Novigrad & Umag

★★ Novigrad (Cittanova)

Novigrad is Istria's best-kept secret — a tiny fishing village with an old town on a former island, which is not prominently featured in any travel guide, but hosts some of the best restaurants in the region. While Rovinj and Poreč burst at the seams in the summer, Novigrad remains pleasantly quiet.

The old town is a miniature Rovinj: pastel-colored houses, narrow alleys, a small harbor with colorful fishing boats. The Pelagija Church with its bell tower dominates the townscape. Along the Riva (promenade), first-class restaurants line up.

Restaurant Damir & Ornella · Zidine 5 — The most famous restaurant in Novigrad and regularly among the best fish restaurants in Croatia. No menu: Damir brings the catch of the day and explains personally. 5–7 courses, each a masterpiece. 40–60€/person. Reservation weeks in advance!

Restaurant Marina · Sv. Antona 38 — Right at the harbor, more down-to-earth than Damir & Ornella, but excellent. Seafood pasta, grilled fish, Istrian Pršut. 15–25€.

Konoba Čok · Svetog Pelagija 1 — Traditional konoba in the old town. Fuži, Maneštra, fresh fish. Cozy, family-run, fair. 10–18€.

★ Umag

Istria's northernmost town is primarily known as a tennis stronghold: The ATP tournament "Croatia Open" (July) attracts world stars, and the tennis facilities in the Stella Maris Resort are among the best in Europe. Otherwise, Umag offers a charming small old town, good beaches, and is the first stop for travelers from Slovenia/Italy.

Katoro Beach: 3 km south, one of the most beautiful family beaches in Istria. Pebbles, loungers, beach bars, water slide for children. Blue Flag beach.

Accommodation:

€€ Hotel & Residence Kempinski Savudrija · Alberi 300a — Luxury resort right on the cliffs, 3 km north. Infinity pool, spa, golf. From 150€.

€€ Sol Umag Hotel · Katoro — Large family resort. Pool, animation, tennis courts. Double room from 80€.