Apartments and holiday homes in Umag
Istria's north-western corner, where Umag's little peninsula old town meets a long, low coast of pine woods, resort beaches and the fishing village of Savudrija with its historic lighthouse.
Search stays in UmagUmag is the first stretch of Croatian coast you reach after crossing from Slovenia, and it feels made for easy, active holidays. The old town sits on a small peninsula with a harbour and a compact grid of stone lanes, while the coast either side is flat and green, threaded with cycle paths and dotted with tennis courts. The town is best known for its clay-court ATP tournament, and in summer it has plenty going on without being frantic.
The riviera stretches north to Savudrija, a small fishing village beside a lighthouse first lit in 1818 and regarded as the oldest working light on the Adriatic. Savudrija is quieter and greener, with rocky shores and pine woods, and it suits couples, walkers and anyone who likes to cycle along the sea. Umag itself is better for families who want shops, restaurants and a beach within walking distance.
Many of our stays here are in the villages and residential streets around town rather than in the old centre, so a garden, parking and a short drive or cycle to the beach are the norm. A good number are close to beaches with sandy or grassy sunbathing areas, which is unusual for Istria. Staying just outside town also keeps you close to the cycle routes and wine roads of the north-west hinterland, while the old-town harbour is only a short ride away for dinner.
Beaches
Glavna and Osmica, Umag
Two of the town's more family-friendly spots, both a short distance from the centre and shaded by pines. They mix sand with paved and grassy areas for lying out, which makes them easier on small feet than most Istrian beaches. Expect cafés, a playground and sports facilities nearby.
Laguna, Stella Maris
About 3 km north of the centre, next to the tennis stadium. A sheltered lagoon cut off from the open sea by a small bridge, with pebble, paved and grassy sections under the pines. Calm water and plenty of shade make it a favourite with families.
Savudrija and Kanegra
Further north, Savudrija's beach lies close to the lighthouse, with pebbles, rocks and pine woods behind. Kanegra, near the Slovenian border about 10 km from Umag, has a pebbly sea floor that makes getting in easy, and trees that give shade through the day.
Getting there and around
Umag is the closest Istrian resort to Central Europe: the Slovenian border is just up the road and the Istrian Y motorway links it with the rest of the peninsula. Trieste airport in Italy is around 1 hour 15 minutes away, Ljubljana under two hours, and Pula airport roughly an hour down the motorway. Private stays usually have their own parking; in the old town, spaces are limited, so plan to park at the edge and walk in.
Stays in Umag right now
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Tips before you book
- The coast is low and flat, which makes it one of the best parts of Istria for cycling with children.
- Dogs are allowed on the beaches inside the camps at Park Umag, Finida, Kanegra, Stella Maris and Savudrija.
- Tournament week in July fills the town, so book early if your dates overlap.
- Savudrija and Kanegra are quieter than Umag town; choose them for calm evenings, town for restaurants on foot.
Frequently asked questions
Does Umag have sandy beaches?
Partly. Most of the coast is pebble, rock and paved platforms, but some of the town beaches, such as Glavna and Osmica, combine sand with paved and grassy areas. It is not a long natural sandy beach like Medulin's Bijeca, but it is gentler underfoot than much of Istria, which helps with young children.
Is Umag or Savudrija better for a family holiday?
Umag town is the easier choice if you want to walk to shops, restaurants and equipped beaches with playgrounds. Savudrija suits families who prefer a quiet village, pine woods and rocky coves, and who have a car. The two are only about 8 km apart, so you can easily enjoy both.
How far is Umag from Trieste and Slovenia?
The Slovenian border is a few minutes' drive from the Umag area, and Trieste airport is roughly 1 hour 15 minutes away by car, depending on border traffic. That makes Umag a practical base for travellers driving in from Italy, Austria or Slovenia, as well as for short trips across the border.