Some people like to spend their entire holiday in one spot, working on their tan, reading a book they’ll never finish, and sipping cocktails until they forget what day it is. And that’s fine.
But if you’re the type who wants to actually see things, you’re in luck—because Umag isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a launchpad to some of the most stunning places in Istria. Within an hour or two, you can go from medieval hilltop towns to Roman ruins, from vineyard-covered valleys to pristine island getaways.
So, if you’re ready to trade your beach chair for an adventure, here’s where you should go.
Poreč – The Coastal Town That Rome Forgot to Take Back
🚗 Distance from Umag: 30 minutes
Poreč has been around since Roman times, and it still looks like something the Romans might want back. The star attraction is the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO-listed wonder that’s been standing since the 6th century.
But the real charm of Poreč is just wandering around—the old town is packed with seaside cafés, cobbled streets, and random bits of ancient history lying around like it’s no big deal.
Best way to enjoy it? Walk along the waterfront, find a good restaurant, and order a seafood platter while watching tourists struggle to take the perfect Instagram photo of their food.
Rovinj – The Town That Looks Like a Postcard, Even in Real Life
🚗 Distance from Umag: 1 hour
If you’ve ever Googled “most beautiful towns in Croatia,” Rovinj definitely showed up on the list. And for good reason.
With its pastel-colored houses, winding alleyways, and a harbor filled with fishing boats, Rovinj looks like something straight out of a painting.
Your mission here is simple:
- Climb up to St. Euphemia’s Church for ridiculously good views.
- Get lost in the old town (don’t worry, you’ll find your way back eventually).
- Sit at a café by the sea and pretend you live here.
And if you stay for sunset? You’ll probably never want to leave.
Motovun – Where You Can Eat Truffles and Feel Fancy
🚗 Distance from Umag: 45 minutes
Motovun is perched on a hill like it owns the place, and after visiting, you’ll understand why.
This medieval town has stunning views of the Istrian countryside, and more importantly, it’s truffle central. If you’ve never had freshly shaved truffles over pasta, you’re about to experience something life-changing.
Best plan?
- Walk around the town’s ancient walls, feel like a knight.
- Eat truffle fuži pasta at a local restaurant, wonder why all food doesn’t taste this good.
- Buy a bottle of Istrian wine, because you deserve it.
Grožnjan – A Tiny Village That’s Basically an Art Gallery
🚗 Distance from Umag: 35 minutes
Grožnjan is a village full of artists, musicians, and people who probably know way more about wine than you do.
It’s small—like, really small—but every street is packed with art studios, live music, and random hidden corners that feel like they belong in a movie.
This is the place to:
- Stroll through art galleries and pretend you’re a cultured person.
- Drink a glass of local wine at a terrace and admire the countryside.
- Buy a handmade souvenir that you’ll probably never find again.
If you like your day trips with a side of creativity, this is your spot.
Brijuni National Park – An Island Escape With a Side of History
🚗 Distance from Umag: 1.5 hours (including boat ride)
Brijuni is what happens when you take pristine nature, Roman ruins, and a safari park, throw them all onto an island, and tell people to come visit.
A short boat ride from Fažana gets you to one of Croatia’s most unique national parks, where you can:
- See ancient Roman ruins that are just casually lying around.
- Visit the safari park, because why wouldn’t there be exotic animals here?
- Take a guided tour and learn about the island’s history (which includes former Yugoslav leader Tito keeping actual elephants here).
If you like your nature with a bit of history and a touch of weirdness, you’ll love Brijuni.
Savudrija Lighthouse – The Quick Trip That’s Worth It
🚗 Distance from Umag: 15 minutes
This is the oldest lighthouse on the Adriatic, and while that sounds impressive, the real reason to come here is for the views.
Walk along the coastline, watch the sun set over the sea, and enjoy the kind of peaceful silence you only get when you’re away from crowds.
You won’t need long here, but you’ll be glad you stopped by.
Pazin – Where You Can Zipline Over a Cave
🚗 Distance from Umag: 1 hour
Pazin is home to a giant cave, and for some reason, someone looked at it and thought, “You know what this needs? A zipline.”
So now you can:
- Visit the Pazin Castle, which sits dramatically above the cave.
- Walk around and take in the history (the place dates back to medieval times).
- Strap into a harness and fling yourself across the canyon on a zipline.
If you need an adrenaline fix, this is where to get it.
The Perfect Base for Your Istrian Adventure
After a long day of exploring, you’ll need somewhere comfortable to relax, unwind, and maybe open that bottle of wine you impulse-bought in Motovun.
That’s where Petite Miranda comes in. Cozy, stylish, and perfectly located in Umag, it’s the ideal place to stay, recharge, and plan your next adventure.
Book Direct & Save
By booking directly through our website, you:
✔ Save on Airbnb fees
✔ Get the best rates
✔ Support a local business instead of some faceless corporation
Plan your Istrian adventure today. Just don’t blame us when you don’t want to leave.
