Umag: the westernmost town in Croatia

Whenever you are reading these lines, it's the time to start planning your visit to Umag, the westernmost town in Croatia. This small town will enchant you with its charm, crystal clear water, remarkably welcoming locals and all those cute stone buildings.

Where is Umag?

**Umag **is the town that belongs to the Istrian County, and just like the Istrian blue-green flag, **Umag **itself reflects those colors. Its blue sea fits perfectly in the green hinterland. **Umag **is a multiethnic town with approximately 7000 citizens, and it's the westernmost Croatian town. Umag will be the first Croatian city, when you enter the country from the north, from Slovenia, and if you cannot find it on the map, just move a bit eastern from Venice, and in the same line, you'll find Umag. Whether coming from the south (from Pula, Rovinj or Poreč) or the north, the best option is a car. The roads are pretty good here, and in **Istria, **wherever you stop to make a small break, an amazing landscape and polite locals will greet you.

When to visit it?

Since every time of the year is good to visit this small and charming town, I'd recommend visiting it in **spring. **The weather is perfect (not too cold, not too hot), nature is amazing and it's the best time for the bicycle trails. The Istrian land is famous for its bike rides, and many rent-a-bike places in **Umag **offer reasonably priced bicycles. On a bike, you can visit the **Umag **coast and see the crystal clearness of the sea here. Additionally, you can visit the town of Buje/Buie and Grožnjan/Grisignana - where medieval spirit meets jazz music. Although, the summer is the best season since the water is the warmest and the air temperature is over 25 degrees. Umag has one nice and sandy beach, but the best ones are some 5-15 km from the town center.

What to see?

The old town is actually on a small peninsula, and it's entering the sea. In the old town, don't miss to see its walls and the city's church from the 15th century with its bell tower (Parish church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. Peregrine). **Umag **streets and houses are so Italian or Venetian-like-looking, which is totally normal since this town was under a huge Italian and **Venetian **influence during many years. That being said, in Umag, the majority of restaurants offer Croatian and Italian food - trust me it's the best combination. While walking around, you can see some of the Istrian hilltop towns, and in more than two hours by car or ferry, you are in Venice. 

For all campers and nature enthusiasts, the Stella Maris lagoon is worth visiting. Besides its natural beauty, this lagoon is a venue for a Sea Star Festival.

**Umag **is home to **ATP tennis tournament **as well, so it's in the sports fans' attention every July. This westernmost town in Croatia is welcoming you at any time of the year.