Located on the coast of the southwestern part of the Istrian peninsula, Fažana is picturesque and small, but ancient and traditionally fishing. Walking through the cobbled streets of Fažana always inspires me, especially at sunset.
Apart from being known as the ” Gate of the Brijuni Islands “, the famous National Park located on the other side of the three-kilometre-wide canal, Fažana is also a great choice for a break. A small place first mentioned in classical antiquity called Phasiana or Vasianum dates back to Roman times. Then known for the production of tiles, amphorae and various pottery, ancient objects, little Fažana still retains its authenticity. It is primarily reflected in the fishing tradition, olive growing and vineyards.
Travelling south Istria: 5 Things to do in Fažana
Once a summer destination of Roman patricians, Fažana is a quaint coastal place. It will offer a lot to see and do during the day, but also on summer evenings. An interesting fact about Fažana says that during the middle of the 18th century it had only 200 inhabitants less than Pula.
1. Find the shortest street in Fažana
Picturesque, and small, but at the same time, ancient Fažana will reveal its hidden fishing village past. Apart from being famous for the pilchard festival, Fažana has a labyrinth of small squares and narrow streets. Many of those would reveal its greatest charms of houses with colourful facades. A walk through them will best reveal the atmosphere of a small town on the west coast of Istria. One of those you need to go through is ” La Rondinella “. The shortest and narrowest street bears a name after swallows (Italian: le Rondine). The story of the locals says that the street was so narrow that only swallows could fly on it.
2. Stroll the central square and taste the pilchard
Standing under the mast of the bell tower, which makes it more like a ship’s deck, the square in Fažana will take us back in time for a moment. Walking through the square during summer evenings where you can find handmade products such as traditional Istrian truffles, cheese, wine, herbs and many others, we can still feel the spirit of the past. It takes us back to ancient times when Fažana was known for its amphorae of olive oil and wines produced from nearby fields. They were transported to today’s Austria, Hungary and Slovenia, but also to destinations in northern Italy such as Lombardy and Veneto, and sometimes to Rome itself. ” Hand Made Fair “ of Istrian gourmet offers a good opportunity to see the products and an exhibition of Istrian handicrafts.
The fair which however describes the most as the fishing village is the Fishermen ‘s Festival (” Sea on the Table “). Grilled pilchards are the queen of the menu, but there is still a gastronomic offer with the risotto or marinated. In addition to these “traditional evenings of the Fažana waterfront”, the square is also reserved for ” Things that fishermen know “. With the presented knowledge of fishermen, it is possible to taste the gastronomic offer – salty pilchard dishes. With a fishing presentation, you should simply take the opportunity to learn more about the art of catching fish, making and using fishing tools and participating in a fishing demonstration.
3. Learn about Batana boat significance
The other manifestation that will be very joyful is ” Rhapsody in Blue “. With this event, which takes place in August, visitors can learn about ” Batana “. A unique fishing boat characterizes a flat bottom. The evening gallery is in mobile art installations. Except in Fažana, the most famous for owning a “Batana boat” is Rovinj.
4. Admire the St. Cosmos & Damian church
The single-nave basilica of St. Cosmos & Damian located in the central square is one of the most famous sights of Fažana. The Gothic church with its baroque elements dates back to the 15th century. It bears a name after Cosmas and Damian, protectors of the city. Those were persecuted during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. They were both doctors and provided free help to those in need. A church right by the sea is a parish church.
The interior with five marble altars characterizes a very valuable painting ” The Last Supper “. It is a work from 1598, by the Zadar painter Zorzi Ventura. A 27-meter-high bell tower is next to the church, ending in an arched pyramidal structure. Apart from being the tallest building in Fažana, the church and the bell tower seem to be the closest such of facilities next to the sea in Istria.
5. Learn about the past from Fažana tiny churches
Fažana and surround are lush with the field tiny churches. Hereby we listed these two popular ones in the town.
