In short: in Umag it is worth seeing the seaside old town with the remains of walls and towers and the long seafront promenade; the town is also known for its ATP tennis tournament, wines and olive oil.
Umag is the first Istrian resort from the north, right on the border with Slovenia, with a long landscaped coast and a seaside old town. It is best known for its ATP tennis tournament and for the wines and olive oil from its hinterland. In this guide we go through the sights, beaches and excursions; if you are also interested in the Belgrade to Umag minibus transfer, how to get there is at the end.
Beaches in Umag
The Umag riviera boasts almost 45 kilometres of coast with seven Blue Flags. The beaches are mostly rocky and pebbly, with concrete platforms, in the shade of pines. The Stella Maris lagoon by the tennis complex has a gentle entry suitable for children, and a Blue Flag is also flown by Katoro, Aurora and the town beach Punta. The sea is clear, and the long coast is good for walking and cycling. For sandy beaches, the south of Istria is nearby — more in the guide what to see in Medulin.
What to see in Umag and nearby
The seaside old town
The old core of Umag was built on a small peninsula, with narrow lanes, remains of the town walls and towers, a church and a seaside promenade. It is pleasant for an evening walk, with taverns and a view of the marina.
The ATP tennis tournament (Croatia Open)
Umag is known for the Croatia Open Umag tennis tournament, the oldest tennis tournament in Croatia, played every July on clay. The central stadium in the Stella Maris complex bears the name of Goran Ivanišević, and the tournament draws top players and spectators from across the region.
The hinterland and excursions
The hinterland of Umag is adorned with vineyards and olive groves that yield prized Istrian wines and olive oil. Nearby are the neighbouring Novigrad and Poreč with its Euphrasian Basilica, on a short excursion.
Umag for families and with children
The long coast with well-kept bathing areas, the promenades and cycle paths, as well as the rich choice of sport and recreation, make Umag suitable for families. The old core is pedestrian and safe for a walk.
Where to eat in Umag
In the old town and along the marina, fish and seafood are on offer, alongside Istrian specialities — pršut (prosciutto), truffles, fuži and olive oil, accompanied by Malvazija and Teran wines from the surrounding vineyards. The hinterland is known for its wine and olive-oil routes.
How to get to Umag from Belgrade
For the Belgrade to Umag minibus transfer we drive door to door, departing from Belgrade. Departure is at night, at around 23:00h for Croatia, so the border is crossed when queues are smallest and you reach Umag in the morning. The journey is about 650 km, a drive of 7–8 hours.
The price is fixed and free of hidden costs — see the price for Umag or the whole price list, and we also drive to all the other towns in Istria (Belgrade to Istria transfer). Before the trip, check the border crossings and live cameras too, and read about the whole region in the guide Istria holidays.
Frequently asked questions
What to see in Umag?
The seaside old core with the remains of walls and towers, the long seafront promenade and the marina; Umag is also known for its ATP tennis tournament and for the wines and olive oil from its hinterland.
When is the tennis tournament in Umag played?
The Croatia Open Umag is played every July on clay and is the oldest tennis tournament in Croatia; the central stadium in the Stella Maris complex bears the name of Goran Ivanišević.
What are the beaches in Umag like?
Mostly rocky and pebbly, with concrete platforms and well-kept bathing areas, in the shade of pines; the coast is almost 45 kilometres long and good for walking and cycling.
Is Umag good for children?
It is — the long coast with well-kept bathing areas, the promenades and the rich choice of sport make it suitable for families; the old core is pedestrian.
When is the best time for Umag?
The sea is warm from late May to mid-September, and the peak of the season is in July and August, when the tennis tournament is also played. June and September bring more pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
How many days to set aside for Umag?
A long weekend is enough for the town and beaches, and with the wine and olive-oil tours in the hinterland and excursions along the coast it is nice to stay four to seven days.
How far is Umag from Belgrade?
About 650 km, a drive of 7–8 hours. With a night departure from Belgrade (around 23:00h), you reach Umag in the morning.
