In short: in Vrsar it is worth seeing the Lim Bay with its boat trips, the Dušan Džamonja sculpture park in Valkanela and the old town on the hill; the town is also linked to Casanova, who stayed here.
Vrsar is a picturesque town with an old core on a hill and a marina at its foot, at the entrance to the scenic Lim Bay. It sits between Poreč and Rovinj and is known for its archipelago of small islets and its relaxed atmosphere. In this guide we go through the sights, beaches and excursions; if you are also interested in the Belgrade to Vrsar minibus transfer, how to get there is at the end.
Beaches in Vrsar
The beaches are mostly rocky and pebbly, in the shade of pines, with a clear sea and a host of hidden coves along the coast and on the islets. The best-known part is the Koversada naturist park, one of the first and largest of its kind in Europe, on the island of the same name connected to the mainland by a small bridge. The sea is calm and good for swimming and kayaking among the islets.
What to see in Vrsar and nearby
The Lim Bay
The Lim Bay (Lim Channel) is a long, narrow sea bay surrounded by steep, wooded slopes — one of the loveliest natural sights in Istria. It is known for shellfish and oyster farming and for boat trips; it is also linked with legends of Casanova, who stayed in Vrsar twice in the 18th century.
The Dušan Džamonja sculpture park
Not far from Vrsar, in Valkanela, lies the Dušan Džamonja sculpture park — the well-known Croatian sculptor laid it out in 1965. Over some 24,000 m², more than twenty sculptures of metal, stone and concrete are on display, surrounded by greenery.
Excursions from Vrsar
Neighbouring are Poreč with its Euphrasian Basilica and Rovinj with the bell tower of St Euphemia, both on a short excursion along the coast.
Vrsar for families and with children
The calm marina, the seaside promenades and the boat trips around the Lim Bay and among the islets are interesting for families. As the beaches are mostly rocky, for small children the well-kept bathing areas with a shallower entry and sun loungers are more suitable.
Where to eat in Vrsar
Along the marina and in the old core, fresh fish, shellfish and oysters from the Lim Bay are on offer, alongside Istrian specialities — pršut (prosciutto), truffles and Malvazija and Teran wines. An evening by the harbour is relaxed and family-friendly.
How to get to Vrsar from Belgrade
For the Belgrade to Vrsar 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 Vrsar in the morning. The journey is about 645 km, a drive of 7–8 hours.
The price is fixed and free of hidden costs — see the price for Vrsar 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 Vrsar?
The Lim Bay with boat trips, the Koversada naturist park, the Dušan Džamonja sculpture park in Valkanela and the hilltop old core with a view of the sea and the islets.
What is the Lim Bay?
A long and narrow sea bay surrounded by steep wooded slopes, one of the loveliest natural sights in Istria, known for shellfish and oyster farming and for boat trips.
What are the beaches in Vrsar like?
Mostly rocky and pebbly, in the shade of pines, with a host of hidden coves and islets; the sea is clear and calm, good for swimming and kayaking.
Is Vrsar good for children?
It is for calm walks and boat trips; for small children the well-kept bathing areas with a shallower entry are more suitable, as the natural beaches are rocky.
When is the best time for Vrsar?
The bathing season runs from late May to mid-September, peaking in July and August. June and September offer a quieter break and more pleasant temperatures for boat trips around the Lim Bay.
How many days to set aside for Vrsar?
Two to three days are enough for the town and the Lim Bay, and with the surrounding towns and beaches it is pleasant to stay a week.
How far is Vrsar from Belgrade?
About 645 km, a drive of 7–8 hours. With a night departure from Belgrade (around 23:00h), you reach Vrsar in the morning.
