Looking for a holiday tip in Croatia? Visit Umag! In this guide, Umag, Croatia: 15 Best Things to Do and See, we will explore this magical town on the western coast of Istria, just 10 km from the Slovenian border. It will take your breath away with its Mediterranean atmosphere, historical monuments, and beautiful beaches. Let’s take a look at 15 tips on what to see and do in Umag.
TL;DR
- When to go: May-October for swimming, July – ATP tennis tournament
- Top places: historic center, parish church, museum in the tower, Stella Maris/Katoro/Aurora beaches, Savudrija lighthouse
- Activities: water sports, Parenzana cycling route, Sea Star festival, wine and oil tastings
- With kids: Wibit water park, Jangalooz adrenaline park, Aquapark Istralandia
- Trips: Novigrad (10km), Poreč (30km), Rovinj, medieval towns in the interior
- Accommodation: Hotel Umag Plava Laguna or Hotel Sipar Plava Laguna
When is the Best Time to Visit Umag?
Umag has a pleasant Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.
If you want to enjoy the sun and swimming, go between May and October, when the sea is pleasantly warm. In July and August, the thermometer commonly shows around 30 °C, and the city and beaches are full of life. If you don’t like crowds of tourists, choose May, June, or September.
Sports enthusiasts should take note: in July, Umag hosts the prestigious ATP Croatia Open tennis tournament, which attracts world stars and offers a great atmosphere. It’s usually a grand spectacle, but if you prefer peace and quiet, avoid this period.
💡Read also: Accommodation tips in Croatia
Umag: where to Stay
In Umag and its surroundings, you’ll find everything from luxurious resorts to family apartments and pleasant campsites. It all depends on your preferences and budget.
We recommend the following accommodations:
Umag, Croatia: 15 Best Things to Do and See
We have compiled a list of 15 must-see tips in Umag.
Historic Center of Umag
The old town of Umag is a wonderful treasure with a rich history. Did you know that it was originally an island that later connected to the mainland? In the Middle Ages, the entire city was surrounded by walls, the remains of which you can still see today.
Walking through the narrow cobbled streets between Renaissance and Baroque houses with Venetian elements is like traveling back in time.
As you walk, be sure to notice the remnants of walls and towers, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, and churches. The center still retains its medieval structure, so enjoy it at your leisure and don’t rush.
Freedom Square and Parish Church
Umag’s main square, known as Trg Slobode, dominates its surroundings thanks to the magnificent Baroque Parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Peregrine, with its 33-meter-high bell tower.
The church was built at a time when new Venetian architectural styles began to assert themselves in Umag. When you peek inside, you’ll see true artistic treasures, including an old wooden statue of Our Lady of Sorrows from the early Renaissance period.
The square is the heart of the city, and many cultural events and festivals take place here throughout the year. If you’re lucky enough to be in town during one of them, be sure not to miss it.
City Museum in the Old Tower
The Umag City Museum is housed in an impressive 14th-15th century tower. This defensive tower has seen a lot over the centuries – it was a defensive structure, later a bishop’s palace, and then a residential house.
In the museum, you’ll learn all about the history of the city and the region, from prehistory to the present. The archaeological finds from the Roman period are truly fascinating. They show how the area prospered as part of the Roman province.
If you enjoy history, you should definitely stop here. You’ll better understand how this seaside town developed and why it is the way it is today.
Umag Pier and Port
The long stone pier is one of Umag’s landmarks. Walk along it and listen to the sound of the waves and feel the sea air – it’s simply balm for the soul. At sunset, it’s absolutely magical here, the sky playing with all shades of orange and pink.
The port is a great place to watch fishing boats and luxury yachts. From here, excursion boats also depart for cruises along the coast. You can take a day trip to nearby towns or rent your own boat and explore on your own.
Umag Beaches
Umag boasts beautiful beaches with crystal clear water, where you can swim from May to October. Most beaches are pebble or rocky, which makes the sea so clear, but you’ll also find well-maintained concrete areas for sunbathing.
Among the best beaches are:
- Stella Maris Beach: You definitely won’t get bored here! It’s part of the resort of the same name and offers everything from jet skis to pedal boats to children’s attractions.
- Katoro Beach: A great beach for families. Kids will have a lot of fun here, and you can relax in peace.
- Aurora Beach: If you’re looking for a quieter spot with a beautiful view of the city, this is it.
On most beaches, you can also rent equipment for windsurfing, paddleboarding, or even go on a diving trip with an instructor.
“Goran Ivanišević” Tennis Stadium
The stadium, named after the famous Croatian tennis player, is home to the ATP Croatia Open tournament, held here every July. World tennis stars and crowds of fans come to this internationally recognized tournament.
The stadium is located in the Stella Maris resort and is worth a visit, even when there’s no tournament. If you love tennis, this is a must-stop for you – you can walk on the same courts where famous tennis players like Djokovic or Federer played.
