The millennia-old little town of Vrsar is an enchanting old fishing settlement and set within one of the most beautiful archipelagos along Istria’s coastline. The picturesque town is split into two parts - the historic old town which lies upon the top of Vrsar hill and which is filled with culture and has a colourful history. The more contemporary and lively second side of town lies beneath, alongside the beaches and the marina.
Just off Vrsar’s coast lies one of the most beautiful archipelagos: 18 uninhabited islands, surrounded by a crystal clear Adriatic Sea, a sailor’s paradise. Vrsar is the departure point for numerous boat excursions, during which visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Istrian coastline. A popular destination by boat is the nearby Lim Canal, the only genuine fjord in Istria and a protected nature area. Visitors who are looking to enjoy the beach are spoilt for choice, with seven blue flag beaches around Vrsar to choose from.
Vrsar can look back at a colourful history. The Italian poet and adventurer Giacomo Casanova spent the summers of 1743 and 1744 in the romantic Vrsar and refers to the town in his famous memoirs. Today, the historic town has remains dating back to 13th Century. The old Romanesque Gate used to stand as part of the town walls guarding a pre-historic settlement. The frame still stands- made out of 13 precisely carved out stones and Istrian oak. The Church of St. Anton dates back to 17th Century, and proves popular with visitors with its elaborate Renaissance-Baroque decor. Today the church hosts a number of art exhibitions throughout the year.
Vrsar is also known as the “town of sculpture”. Each year the “Montraker Summer School of Sculpture” takes place in September in an abandoned quarry. Once the workshops have finished the sculptures are then displayed across the town, on the beaches, quaysides and parks.
There is also a busy events calendar. From June to September Vrsar also holds the annual music festival “Sea and Guitars” in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Sea and the Square of St. Anun. Music lovers can truly unwind to the soothing sounds of traditional Croatian music. From May to September the locals hold a fisherman’s festival during which crowds gather around the moonlit waterfront and enjoy the sounds of summer night songs whilst dining on Istrian seafood delicacies.
A range of rich Istrian gourmet specialities are available in Vrsar, from its well known prosciutto to asparagus and truffles. Istria is also renowned for its fresh seafood and the highly acclaimed mussels and oysters from the Lim Canal. The local wines of Istria have picked up a highly acclaimed reputation. Well worth trying are the local Malvazija or White and Gray Pinnot, as well as the popular local drink of Rakja.
For active guests a range of activities are available to get involved in - from tennis to mini golf to bowling to pedal boats, as well as cycling along the coastline.
Those looking to explore the region will find that there are a number of worthwhile excursions from Vrsar. The nearby town of Pula has an impressive Roman Amphitheatre (one of the largest in the world) and an art deco market. Another highlight is a visit to Motovun, a dramatic hilltop style town which stages an international film festival every August. A short boat ride away are the Brijuni Islands, a stunning archipelago of 12 islands or Rovinj, the lively and romantic neighbouring town filled with small quirky shops and galleries.
Vrsar is easily reached from the UK, by flying to Trieste, Ljubljana, Zagreb or Rijeika, but the closest airport is Pula (served by Ryanair).