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Umag: Things to Do & Travel Tips from a Local

    Umag is a charming village located along the picturesque croatian coast, known for its stunning marina, the ACI Marina Umag, for being the proud host of the prestigious Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag tennis tournament and serving as the venue for numerous captivating summer music festivals. In this guide, we will explore the top attractions and best things to do in Umag, along with providing practical tips on the best accommodations, restaurants, and beaches.

    Umag is a small coastal town located in the northwest region of Croatia, on the Istrian Peninsula. The town has a long history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to ancient Roman times, and its old town captivates visitors with its enchanting labyrinth of narrow streets, adorned with traditional houses and centuries-old buildings.

    One of the main reasons to visit Umag is for its beautiful beaches. Whether you seek tranquility in secluded coves or prefer vibrant stretches of sand bustling with water sports and activities, the town offers a diverse range of options. The crystalline waters of the Adriatic Sea are ideal for swimming and a variety of water-based pursuits. An additional highlight of Umag is the renowned annual Croatia Open ATP Tennis Tournament, held in July. This prestigious event draws some of the world’s top players, providing spectators with the opportunity to witness live matches while engaging in accompanying events and activities.

    Umag’s advantageous location within the Istria region also makes it an exceptional base for exploring the surrounding areas. This region is celebrated for its picturesque hilltop towns, captivating countryside and delectable local cuisine. Within a short drive, visitors can explore charming towns like Novigrad, Poreč, and Rovinj, all of which are well worth a visit. Whether you are interested in beach activities, tennis, culinary delights, or immersing yourself in the charm of the neighboring towns and countryside, Umag offers something for everyone.

    Best Things to Do in Umag

    Umag Old Town

    Umag Old Town is a charming and historic settlement situated at the end of the port of Umag. What is now a peninsula used to be an island once, and the town was fortified with walls, a town gate, and a drawbridge in the 10th century. The town walls have been partially preserved on the southwestern part, next to the Town Museum. One of the defense towers with battlements, shaped like “a swallow’s tail”, can still be seen from the seaside.

    As you enter the historic core of the town, you will be greeted by the Church of St. Roche. It was built after the plague epidemics in 1507. Inside the church, you can admire a remarkable wooden ceiling painted with oil in the 18th century. Continuing to explore the town, you will come across the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. Peregrine, the patron saint of Umag. The church was designed by architect Filippo Dongeti from Piran, but the late Baroque façade remained unfinished.

    The main square is dominated by a freestanding 1651 limestone bell tower, towering at 33 meters. Accompanying it is a 14th-century church with a beautifully painted interior in pastels of blue, yellow, and peach. Walking through the narrow Gothic and Renaissance streets, you will encounter plenty of preserved medieval architecture and remnants of the fortified walls. The town’s expansive harbor is a delightful setting and worth spending some time around.

    While strolling through the town, you will discover numerous historical landmarks, such as the public town cistern from 1677, which was renovated in 1780. Behind the parish church, you can spot a metal ball impressed into the wall, believed to be a cannonball fired by a ship from Genoa in 1810.

    The ancient houses, adorned with lovely byphoras, narrow streets, coats of arms, and inscriptions, contribute to the distinctive character of Umag. They can be found on the western side of the town. Notably, the façade of the house in Epifanio Street No. 3 showcases an immured Christian sarcophagus from the 5th century.

    Many houses also feature holed stone girders used for hanging and displaying embroidered posters, which protected the interior of the homes from sunlight. Lastly, be sure to continue your journey to the breakwater. Its construction began in 1825, and it stretches 404 meters long. As you make your way to St. Pelegrine Beach, you will encounter the church bearing the same name. It was constructed in 1401 on the site where St. Peregrine endured his martyrdom.

    ACI Marina Umag

    ACI Marina Umag is a premier destination for yachtsmen and boaters. Known for its pristine sea and top-notch facilities, Umag has been awarded the Blue Flag for decades and serves as the primary nautical entry into Croatia from central Europe. Located a mere 21 nautical miles from Trieste and 50 nautical miles from Venice, ACI Marina Umag is easily accessible to boaters from around the world.

    The marina, situated in the northern part of the city port, is open year-round. It can accommodate boats up to 60 meters in length and offers boaters everything they need for a pleasant stay and boat maintenance. With 494 sea berths and 90 land berths, the marina is equipped with water and electricity, providing all necessary amenities. Boaters with larger vessels will appreciate the marina’s 50-ton travel-lift.

