On the northwestern coast of Istria, Umag is a small town and port with a population of only 4900. (See Umag on a map of Istria).The tiny old town is on a peninsula between two bays and features typically Istrian winding streets and cozy squares. You can still see parts of the 14th-century town wall as well as an 18th-century baroque church.

Most visitors head to the bay north of town which has been developed for hotels. Looking for a quiet, romantic hideaway? Move along. For families, you can't do better. Acres of land along the coast have been turned into a sort of giant theme park. Nearly every hotel has at least one pool, sometimes more. Plus there's minature golf, paintball, tennis, pingpong and watersports. Although the "beaches" are actually rocky slabs, the water is shallow and safe. Despite the visitor numbers, hotels are well-spaced, separated by pine groves and woodsy paths.

If the pace gets too hectic in Umag, head to nearby Savudrija for a restful break.

Umag is most famous for its tennis tournament, the Croatia Open which attracts a number of the world's best clay court players.

Getting to Umag

Umag is the Istrian city easiest to reach from Italy and Slovenia; it's only 40km from Trieste and 150km from Ljubljana. In addition, there are summer ferries from Venice to Istrian ports from which you can take a bus or drive to Umag.

Accommodation in Umag

Most accommodation in Umag is northwest of the town centre and along a sheltered bay lined with pine groves. The "beaches" are mostly slabs of smooth rock. The shallow waters are ideal for kids which is why Umag hotels cater to families above all. There are also plenty of activities such as badminton, table tennis, basketball and football fields, swimming pools and the like to burn up youthful energy.

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Five-star hotels in Umag
Melia Coral --Ready to leave the kids at home? This hotel is Croatia's first for adults only. Enjoy the renovated night bar, beach club and the new sports playground for adults.

Four-star hotels in Umag
Melia Istrian Villas
Hotel Sol Umag
Hotel Sol Koralj
Hotel Sol Aurora
Hotel Sol Garden Istra--Another great family hotel in Umag, just improved with the construction of a whole new pool, water slide and entertainment area for kids. I can tell you from experience that this is a very lively kid-centric resort.

Three-star hotels in Umag
Hotel Zlatna Vala
Hotel Kristal
Hotel Sipar
Kanegra Resort
Apartment Settlement Sol Polynesia
Apartment Settlement Sol Stella Maris
Depandance Garden Istria
Skiper Suites & Apartments--near Savudrija