Umag is a picturesque coastal town in Croatia, the seat of the municipality of the same name, which administratively belongs to the Istrian County. It is located on the northwestern coast of Istria, along the coastal road that connects Savudria with Novigrad, only about 10 kilometers from the border with Slovenia.
It was built on a peninsula in the middle of a deeper bay and has been a protected anchorage since ancient times, as the settlement of Umacus is already mentioned in the Roman period. During the Middle Ages, the place was owned by the Bishop of Trieste, later it came under the control of the Republic of Venice. The old town developed on the peninsula and has preserved its original medieval structure to this day, characterized by narrow, winding streets and small squares. Parts of the city's defensive walls and fortified towers from the 14th century have also been preserved, as well as some houses in the Venetian Gothic style. Due to the danger that has emanated from the sea since prehistoric times, the settlement spread from the peninsula towards the mainland. Due to the fertile soil, the inhabitants mainly engaged in agriculture and viticulture. During the period of rapid tourist development, Umag developed into a well-known tourist center with many hotels and facilities for recreation and sports. Fishing is still an important activity. In Umag, there are a fruit and fish canning factory, a cement factory and a pasta production plant. The biggest local attractions are the city walls with preserved city gates and a drawbridge from the 10th century, the church of St. Roche from the 16th century with a painted ceiling, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Pilgrim, the museum of the city of Umag and exhibitions in the Umag galleries, among which the famous Marin Gallery inside the city walls.
Umag is world famous for the ATP international tennis tournament. With a 30-year tradition, it is the oldest tennis tournament in Croatia and one of the most prestigious tournaments in the region. It takes place in the month of July and is a big social event.