    One of the significant advantages of ACI Marina Umag is its convenient location. Within walking distance of the marina, you’ll find some of the best accommodations in town, such as Rocca Riviera Umag Luxury Apartments, Residence Umag Plava Laguna, and Hotel Sipar Plava Laguna Umag. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, several options are just a short drive away.

    One such option is Villa Punta Mulino in Lovrečica, a mere 7 km from Umag. Wellness Villa Istriana is another luxurious choice, located only 3 km from Umag’s city center. For a truly upscale experience, consider the 5-star Kempinski Hotel Adriatic Istria Croatia, located just 10 km away. Additionally, the Mulino Luxury Boutique Hotel, boasting one of the best hotels and casinos in Croatia, can be found nearby.

    ACI Marina Umag offers a wide range of services and amenities for boaters, including a reception, currency exchange, restaurant, restrooms, laundry facilities, grocery store, and technical service. A petrol station is conveniently located just 200 m from the marina, making refueling hassle-free.

    If you’re looking to explore the area, renting a car is an excellent option. Several major car rental agencies are within walking distance of the marina, making it easy to hit the road. However, it is advisable to book in advance during the summer and important events like the Croatia Open Umag, the Sea Star Festival, cycling races, or marathons. Rentalcars.com and Discovercars.com are both great resources for checking prices, availability, and booking the best car hire in Umag.

    City Museum

    The Museum of the City of Umag is located at the top of the peninsula, in the 14th-century Episcopal Tower, and offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the area. The tower, which once served as a fortress to defend the city from coastal attacks, has been converted into a museum and has been open to the public since 1976. When the museum first opened, it had only a small collection of stone monuments and works of art. However, through the acquisition and preservation of private collections, the museum has significantly expanded and is now regarded as a prestigious cultural and research institution.

    Visitors to the museum can enjoy fine art and captivating temporary exhibitions on the first floor. The second floor houses a permanent collection of ancient epigraphs, tombstones, and the coats of arms of former Venetian city leaders. The museum actively conducts archaeological and historical-artistic research and hosts art exhibits, lectures, and workshops. In addition to the art displays, the museum boasts several collections, including an archaeological collection that showcases ceramic, glass, bone, stone, and metal objects spanning from prehistory to the modern age.

    The numismatic collection features paper banknotes and metallic coins, while the collection of stone monuments brings together artifacts from the Umag area, such as ancient tombstones from the 1st-2nd century, fragments of medieval sacred stone furnishings, and coats of arms belonging to Venetian leaders and renowned noble families of Umag from the 15th and 16th centuries.

    The museum welcomes visitors year-round.
    Summer hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 10 am to 1 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm; Sunday – 10 am to 1 pm.
    Winter hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 10 am to 12 pm; Thursday and Friday – 10 am to 12 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm. However, it is recommended to verify the hours as they are subject to change. Entry to the Museum of the City of Umag is free of charge, offering an affordable and educational way to spend your time in Umag.

    Church of St. Mary and St. Peregrin

    The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Peregrin, also known as the Church of St. Mary and St. Peregrin, is a catholic place of worship located in Slobode Liberta (Liberty Square), the town main square. This beautiful architectural masterpiece holds a rich history and cultural significance for the local community.

    Originally constructed between 1730 and 1757 on the ruins of a previous building destroyed during a storm in 1651, the church boasts a late baroque facade. An intriguing feature that sets it apart is the unfinished upper part of the portal, giving the church a unique character. The lower section, on the other hand, showcases baroque style and was designed by the architect Filippo Dongetti. It is distinguished by six pilasters and a shell-shaped niche on the portal.

    The interior of the church is equally impressive, featuring a single nave, six lateral niches, and seven marble altars. Inside, you can find various treasures, including a fragment of a 15th-century wooden altarpiece depicting Saints Peter, Martin, and Anthony, a 17th-century crucifix, and a canvas by Palma il Giovane. The ceiling of the church showcases a fresco attributed to Giuseppe Bernardino Bison, while the main altar is adorned with marble statues of San Pellegrino and San Niceforo, created by Antonio Bosa. The organ, crafted by the venetian Francesco Dacci in 1776, remains a remarkable piece.

    Adjacent to the church building stands a bell tower, soaring 33 meters tall. Originally constructed in the 15th century and later restored in 1691, the bell tower features mullioned windows on the belfry floor. The external walls are adorned with a lion of St. Mark, originally placed on the Pretorio palace that was destroyed by fire in 1924, and a relief of San Pellegrino holding the castle of Umag, which was once positioned at the village gateway. The top of the bell tower is crowned with an octagonal drum and a cusp.

