10 Things to See & Do in Umag & Novigrad

Umag (Photo: Ivo Biocina/CNTB)

By Iva Ralica

Istria is one of the most beautiful places in Croatia and every part of it has a lot to offer and show. This time we bring you 10 things to see and along it’s western coast and the towns of Umag and Novigrad.

1. DISCOVER THE BEACHES

Some of the most beautiful beaches in Istria are hidden around its northwestern part. Discover Laguna Stella Maris, Katoro beach only 3 km away from Umag, surrounded by pine trees, Sol Polynesia which is a combination of stone and sand, Aurora or Kanegra, some of which offer interesting activities.

2. VISIT THE OLD TOWN OF UMAG

Umag (Photo: Ivo Biocina/CNTB)

A picturesque town on the western coast of Istria is known since the early Stone Age, and is a place where the old tribe Histri used to live. Its rich history and beautiful buildings, as well as the Church of St. Mary and St. Peregrin offer a great walking tour.

3. VISIT THE SUBAQUATIC DIVE CENTER

Placed in Umag, this centre offers you to see the fascinating and unique underwater Istrian world. It also has one of the longest diving seasons on the Mediterranean.

4. VISIT NOVIGRAD

(Photo credit: Novigrad.hr)

Novigrad is set on a small peninsula on the western coast of Istria, two kilometres north of the river Mirna. Its beauty and cultural heritage together with turquoise blue sea around the Mandrač city port with a beautiful sunset are a great invitation for evening walks.

5. GALLERION MUSEUM

Gallerion museum (photo: coloursofistria.com)

The collection in the famous Austro-Hungarian Navy Museum in Novigrad tells a story about the old times when the naval forces of Austro – Hungary were the most powerful in the world. The collection contains old ships and weapon, maps, nautical instruments, uniforms, paintings and photographs and takes you back in time!

6. LAPIDARIUM MUSEM

Lapidarium museum (photo: coloursofistria.com)

This museum in Novigrad contains a collection of archeological remains, especially from the Roman period and alongside it offers contemporary art shows, exhibitions and different events.

7. EAT LOCAL FOOD

Truffles (photo: Zigante)

Truffles, pasta, ravioli, fuži, pršut, sea food, olive oil and great wines, especially the unique Istrian Malvasia, are only some of the great specialties to try while in Istria and around Umag and Novigrad. With a beautiful view over the sea, that is one magical experience to have.

8. SEE THE CROATIA’S NORTHERNMOST LIGHTHOUSE

(photo: Mihael Grmek / Under CC)

Lighthouse on Savudrija cape is the oldest one in Croatia, built in 1818. Including the surrounding buildings, the lighthouse has the surface of 530 m2 and is still active. It also guards the old love story between the Austrian count Metternich and a girl Gisella whose secret love nest should’ve been right here, had Gisella survived her illness.

9. PLAY TENNIS

Stella Maris in Umag (photo: coloursofistria.com)

Istria is known for its 430 tennis courts, some opened throughout the year. ATP Croatia Open is one of the most attractive international tennis tournaments and the oldest one in Croatia with the tradition of 28 years. It is held in July on ATP Stadium in Umag. Therefore, other tennis courts are a great choice as well, to help you feel like the best players seen on the ATP Stadium.

10. ENJOY THE BOAT RIDE

Experience a two hour trip from Umag to Savudrija on the boat with the glass floor! This is a great adventure even for a whole family and you can see the beautiful underwater world, but also get a chance to touch them, because the ride includes a crew member diving to find some of the sea creatures to show (and then return back into the sea).