Posted by Novigrad, Croatia: A Comprehensive Visitor’s Guide
The charming town of Novigrad, located on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula, is a hidden gem in Croatia. Known for its rich history, incredible architecture and pristine beaches, Novigrad is a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern attractions. This guide will introduce you to the town’s history, top attractions and best beaches to ensure you have an unforgettable experience.
History Novigrad
The town of Novigrad (translated: New Town), originally called Neapolis (Greek for New Town), dates back to Roman times, and its history is woven into the fabric of its buildings and streets, where influences from the Middle Ages and Renaissance can still be seen. So “New Town” is actually a very old town. The town’s strategic location made it a valuable port, and over the centuries it was ruled by various empires, including the Byzantine, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian Empires.
Video Novigrad, Istria
Getting to Novigrad
Novi Grad is easily accessible from several major cities. The nearest major airport is in Pula, about 75 kilometers away. From there you can rent a car, take a bus or book a transfer to Novigrad. The city is also well connected by road and sea. There are regular bus connections from other cities in Croatia and ferry connections from Italy (especially from Venice). There is no railway.
Nearby: The cities of Umag and Porec
In Novigrad, a tourist train runs during the season, which is a kind of public transport for tourists. It takes holidaymakers from hotels and campsites to the city. A trip costs around 2 to 3 euros, and the trains run quite frequently in summer. A great idea.
Sights in Novigrad
Old town and the harbor
The center of Novigrad is the old town with narrow streets and historic buildings. When strolling through the old town, you will come across charming squares, old churches and cozy cafes. To the north of the old center of Novigrad is a beautiful harbor with fishing boats and yachts. You can book boat trips and the like. A fast ferry runs to Venice.
Church of Saint Pelagius and Saint Maximus
This Romanesque church is one of Novigrad’s most important landmarks (especially the free-standing bell tower). It was built in the 9th century and has a great bell tower that offers panoramic views of the town and the sea.
Lapidarium Museum
The Lapidarium Museum is located in the heart of the old town and displays a collection of stone monuments from the Roman and medieval times. It is a great place to learn about the rich history of the region.
Rigo Palace
The baroque palace, built in the 18th century, is a testament to the city’s prosperous past. Today it hosts art exhibitions and cultural events.
Novi Grad City Walls
The medieval city walls are remarkably well preserved. A walk along the walls offers an insight into the city’s defensive history and a breathtaking view of the Adriatic. The wall once went around the entire old town, large parts have been preserved. An absolute highlight. The city wall can be seen well from the Uder in the southern center. You should definitely walk around the city center along the shore. The entire city center is on a peninsula, 3 sides are sea.
Belvedere Loggia
The Belvedere Loggia, a Renaissance structure, was once used as a viewing platform and is a great place for taking photos, especially at sunset.
There is a small city park on the waterfront with a playground for children and the like. In the middle of the old town you can swim in the clean sea.
Umbrellas
A special feature in Novigrad are the umbrellas hanging over the streets in the city center. A good 10 years ago there was a street art exhibition in the city. The umbrellas that were hanging up at that time became a symbol of the city. The colorful umbrellas were simply left hanging. In summer they protect against the sun, and sometimes a little against rain.
Eating out in Novigrad
There are several good restaurants in the city center of Novigrad. The Europa restaurant including iced coffee, right in the center, is very cheap. In the summer of 2024, there will be slices of pizza to take away for 2.40 to 3 euros and doner kebab for 6 euros. The calamari are fresh and good, a scoop of ice cream costs 2 euros, whole, excellent pizzas cost around 10 euros.
The simple Adria Grill restaurant on the road to the city center is also very good. Low prices, great service and good food. Next door in Kod Marice there is good fish and seafood such as mussels.
Almost all restaurants in Novigrad offer Balkan cuisine such as cevapcici with fries and / or pizza and other Italian dishes such as pasta. Fast food consists mainly of kebabs and hamburgers, as in all of Istria. For example, we didn’t find an Asian restaurant in Novigrad.
Novigrad Beaches
1. Karpinyan Beach
Located north of the Old Town, Karpinyan Beach is a pebble beach with clear waters. It is ideal for families and has numerous amenities such as cafes, toilets and sports facilities.
2. Maestral Beach
Located close to several hotels, Maestral Beach is known for its well-maintained facilities and beautiful surroundings. The beach is pebbly and rocky and offers plenty of shade from pine trees.
3. Pineta Beach
Slightly further from the town centre. This pebble beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers a peaceful break from the crowds.
4. Sirena Beach
Part of a holiday complex, Sirena Beach is made up of a mix of pebbles and rocks. It has all the necessary amenities and offers a variety of water activities.
5. Rivarella Beach
Rivarella Beach is located near the marina and consists of a mixture of pebbles and concrete sunbathing areas. Its central location makes it easily accessible and perfect for a quick swim.
Outside Novigrad there are large campsites on the beaches. Here you can also rent simple bungalows and the like. You see a lot of tourists from Germany, Austria and the Netherlands here. Almost all of them come by car or camper van.
On all beaches and scattered throughout the town of Novigrad there are hotels, holiday apartments and private room rentals.
Novigrad Activities and Excursions
Water Sports
The crystal clear waters of Novigrad are great for a variety of water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding and jet skiing, and some beaches offer boat rentals and lessons for beginners.
Cycling and Hiking
The countryside around Istria is criss-crossed with cycling and hiking trails. Renting a bike is a popular way to explore the area. The routes take you through vineyards, olive groves and picturesque villages. Many tourists also bring bikes from home, Istria is a cycling region. Unfortunately, there are not many bike paths along the country roads.
Wine and Olive Oil Tasting
Istria is famous for its wine and olive oil. Several wineries and olive oil producers in and around Novigrad offer tours and tastings that provide a delicious insight into the local produce.
Fishing Excursions
Fishing is an important part of Novigrad’s heritage. You can join a fishing trip with local fishermen to learn traditional techniques and enjoy the fresh catch of the day.
Boat Trips
There are a variety of boat trips available, from sunset cruises to day trips to neighboring islands and coastal villages. These trips are a fantastic way to see more of the beautiful Istrian coast.
Novigrad Practical Information
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Novigrad is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is warm and sunny. July and August are the peak travel months, so consider visiting in May, June or September if you want a quieter time and want to avoid the really big heat.
Local Events
Novigrad hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Of particular note are the Gnam Gnam Festival, which celebrates local cuisine, and Novigrad Music Nights, which sees concerts all over town.
Novigrad is a delightful destination that offers the perfect blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Whether you choose to explore the old streets, relax on the beautiful beaches or sample the local delicacies, Novigrad promises an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the enchanting charm of this Istrian gem. Novigrad is an absolute recommendation for a great holiday, whether for older holidaymakers, couples or families. The price level in Novigrad is also ok for Croatia.