Umag & Istria Travel Guide
Everything you need to know for a perfect holiday in Istria — from beaches and restaurants to wine and activities.
Carpe Diem Villas is located in Cepljani, just 5 minutes from Umag and 10 minutes from the Adriatic beaches. This location offers the ideal combination of Istrian village tranquility and easy access to all of the Istrian coast's attractions.
Nearby Beaches
Katoro Beach — 8 km
Pebble beach with well-maintained facilities, a popular wakepark attraction, and clear, shallow waters.
Umag Town Beach — 5 km
The town beach in Umag centre with concrete platforms and pebble sections, suitable for families.
Laguna Novigrad — 15 km
A sheltered bay with pine forest and lovely pebble and sandy beaches, generally less crowded.
Savudrija — 12 km
Croatia's westernmost point with small coves and crystal-clear water, ideal for snorkelling.
Restaurants & Food
Local Konobe (Taverns)
Istrian cuisine with truffles, homemade pasta, braised meats, and freshly caught fish. We recommend the konobe around Brtonigla and Motovun villages.
Seafood Restaurants in Umag
Along the Umag waterfront and marina you'll find restaurants specialising in fresh fish, scampi, squid, and bruschetta.
Pizzerias & Bars
Umag and surrounding villages offer a wide choice of pizzerias and taverns with local dishes at reasonable prices.
Wine & Olive Oil
Istrian Malvazija
Malvazija Istarska is Istria's signature white grape variety. Wineries around Umag and Brtonigla offer tastings.
Teran
Teran is Istria's signature red wine with a robust, earthy character. Pairs excellently with game and local sausages.
Olive Oil
Istrian olive oil regularly wins international awards. Visits to family olive groves near Umag are possible with advance notice.
Things To Do
Umag Old Town (5 min)
Umag's old town with Roman foundations, medieval walls, a cathedral, and a scenic seafront promenade. Home to the ATP tennis tournament.
Novigrad (15 km)
A romantic old town on the sea with Venetian architecture, art galleries, and a fish market.
Poreč (35 km)
Home to the Euphrasian Basilica, a 6th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rich promenade, museum, and summer festivals.
Cycling & Hiking
The Parenzana — a former Austro-Hungarian railway converted into a 78 km cycling route — winds through Istria. Bike rentals available in Umag.
Diving & Water Sports
The crystal-clear Adriatic offers diving, snorkelling, sailing, and kayaking. Dive centres are available in Umag and Savudrija.
Practical Information
Getting Here
Pula International Airport (90 km) or Trieste Airport (100 km). A rental car is recommended. Ferries from Venice to Poreč or Pula operate seasonally.
Currency
Euro (€). Cards accepted almost everywhere. ATMs available in Umag.
Language
Croatian. Italian and English are widely understood in tourist areas.
Climate
Mediterranean climate — warm, dry summers (25–35°C), mild winters. Best season: April through October.