The Church of St. Eliseus in Fažana. While exploring the gentle landscape, northeast of the town, you’ll not miss seeing the small, aisleless church with a polygonal Byzantine type apse and bell gable. It was built on a late Classical, rustic palace in the second half of the 6th century. Some original architectural elements (e.g. transgene) could still be seen. In 1956, several family graves cut into the rock were discovered beneath the church.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel church. Another picturesque church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel from the 14th century is located in the historic centre of Fažana. It is probably built on the foundations of an older church from the 9th century, the remains of which have not been preserved. The visible porch with the added bell tower belongs to the 17th century. Remains of 15th-century frescoes can be seen on the interior walls, while a wooden polychrome sculpture of the Virgin and Child, also from the 15th century, is on the altar. It was made by a local master on the model of Friulian workshops.
St. John the Apostle church. This aisleless church without an apse and porch stands at the local cemetery. The exterior and interior of the church seem to be built very entirely. A church reconstructed at begin of the 20th century is with the elements belonging to earlier phases of its construction removed. Its interior is furnished with three altars. There is no data about its original appearance, but it is assumed to have been built in the 16th century.
Bonus thing to do in Fažana: enjoy the events and candle night
One of the most interesting Fažana festivals is the one called “Stars, candles and lanterns”. A simple walk along the sea provides enjoyment of romantic glittering jewellery. All areas are connected to light! Candles, lamps, and lanterns… are all differently connected by the lighting of fishing boats and the sea, contributing to their lights and lanterns to illuminate the shining stars.
Be active in Fažana
Yes, Fažana is suitable for outdoor activities. Its shore is plenty of promenades suitable for walking, cycling and running.
Fažana Run & Walk
Yes, there is plenty of the direction of the trail to Šišan, Pula or the other side of “Barbariga”. But not only the coastal ones. The hikers will love the advice of the course to the inland of Vodnjan.
Walk the St. Christo fort route
One of my favourite run&walk trails is from Fažana to St. Christo Fort. Starting on the south side of Fažana a trail extends alongside the shore passing the Valbandon campsite. After the promenade, the path leads alongside the shore and climbs alongside the cliffs to the other part of the coast. There is a lighthouse you cannot miss since it looks so mystical. It is also undoubtedly one of my favourite most picturesque items in Istria.
The horn is the point with a stunning view of Pula harbour, and it was once a strategic point, especially during World War I. Since Pula was a robust harbour with a military vessel production in Uljanik, it was defenced by Austro-Hungarian Empire. Eventually, a pathway reaches the Austro-Hungarian Fort. Known as St. Christo. St. Christo Fort was one of the few other forts built on the west Istrian Coast (Barbariga to Pula). Enjoy self-sightseeing and relaxation, contemplation of beauty, serenity, love and good feelings with the aim of a positive shift from daily life.
Walk Kamenjk Horn
Kamenjak is simply made for outdoor activities. The southernmost part of the Istrian Peninsula covers approximately 404 hectares. It is surrounded by 30 km of coastline and dotted with numerous coves and small beaches. We walked, and we cycled it, and not just once. A recommended tour is to walk alongside the dinosaur trail and along the coast. So find some excellent tours on Kamenjak and take a ride.
Fažana Cycling
There is the possibility of plenty of various bicycle tours you can make from Fažana, no matter if you want to drive alongside the coastline or cross the hilltops. Sure you can rent a bike everywhere in Fažana. Here are a few suggestions for the tours you can make:
By bike: Fažana – Peroj – Barbariga. One of the must-do routes is the coastal drive to the south direction of Barbariga and Rovinj starting in Fažana. The tour will take you mostly on a flat coastal way, so it is ideal for families and kids. However, my advice is to do a mild up climb to the little prehistorian village Peroj. Over the village dominates the Orthodox Church of St. Spyridon. The tour is suitable for mountain biking.