    During the summer months, the Church of St. Mary and St. Peregrin welcomes visitors free of charge, remaining open for most of the day. Daily masses are held in the morning at 8:00 and in the evening at 7:00. On Sundays, there are masses in Italian at 9:00 and 11:00, and an evening mass in Croatian at 7:00. In winter, the church is typically closed, except during mass. Unfortunately, the bell tower is not open to the public.

    Church of St. Roch

    The Church of St. Roch, also known as Crkva Sv. Roka, is a small yet historically significant church in Umag. Constructed in 1514, this church holds a special place in the hearts of the Umag community, as it was built in response to a devastating plague epidemic that struck the town in the 16th century. Situated at the entrance to the Old Town of Umag, it stands as a prominent and well-known landmark for both visitors and locals.

    Upon entering the church, visitors are greeted by wooden statues of St. Roch, St. Sebastian, and St. Christopher, all esteemed saints in the Catholic faith. The church underwent renovations in 1788, resulting in modifications and updates to the interior. The old altar was replaced with a stone one, and the ceiling now features a wooden tableau depicting a scene from the life of St. Roch, skillfully painted by the artist Domenico Martinelli.

    The Church of St. Roch welcomes visitors during its regular opening hours, typically from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm during the summer months. Opening hours may vary outside the peak tourist season. Admission to the church is free.

    Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag

    The Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag is an annual ATP men’s tennis tournament held in Umag. Sponsored by Plava Laguna, the tournament has been part of the ATP Tour’s 250 series since its inception in 1990. It originally started as the Yugoslav Open and is considered the oldest tennis tournament in Croatia, being held every year since its creation.

    The tournament takes place on outdoor red clay courts at the ATP Stadium Gorana Ivaniševića named after the renowned Croatian tennis player Goran Ivanišević. The stadium is situated within the picturesque Stella Maris Resort, which not only serves as the tournament venue but also hosts a series of musical events and concerts featuring some of the best international stars from the dance, rock, and pop music scenes.

    The Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag stands as one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in Europe, attracting top-ranked players from around the world. Carlos Moyá holds the record for the most tournament wins, with a remarkable five victories, including three consecutive titles. The tournament schedule features a diverse range of activities for tennis enthusiasts, including family events, a Sports Village with numerous engaging activities for fans, and the Dance Arena, which hosts nightly concerts and dance events.

    Moreover, tennis enthusiasts can put their skills to the test at the Umag Tennis Academy, which boasts professional-level courts and top-notch instructors. The academy serves as an ideal place for both learning and enjoyment, catering to professionals and aspiring players seeking serious training.

    For those seeking accommodations in the heart of the tournament action, the Stella Maris Resort offers a variety of options, including Apartments Stella Plava Laguna, Apartments Amfora Plava Laguna, Hotel Umag Plava Laguna, and Istrian Villas Plava Laguna. These accommodations are conveniently located near the tennis courts and provide a festive atmosphere that complements the tournament experience.

    Savudrija Lighthouse

    Savudrija Lighthouse, situated near the village of Savudrija at the northern tip of the Istrian peninsula, holds the distinction of being the oldest operational lighthouse in the Adriatic. Completed in 1818 and designed by architect Pietro Nobile, the lighthouse was financed through a share issue facilitated by the Trieste Chamber of Commerce. This initiative was prompted by the chamber’s advocacy for a lighthouse to aid navigation to the Port of Trieste. The project received sponsorship from Francis I of Austria, who personally witnessed the inaugural lighting of the lighthouse in April 1818.

    Originally illuminated using coal gas, the Savudrija Lighthouse was the first of its kind to employ this method. While initially hailed as a success, ongoing issues necessitated a swift transition to an oil-fueled system. The tower, constructed using local stone, stands at a height of 19 meters and features a double gallery and a gray lantern. Additional structures, including a two-story principal keeper’s house and several single-story buildings, were later added and completed in 1821. In the late 19th century, the tower’s height was extended by 10 meters, reaching its current stature of 29 meters.

    Although automated, the lighthouse is still staffed by keepers who ensure its operation and maintenance. The current keeper represents the fifth generation of his family to serve in this role. Positioned 36 meters above sea level, the light emits three flashes of white light every fifteen seconds, offering a range of 30 nautical miles.

