Why Northwestern ? Welcome to 05 Northwestern Istria

06-09 10-13 Novigrad 14-17 18-21 22-27 Sport 28-37 Gastronomy & Entertainment 38-45 Nature & Camping 46-51 Wellness & Sea Welcome to Northwestern Istria

Get to know a part of the Mediterranean in all the colours and specifi- cities of Istria – blue, orange, green and purple...

Read the impressions of our Facebook fans who have already visited this corner of the world and be inspired by their experiences...

Enjoy the blue colour of the crystal clear sea, acres of olive groves and vineyards, offering lovely beaches and wellness oases and don’t the best of the Istrian hinterland – natural parks forget to step into the orange world of first-rate and caverns, picturesque hillocks, abundant sports offer, immerse yourself into the green plant and animal life and the witnesses of colour of Istrian landscapes and campsites and times gone by in the form of well-preserved experience the pure hedonism in purple by tasting little churches and chapels. Istrian delicacies, premium wines and olive oils. Discover one of the best-known wine roads in Begin your adventure in Umag, the first town , gathering as many as twenty-three when you enter Istria from the north. Its charm, renowned winemakers and take pleasure in high quality sports offer and accommodation the exploration of olive oil roads, at which you facilities and a plethora of first-rate sports, can learn everything there is to know about musical and gastronomic manifestations will the production and processing of this famous leave you breathless. fruit while enjoying occasional tastings.

Continue your voyage by following the coast Why Northwestern Istria? to the well-known fishing town of Novigrad, Get inspired by the experiences of those who an architectural gem overflowing not only have already tasted the wonders of this bea- with historical sites, rich cultural heritage utiful part of Istria - in this book you will find and preserved natural beauties, but also with original quotes of the readers of our Facebook wonderful gastronomic delicacies and other page Colours of Istria. We have asked them to attributes that will make anyone’s stay in the answer the following question: Why northwe- town more than enjoyable. stern Istria? Their most beautiful, most inspiring and most creative answers help us discover the Then set out on a journey to the Istrian interior, interests and desires of our guests and provide to green Brtonigla surrounded by acres and an even better and richer holiday experience.

4 Why Northwestern Istria? INTRO 5 Umag

The first town when you enter Istria from the north captivates with its charm and varied and rich offer.

Umag is a town boasting long and attractive coast The stretch between cape Katoro and cape Sipar was as well as interesting hinterland. It offers a variety not reserved exclusively for the villas of the wealthy, of things specific to Istria, and as such, is the best in- but was also dotted with village houses surrounded destroyed the town in 876. The inhabitants moved During your stay, do not miss the numerous troduction to a different Mediterranean experience. with land and inhabited by farmers, craftsmen, fish- to an island – the present-day town of Umag. events Umag has to offer, including Vegeta ermen and traders. The Romans later renamed the The town of Umag has a very interesting history. Croatia Open Umag, Umagination, Adria Music original settlement of Sepomaia into Siparis. Apart from its interesting history, Umag is nowadays It was discovered by the Roman nobility, who Conference, UmaGoblues, International Festi- also a well-known tourist destination owing to its decided to turn it into their summer residence. val of Antique Sepomaia viva and innumerable Due to the frequent pirate attacks, enemy incur- first-rate sports and gastronomic offer and high- The grandeur, luxury and glamour of the times sport and gastronomic manifestations. sions, earthquakes and continuous invasions of bar- quality accommodation capacities, luxury and fami- are still reflected in the Venetian houses in the barian hordes, the Siparians were forced to aban- ly-oriented hotels, villas, apartments and eco camp- old town centre. Parts of walls and towers, as Those who visited Umag are full of praise and don their settlement on several occasions and the sites, all developed in harmony with the true spirit well as Renaissance and Baroque buildings and beautiful metaphors, please read below: Neretva Pirates, lead by prince Domagoj, completely of nature and the Mediterranean as it once was. churches have also been preserved.

6 Why Northwestern Istria? umag 7 Vatroslav Filomena Branka

Umag is simply GREAT! Great town, great ahhh the seaaa people.

