Top 5 Family beaches in Istria

Where are the most beautiful Istrian beaches, hidden bays and best beach bars? We made a choice of 5 most beautiful family beaches in Istra You have to visit. 


1. Kamenjak - near Medulin is not sandy but it is very nice, quiet, outside town and suitable for family with small children. The children would Love the Safari Bar that is well hidden and almost on the beach.

2. Beach on National park Brijuni: You will have to go on an excursion from Fazana. The beach is ideal for smaller children, has a lovely beach cafe bar and the children love to visit Tito's cockatoo, Koki.

3. Bijeca in Medulin: is the most beautilful sandy beach in Medulin and in Istria, which spreads more than 1 km along the coast. For kids there is an aquagan.

4. Beach in Fazana: the public beach in Fazana is completely adjusted for the needs of the family with small children. The beach is gravel and surrounded by pine trees and rich in amenities.

5. Beach Kanegra in Umag: is situated near the city of Savudrija. The beach is covered by fine gravel and has a nice entrance to the sea, which makes it ideal for families with little kids.

Flower of the Mediterranean: Vodice

Vodice is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Dalmatia and in Croatia too. Vodice is known for its tourism and gastronomic offer and friendly local people. Vodice is located 10 km from Sibenik, 60 km from Zadar and 80 km from Split airport. Compared with other cities along the coast, there is almost nowhere so much life as in Vodice. Lawns, gardens, balconies and parks in Vodice are decorated and clean. Because it is so clean, Vodice is often called the city of flowers. The beaches are sandy, gravel and concrete. The beach stretches from Vodice center towards Srima and on the other side of the Tribunj.

Discover the largest island in Croatia - Cres

The island of Cres is the largest island in Croatia. Cres is one of the northern island in the Kvarner Gulf and can be reached via ferry from the island Krk or from the Istrian peninsula (line Brestova-Porozina). With an area of 405.78 km2, Cres is the same size as the neighbouring island of Krk, although Krk has for many years been thought the largest of the islands. Cres and the neighbouring island of Lošinj once used to be one island, but were divided by a channel and connected with a bridge at the town of Osor. Cres's only fresh water source is the Lake Vrana. The island is a natural habitat of the griffon vulture, a very rare bird. The view from the towns of Beli or Lubenice over the sea and cliffs will leave you breathless.

Windsurfing in Istria, Croatia

Premantura is small town situated in Istria's far south, 10 km from Pula and near the city of Medulin. Premantura and the nature park of Kamenjak are famous windsurf station. Premantura is ideal for windsurfing beginners because of moderate winds especially in the summer when mild southeastern maestral wind blows. Southern wind causes big waves because of the shallow Premantura windsurfing spotwaters. Premantura offer all kinds of services related to windsurfing such as teaching classes -from beginners to advanced, equipment storage, purchase and repair. Those fond of windsurfing will find that the favourable winds and sea currents offer a unique experience.

How to save money on your trip to Istria, Croatia

Croatia has a reputation as cheap even though prices have been rising the last few years, especially in  Dubrovnik. Naturally the coast and islands are more expensive than inland destinations (except Zagreb) and July and August are vastly more expensive than the rest of the year. Here are some top tips on how to bag cheap holiday deals:

- Travel first minute: Don't believe in last minute discounts in July and August in Croatia! The best way to book the accommodation in Croatia is to do it a few months in advance and you can receive First Minute discounts.

- Negotiate prices: For example, taxi rides are not metered in Croatia, making it a good idea to bargain for your fare in advance. It's also worth noting that taxi drivers are not given a tip, so don't bother frittering away your money unnecessarily. 

- Travel in pre or post season: in June and September prices are considerately lower than in August and July. Besides the lower costs, the crowded supermarkets, restaurants and beaches, as well as traffic jams are considerably rarer.

- Cook for yourself: Self-catering breaks are an easy way to save money, if not time and hassle. 

- Choose small destinations: Hvar and Dubrovnik offer a lot of possibilities and sights, but higher costs, too. Smaller town along the adriatic coast are very quite and you will have the oppurtunity to enjoy less-crowded beaches with considerably lower costs. 

The island of Lopud

The beautiful island of Lopud is situated northwest of the city Dubrovnik and is a part of the Elafiti islands. Lopud has an area of 4,63 km2, the highest point is Polacica at 216 meters. Currently Lopud has about 220 inhabitants. Lopud, the only settlement, is located in a bay, and from where there is a path that leads to the sandy Bay of Sunj on the far side of the island. You can also visit a Franciscan monastery from 1483 with a cloister and a defence tower with walls. Lopud next to Lokrum is Dubrovnik's most treasured tourist excursion point and is very convenient to visit as ferry boats have a dense schedule to Lopud leaving out of, Port of Gruz in Dubrovnik.

Zrće beach party in Novalja

Novalja on the island of Pag is a popular summer resort which hosts probably the only beach in Croatia with Ibiza sense. Zrce beach (Novalja) is hosting crazy after beach parties and unforgettable nightlife with famous DJs from all over the world. Zrće is the place that never sleeps where you can party from 10 am till 7 am and is perfect place for summer party's and never ending fun. Some clubs on Zrće beach are:

- Kalypso: Dive into the cushioned beds under the straw shades with a drink in your hand during the day, or dive into the music at night.

- Papaya: The best open-air club in central Europe and among 30 best clubs in the world according to DJ Mag, this 32 000 sq feet venue can hold 5000 clubbers. 

- Pepermint: offers cool drinks and parties, including sunrise parties, when everything else is closed.

- Aquarius: A beach bar and restaurant during the day, after beach parties in the afternoon, and club charged with great vibes at night.