Umag

General information

• Umag tourist information
• Istria tourist information
• Umag Wikipedia
• Istria Wikipedia
• Climate
• Wind, waves, weather
  

Paddleboarding

Umag is a relatively large Istrian port town and, as such, a popular destination for stand-up paddlers. Since Umag also includes 22 other settlements located between the municipality of Novigrad and the Slovenian border, the Umag coastline stretches for about 35 km (depending on how precisely you measure all the bays). Paddling is permitted everywhere here, except in the ports of Umag and Savudrija, as these are off-limits to water sports enthusiasts (SUP, kayaking, etc.).

The town of Umag offers a mix of man-made and natural paddling areas. Among the man-made sites are the Stella Maris Lagoon and the Stella Maris Marina, both of which are part of the Stella Maris Resort. You can explore both as part of a northern tour (coming soon online).

Of course, there are also many natural stretches of shoreline and the brick-paved bathing areas so typical of Croatia. The south tour (coming soon online) includes both and leads all the way to the heart of the Old Town.

Since the entire west coast of Istria is well-connected, you can paddle further north or south from Umag and will always end up in a village that is still part of the municipality. Or you can simply start your tour in the northern or southern part of the municipality — for example, in Savudrija or in Duba.

Swimming

Umag offers numerous beaches with good amenities (showers, changing rooms, restaurants). Most of them consist of gravel, concrete slabs, or rocks and are known for their crystal-clear water.

Children will particularly enjoy the flat sections, such as those at the sandy beaches (Small Sandy Beach, Sandy Beach and Sand Beach), as well as at Osmica-Beach, which also features seawater pools and play areas for kids.

In early summer, the water temperature in the Adriatic Sea here typically reaches a pleasant 23–25 °C, and in August it can even reach 27 °C. Many beaches, such as Polynesia Beach near Katoro, Osmica or Laguna Stella Maris, have been awarded the Blue Flag and also offer lounge chair and umbrella rentals.

In addition, there are other beautiful coves in the surrounding area, with fragrant, shady pine forests.

The Istralandia Water Park is located about 15 km away near Novigrad and features numerous slides, pools, and attractions that are open daily during summer season. Shuttle service is also available from Umag.

Worth seeing

Umag has a small old town with narrow, cobblestone streets, Venetian houses, and small palaces. It forms the historic heart of the resort, and its central gathering place is Trg Slobode (Freedom Square), with its cafés and lively atmosphere. Be sure to take a stroll along the city walls and past the restaurants and bars.

The 17th-century Baroque parish church of the Assumption of Mary is considered the town’s most important religious building. With its striking bell tower, it dominates the Old Town, while its interior reveals valuable works of art.

The Museum of Umag, located in the medieval Bishop's Tower, displays archaeological finds from Roman times, historical documents, and everyday objects. It offers a good overview of Umag's history from antiquity to the present day.

North of Umag, the Kap Tiola archaeological site in Katoro, is open to the public and features the remains of a Roman villa (Villa Rustica) dating from the 1st to the 4th century AD. Visitors can explore the foundation walls, the remains of a bathhouse, and a cistern.

The small inland town of Buje is worth a visit. A signposted circular route leads through the narrow, winding old town, which is enthroned on a hilltop. From the fourth floor of the San Martino Tower you can enjoy a phenomenal panoramic view as far as the sea and shortly afterward stop at the viewpoint, which is nearby. The tower of the Church of St. Servul can also be climbed, it is even the second-highest bell tower in Istria.

Also, the nearby mountain town of Brtonigla is worth mentioning. With its medieval fortress, it offers panoramic views of vineyards and olive groves. It also hosts an annual chocolate festival.

Extra Tips

In the summer, a wide variety of events take place, such as the Sea Star Festival. The newly redesigned market offers fresh food, olive oil, and artisanal products

The ATP Croatia Open Umag, Croatia’s largest tennis tournament, takes place every July. It attracts international players and many visitors, accompanied by concerts and events featuring international stars. The facility is also attractive to athletes outside the tournament.

There are plenty of guided boat tours to the surrounding area departing from Umag. A glassboat panoramic tour offers a unique view of the underwater life along the Istrian coast without having to get in the water, while the 3-Bay-Tour provides a complete experience including brunch, drinks, and the opportunity to snorkel. Evening boat trips invite you to end the day in a relaxed way, including wine tasting — just in case the Fish Picnic Tour to Poreč wasn’t enough for you. In addition, there are many other ways to explore the sea around Umag by boat.

Just a few hundred meters from the town center is a great, free sports field with countless opportunities for play and training. In addition to soccer, basketball, and volleyball fields, there are also table tennis tables, a running track, and a street workout area. In general, Umag offers many free sports facilities.

The Jangalooz Adventure Park offers a fantastic high ropes course for visitors of all ages, winding through the forest and natural surroundings. With various difficulty levels, including a giant zip line, it’s perfect for an action-packed day trip.

The area is known for its vineyards and wineries, where excellent Malvazija and Teran wines are produced. Wineries such as Kozlović and Coronica offer tastings and guided tours. A culinary highlight for anyone who wants to experience Istrian wine culture.

In addition to grapes, olives are also very popular throughout Istria. During an olive oil tasting at Olive Charm or Olivo Istriano, you can learn more about the ancient production process and the history of this natural product.

A well-developed network of bike and hiking trails winds through olive groves, vineyards, and along the coast. The routes are mostly easy, family-friendly, and perfect for actively exploring the countryside. The Parenzana Bike Trail from Trieste to Poreč is particularly worth highlighting.

The Zingarella Waterfall (Cingarela) is a hidden natural gem in the hinterland, perfect for an adventurous hike through shady beech forests. Especially in summer, the natural pools invite you to swim far away from the crowded tourist trails. Hiking boots and long hiking pants are recommended.

Overnight Stay

Stella Maris Resort
Hotels, Mobile Homes, Camping, Apartments
Ul. Stella Maris 8a, 52470 Umag
Phone +385 (0)52 710 550

Hotel Sipar Plava Laguna
Jadranska ul. 78, 52470 Umag
Phone +385 (0)52 700 700

Moratto’s Apartments
Duba 19, 52470 Umag

San Valentino Palace
Trgovacka ulica 1, 52470 Umag
Phone +385 (0)95 3939 994

Vila Bianca
Križine 48 g, 52470 Umag 
Phone +385 (0)99 521 4579

Garden Palace Resort
Ulica Miroslava Krleže 1, 52470 Umag
Phone +385 (0)91 581 2134

Gastronomy

Café Bar Fons
Giuseppe Mazzini 8, 52470 Umag
Phone +385 (0)91 561 2854

Buoni Amici Bar
Garibaldi 15, 52470 Umag
Phone +385 (0)98 928 3677

Africa Beach Bar
Moela, 52470 Umag
Phone +385 (0)91 896 2696

STEAK & FISH
Trg Marije i Line 10, 52470 Umag
Phone +385 (0)91 612 6156

Konoba Bonaca Punta
Šetalište Vladimira Gortana 24, 52470 Umag
Phone +385 (0)99 873 1130

Konoba Kaleta
Sveti Mihael 1, 52470 Umag
Phone +385 (0)52 742 523

Ma-Ni
Ulica Marina Bemba 3, 52470 Umag
Phone +385 (0)52 751 222