Mariuccia Pierantonio

a spring flower Marija Irina the beautiful Umag! ... the most beutiful city …Heaven on Earth! in Istra!!

Tibor ....my favorite place.

Milka Mirela

A little oasis in a perfect ..a beautiful and interesting location. town in Istria :))) Marija

Such beauty leaves you Alenka Mirko speechless.

The town of UMAG IS SPLENDID!! memories. :)

8 Why Northwestern Istria? umag 9 NOVIGRAD Once a tranquil fishing village of Novigrad gradually developed into an alluring destination for tourists from Europe and worldwide, many of whom regularly return.

It managed to preserve its irresistible charm of a been preserved to this day, together with a square quiet fishing town, as well as its recognizable, al- tower guarding the town doors which were once tower constructed in 1883 and modelled after take place elsewhere in the town, and some of the most intimate atmosphere characteristic of small the main entrance into Novigrad. that of St. Mark’s Basilica in . The bell-tower best known are Art, Wine & Music, Gnam-Gnam Fest, Mediterranean towns. dominates the town’s vista, with the statute of St. Astro party Lunasa, Summer carnival and photograph The ciborium of Bishop Mauritius, a rare example Pelagius, the patron saint of Novigrad, on top. All manifestation Foto eX-Tempore. Regardless of which The town walls embraced and preserved the en- of the art of the early Carolingian era, was pre- festivities, celebrations and gatherings once took season you find yourself in Novigrad, there will always tire rich history of the town, its valuable monu- served and is now displayed in the Lapidarij mu- place in its immediate surroundings, at the main be premium restaurants offering the best of the local ments, tradition and culture, the first written seum currently holding one of the most relevant square, as seen on a number of old photographs. Istrian cuisine and top Istrian wines and olive oils. mention of which dates back to the long-ago collections of stone monuments in Croatia. year of 599. The old town centre was once fully One of the certainly most recognizable elements While many manifestations are still held in the vicin- Why the visitors to Novigrad return to this town enclosed by a defensive wall, parts of which have of the local heritage of Novigrad is the town’s bell- ity of the bell-tower at the main town square, others again and again, they explained in their comments:

10 Why Northwestern Istria? novigrad 11 Maja I’m gonna be here in summer :)

Tiziana It’s beautiful, and the view of the sea awak- ens some of my fondest memories!

Edina Senad Caterina Simply gorgeous... :) I think of it every day. Stones and the sea... and horizon all over. Simply beautiful. Nives Ana my perfect summer the most beautiful city in getaway. Croatia and beyond.... :) Alessandro

Ah, those stairs and the Heidi little stone wall!!!! So many Magical!! beautiful memories, Istria, you’ll remain in my heart forever.

12 Why Northwestern Istria? novigrad 13 Brtonigla

At first glance reserved and secluded, green Brtonigla reveals itself slow- ly, but those who get to know it can hardly resist the power of its charm.

It offers the best of the Istrian hinterland – natu- years of his bishop’s service he reformed several by pathways which will take you to meadows and St. Rocco, and the Festival of Our Lady of Lourdes, ral parks and caverns, picturesque hillocks, church traditions. forests, deep into the midst of the pulsing nature Night of the Queens of Brtonigla, Star Chalices and abundant plant and animal life and is dotted This church in the centre of Brtonigla was recent- which lives on undisturbed far from the throng of the Festival of Istrian Malvasia are also a must. with the witnesses of times gone by in the form ly enhanced by a small park already embraced modern civilisation. It is also a place of premium of well-preserved little churches and chapels. by the locals as a place for siesta and rest in the wines and olive oils – numerous family cellars and Located only ten kilometres from the coast, Brto- The parish church in Brtonigla bears the name hot summer days, allowing guests and travellers tasting rooms tempt travellers to discover the au- nigla is the real oasis of quality vacation for the of St. Zenon, an early-Christian bishop from Ve- to experience a part of the authentic life of the thentic power of local life. demanding traveller of the 21st century. rona who is celebrated by this Istrian town as town and its inhabitants right next to the church. its patron saint. St. Zenon is believed to have To those wishing to enjoy green Istria, Brtonigla of- Every year, Brtonigla hosts one of the largest and This is what the fans wrote about the magic and been born in northern Africa and during the ten fers acres of vineyards and olive groves enveloped most popular Istrian folk festivals, the Festival of peace of Brtonigla:

