Independent travel and view of the city of Novigrad! History of the city of Novigrad The area of modern Novigr...
The area of modern Novigrad was inhabited in antiquity. The first settlements here were founded by Illyrian tribes, and then the region came under the influence of ancient Rome. Archaeological finds indicate that there were Roman villas, baths and roads linking the coast with the interior lands of Istria. During this period, the settlement was called Civitas Nova ("New Town"), from where the modern name comes.
Early Middle Ages: After the fall of the Roman Empire, the territory was repeatedly invaded by the Goths, Byzantines and Franks. In the 6th and 8th centuries. Novigrad became a fortified city and received Christian churches. In the 8th century, the episcopal residence was moved here from Nina, making the city an important religious center of Istria.
The Venetian period: From the 9th century and especially from the 12th century Novigrad came under the influence of the Republic of Venice. The Venetians reinforced defensive walls, built towers and fortifications. The city developed as a port and commercial center: fishing, salt-making and sea trade flourished here. Despite wars and raids (especially Turkish threats in the 15th and 16th centuries), Novigrad remained one of the key points on the Adriatic.
Decline and plague: In the 16th and 17th centuries, the city experienced difficult times: several plague and malaria epidemics led to a significant decrease in the population. Many residents moved to larger cities (Pula, Porec), and Novigrad became a quiet fishing village.
Austrian and Italian periods: In the late 18th century, after the fall of the Venetian Republic, Novigrad came under the rule of the Austrian Empire. In the 19th century, the city remained small, but began to develop thanks to fishing and trade. After the First World War, the territory of Istria passed to Italy (1920-1947). During this period, Italian culture was actively developed in Novigrad, villas and seaside resorts were built.
20th Century and Modernity: After World War II, Istria became part of Yugoslavia and then Croatia (1991). In the 20th century, Novigrad gradually turned from a fishing village into a tourist center, preserving medieval streets, fortress walls and Venetian houses. Today, the city is known as a resort on the Adriatic, popular with tourists due to the combination of rich history and modern recreation.
Novigrad is a cozy seaside town in Croatia, located on the coast of Istria, which harmoniously combines a rich historical heritage and the atmosphere of a modern resort. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it has preserved the appearance of a medieval fortified city surrounded by fortress walls, but at the same time offers tourists all the amenities for a comfortable stay.
Historical atmosphere: Walking through the narrow streets of the Old Town, tourists can see Venetian palaces, ancient churches and towers that have preserved the spirit of the Middle Ages. Particularly impressive are the fortress walls overlooking the sea, where picturesque sunsets open.
Sea recreation and nature: Novigrad is famous for its clean Adriatic Sea and well-kept beaches, many of which are marked with the Blue Flag. Swimming, diving, fishing and yachting are popular here. In the vicinity there are picturesque vineyards and olive groves where you can taste local wine and oil.
Gastronomy: The city is considered the culinary capital of Istria, especially known for dishes of fresh fish, seafood and truffles. Here are gastronomic festivals, wine tastings and master classes in traditional cuisine.
Culture and activities: Novigrad hosts music festivals, exhibitions, theater productions and fairs. In summer, open-air concerts and cultural evenings in the square are especially popular.
Active recreation: For sports and adventure lovers, there are bike routes, hiking trails and sea excursions. Nearby there are places for mountaineering, as well as national parks with unique nature.
In the city of Novigrad you will be met. private guides They will offer individual, individual tours.
Novigrad offers a wide range of accommodation options for travelers with different preferences and budgets. From modern hotels overlooking the Adriatic and SPA complexes to cozy family boarding houses, apartments and campsites, everyone will find a suitable option here. City hotels are suitable for those who love comfort and proximity to the sea, and apartments and guest houses will allow you to feel the atmosphere of Istria and enjoy home comfort. For nature lovers, there are campsites and mobile homes right off the coast in the vicinity.
1. High-class hotels (4-5 stars)
Aminess Maestral Hotel 4 is one of the most popular hotels in Novigrad with swimming pools, spa, restaurants and sea views.