    Apart from its functional significance, the Savudrija Lighthouse is also accompanied by a romantic legend. According to the tale, Count Metternich commissioned its construction for a Croatian lady of noble birth whom he encountered and instantly fell in love with at a ball in Vienna. However, the Count and his beloved were unable to reside in the lighthouse, as she fell gravely ill and passed away on the very day the construction was completed. Consequently, the Count never returned to the lighthouse again.

    Previously known as the Punta Salvore Lighthouse, Savudrija Lighthouse acquired its current name after World War II. Today, it stands as a significant navigational landmark and a historical monument open to visitors, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and Istria. If you find yourself in the area, a visit to Savudrija Lighthouse is highly recommended.

    Sipar Promontory and the Sunken Town of Sipar

    Sipar Promontory, situated just four kilometers north of Umag along the western coast of Istria, is a modest archaeological site that provides a glimpse into the past. The area surrounding Sipar was inhabited during the early Iron Age, and the promontory and the pile of stones that emerge from the sea during low tides are the only remaining remnants of the ancient castle of Sipar, which dates back to the 5th century. The town of Siparis existed here during the Roman era, as evidenced by the foundations of villas and houses, mosaics, marble, ceramics, urns, and coins discovered at this location, all dating from the era of Constantine and Valerius.

    During Roman times, Sipar developed into a civitas, a settlement with the characteristics of a well-organized Roman town. However, Sipar is believed to have been destroyed around 876 CE in fierce battles between Duke Domagoj of Croatia and the Venetians. After its destruction, the nearby town of Umag began to flourish, and Sipar never managed to regain its previous significance.

    In addition to the remains of the castle, the sunken town of Sipar also harbors numerous other historical treasures. During low tide, it is possible to observe the remnants of the ancient city emerging from the sea. Recent archaeological research, both underwater and on land, has unveiled 17 areas within the settlement, including a long hall that was constructed over many centuries.

    Many artifacts have been unearthed, such as amphorae from Gaza, ceramics, bone tools, and various lids dating from the 1st century BCE to the 2nd century CE. A pentagonal tower, likely from the 5th century, has also been excavated. Additionally, two hundred meters of sea-facing walls, a large warehouse with supporting pylons, a metalworking oven, a stone with openings for pressing olives (3rd/4th century CE), and around 5,000 other items have been discovered.

    The promontory itself possesses a fascinating history. Sipar Castle was likely constructed around the year 1000, adjacent to the now-vanished Siparis, which supposedly served as a lighthouse. It is believed that the castle was erected by pirates who, upon conquering Siparis, settled there and utilized it as a base for their subsequent expeditions. The castle remained in good condition until 1943 when the Germans demolished its upper section for strategic reasons using artillery.

    Former Parenzana Railway (Cycle Path)

    The Parenzana railway line, also known as the Porečanka, operated between 1902 and 1935, connecting Trieste and Poreč. Despite its relatively short lifespan of 33 years, it had a significant impact on the economic and cultural development of the surrounding area. After falling into disrepair following its abandonment, the railway line underwent restoration and conversion into a cycling trail in 2006.

    Today, the trail spans 120 km, traversing Italy, Slovenia and Croatia, and has become a popular destination for trekking and cycling enthusiasts. Offering breathtaking views and a rich historical heritage, the trail caters to individuals of various skill levels and is suitable for everyone. However, to truly immerse oneself in the scenic vistas, emotions and history of the route, it is recommended to allocate 2 or 3 days for the complete experience.

    Along the trail opportunities for exploration abound, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the area’s history and discover its notable landmarks. Some tunnels have been repurposed for mushroom cultivation and are thus inaccessible, but alternative routes have been established to bypass these sections. Moreover, remnants of old railway stations and building ruins with the inscription TPC (Trieste-Parenzo-Canfanaro) serve as poignant reminders of the railroad’s former ownership, providing a glimpse into the region’s captivating past.

    Spring Break Invasion and Sea Star Festival

    Umag is rapidly emerging as a favored destination for music and party enthusiasts from across Europe. One of Europe’s most renowned music festivals, the Sea Star Festival, is held annually in Umag and draws thousands of visitors from around the world.

    The festival usually takes place in the final week of May at the Stella Maris Resort, featuring a diverse lineup of acts performing on multiple stages. Rock, pop, electronic, techno, house, hip-hop, metal, and punk are among the genres represented at the festival, with notable performers such as The Prodigy, Fatboy Slim, Paul Kalkbrenner, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Robin Schulz, Paul Van Dyk, Sven Väth, and many more having graced the stage.