14 Why Northwestern Istria? brtonigla 15 Frenky Vid This is what I dream of - having a Peace and quiet is everything I small house by the sea - and I’ll keep need for a good long rest with my on dreaming family. And that is what we have found in Brtonigla. Luciano I could lose myself in the forest and vast vineyards Pavla around Brtonigla and never Brtonigla... beautiful in every come back. They are pure season. I don’t have to look for magic. Aldo a reason to visit it, the reason is always there. always beautiful

Anthony Georg Going to Astarea tavern was If you ever come to Brtonigla, one of our best ideas during the I recommend you find the time to whole stay in Brtonigla. I’m just visit Mramornica cave, even if you’re sorry we didn’t have more oppor- not an explorer like me :) tunities to eat there. But there will always be a next time :)

16 Why Northwestern Istria? brtonigla 17 Buje The fertile surroundings of Buje are a hilly area enjoying the benefits of the Mediterranean climate. They have been planted with vineyards and olive- groves from times immemorial, to form a typical Istrian landscape.

The velvety hillocks have been inhabited ever Istria. Although the development of tourism in- since the Bronze Age, with Histrians building creased the economic significance of the coastal It is also home to one of the best-known wine region you will encounter wine connoisseurs, their prehistoric fortified towns and Romans towns of Umag and Novigrad, Buje remains the roads in Croatia, gathering as many as twenty- secret stories from their taverns and hard-work- developing their colonies here. One of the most centre of several institutions relevant for this three renowned winemakers and you can also ing oil-makers who consider the olive the divine stunning landscapes of green Istria is graced part of Istria. But perhaps most importantly, the take pleasure in the exploration of olive oil roads, fruit. The best-known event in Buje is certainly with the once impressive Medieval castle on the tradition of this region, some would even say its at which you can learn everything there is to the Grape Festival taking place in September, steep Momjan elevation. soul, have been captured in Buje in more ways know about the production and processing of this the grape picking season, to preserve tradition. than one. Finally, its name has been enshrined famous fruit while enjoying occasional tastings. Buje has traditionally been the judicial, educa- in the historical and geographical name for the The view of the sea in the distance and fine wine tional and administrative centre of northwestern entire region popularly called Bujština. At the roads of the traditional products of the left no one who visited Buje indifferent:

18 Why Northwestern Istria? buje 19 Marija Tino

Buje is a very peaceful place.... For those who didn’t that’s enough to me know - from Buje you can clearly see the ! It is that close :)

Damir Imelda

feels like home, great place and So many things you can do in delicious specialties, not to mention this little town of Northwestern Malvasiaaaaaa Istria. Where do I begin? Maybe a glass of Momjan Muscat would help me start :)

Sabina I will never forget the view from the Church of St. Servulus belfry in Buje. But I miss the Elisa words to describe it to you. Little piece of my heart will Simply, you have to see it for always be left in Buje. yourself.

20 Why Northwestern Istria? brtonigla, buje 21 Sports and recreation are increasingly becoming inseparable parts of our ev- SPORT eryday lives and you surely want to enjoy them even as tourists on holiday.

Northwestern Istria, bathed by the sea, interwoven with rivers, streams and hills, is a wonderful example of all the variety of nature allowing you to do sports on land, in water or in air and, owing to its favourable climate, do so throughout the year!

Cyclists will come into their own in the picturesque hills and valleys thanks to the arranged trails of all types. Wavy terrain and special configuration lend the golf course at nearby real charm and challenge. The longest Istrian river is ideal for kayaking and canoe- ing on calm waters. Lovers of adrenaline fun can choose between windsurfing, diving, underwater fishing, water-

...tennis, diving, golf, biking...active vacation...

skiing or visit one of our adrenaline parks, with paintball and popular quad rides. For the boldest, this part of Istria also offers attractions like paragliding and free-climbing.

