summer is more popular with tourists, but everyone can find something for themselves throughout the year. Here, you'll find a warm, temperate climate with idyllic summers and short, cool winters.
The best time to visit is between July and August if you want to swim in the beautiful Adriatic and relax on one of the many beaches. If you're traveling with children, summer is also the best time to visit. Besides swimming and playing on the beach, there are many other entertainment options and fun, child-friendly day trips.
On the other hand, autumn and winter are better suited for people visiting to explore the cultural heritage. The streets and monuments are not crowded at this time of year, allowing you to fully experience the historical sights. The windy spring is ideal for sailing enthusiasts. Additionally, it's a good time for sports as temperatures are not too high, and there are plenty of opportunities for physical activity.
What Should You Definitely Visit?
During a holiday here, you can do many great things. Among the absolute top attractions are the romantic core with its churches and stone streets, the picturesque promenade, and of course, the many beautiful beaches. Here are some of the best activities you can do:
Explore the Old Town
The history of the center dates back to ancient times and was later discovered by Roman nobles. Today, you can still admire the remnants of walls and towers while strolling through the charming historic core. Beautiful and definitely worth a visit is the picturesque promenade with its stone houses, where fantastic restaurants and cozy cafes line up with stunning views of the sea.
Also, don't miss the medieval walls - dating back to the 10th century, they are the most famous landmark. The main square, Trg Slobode, is certainly one of the most beautiful squares in the center. However, the main attraction there is the Church of the Assumption of Mary, whose freestanding bell tower of St. Pellegrinus offers a view over the entire old town.
Discover the Lighthouse
One of the most beautiful attractions is the Savudrija Lighthouse, the country's oldest lighthouse, located about 9 kilometers from the center. The nearly 36-meter-high tower is beautifully situated on a cape whose wild romantic rocky beach invites you to spend a few relaxing hours by the sea. From here, you can particularly well watch the sunset.
Explore the Sunken City
Sipar, one of the most beautifully situated archaeological sites in this region, is only about 4 kilometers from Umag. It is located on a narrow peninsula near Polynesia Beach and can be reached by a walk during low tide. Due to archaeological finds, it can be assumed that the area in and around Sipar was already settled in the early Iron Age.
Visit the Beaches
Most beaches are pebble beaches or well-kept concrete beaches, but there are also beautiful hidden coves and sandy beaches inviting you for a swim.
Punta with its namesake Punta Beach is definitely one of the most popular places for a summer vacation. It is a beautifully landscaped sandy beach with partially paved areas and small pebble coves. The beautiful Laguna Stella Maris is a truly popular beach. The Blue Flag awarded pebble beach of the Stella Maria Resort is located close to the ATP Stadium 'Goran Ivanišević', where the ATP tennis tournament takes place in July.
Take a Day Trip
The town is the perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding towns and sights. Take a ferry or rent a boat (with skipper or, for the experienced, without skipper) to many beautiful places nearby. You can even change countries and take a trip to nearby Venice.
If you're traveling by car, there are plenty of charming mountain villages in the area. Grožnjan, Buje, and Motovun are just some of the highlights of the hinterland. Especially popular with families are the Aquapark Funtana and the Dinopark Funtana, both about 40 minutes away from the town. Also, some picturesque coastal towns like Novigrad and Poreč are not far away and can be visited as part of a day trip. Another great excursion destination is the famous Baredine Cave, but also the smaller Mramornica Cave is definitely worth a visit.
What Food Should You Try During Your Visit?
The rural traditions, fresh seasonal ingredients, and inventive chefs make this small peninsula a preferred destination for foodies. Yes, all of Istria is famous for its gourmet cuisine, and you'll easily find delicious homemade food everywhere. However, the northwest stands out. Most of the award-winning winemakers and olive oil producers in this region come from here. Umag is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, tomato fields, fruit orchards...