Hotel Nautica 4 is a stylish seaside hotel at the pier, in a marine theme, with panoramic views of the Adriatic and spacious rooms.
2. Mid-range hotels (3 stars)
Optimal for family holidays and travelers who value the balance of “price-quality”.
Aminess Laguna Hotel 3 is a cozy hotel in a green area by the sea, with a swimming pool and a restaurant.
Hotel Cittar 3 is located in the old town, with a traditional atmosphere and the convenience of proximity to the sights.
3. Budget options and apartments
For those who are looking for affordable housing, but want to maintain comfort.
Apartments and private villas – Novigrad has many offers on Airbnb and Booking, where you can rent an apartment by the sea or a house with a garden.
Guesthouse Ritoša is a family guest house with cozy rooms and a homely atmosphere.
4. Alternatives
Suitable for lovers of nature and active recreation.
Camping Aminess Sirena is a modern camping by the sea, with mobile houses, areas for tents and caravans.
Mobile Homes Peros – comfortable mobile homes for relaxing surrounded by greenery, with kitchen and terrace.
Novigrad is not only a picturesque resort on the Adriatic coast, but also a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage. Here there are ancient fortress walls and modern museums, ancient streets and cozy beaches, temples with a centuries-old history and lively embankments. Thanks to the compactness of the city, tourists can safely explore its main attractions on foot or by bicycle, and for longer trips use a bus, taxi or rented car.
1. Old Town (Stari Grad)
Historical center with narrow streets, Venetian houses and fortress walls. There are cafes, restaurants and small shops with souvenirs.
Transport: fully pedestrian area, comfortable to walk.
2. Fortress walls and towers
Preserved defensive structures of the Venetian Republic (13th–16th centuries) A great place for walking with sea views.
Transport: located right in the Old Town, accessible on foot.
3. St. Pelagia and St. Maximilian
The main temple of Novigrad (7-16 centuries), built on the site of an early Christian basilica. It is known for its catacombs and ancient mosaics.
Transport: located in the city center, easy to walk.
4. Lapidarium Museum (Lapidarium Museum)
A modern museum with a collection of stone monuments of antiquity and the Middle Ages. One of the most unusual museums in the Adriatic.
Transport: walking distance from the Old Town.
5. Yacht Wharf (Marina Novigrad)
Modern marina for yachts, a popular place for walks and photo shoots. There are also restaurants with seafood.
Transport: on foot or by bicycle from the city center (5-10 minutes).
6. Aquapark Istralandia (Aquapark Istralandia)
One of the largest water parks in Croatia, located 7 km from Novigrad. Huge water slides, swimming pools and entertainment for the whole family.
Transport: it is better to get by car, taxi or bus (20 minutes).
7. Beaches of Novigrad
City beaches (Karpinjan, Rivarella, Maestral) are marked with the Blue Flag for cleanliness and convenience. Suitable for swimming, diving, walking.
Transport: Most of the beaches are within walking distance or within 5-10 minutes of cycling.
8. Winehouses and olive farms
In the vicinity of the city you can visit wineries and farms with tasting of local wine and olive oil.
Transport: it is more convenient to get by car or as part of a tour.
Transport accessibility in Novigrad
On foot: Most of the historic sites in the city center are within walking distance.
Bicycle: A popular form of transport in Istria, convenient for trips to beaches and nearby villages.
Car: needed to visit the water park, wineries and distant attractions.
Buses: connect Novigrad with Porec, Umag, Pula and other cities of Istria.
Taxis: affordable, but more expensive (e.g. water park or winery)
Novigrad (Croatia) hosts bright events all year round - from gastronomic fairs to music festivals and sports events. Here are the main holidays and festivals by season:
1. Feast of St. Pelagia (Sv. Pelagijev blagdan)
Period: March
Description: religious celebration in honor of the patron of the city; there is a service in the cathedral, street concerts and a fair with traditional food.
2. Festival of wine and olive oil (Festival vina i maslinovog ulja)
Period: April-May
Description: Local winemakers and oil producers present their products, pass tastings and master classes.