Tennis and golf courts at attractive locations, football pitches with natural and artificial grass, beach volleyball courts, poly- valent sports courts, modern sports halls, interesting hiking and cycling trails and much more make the varied offer of northwestern Istria ideal for those seeking an active holiday.

That the best place to do sports is by the sea is some- thing our active guests are well aware:

22 Why Northwestern Istria? sport 23 Ljiljana Tennis here are so many quiet and beautiful roads, so a Incredible sea sun Dino favorite can only be a favorite for that day. For us on the and tennis For me, every year the summer tandem, each day starts in Momjan. It might be a day to go begins with the first day of the ATP Croatia north, either hilly route or , for gelato in Muggia. Open Umag! Tennis Or it might be a day to take it easy on the flat to rolling roads Livio towards Savudrija, Umag, Brtoniglia and Buje. Sometimes The best tennis destination in the favorite ride is the hard one, taking in Groznjan, Triban, this part of Europe! Vizinjanda, , Livade, then up to via Ipsa!, through Sterna, Marusici to Crnci, and finishing with the most beautiful small loop - either direction - that includes Kremen- ja, Oskurus, Bric, Brdo, and Momjan. All of these rides work biking up an appetite, but there are too many great konobas and Nikolina restaurants and pizzerias to list here! Of course, my favorite is Parenzana - because it is only a few meters down the road located in the legendary railway route for the transportation! :) Tennis Diana

After a good tennis match I love to take a swim in the sea. Can it be better? :)

Michael

24 Why Northwestern Istria? sport 25 Water sports Walking Biking SOccER Sophie Bruno Luca Marco The only sort of sports i prefer When it comes to a vacation, I like I am glad that there are Great courts, the whole team during the summer because of a it to be active, and that’s why I go to places that recognize the enjoyed themselves and we can’t simple reason - I can’t get myself northwest Istria. needs of us cyclists. North- wait for the next Winter Cup out of the sea! western Istria is our next destination! :-) Sand sports Klemen I love summer in Umag Walking Biking .. sun, sea, socializing, beach Brygitta Sanda volley. A long walk beside the sea... Great infrastructural Sand sports there can’t be a better way to end conditions. Enjoyed riding GOLF a warm summer day :) the trail of Parenzana and Samantha Matthias discovering the history Last summer I watched a Love the 360° view from the behind it. beach volley competition in Golf Club Adriatic! Umag. It was great. I hope to go Walking Biking there again. Super hot guys :) Marco Mariella GOLF Every nature lover A very nice place for Gregor at least once should cycling, I’ve been there My body and soul cherish take a walking tour on a with my family and we had every weekend spent on the Parenzana trace. a great time green course in Savudrija.

26 Why Northwestern Istria? sport 27 The gastronomy of northwestern Istria will delight you with its Gastronomy & diversity and harmony, its Mediterranean and continental face, topped off with premium olive oils and numerous varieties of Entertainment excellent wines. Regardless of the season of your visit, if you set out to explore the wine roads or roads of the Istrian olive-growers, or decide to try dishes baked under an iron bell, fresh fish, shellfish and homemade brandy, Istrian specialities like the Istrian ox “boškarin”, Istrian pasta “fuži” or renowned truffles from the Motovun forest, your senses will delight in the Mediterranean flavours and smells of delicacies carefully prepared just for you.

Apart from delicious food and fine wines, northwestern Istria will also welcome you with an abundance of entertainment. Spectacular performances of the world-renowned DJ stars and concerts organized during the craziest Umag nights, Umag Par- ty Nights and Umagination, top performances by the best jazz players in Novigrad and the unavoidable traditional feasts in Brtonigla and Buje are only a part of the rich event offer. If you

...delicious food and exquisite wines...great entertainment...

like trying out your luck, you will certainly be drawn to Casino Hotel Mulino accommodating one of the most attractive Euro- pean casino clubs and to two Umag casinos – Kristal, situated in the old town centre and Casino Elite in the Melia Coral hotel.

Relax while enjoying the flavours and smells, have fun and learn everything there is to know about the people and the way of life of this wonderful corner of Istria.

