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.
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.
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.
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
Two-star hotels in Umag
Hotel Istra
One-star hotels in Umag
Hotel Adriatic
Umag can boast not one but two of Croatia's finest campsites: the Park and the Finida.
The Umag tourist office (tel 052-741 363) is at Trgovacka 6.
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