By bike: Fažana – Vodnjan – Rakalj. This tour is a dream of every cyclist since it crosses the beautiful landscapes and Istrian meadows. First, it takes up a mild but half an hour climb to wonderful Vodnjan. You can stop there and look into the city, and continue in direction of the eastern coast of Istria. My favourite is a small picturesque place Rakalj, with a breathtaking view and more beautiful surroundings.
Fažana Kayaking
The magnificent coast is very favourite and friendly for kayaking. Sure you’ll find the kayaking guided tours in Fažana. Local Tip: be careful because disembarkation and also paddling to almost all of the Brijuni islands is not allowed!
Daily tours from Fažana
Besides the tours with the outdoor activities, we’ll mention some of the other terms you can make daily and are not so far away from Fažana. However, if you want to see more of Istria, we suggest you check our post about things to feel Istria.
Take a walk alongside Roman traces in Pula City
Situated in Pula, Istrian largest and key city, known for its safe harbour and impressive architecture going back to the Roman period, the most famous is the Roman amphitheatre, Arena. It is a must-do daily tour from Fažana. Suppose you’re there during the summer months. In that case, you can visit the stadium in the evenings after the summer day since it hosts various attractions such as Outlook or Pula Film Festival. There is a mode of public transport.
Visit 14 Pearls of Beuty – Brijuni Islands
14 Pearls of beauty, an archipelago National Park Brijuni Islands, an extraordinary mix of natural beauty and cultural and historical heritage is situated opposite Fažana. The tour you shouldn’t miss while in Fažana is a visit to the most significant island VeliBrijun since it is almost a part of it. Many indigenous plants, preserved Mediterranean maquis, meadows where fallow deer, and the numerous paths alongside the island of VeliBrijun, all of that will give you an unforgettable experience. VeliBrijun was the antique residence. There are visible remnants of a Roman villa Rustica from the 1st century, and the museum of a former Yugoslavian president. Brijuni has a botanic park and zoo park. Take a break, go to the beach, and enjoy and relax.
See a little Venice – Rovinj
Yes, my hometown is Rovinj, but it is not why I’m saying you should visit it from Fažana. Rovinj is from Fažana only about 30 kilometres far away and is an ideal spot for all of you seeking a long-forgotten but at the same time romantic and lively atmosphere, filled with cobblestone streets and beautiful sunsets. I know there are many similar things in Fažana, and we like to stroll both of them. Still, a trip will be ideal for comparing some similarities between these two coastal places. Besides the Mediterranean feel with the unique music in Rovinj called “Bitinada” and Venice cobblestone streets, you’ll also see how the Batana’s are similar to some of those boats in Fažana.
Admire Saint Fosca Church
Historians shouldn’t miss this precious sacral monument in Istria, located close to the Batvači (Valmadorso) village, which is only about 5 kilometres far away from Fažana. An impressive Basilica of St. Fosca was given its size, constructed further away from the towns, and modern holiday houses. There are no documents that indicate the date of its construction. Still, since there are no doubts that the arcades were built simultaneously with the church itself, the whole building is considered to date back to the Romanesque period. The church houses the most outstanding examples of Romanesque paintings in Croatia. Take a tour of it, which could also be made within some of the outdoor activities.
See the Istrian Mummies in Vodnjan
The beautiful picturesque Vodnjan which is only 7 kilometres distant from Fažana is a scenic town full of marvellous architecture. Besides having the stunning square surrounded by an impressive colourful city lodge, in Vodnjan is St.Blaise Church with its valuable Sacral Art collection.
Besides having the many paintings, reliquaries, liturgical vestments and vessels from the 14th – 19th century, a unique and significant attraction is the so-called Istrian muffins. One of the best-preserved of them is the body of a Benedictine nun who died in Venice in 1512. It is assumed the best-preserved mummy in the whole of Europe. Church visits by an arrangement, during the summer months from 09 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fažana beaches
There are plenty of beaches in Valbandon and Fažana. The most pebble beachessurround Fažana extending to the north and the south side.
