Poreč is, together with Umag, one of the most beautiful Istrian tourist destinations. Many tourists have been coming here for as many as 10, or even 20 years to spend their holiday on the Istrian coast, in the beautiful area between the mouth of the river Mirna and the Limski Kanal Fjord. Here they have their birthday and family parties organized at their favourite resorts and hotels, and they know the staff by name. Why are tourists attracted to the Istrian coast, in particular its western part, and why do they reluctantly change their holiday destination both in summer and in winter?


Pula is the largest city in Istria with a population of more than 80,000. The three-thousand-year-old city lying on the south cape of the Istrian peninsula is the place where the old meets the new in a union inspiring numerous writers and composers to create their works of art. A lot of cultural and historical monuments provide the setting for the cultural and entertainment events of the city.

Of particular importance is the Roman amphitheatre (arena) which today provides the site for film festivals, and opera and concert performances. The tremendous Coliseum was built during the rule of the emperor Augustus, and the extension to the present size (133mx105m) was carried out under the rule of the emperor Vespasian (69-79). The amphitheatre may seat 23,000 people.

Another famous sight is the cathedral built on the site of the temple of Jupiter and its early Christian basilica. There is also the temple of Diana which used to stand parallel to the temple of Augustus. The Golden Gate (Porta Aurea) was built as the triumphal arch for the Sergius family as early as 2,000 years ago. The Hercules' Gate was built as part of the Roman town fortification. There is also the Porta Gemina (Twin Gate) built in about 150 AD, then a castle built on the site of the Roman Capitol in 1630 by the Venetians and many other buildings.

Tourist facilities are situated outside the city, in the thick woodlands along the coast. The Apartment complexes of Punta Verudela and Horizont, and hotels Histria, Palma, Park, Brioni, Splendid and Riviera resemble a Mediterranean town in miniature. The beaches stretch along the 190 km long coastline.


Rovinj is a town that has lived with the sea for centuries. Thanks to the sea, the town has its riches, its style, its mentality, its development and its future. The town of Rovinj is today oriented towards the protection of environment and towards accepting and meeting all the challenges of modern tourism. The entire coastline of the Rovinj area is protected as natural heritage as well as all of the twenty-two small and larger islands around the town.


Umag has become the favourite destination of many tourists as it is the largest summer resort and the largest Croatian ACI marina in this part of the west coast of Istria offering its guests the best in terms of accommodation, sports, entertainment and leisure activities. The towns in the surrounding area have not been neglected either thanks to the fact that they are only six to seven kilometres away.

Holiday resorts of Katoro, with the beautiful nudist beach (FKK), Sol Polynesia, Sol Stella Maris, and Punta with the crystal clear blue sea, may be described as the European oasis of the sports tourism - active holiday adjusted to the habits of the urban man and woman. Of all the sports, tennis is the most popular here. Apart from tourists playing tennis for fitness and relaxation reasons, local tennis courts often welcome a number of professional players too. Besides, Umag is the venue of a high amount prize money ATP Tour - Croatia Open. Thomas Muster, Carlos Moya, Felix Mantilla, Gustavo Kuerten, Goran Ivanisevic and many other professional players come to Umag every year.

Holiday resort facilities along the Riviera offer lots of sporting and leisure activities. Among other things, there are football, handball, volleyball, boccia, horse-riding, boat ride, sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, diving, swimming, spear-fishing, and so many more. There are also sport schools for different kinds of land and water sports.

Today Umag is the leading holiday resort when it comes to private accommodation. This town and its inhabitants were the first to provide their guests with the possibility of spending their holidays in private accommodation. This too confirms the hospitality of the citizens and the warm reception given to their guests.

The attractive power of the island of St. Catherine comes from its sunshine, crystal sea, clean air, and calm, shady places. Because of the variety of its plant life the Red Island is also called the 'flower-garden'. Besides, the beautiful area with so many hidden bays and corners of this green paradise amidst the sky-blue Adriatic provides you with all the necessary amenities required by a modern tourist.

The 50 km long coastline area, from the mouth of the river Mirna to the deep Limski Kanal Fjord, has a lot to offer so that, for the curious and enthusiastic ones, there is always an opportunity to explore something new and to enjoy the multiplicity of choice.

Thanks to the extraordinary beauty of the environment and cultural monuments, not to forget the fifty years of investment in tourism, it was possible to create the elite area of the Croatian tourism.


Vrsar lies on the coast between Porec and the Limski Kanal Fjord. This region is distinguished by numerous shady bays and picturesque islets. The coastline and islets are formed of very old limestone layers. The west of Istria is the limestone plateau that little by little ascends from the open sea towards the hinterland of the peninsula.

To the north there is the highest mountain in Istria - Ucka (1,396m). The surroundings of the town of Vrsar are quite hilly. The red soil covering the limestone is the reason why the peninsula is known as the "red Istria".