3. Novigrad City Festival (Novigradsko kulturno ljeto)
Period: July to August
Description: a series of concerts, theater productions, exhibitions and folklore evenings on the Old Town Square.
4. Fish Evenings (Ribarske večeri)
Period: July to August
Description: open-air culinary fairs with dishes from fresh fish and seafood, live music and dancing.
5. Novigrad Music Nights (Novigrad Music Nights)
Period: July
Description: classical music, jazz and ethno-concerts in temples and open areas of the city.
6. Istrian Truffle Festival (Festival istarskih tartufa)
Period: September-October
Description: A gastronomic holiday in the vicinity of Novigrad, where tourists can taste dishes with white and black truffles.
7. Alpe Adria Folk Festival (Alpe Adria Folk Fest)
Period: September
Description: International Folklore Festival, where ensembles from different countries of Europe perform.
8. Advent u Novigradu (Advent u Novigradu)
Period: December
Description: Christmas market in the square, decorated streets, choir concerts and hot wine.
9. Carnival (Karneval Novigrad)
Period: Feb.
Description: costumed processions, children's performances, music and traditional treats.
Novigrad is located on the coast of Istria, and its climate is typically Mediterranean: mild winter, warm spring, hot summer and sunny golden autumn. Due to this, the city remains attractive for tourists all year round. In summer, they go here for a beach holiday and the sea, in spring and autumn - for gastronomy and culture, and in winter Novigrad pleases with a cozy atmosphere without fuss and Christmas lights. Below are the climate features by season, with air and water temperatures to choose the perfect time to travel.
Spring (March-May)
Air temperature: +12 ... +22 °C
Water temperature: +14... +18 °C
Features: it becomes warm, gardens and vineyards bloom, tourists a little more.
Ideal for: walking, excursions, gastronomic tourism.
Summer (June-August)
Air temperature: +25 ... +32 °C
Water temperature: +22 ... +26 °C
Features: hot and sunny, almost no rain, high tourist season.
Ideal for: beach holidays, swimming, diving and sea walks.
Autumn (September-November)
Air temperature: +14 ... +26 ° C (in September it is warmer, by November it is cooler)
Water temperature: +19 ... +23 ° C (in September - comfortable for swimming)
Features: velvet season, fewer tourists, gastronomic festivals.
Ideal for: quiet rest, wine and truffle tastings, excursions.
Winter (December – February)
Air temperature: +5... +12 °C
Water temperature: +12... +14 °C
Features: mild winter without snow, but the sea is already cold. There are few tourists, the city lives a quiet life.
Ideal for: Christmas markets, walks around the city, quiet rest.
Novigrad is a friendly and safe city where tourists are welcomed. It is enough to observe the elementary rules of respect for culture and laws, and the rest here will be as comfortable as possible.
Language of communication
Official language: Croatian.
In tourist areas, English, Italian and German are widely spoken, so there are usually no problems with communication among travelers.
A polite greeting in Croatian always makes a good impression.
Traditions and customs
Croats appreciate politeness and respectful treatment - it is customary to say hello when meeting and thank even for small services.
In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 5-10%.
Wine and olive oil are considered part of the culture, so tasting is an important part of the holiday.
Family holidays and festivals are popular among Croats - tourists are willingly invited to participate in fairs and folklore evenings.
There are no strict dress rules, but in churches and monasteries it is advisable to cover your shoulders and knees.
Laws and regulations that tourists should know
Smoking is prohibited in public areas (restaurants, cafes, hotels).
Drinking alcohol outside of designated areas is not allowed.
Possession and use of drugs is a strict liability.
Driving a car is possible only with international rights; the permissible level of alcohol - up to 0.5 ‰, but for young drivers (under 24 years) - 0 ‰.
On the beaches, it is important to observe cleanliness and safety rules - a fine can be issued for garbage
Knowing basic words and phrases in Croatian will help tourists feel more comfortable in Novigrad, even if almost all locals understand English well. Below are the main expressions with translation and transcription:
Greetings
Dobar dan! (Dobar Dan) - Good afternoon!
Bok! (Bock) Hey!