It is also primarily a fishing village, and no visit is complete without trying the seasonal fish and seafood specialties. Additionally, the hinterland excels in wine and olive oil production, and there is an enviable number of great restaurants and konobas that locals also enjoy. Dagnje na buzaru is a traditional dish of the Croatian coast, prepared with mussels as the main ingredient.
The Istrian soil is well suited for olive cultivation, and the region is a leader in olive oil production in Croatia. The town and its surroundings offer high-quality olive oils such as Oio de Buščina, Sapparis, and other native olive oils.
The wine routes lead to the heart of Istrian lifestyle, which has cultivated a special connection to wine. The special position of the entire Umag-Novigrad region in this endeavor is not surprising, as the region has always seemed destined for great achievements in winemaking. The sun-drenched hills and the unique blend of red and gray soils have always favored the growth of grapevines. Be sure to try the wines made from local varieties such as Muškat Momjanski, Malvazija Istarska, and Teran.
Here, you can even participate in a culinary walk, where you'll be offered two tastings and wine pairings while visiting the sights between the venues. Is there a better way to explore the authentic experiences in this culinary destination?
What Are the Best Activities to Do Here with Children?
There are plenty of kid-friendly activities to do in and around this town. In addition to the activities mentioned above, such as exploring the historic core, beaches, and the oldest lighthouse, visiting neighboring towns, and strolling along the promenade, there are many more activities you can enjoy with your children and your whole family. The town is known as the tennis chapter of Croatia and boasts some of the best tennis facilities if your children are into it.
There's also a wide selection of cycling and hiking trails you can include in your plans if you're an active family. If you enjoy adventures, there are many adventure and amusement parks to visit throughout Istria.
Istralandia is the first Croatian water park full of attractions and wild water fun for all ages. This magical water world covers an area of 81,000m2 and is located in the wooded hinterland of Novigrad. With its attractive water slides and the largest artificial wave pool, it's the perfect blend of pleasure, relaxation, and fun.
Adventurers can also opt for the Aquacolors Park in Poreč, which will surprise them with a variety of adrenaline attractions. This water park is the largest in the country. Adrenaline junkies will be thrilled to hear that this park offers no less than 17 different attractions, 13 of which are slides and hydrocoasters. In the relaxation area, there are wave pools and a lazy river you can float down.
Not far from Poreč, in a natural area with an impressive canyon and lush forests, there is an amusement park that stands out for its uniqueness. The Dinopark Fontana offers exciting tracks in beautiful scenery and a rich entertainment program. Thanks to the latest computer technology, the dinosaurs can even move. The park also offers an 800-seat show where variety, circus, and magic shows are performed daily.
Why Is Renting a Luxury Villa Here a Good Option?
The breathtaking place, known as the 'Croatian gateway to Europe,' is easily accessible from all sides and by all means of transport. Some time ago, the Roman nobility discovered this place for themselves and decided to conquer it as a summer residence. Even today, you can see the splendor and glamour of those glorious times. Umag is definitely a holiday destination for culture lovers.
But this place is not only a place to visit in summer; it has something to offer all year round. It's easy to spend a whole day at one of the many beaches and coves in the area, passing the time with swimming in crystal-clear waters.
To make your travel time a relaxing experience, Villsy has selected the best holiday homes for you. Whether you need an extra-large villa with a pool in Istria for the whole family or a beautiful stay for a romantic getaway, whatever size, how many bedrooms, what amenities you desire - in their diverse offering, you will find the right villa for your stay. They will do their best to make you feel as noble as the Roman emperors who once lived here.
FAQ
How much does a night stay cost here?
Rental prices can vary depending on size, number of bedrooms, amenities, and location, with the average weekly price for these holiday homes being €1098. The cheapest villas start at €698, while the more expensive villas can be rented from €1848 per week. Be sure to get in touch with Villsy and book your dream villa!
Where is the best place to book a villa here?
Villsy has the right holiday homes for your travel time in Croatia. On their website, you will find handpicked villas, and you can be sure that each villa offers you the highest comfort. Regardless of size, location, or amenities, Villsy offers you top-notch holiday accommodations so you can fully enjoy your time here.