Beach Dječje Igralište
Dječjeigralište Beach as its world says (Kids Playground) is one of the most popular Fažana beaches. It is a rock and pebble beach situated in Fažana, in the Olive Tree Alley with plenty of visitor facilities, including cafes, swimming pools, lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, and campsites. The beach facilities adopt a persons with the wheelchairs.
There is free parking on the front part of the beach, but there is a parking fee to use the parking because it is a part of Fažana. This is unquestionably one of the best beaches in Fažana for children. What I most like is outdoor fitness.
Beach Badel
Another rock and pebble beach, Badel Beach also has plenty of facilities and restrooms for users.
Pineta Camp beach
As its names say, this beach encompasses on the south promenade from Fažana, nearby the beautiful forest. It has, in fact, all the facilities such as showers on the beach and a few cafes. The sea activity lovers could rent a pedal boat, trampoline, and jet ski for adrenaline seekers. The beach is plenty for outdoor fans. It has facilities such as beach volley, football, basketball, balls, mini-golf, and table tennis.
Beach San Lorenzo
Arguably one of the best beaches in Fažana, San Lorenzo Beach, situated in the south of the town in a quiet residential area promenade offers great Brijuni Islands views. Its crystal-clear water and green surroundings make an excellent spot for simply relaxing, soaking up some Adriatic sunshine and going for refreshing swims.
There are few bars, and the beach amenities include free parking, restaurants, showers, chair rentals and a beach bar. The beach has a possibility for sunshades and deck-chairs rental, an aquapark, storms on the coast, a fruit and vegetable stand, and suitable children.
Valbandon beach
A lovely pebble long coastal beach streches the north side of Valbandon arriving from Fažana. It extends to Valbandon camp. It’s suitable for children and older people because it has some shadows under the trees. The beach facilities include a children’s playground, outdoor fitness, showers at the beach, sunshades and deck-chairs rental. There are also a few bars on it.
Beach Bi Val
Dogs friendly. This is a Blue Flag beach with plenty of facilities is north of Valbandon. There are sure showers on the beach. And the beach also has a particular area for dogs.
Adrenaline seekers will enjoy the possibilities of windsurfing, boat renting, pedal boat, parasailing and Jet-skiing. And not only that. There is a diving centre for all of those who want to sunbathe in the beautiful Adriatic Sea.
Getting to Fažana
Since Fažana is practical on Pula’s part, there are excellent possibilities to reach it via Pula public transport from the Pula bus station. All of the public transport is operated by Pulapromet, including the suburban traffic in the south of Istria.
- ✈️ Air. Pula airport is reachable by plane, and the best way is to land on it. Pula Airport (PUY) is almost close to the city. It is located in Valtura which is approximately 6 kilometres outside of Pula and 15 kilometres from Fažana.
- 🚌 Bus. Main Pula bus station is located less than 10 kilometres from the Fažana. The Pula bus station is connected by numerous intercity and international routes. There is a possibility to reach Pula from Zagreb, Rijeka, Venice, Trieste, and the other cities in central Europe.
- 🚆 Train. Pula train station is located at the waterfront. Even though it’s connected with domestic and international routes, the rail traffic in Istria is not as developed as in other central Europe towns. All the trains in Croatia are operated by Croatian Railways (Hrvatskeželjeznice). Those connect all major cities and towns and the small towns and villages founded on the railway track. Pula train station is connected daily with trains to Zagreb (via bus from Lupoglav to Rijeka) and Ljubljana and Maribor.
- ⛴️ Ferry. Fažana harbour connects just the Brijuni Islands. You should go to Pula harbour for the other lines that it is located on the waterfront not so far from the Pula town centre.
- 🚗 By car. Arriving in Fažana by car is one of the most suitable ways. The “Istrian Y motorway” connects the prominent places along the peninsula and with the rest of the country and neighbouring countries, Slovenia and Italy.