Dobro jutro! Good morning!
Dobra večer! - Good evening.
Laku noć! - Good night!
Polite expressions
Molim - Please.
Hvala (Praise) - Thank you.
Hvala lijepa - Thank you very much.
Oprostite - Excuse me.
Da (Yes) Yes.
Ne (No) No.
Cafe and restaurant
Jelovnik is a menu.
Konobar / Konobarica – Waitress / waitress.
Voda is water.
Riba is a fish.
Račun, molim. (Rachun, please) - Check, please.
Vrlo ukusno! (Vrlo bites) - Very good!
Transport and orientation
Gdje je...? (Where is it?) - Where is it?
Lijevo (Lievo) - Left.
Desno - To the right.
Ravno - Straight.
Autobusna Stanica is a bus stop.
Kolodvor is a station.
Shopping and money
Trgovina is a store.
Tržnica is the market.
Novac is money.
Kreditna kartica is a credit card.
Koliko košta? - How much is it?
Numbers.
Jedan is one.
Dva (Two) - Two.
Tri (Three) Three.
Četiri (Chetiri) - Four.
Pet (Pet) - Five.
In Novigrad and the Istrian Peninsula you can find many unique products, souvenirs and natural remedies that tourists are happy to take home. Here are the main categories:
Food and gastronomy
Istrian truffles are a real delicacy of the region, especially white truffles, considered among the best in the world.
Extra virgin olive oil is a high quality, often awarded international awards.
Istrian wines (Malvazija, Teran) are a visiting card of the region, ideal for a gift.
Prosciutto (Istarski pršut) is a traditional dried ham, aged according to ancient recipes.
Honey and lavender products are natural and fragrant, often sold at local fairs.
Medicines and natural products
Essential oils (lavender, rosemary, sage) are widely used for aromatherapy and health.
Cosmetics based on olive oil - creams, soap, balms with natural components.
Herbal teas are local collections from Istrian herbs, useful for the stomach and general tone.
Salt from Sechovl salt brewers (near Istria) is considered environmentally friendly and rich in minerals.
Souvenirs
Handmade ceramics - dishes and decorative products with Istrian motifs.
Traditional embroidery and textiles - tablecloths, napkins, towels.
Figures in the form of fish and sea symbols symbolize the seaside atmosphere of Novigrad.
Magnets and paintings with views of the Adriatic are classics for tourists.
Musical souvenirs are small instruments or decorations associated with the folk music of the region.
What's especially worth bringing
White truffles or products with them (sauces, pastes).
A bottle of Malvazija wine or red Teran.
Cold pressed olive oil.
Lavender makeup or soap.
Pottery with marine motives.
Novigrad is considered a calm and safe city. The crime rate here is low, tourists feel comfortable both day and evening. The main recommendations are standard precautions: do not leave things unattended on the beach, be careful in crowded places and use official taxi services.
Travel documents
Foreign passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after departure).
For citizens of most European countries, as well as holders of a Schengen visa, entry into Croatia is free.
Citizens of other countries (such as the CIS) may need a Schengen or Croatian visa.
It is recommended to carry a copy of your passport and keep it separate from the original.
Insurance
Medical insurance is mandatory - without it, treatment in Croatia can be very expensive.
It is advisable to choose a policy that covers not only treatment, but also active rest (diving, yachting, cycling).
Emergency services phones
112 is a single emergency number (in English).
192 police.
193 Fire Department.
194 ambulance.
1987 – Roadside Assistance (for motorists)
Mobile operators
There are several major operators in Croatia:
Hrvatski Telekom (T-Mobile)
A1 Hrvatska
Tele2 (Telemach)
Tourist SIM cards with Internet and calls are available for tourists, they can be bought at the airport, supermarkets or communication salons.
How long can you stay without leaving?
EU citizens can stay in Croatia without restrictions.
For citizens of countries that have a visa-free regime with the EU, the period of stay is usually up to 90 days within 180 days.
For other tourists, the period depends on the type of visa (usually 30 or 90 days).
Create a query and local guides will offer you the best options
