Umag and its surrounding area are part of Istria County, the westernmost county of Croatia, covering a large portion of the Istrian Peninsula. The area is one of the most important tourist destinations in northwestern Istria, where coastal tourism, sports activities, historical heritage, and a diverse Mediterranean landscape of olive groves, vineyards, and pine forests come together.
Umag is a coastal town with a long history dating back to Roman times and is today known as one of the leading tourist and sports centres in Istria. The old town is situated on a peninsula and has preserved its characteristic narrow streets, stone houses, squares, and the remains of the medieval town walls and towers, reflecting its strategic importance throughout history. The town has a distinct Mediterranean character, combining its fishing tradition with modern tourism. Umag is also internationally recognised as a tennis destination, hosting the annual ATP Croatia Open tournament, which attracts world-class players and thousands of visitors. The coastline around Umag is highly indented and offers numerous well-maintained beaches, bays, and tourist resorts. Kanegra is known for its natural beach located in a peaceful bay surrounded by dense pine forests, providing a more relaxed and nature-oriented holiday experience. Katoro is a modern tourist resort featuring hotels, apartments, sports facilities, and well-equipped beaches, making it especially popular with families and active visitors. Stella Maris is one of the best-known tourist areas in Umag, home to a marina, a sports complex, and the venue for major events, including the ATP Croatia Open tennis tournament as well as various concerts and festivals. The area features attractive beaches, most of them shaded by pine forests, a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, bars, and numerous walking and cycling paths. Savudrija is located at the northwestern tip of Istria and is famous for the oldest operational lighthouse on the Adriatic Sea, its rich fishing tradition, and its quieter, more exclusive coastal tourism. Zambratija is a smaller coastal village with long, shallow beaches that are particularly suitable for families with children, offering a relaxed atmosphere that combines natural surroundings with quality tourist facilities. The surroundings of Umag also provide numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and sports. Cycling is especially popular thanks to the well-maintained cycling routes connecting the coastal settlements and extending into the Istrian countryside through vineyards and olive groves. The area is well known for water sports such as sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, diving, and recreational swimming, as the sea is generally calm and exceptionally clean. Golf courses near Savudrija further enrich the sports offer, giving the destination an additional touch of upscale tourism. In addition to recreation, gastronomy plays an important role in the region. Local cuisine is based on fresh fish, shellfish, seafood pasta, truffles from inland Istria, premium olive oil, and high-quality local wines. Numerous traditional taverns and restaurants offer an authentic Istrian dining experience, often with sea views or in the peaceful rural hinterland.
Umag and its surrounding area therefore represent an exceptionally diverse tourist destination where history, modern resorts, sporting events, and the natural beauty of the Adriatic coastline blend together. Thanks to its favourable location, Mediterranean climate, and well-developed infrastructure, it ranks among the most visited and easily accessible destinations in northern Istria, attracting families, sports enthusiasts, and visitors seeking a peaceful seaside holiday.
HR-CRO - Croatia
