Umag

UMAG is a town and port on the north-western coast of Istria, 13 km northwest of Buje. The old town core is situated on a peninsula, between two shallow bays. The northern, more spacious bay is protected by a breakwater and converted into a harbour. Economy is based on farming, viniculture, fishing and tourism. The hinterland of Umag abounds in fertile and cultivated land, with fields reaching the coast (vine is the main crop).

A number of shallows were formed by erosion of soil, which provide excellent fishing grounds. The new part of the town faces the open bay and is connected with the tourist part of the town in the north-west. The port is exposed to north-westerly winds and allows docking of vessels drawing up to 3.5 m. Umag Marina (Nautical Centre Umag) is located in the northern part of the port.

Umag ACI Marina, situated in the northern part of the town port, in front of Hotel Adriatic, offers 500 berths in the sea for yachts up to 18 m, as well as 150 places on the land. Umag is also a permanent maritime border crossing with an outpost of the port authority and the customs office.

Today, Umag is a well-known seaside resort, equally frequented during summer and winter months.

The development of tourism in Umag started at the turn of the 20th century. The first lodging facility, Albergo all' Istria (Hotel Istra) was mentioned as early as 1896, and the program of tourist development of Umag was presented at an exhibition in Kopar in 1910. In 1925 the Society for the Construction of Hotels and Public Beaches was founded; in the thirties Umag disposed of some 150 hotel beds.

A period of rather insecure development of tourism during the Italian occupation was compensated for by the construction of high quality hotels and catering establishments after the Second World War.

Due to its indentedness, easy access and Mediterranean atmosphere, the riviera of Umag, extending from the Dragonja river in the north, to Ladin Gaj on the southern edge, is a true promised land for those seeking rest and recreation.

Umag has a number of hotels, hotel annexes, apartments, bungalows, campsites and a marina offering standard supporting services, which guarantee a pleasant stay and vacation - recreational opportunities include swimming pools, beaches, a casino, sports grounds, as well as special programs for older people, huntsmen, anglers and nature lovers. Cultural and historic sites and structures are often used as stages for concerts and other quality events.

Traditional events in Umag include: St. Pelegrin, the folk feast dedicated to the patron of Umag (end of May); Our Lady of the Snows, the folk feast in Materada, dedicated to St. Mary (5th of August); The Assumption of Our Lady, the folk feast of Umag and Sveta Marija na Krasu near Umag (15th of August); Concert Summer, concerts of classical music in the parish church (in July and August); ATP Croatia Open, an international tennis tournament in Stella Maris Camp (end of July), which made Umag one of the most famous Croatian seaside resorts.

Umag is an oasis of sports tourism and active vacations, adapted to the needs of urban people. Apart from tennis, tourist complexes along the riviera of Umag offer numerous sports and recreational opportunities: football, bowling, miniature golf, ck riding, hunting, cycling, rowing, yachting, windsurfing, water skiing, diving, swimming and underwater fishing. Umag is a famous health resort, the meeting point of business people and sportsmen and the venue of sports events, congresses, fairs and trade exhibitions.