Discover the beauty of Istria through vibrant town of Umag with stunning beaches, historical landmarks and cultural events
Umag town is a popular tourist destination located in the Istrian region of Croatia. It boasts a 20 km long coastline, full of picturesque bays, as well as a charming old town with narrow cobblestone streets. The hinterland of Umag reveals beautiful hills with fortifications that offer magnificent scenery and marvelous history, abundance of autochthonous agricultural specialties and friendly hosts. With over 60,000 hotel rooms and private accommodations, as well as well-run camping and caravan sites, town is a great holiday option, especially for those seeking an inexpensive getaway.
The town is also known for its marina and international tennis center, which hosts the Croatian Open tournament every July.
The History of Umag
Umag’s history dates back to Roman times and it has been part of various empires, including the Venetian Empire, Austrian rule, Italian rule, and Yugoslavia, before becoming part of independent Croatia in 1991.
What to see and do in Umag
The old town of Umag is compact and worth exploring, as it features remnants of its 10th-century walls. Visitors can also admire the
- 18th-century Church of St. Mary,
which houses a fresco by Giuseppe Bernardino Bison, and the
- Church of St. Rocco,
with its oil-painted wooden ceiling.
- The Town Museum,
located in a 14th-century former fortress, showcases local archaeological and historical artifacts. Meanwhile,
- the Marin Gallery
is a modern art gallery that also hosts cultural events.
located 7 km north of Umag, is the oldest lighthouse on the Croatian coast and a popular tourist attraction.
Activities in Umag
This area of Istria also offers several bike trails for those who enjoy cycling on their holidays. Adventure seekers can visit the Jangalooz Adventure Park for a unique tree-top experience.
Eating and drinking in Umag, Istria
For dining, Restaurant Badi is a fine-dining option located outside of town, specializing in fish dishes, while Konoba Rustica offers a range of Istrian and Italian dishes, including pasta and seafood. Konoba Buscina is a top-rated restaurant known for its meat, fish, and seafood dishes, and Viva Umag is a lively place that serves tasty meat and pasta dishes. Pizzeria Luna is a top choice for pizza, and the Goldfish Beach Bar has a great seaside location for cocktails or beer. Check our Top Restaurants guide for fine dining destinations around Umag.
Events in Umag, Istria
Umag hosts a number of exciting events throughout the year, including a New Year’s Day Bike Race, the Sea Star Festival in May, and the Croatian Open tennis tournament in July, complete with accompanying live music.
Accomodation in Umag
The town offers a good range of accommodation options, from 5-star hotels to family-friendly options and apartment-style rentals. The four-star Camping Stella Maris is one of the most popular campsites.
Getting to Umag
Visitors can fly to Pula Airport, located approximately 82 km south of Umag, or Trieste, located closer at 52 km away. Venice is another possible option. Direct shuttle buses from Pula or Trieste are available.
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