Novigrad: The Croatian gem of Istria + What to do here

Many call Novigrad one of the gems of Croatian Istria, and after our several-day visit, we couldn’t agree more. If you are looking for a picturesque seaside town with a harbor and a rich history, stunning beaches, and irresistible charm, then Novigrad on the western coast of Istria is the right place for you.

This picturesque destination attracts vacationers with its rich cultural heritage, excellent gastronomy, and fascinating surroundings. Get inspired and go on your Croatian vacation, even before summer.

— Great deals on accommodation in Novigrad —

Novigrad, Croatia / dovolenkarka.cz

Novigrad – view of the harbor, Croatia / dovolenkarka.cz

Novigrad – Croatia / dovolenkarka.cz

Table of Contents

Novigrad

History and culture of Novigrad

Novigrad is a city with a rich history dating back to ancient times. Traces of the past are evident in the medieval fortifications and narrow streets full of historical monuments. Stroll through the old town and discover stone houses, picturesque squares, and historic churches. Be sure to visit the Lapidarium Museum, which houses valuable Roman and medieval finds.

Novigrad – Croatia / dovolenkarka.cz

Novigrad – Croatia

Beaches of Novigrad

Novigrad is surrounded by beautiful beaches that attract lovers of sun and sea. For example, we camped at one of them last year with our rented campervan, and although it was only May, we boldly swam and enjoyed the calm sea on a paddleboard. However, the local beaches offer a wide range of activities, including water sports, diving, and swimming.

If you long for peace and relaxation, you can choose smaller and secluded beaches where you can enjoy privacy and a wonderful view of the azure sea.

Aminess – Sirena Campsite 4* / dovolenkarka.cz

Novigrad Aminess – Croatia / dovolenkarka.cz

Novigrad Aminess- Croatia / dovolenkarka.cz

Novigrad Aminess – Croatia / dovolenkarka.cz

Explore the surrounding nature and discover picturesque seaside towns, vineyards, and olive groves. We definitely recommend going to one of the local tastings and buying olive oil and wines to take home. Olive oil and salt are perhaps the only souvenirs that we never fail to bring from Croatia, as well as from Slovenia and Italy.

If you like hiking, be sure to visit the Lim Bay Nature Park, which is known for its impressive canyon landscape and boat trip options. In ancient times, the Lim Bay was considered a respected border between Dalmatia and Italy.

Novigrad – Croatia / dovolenkarka.cz

Gastronomy and local cuisine

Croatia is known for its excellent gastronomy, and Novigrad is no exception, as we were able to see several times. The city is full of restaurants and taverns that offer delicious dishes prepared from fresh local ingredients. Be sure to taste fresh seafood, such as shrimp, octopus, or fresh grilled fish, served with olive oil and herbs.

We recommend going to the Kod Kristijana restaurant, where you can enjoy a tasty steak, seafood, and excellently grilled fish. Feel free to leave dessert for an evening walk around the city, when that excellent dinner has settled, when you can enjoy excellent ice cream in one of the local confectioneries.

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Novigrad – Croatia / dovolenkarka.cz

Restaurant Kod Kristijana – Novigrad

Trips from Novigrad

If you are in Novigrad and looking for interesting places to visit, I have five tips for surrounding destinations that are worth a visit:

1. Rovinj

Located just a 30-minute drive from Novigrad is the beautiful town of Rovinj, which is our heart’s desire. This picturesque coastal town is known for its narrow streets, picturesque harbor, and the imposing Cathedral of St. Euphemia. Stroll through the old town, admire the views of the sea, and taste local specialties in one of the cozy restaurants, ideally with a view of the sea. Personally, it is difficult for me to say which of these two cities has more charm for me. I recommend not missing either one.

My tip for a vacation in Rovinj:

Rovinj: Pearl of Istria

Rovinj / Photo: Dovolenkářka

Trips in Rovinj / Zlatni Rt Park / photo: Dovolenkářka

2. Poreč

Another great destination for a trip is Poreč, which is located approximately 20 kilometers from Novigrad. Poreč is known for its vibrant atmosphere, as it is a popular resort for families with children thanks to its high-quality resorts, as well as its historic center and unforgettable monuments, such as the Basilica of St. Euphrasius, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the narrow streets, visit local markets, and enjoy great shops and restaurants.

Poreč – Croatia

3. Motovun

If you are a lover of picturesque mountain towns, not far from Novigrad lies Motovun, which is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and is definitely worth your visit. This medieval town is known for its film festival, which usually takes place at the turn of July – August.
However, I consider the impressive architecture and views that open up to the surrounding landscape in beautiful weather to be the biggest attraction in the town of Motovun. It will primarily appeal to lovers of medieval history. But wine lovers will not be shortchanged either. The Teran or Malvazija varieties are at home here, which you may already know from my contributions from Slovenia.

Motovun – Croatia

4. Pula

If you want to go on a longer trip, visit the city of Pula, which is about an hour’s drive from Novigrad. Pula is the largest city in the region and offers a number of interesting attractions. We visited this city for the first time on our vacations 17 years ago, and I must admit that it has not lost any of its charm even after all these years. The Roman amphitheater is definitely worth a visit, and you should not miss a trip to our beloved Brijuni.

Pula – Croatia

5. Novigrad – trips to green Istria

Whether you bring your bikes to Croatia with you, or rent them on the spot. Istria offers a lot of so-called green cycle paths, where you can take a trip to the picturesque interior and enjoy the surrounding nature, which is not so parched further from the coast.
As I recommended above. Explore the picturesque rural settlements, vineyards, and olive groves that are characteristic of this area. You can also plan a visit to the wine cellars, for which you will find many signs along the way, and taste local wines. However, you can also just go on a simple bike trip along the cycle paths that will take you through the beautiful landscape.

Istria – Croatia

Whichever of these trips you choose, you are certainly in for an exciting adventure and discovering new places. Novigrad is an excellent starting point for exploring the beauties of Istria and its surroundings.

Accommodation Novigrad

You will find plenty of accommodation in Novigrad and I believe that you will choose from the offer for every budget. From luxurious and boutique hotels, through 3* hotels, to apartments, mobile homes or just a place in the campsite. Get inspired:

Clicking on the accommodation preview will show you the available date – price and make a reservation

Didn’t you choose from our recommended accommodation? Never mind, find your own HERE

Have a nice vacation

Your Dovolenkářka

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