    The Sea Star Festival boasts a total of six stages. The Main Stage hosts the festival’s headliners, while the Nautilus Arena is dedicated to hip-hop acts on one night and alternative electronic music on another. The Beach Groove Stage, Exotic Laguna, and Silent Octopus stages showcase a diverse range of genres including hip-hop, reggae, latino, bass, house, and techno. The festival attracts an average attendance of over 40,000 people.

    In addition to the Sea Star Festival, Umag also plays host to another notable event called the Spring Break Invasion. While not as prestigious as the Sea Star Festival, the Spring Break Invasion is still a popular event that draws thousands of university students from Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Germany, France, and Spain. The event primarily caters to students aged between 20 and 29, featuring a large party village with a four- to five-day calendar packed with beach parties, games, sports tournaments, boat parties, copious amounts of alcohol, and a variety of other activities.

    The parties continue non-stop, even throughout the night, with numerous DJs performing. The Spring Break Invasion typically takes place around April 25, which coincides with a public holiday in Italy, enticing revelers to take a few days off. To attend the Spring Break Invasion, all one needs to do is stay in Umag and purchase the ticket on the spot, which comes in the form of a bracelet-pass.

    A day of family fun: If you’re traveling with your family, you can enjoy a day filled with relaxation and excitement at Aquapark Istralandia, one of the largest and most renowned water parks in Croatia. Take advantage of the special online ticket prices available!

    Wine Tasting in Umag

    Wine tasting in the area around Umag offers a truly unique and captivating experience. With a rich history of winemaking dating back centuries, the region witnessed the emergence of the “Istrian Wine Renaissance” in the early 90s, spearheaded by a handful of visionary winemakers. One such family at the forefront of this movement is the Kabola family, renowned for their commitment to producing exceptional food and wine. For over a century, the Kabolas have crafted wines, but it is their Malvasia Istriana and Teran wines that have earned them fame and critical acclaim.

    The Malvasia Istriana is an exquisite white wine boasting four distinct interpretations, each with its own unique personality. Among them is the Malvasia Unica, a remarkable portrayal of the aging potential of Istrian Malvasia. Radiating a golden hue and boasting a fuller body, the Malvasia Unica delights with aromas of dried grass, almonds, and figs, while culminating in notes of ripe yellow pear and butter.

    Another standout is the Kabola Malvasia Amfora, pioneering the use of Georgian Amphora in the production of Malvasia Istriana. Through this ancient technique, skillfully refined, the resulting wine emerges as a harmonious and balanced masterpiece, offering flavors of quince, anise, herbs, and a mineral aspect that unveils its complex character.

    Situated near Momjan, the Kabola vineyards thrive on the distinctive “white soil” characterized by clay and marl deposits. This unique terroir significantly contributes to the wines’ exceptional qualities. The Umag-Novigrad region as a whole is recognized as an ideal area for viticulture, owing to its sun-drenched hills and a remarkable combination of red and grey soils that have long favored grapevine cultivation. Notably, it was in the small town of Momjan near Buje where the Muškat Momjanski (Momjan Muscat), a new grape variety, was developed.

    The Umag-Novigrad region is home to numerous renowned Croatian wineries, including Kozlović and Degrassi, Coronica and Kabola, Ravalico and Cattunar, Clai, Veralda, CUI, among others. When visiting the region, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a wide array of wineries and vineyards, each operating at its own schedule and offering specialized tours of their winemaking processes. Here, you can savor not only domestic wines like Muškat Momjanski, Malvazija Istarska, and Teran but also international varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Chardonnay.

    After exploring several wineries, engaging in conversations with your hosts, and indulging in the diverse array of wines, it will be hard to resist the temptation of purchasing a bottle or two. However, amidst the modern technologies and stylish tasting rooms, it’s important to remember that these winemakers boast a profound heritage and hold great pride in their traditions. Many of them are descendants of hardworking farm families who have dedicated generations to the cultivation of vineyards and the art of winemaking.

    A must do in Umag: Food and Wine Experience in a Local Farm (Wine, Oil and Organic Local Products)

    A must-do in Umag is to explore the rich food and wine heritage of the region by participating in a gastronomic experience at a local farm. Located in a charming countryside village near Umag, this farm is renowned for producing premium olive oil in a region that has been declared one of the best olive oil regions in the world. The experience includes a visit to the farm, olive groves, vineyards, and orchards, providing you with an opportunity to learn more about the local production of oil and wine.