A perfect holiday includes a lot of fun and delicious Istrian special- ties, as can be seen from numerous comments of our Facebook fans:

28 Why Northwestern Istria? Gastronomy & Entertainment 29 Zvonko Marijana Istria is beautiful. Unfortunately, I Istrian prosciutto…mmm…the haven’t tasted truffles. There’s still a part best in the world! of the continental Istria that I haven’t seen, I hope this wish of mine won’t remain unfulfilled... Ljuba

Pljukanci, fuži, gnocchi… Vesna Dragoslav prosciutto, Istrian cheese… There’s no why, but The best sea food specialties Merlot, Teran, Malvasia… there sure are hundreds of because :)))

Marta Olga

The best dish is the Istrian bobići soup! Perfection in every Simple and delicious, especially for cold direction with a touch of winter days the Adriatic Sea

Ivana Emily Homemade cheese ravioli in pro- Neda Fire roasted scallops sciutto, mushroom and truffle sauce Amazing food , beau- fresh from the Adriatic at poured over by olive oil, accompanied tiful place . Love Istra and Milica Astarea in Brtonigla!!!!!! by a glass of excellent Istrian Malvasia- Croatia !!!!! To visit Northwestern Istria and not the ideal autumn lunch. to try truffles is like going to Paris and Marina Dajana not visiting the Eiffel tower.

cuz it’s FRESH, NEW Istrian cuisine... magic for all our sens- Sandra AND UNIQUE! es!! Smell of truffles, taste of vine, touch When my stomach says “food” - I say of home made bread, sound of pleasant boskarin! converation while eating, stunning look of every meal... simply unique!

30 Why Northwestern Istria? Gastronomy & Entertainment 31 Irena A visit to Northwestern Istria Whether celebrating the rites of passage of a without trying boškarin with pljukanci wouldn’t be the same vintner’s wine, the season’s largest truffle, or a village experience! Loved it, om nom! patron saint, the Istrians do it with gusto and hospital- Patrizia ity. Like the seasons, food and drink play a central role Vesna I’ve been travelling a lot around Istria, in daily activities and customs of the region. In spring, enjoying all the delicacies offered by this Guys, there’re many great the appearance of wild asparagus turns a simple things in the world, but only here part of Croatia. I’ve spent a weekend in Istria not long ago, on business, and discov- you can find the Istrian soup and omelette of eggs and proscuitto into a festive fritaja. In ered a new place, a tavern called ‘’Konoba that green olive oil Bušćina’’. It was an incredible experience, summer, a farmer’s wife infuses jars of grape brandy we spent three hours there - slow food Ana with cherries, figs, and walnuts, mistletoe and honey. dining. Everything was great, from the ap-

Istria e’ terra magica…I petizers to the dessert: cod fish, squid salad, It is he season for making jam and ripening grapes, for just love wild asparagus in tuna and anchovy carpaccio, gnocchi in listening to crickets in the cool of the night and enjoying the spring, with the Istrian donkey stew...what can I say, fantastic! prosciutto and olive oil. a glass of chilled vintage wine. In autumn, truffle fever Branka inspires a panoply of gastronomic delights from country and nobody mentioned the Istrian Vale kitchens and humble konobas, to the best five-star res- soup, in a jug…how good is that… I just want to say that the taurants. It is also hunting season in Istria, and a time Zignate truffles are what’s Marjeta for curing hams and smoked meats. best in the autumn, at the For my taste,the best wine is Kastel restaurant..and Malvasia MALVAZIJA & REFOSK ROSE by VERALDA. Coronica... the best restaurant is ASTAREA, they are Ann open all year.

32 Why Northwestern Istria? Gastronomy & Entertainment 33 BEACH BARs CASINO Artur Anna When I go to Istria I always stop There’s always a reason to go by Hotel Mulino because I always to a beach bar in summer. In the feel lucky :) UMAGINATION morning for a cup coffee, during the day for a refreshment and in Simon CASINO the evening for a cocktail :) Waiting in the line to Andrea book a ticket for this years That’s the place where the real Umagination. Great party, fun starts :) wouldn’t want to miss it.

