Umag

History and monuments

The grandeur and splendor of the old times of the town of Umag can be observed mainly in the remains of preserved medieval urbanism, which is characterized by many romantic winding streets, elongated arcades, small squares and old Venetian houses. In the city tower you can see the lapidary and in the Dante Marina Cettina gallery you can see contemporary works of art by local artists.

The history of the city of Umag dates back to the times of the Roman Empire. On the site of today's Umag, there was a Roman settlement called Umacus in Antiquity, which gradually grew and was renamed today's Umag due to historical events. From the 13th century, after the supremacy of the bishops of Trieste, the town was replaced by the Republic of Venice for about five hundred years, which was later controlled by the Habsburgs (Austria) after protracted battles.

Among the famous personalities visiting Croatia - especially Istria was the reigning Queen of Croatia Maria Theresa - often referred to as the Mother of the Two Emperors. Maria Theresa was Archduchess of Austria, Queen of Hungary (1741–1780) and Queen of Bohemia (1743–1780). She was the only ruling woman on the Czech throne. She spent convalescent stays on the Istrian riviera due to sick lungs. The favorable climate (air saturated with sea salt and the scent of pine groves) had a beneficial effect on the respiratory system. Even today, these areas are sought after for healing stays for children, teenagers and the elderly. Staying by the sea has beneficial effects not only physically, but also psychologically and spiritually.

At the end of the 18th century the region of Istria (including Umag) was briefly controlled by the French, only to then fall under the rule of Austria at the end of World War I. After the First World War, Umag (Istria) was also controlled by the Italians. They usurp a large part of Istria and strive for supremacy over the entire peninsula. Umag only became a part of the Croatian Union Republic within Yugoslavia in 1953, and then remained under Croatia and was an important part of it.

A short excursion into the history of this area is important for understanding the origin of the wealth of Istrian culture and its peculiarity as a space in which there was a great mixing of socio-cultural differences and nationalities (especially Slavs, Romanians and Germans on the territory of Croatia). The inhabitants of Istria are considered to be one of the most tolerant inhabitants of Croatia, especially at the level of the Italian minority. The Croatian language and the Italian language are equal in most cities. Here we can find a bilingual translation of some shops, banks, restaurants, etc.

In the town, the attentive visitor will find the remains of the fortification walls and towers, a baroque church from the end of the 18th century. and an eye-catching tower lapidary.

Swimming and beach Umag

The resort of Umag offers a wide range of diverse beaches. For swimming and water fun, there are many sandy beaches, in places drifted pebbles complemented by concrete jetties, natural stony beaches with grassy areas and gravel beaches. The sea is clear and azure blue. The entrance to the sea is gradual, so it is especially suitable for small children, non-swimmers and people with reduced mobility. The surface of the man-made bay of Punta Stella Maris consists of drifted sand and pebbles.

The so-called Blue Flag was awarded to the following beaches: Polynesia, Kanegra, Savudrija Katoro, as well as the beaches at the Laguna-Stella Maris and Aurora hotels, and the Ladin Gaj, Punta beaches.

Sports offer

Sports activities are particularly diverse in the town of Umag. Every year, this resort hosts the Croatia Open Umag men's ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) tournament. This tournament has been played every year since 1990, always in July, and many high-quality Czech tennis players participate in it. In the Stella Maris recreation area, there is a large tennis center with headquarters and 18 other courts, which can be used not only by professionals, but also by laymen. In addition, there are 70 sand tennis courts nearby.

Furthermore, visitors can find the entertainment center "Katoro" - ("Water sports Katoro Umag"), where it is possible (in addition to tennis) to ride a horse or engage in water fun - for example, a visit to the local aqua park. We can also find slides of various sizes, pedal boats, kayaks, surfing, windsurfing, paragliding, we can also try riding a rubber banana, or go diving, underwater fishing or water skiing under professional supervision.

Horse riding can also be enjoyed at the "Umag Katoro-Juricanija" center in Juricanija, which organizes regular horse riding courses, short rides around the area and longer trips in the saddle under the supervision of experienced professionals. The rides are suitable for both experienced riders and beginners. For people with reduced mobility, we offer short relaxing rides supplemented with exercise and stretching of the whole body (as part of hippotherapy).

For lovers of cycling, there are prepared and marked cycle routes, especially for mountain bikes. In Umag, it is possible to rent a mountain bike (for adults and children) for short or all-day tours with all equipment (helmet, pump, protectors, etc.)

Cultural events and evening life

In addition to sports, Umag also offers an abundance of cultural events. If you are serious classical music lovers, you can visit the concert summer (Koncertno ljeto) in the parish church of St. Pelegrina (July - August). Popular events include mainly folk festivals - so-called festivals that celebrate the patron saint of Umag, St. Pilgrim. The festival takes place every year at the end of May. Other folk festivals include the Marian Pilgrimage - a great folk holiday and festivities held on August 5 and 15.

For lovers of dancing and free entertainment, there is a whole range of entertainment in disco clubs, dance halls, night clubs, casinos and in romantic wine cellars (konobas).