A calm fishing village on Istria's west coast, known for its 18th-century church, stone houses, and marina with 200 berths. The nearby limestone quarry dates back to Roman times.
Vrsar sits on a 54-meter hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea in western Istria, Croatia. As you walk through its winding stone streets, you'll reach viewpoints with clear views of 18 small islands dotting the sea. The town's marina buzzes with activity in summer, while the Džamonja Sculpture Park displays massive modernist sculptures among Mediterranean plants. You can take boat trips to explore the Lim Fjord's steep cliffs or time your visit for the annual Casanova Festival in June.
Walking Through Vrsar's Old Town
Start your walk up the steep hill of Vrsar's old town through narrow streets that connect different levels of the settlement. At the highest point, 60 meters above sea level, you'll find the parish church of St. Martin, its bell tower visible throughout town. Look for original stone doorways and window frames on the houses as you climb, and stop at the viewing platforms for views across the Adriatic and its scattered islands.
Marina and Harbor Life
The marina accommodates 200 boats in the water and 40 on land, with repair facilities and a fuel station on site. Early risers can buy fresh fish directly from local fishermen at the small fish market near the marina. Several cafes along the waterfront open from morning until late evening, giving you a front-row seat to watch the daily activities of fishing boats.
Exploring the Džamonja Sculpture Park
The Džamonja Sculpture Park, a 10-hectare space just outside town, contains large-scale modernist works by sculptor Dušan Džamonja. His work has appeared in New York's Museum of Modern Art. Walking paths lead you between massive steel and concrete sculptures, with Mediterranean pine trees and shrubs growing throughout the grounds.
Swimming and Beach Areas
The main city beach, Orsera, extends below the old town with concrete platforms and natural rocky sections for sunbathing. At Belvedere Beach, the water quality and environmental management meet Blue Flag standards. Walk to the Petalon peninsula to find smaller, quieter coves with a mix of pebbles and rocks.
Historical Connection to Casanova
Giacomo Casanova wrote about Vrsar and its wine in his memoirs after visiting twice in the 18th century. The town's Casanova Festival runs for three days in late June with poetry readings, art shows, and concerts centered on romance themes.
Day Trips and Activities
Take a boat to the Lim Fjord, where you can see 10 kilometers of steep cliffs and stop at local oyster farms. Cyclists can follow the coastal trail to Poreč, passing beaches and pine forests along the way. Visit the Montraker quarry, which supplied stone for Venice's palaces and now hosts sculpture workshops each summer.
Local Food Scene
Many restaurants in Vrsar serve Istrian dishes using ingredients from nearby farms and fishing boats. Try minestra (a thick vegetable soup), meat from indigenous boskarin cattle, or pasta with black or white truffles in autumn. Local vineyards produce two main wines: red Teran and white Malvasia, both available in most restaurants.