UMAGINATION ATP PARTY Nights Lukas Mauro I just want to say one thing -

Thank you for Fatboy Slim. Every year we’re just waiting for the summer and the ATP parties!

UMAGINATION BEACH BARs CASINO

Domenica Marcella Sebastian See you again this year! This Important tourist center like Beach bar - the sea - beach time I’m bringing even more friends Umag must have a games centre bar - the sea... I can go like that to Umag with me :) like Kristal Casino. all day and night long...

34 Why Northwestern Istria? Gastronomy & Entertainment 35 concerts Mihaela Great performances, some- thing for everyone’s liking. ATP PARTY Nights Robert concerts Everybody knows that the Mija ATP parties are the best Concert by Estelle at ATP was great.. along with free admission. Cool!

ATP PARTY Nights ATP PARTY Nights Sandro Vladimir

Estelle was a big hit last Wow, when I think of year. I can’t wait to see who will it...summer, parties every

they bring this year... day. Not to mention when Dolgopolov sings on the stage .. haha ​​awesome. ATP rocks!

36 Why Northwestern Istria? Gastronomy & Entertainment 37 nature & The unique geographical position of northwestern Istria between two rivers and the Adriatic sea offers an abundance of opportunities camping to anyone enjoying nature and camping. Its campsites, considered among the most modern in Eu- rope, arose from these natural treasures. Owing to the be- auties of this part of Istria and strict ecological standards, here you will experience the authentic connection between camping, nature and the wilderness.

Outside the campsites, you will find yourselves immersed in the unspoilt scenery abounding with beauty, history and legends, just waiting to be discovered. In the vicinity of Br- tonigla you will find the cave of Mramornica, whose interior is considered to be one of the largest and the most beautiful underground spaces in Istria by the speleologists. The lush Motovun forest, replete with scrumptious truffles, will titillate your imagination with the story of the Istrian giant – Veli Jože. The mouth of the Mirna river with Tarska vala abounds with plants and wildlife. Numerous squirrels will entertain both

... attractive locations ... numerous natural beauties. ..

children and adults at the Squirrel park nearby Umag. Nature Park Škarline was named after a stream which formed a lush green canyon, unique in Istria, on its way to the Mirna river.

Regardless of whether you come alone or in the com- pany of family and friends, this green oasis in the heart of Europe beckons you to a dream holiday and relaxation in the Mediterranean nature.

Nature and camping lovers mostly point out the natural beauti- es of this part of Istria, which we are especially pleased about:

38 Why Northwestern Istria? nature & camping 39 Marta Nikica Vesna Istria is unique! This is the only God, it’s so beautiful!!! Istria is trully beautiful! Other place where you can camp in a beautiful things too, of course!!! pine wood, enjoy while the waves are touching your feet and wake up to the Ampelio lavender scent and birds signing I love ISTRIA

Marijana CampingIN Park Umag is my favorite campsite, the best choice to spend the vacation for families...

Oriana

Lidija the beautiful Istria…the scent of the sea and lavender Every nook and cranny of Istria is like a fairy-tale ♥ Ondina With its colours and tastes, the nature of Istria invites us over and over again.

40 Why Northwestern Istria? nature & camping 41 Camping Nature Bruno Evelyn red “terra” and green nice peaceful place “Malvazija”, perfect duality! stella. . .love it... Camping Nature Dobrila Silvio Pure enjoyment.. Croatia…the sea on the one side… the land…one of the most beautiful Camping places in the world…not to mention how Pahovnik we from the Adriatic are lucky to have because Pineta Savudrija is it just a few miles away…I can’t wait for Nature the best campsite nice weather so I can sail there… Selma So beautiful.... Looking forward to Camping Nature come to istria this summer Ivan Mirela everything looks Nature definitely-the view of the old really great Sophia Nature stone houses and alleys, the smell Renata of the Adriatic sea in the distance… My mother used to say: It is so Istria is a beautiful and the taste of a good Cabernet. clean you could eat off the floor. Same region, vineyards and Dear Istrians-you have no idea how here. Beautifully cared for. excellent wine. lucky you are !!!