Savudrija Lighthouse
The Savudrija Lighthouse, about 9 km northwest of Umag, is the oldest functioning lighthouse on the entire Adriatic. It was built in 1818 according to the design of the famous architect Pietro Nobile.
This 36-meter-high cylindrical lighthouse is made of local stone, and its light reaches up to 18 nautical miles away.
Parenzana Cycling Path
Parenzana was a narrow-gauge railway that connected Trieste with Poreč between 1902 and 1935. Today, its route has been converted into a great cycling and walking path.
Riding along this route will show you the beautiful landscape of Istria: vineyards, olive groves, and small villages. Along the way, you’ll see preserved bridges, viaducts, and tunnels from the original railway, which adds a special charm to the entire trip.
Do you love cycling? Then Parenzana will thrill you. In the Umag area, you’ll find 19 well-marked routes for all types of cyclists. Bike rentals are everywhere, so you don’t have to bring your own.
💡Read also: Kamenjak National Park
Sepomaia Archaeological Site
The area known as Sepomaia (today Zambratija, Sipar, and Kator) was a large estate in Roman times, divided into smaller farms. Today, you can see many ancient remains here.
You’ll find remnants of walls, floors, pools, piers, cisterns, and mosaics. In addition, archaeologists have discovered fragments of amphorae, pottery, glass, and metal objects.
And you know what’s great? In early August, the Sepomaia viva festival takes place here, when part of the city transforms into a Roman town.
Humagum Park
Humagum Park on the New Promenade right by the sea is a perfect green oasis in the city. You’ll find two exercise zones, two playgrounds, a promenade, an amphitheater, and even solar benches. And on top of all that, an amazing view of the sea and the old town.
It’s an ideal place to relax after a day of sightseeing or at the beach. Locals love coming here, so it’s also an opportunity to see how the residents of Umag truly live and perhaps even chat with them.
Sea Star Festival
Are you into music festivals? Then plan your visit during the Sea Star Festival, one of the most famous music festivals in Europe. DJs like Fatboy Slim, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Robin Schulz, and many other stars have performed here.
The festival usually takes place in May or June and is an unforgettable experience.
Gastronomic Experiences in Umag
Umag is a paradise for anyone who loves good food and drink. In local restaurants and konobas (traditional taverns), you’ll taste the best Istrian dishes, excellent wines, and olive oils.
Be sure to try local specialties: pršut (cured ham), homemade cheeses, ombolo (pork tenderloin), fritule (something like doughnuts), kroštule (crispy sweet pastry), and of course, truffles – both white and black. And fish specialties are a given!
💡You might also like: Where to go on holiday in Croatia
Wineries and Olive Oils
The region around Umag is famous for its excellent wines and extra virgin olive oil. The soil here is perfectly suited for olive trees and grapevines, traditional crops typical of the Mediterranean.
Don’t miss a visit to one of the local wineries. You can taste excellent wines directly from the source. Many winemakers offer tours of their vineyards and cellars combined with a tasting.
It’s just as interesting to visit an olive grove and learn more about the production of olive oil, which has been produced here for thousands of years.
Amusement Parks for Children
Traveling with children? Umag and its surroundings offer several great amusement parks. On Stella Maris beach, there’s the Wibit water park, and nearby, the Jangalooz adrenaline park.
About a 20-minute drive from Umag, you’ll find Aquapark Istralandia, where you can enjoy all kinds of water attractions. On practically every beach, you can also rent pedal boats, paddleboards, windsurfing equipment, and other water toys.
These parks are a great way to spend a day full of fun, especially with kids or if you want a bit of adrenaline during your holiday. The kids will be thrilled, and you can relax in the meantime.
Trips around Umag
Umag is a perfect starting point for exploring all of Istria. In the immediate vicinity, it’s worth visiting:
- Novigrad: A charming seaside town with a beautiful historic center, just 10 km south,
- Poreč: With its Euphrasian Basilica (UNESCO), about 30 km away,
- Rovinj: Often referred to as the most romantic town in Istria with a charming old town, about an hour’s drive,
- Istrian hinterland: With picturesque medieval towns on hills like Motovun and Grožnjan.
You can also take a day boat trip to nearby islands or drive to Trieste, Italy, which is only an hour away by car. There are truly many options, and each trip will show you a different side of the region.
Frequently Asked Questions about Umag
What currency is used in Croatia?
Since January 1, 2023, the euro (€) has been used in Croatia, so you don’t have to worry about complicated exchange rates.
What’s the best way to get to Umag?
The nearest airport is in Pula (85 km). You can also fly to Trieste, Italy (70 km) or Ljubljana, Slovenia (140 km). From these airports, you can then rent a car or take a bus.
Is Umag safe?
Absolutely! Umag is a very safe city with low crime rates. Of course, as with any holiday destination, be mindful of your belongings.
What else can I do in Umag besides swimming?
Practically anything you can think of! Tennis, football, cycling, hiking, pétanque, beach volleyball, diving, sailing, water skiing… the list is almost endless.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