    You will also have the chance to indulge in a tasting session featuring the exquisite Premium Istrian Olive Grand Cuvée, Istrian Malvasia wine, dry Muscat Cuvée wine, Istrian Refosco red wine, olive liqueur, and elderflower juice. In addition, you will be treated to an enticing platter of Istrian cold cuts, assorted cheeses, organic products, homemade ricotta with olives, and fresh seasonal fruit. Worth the trip!

    Some Intriguing Historical Insights on Umag

    With a history dating back to ancient times, Umag boasts evidence of Roman settlements in the form of numerous remains of Roman villas, such as Villa Rustica, along the coast. Although Umag was first mentioned in the 7th century by the Anonymous of Ravenna, it is believed to have existed during Roman times. The town’s history is closely tied to the settlement of Sipar, whose ruins can be found on a narrow cape four kilometers north of Umag.

    In the 9th century, the fortified settlement of Sipar was ravaged by invaders, the Neretva pirates. However, Umag gained significance following this incident due to its strategic location, a small islet separated from the mainland by a narrow channel. This location helped protect the settlement from continuous invasions throughout the centuries. The Roman period of relative prosperity was punctuated by periods of insecurity caused primarily by frequent invasions, outbreaks of plague, cholera, and malaria, leading to a rapid decline in the town’s population. Umag came under the rule of various governments from the 6th to the 8th centuries, falling under Byzantine dominion, followed by the Lombards in 751 and the Franks in 774.

    Subsequently, there was a period of instability and frequent changes of government, ranging from the rule of the Patriarchs of Grado and Aquileia to the Bishops of Trieste. However, the powerful Venetian Republic eventually established its control over Istria, compelling Umag and other towns in western Istria to swear loyalty to Venice. In 1269, the Commune of Umag pledged allegiance to Venice, which appointed governors from its nobility to rule over Umag until 1797.

    This period was far from peaceful, as centuries-old conflicts with Genoa resulted in further destruction and looting. In 1370, the Genoese navy attacked Umag, destroying the town’s archives. With the downfall of the Venetian Republic, Umag, along with the entire eastern Adriatic coast, came under French rule until 1815, when it was handed over to Austria and remained under Austrian control until 1918.

    After World War I, Istria became part of Italy. Following World War II, the escalation of the Trieste crises led to the establishment of the Free Territory of Trieste, and Umag became part of Zone B governed by the Yugoslav Army. Eventually, in 1954, it became part of the Socialist Republic of Croatia within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The inclusion of Umag in Yugoslavia led to the exodus of many Italians from the town, who had previously constituted the majority of its population. In 1993, with the establishment of the new local rule, Umag became an independent municipality and in 1997 was awarded the status of town (grad).

    How to Get to Umag

    If you plan to drive, Umag can be easily reached via the A8 motorway, which connects it to the rest of Croatia and neighboring countries. This well-maintained route offers scenic views of the sea and surrounding countryside. However, please note that during the summer season, heavy traffic and congestion are common. Alternatively, you can choose to take the state roads D8 and D66, although these routes may take longer than the motorway.

    Another option is to fly to Pula Airport, located approximately 50 kilometers south of Umag. From there, you can conveniently take a bus or a taxi to reach the town. Trieste Airport in Italy is also an option, situated about 80 kilometers away from Umag. Upon arrival, you can rent a car or take a bus to continue your journey to Umag.

    The bus station in Umag, situated near the main square, offers various lines connecting Umag to the surrounding towns and cities. There are direct and cheap bus connection to and from Trieste, Koper, Portoroz, Zagreb and Ljubljana. You can check timetables, prices and tickets on the FlixBus official website.

    If you decide to rent a car, it can provide a great opportunity to explore the beautiful nearby towns, villages, and stunning natural parks around Umag. To find the best car rental deals, I recommend visiting Discovercars.com or Rentalcars.com. These websites offer a wide range of options and allow you to compare prices from different companies, enabling you to find the best deal that suits your budget and needs.

    BALKANS ON THE ROAD

    Discover the Balkans like a Local

    Hello! I'm Mirko, a journalist and independent researcher who has lived and traveled extensively throughout the Balkans, from the bustling main cities to the most remote and authentically charming corners.

    I created this blog for travelers eager to discover the wonders of this region and delve deeply into its diverse countries and cultures. Here, you will find genuine advice from locals, inspiration, and comprehensive travel guides crafted in collaboration with residents. The goal is to help you travel like a local, uncovering the best of the Balkans in a conscious and ethical manner.