Umag

Umag, a coastal town in Croatia's Istria region, has a Venetian-influenced old town, beaches along the Adriatic Sea, and tennis facilities that host the ATP Croatia Open. You can walk through streets lined with 14th-century buildings, swim at Laguna Stella Maris beach, or watch professional tennis matches. The area around Umag has cycling routes through vineyards and olive groves. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood and dishes with truffles, typical of Istrian cuisine.

Umag's Old Town

As you walk through Umag's old town, you'll see narrow cobblestone streets and Venetian-style buildings. The 14th-century Bishop's Tower, now the Umag Town Museum, is the oldest building in town. You can see local archaeological finds and historical artifacts inside. The Church of St. Mary, built in the 18th century, has a ceiling fresco by Giuseppe Bernardino Bison. The Church of St. Rocco has an oil-painted wooden ceiling.

Beaches and Coastal Areas

Umag has about 20 kilometers of coastline with small bays and beaches. Laguna Stella Maris, 3 kilometers from the town center, is a 327-meter-long pebble beach surrounded by pine trees. Nearby Osmica beach has sand and an outdoor seawater swimming pool. The main town beach, 1.5 kilometers from the center, has sandy, paved, and grassy areas, as well as restaurants and sports facilities.

Tennis and Sports in Umag

Tennis is popular in Umag, especially during the annual ATP Croatia Open in July. Professional players compete at the Tennis Center Umag, which has 14 clay courts and a 4,000-seat center court. You can also rent a bike and ride on the 600 cycling, hiking, and walking trails in the region. These trails pass by vineyards, olive groves, and medieval towns.

Local Cuisine

Umag's restaurants serve Istrian cuisine. At Lido, you can eat seafood dishes like octopus pod pekom (cooked under a bell) and homemade pasta. Mundoaka serves tagliatelle with shrimp and black Istrian truffles, which you can pair with local Malvasia wine. At Nono Tavern, you can try homemade prosciutto and dishes with boškarin, a native Istrian cattle breed.

Day Trips from Umag

You can take boat trips from Umag to nearby attractions. The Savudrija lighthouse, Croatia's oldest, is a short boat ride away and has views of the Adriatic coast. You can also take a ferry to Venice, Italy, which takes about two to three hours. Other Istrian towns near Umag include Pula, which has a Roman amphitheater, and Rovinj, with an old town on a hill by the sea.

Museums and Cultural Sites

The Umag Town Museum in the Bishop's Tower has archaeological finds and historical artifacts from the area. Gallery Marin displays modern art and hosts regular exhibitions and workshops. The gallery's owner, Slavica Marin, has shown works by well-known Croatian painters and sculptors. In summer, the gallery hosts creative events and exhibitions.

Festivals and Events

Umag has events throughout the year that celebrate local culture. The Sea Star Festival in May has performances by international and local musicians. On January 1st, the New Year's Day Bike Race starts the year with a cycling event. During the ATP Croatia Open in summer, there's also a Party & Gourmet programme with concerts, parties, and food stands serving local specialties.