42 Why Northwestern Istria? nature & camping 43 Nature Nature Aldo Milan I’m coming tomorrow, Istrian red soil, full chill a Malvasia and put a of iron, for Refošk and turbot in the oven … Nature Teran, similar to Kras. Nature Snezana Josip the colour of earth. the a beautiful soil sea. peace in the air bearing the divine Malvasia!

Nature

Michele Nature Burgundy colour soil, Stefan pale gray stone, vineyards my beautiful Istria and olive groves .. the perfect :-))))) I’ll be back combination for a magical land, my Istria! :)

Nature Nature Nature Natasa Cedomir Andjela ....Beautiful country, dear Istria :) Heaven on earth, extremly fer- The people, the tile and beautiful red soil, I’ll always wines of Istria, the carry its scent in my heart ... landscape...

44 Why Northwestern Istria? nature & camping 45 wellness The pleasant Mediterranean climate of northwestern Istria, its crystal clear sea, picturesque coves, bays and promontories with stone and pebble beaches awarded Blue Flags and safe harbours will leave no one indiffe- & sea rent. From swimming, exploring the secrets of the deep blue sea, windsurfing and fishing, the Adriatic offers an interesting and active holiday to all.

On the other hand, if it’s total relaxation you seek, we offer you an unforgettable holistic wellness expe- rience and enjoyment in the hands of professionals. Finnish biosaunas, hydromassage, wave dream, sea- water indoor swimming-pools and gyms, authentic Ayurvedic rituals and a number of other benefits for the body are all at your disposal.

If you wish to learn more about the history of seafa- ring in Istria, you shouldn’t miss Gallerion, a maritime collection of the old Austro-Hungarian and royal war fleet, and use a stroll around the old centre of Novi- grad to get to know the culture and tradition strongly linked to the sea. A Savudrija lighthouse dating back to

...body and mind relaxation...

1818, offers the quiet and the mysticism of the times gone by.

With the diverse facilities offered in northwestern Istria, the combination of wellness and the sea is ideal for re- laxation of both the body and the mind, and should you decide to get to know its history and culture as well, you will have a complete holiday experience in Istria.

Pure delight is the feeling that has inspired fans to wri- te wonderful comments:

46 Why Northwestern Istria? wellness & sea 47 Marijana Dimitar

beautiful Adriatic sea Maestral,Novigrad! Best staff! and beaches in Northwest- Best SPA best prices! ern Istria..

Valda

In Istria? Adriatic... Very clean coast and beaches. Hengle wow ♥

Evert Breathtaking!

Simone Imtiyaz incredibly

Wow! so beautiful amazing. and colourful

Pierantonio a desire for scents

48 Why Northwestern Istria? wellness & sea 49 WELLNESS Sea Marjana Nora Great summer moments, I`ve been to Melia COral last a lot of fun, water sports... autumn. Best wellness vacation Sun, sun, sun... WELLNESS ever! Aldo Sea Sea A fantastic pool in the Tatjana Leo Melia Coral Hotel in Umag Peace and serenity ♥ the best place to be

Sea Sea WELLNESS Irina Annette Helmut Heaven on Earth :-) I feel nostalgia when I’m not close to it Fabulous and happiness when I am.

Sea Sea

Aleksandar Valeria WELLNESS WELLNESS The sea and the sail - it’s The most important ingredient of a dream! Mila Claudia my perfect holiday Couldn’t imagine a better gift for O lala, wish I could be there my body and soul right this moment right now.. Sea Sea and a better place to experience it than in Northwestern Istria. Here I Dobrila Zala come! :) The sea, blue sea… I can spend all day just is there anything more looking at it... beautiful.

50 Why Northwestern Istria? wellness & sea 51 impressum

publisher: Members of the Marketing plan of Cluster Umag - Novigrad - Brtonigla - Buje for the publisher: Sanda Bravar Radizlović, Vesna Ferenac, Maja Jovičić, Valter Bassanese photography: Aleksandar Razdorov, Archive - Colours of Istria design: Studio BuRa, creation etc. print: Vidovic&Co.d.o.o. edition: 300 year: 2013. ... our Facebook fans told us ...

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