Hilly with beautiful views yet Pelagian in spirit, Vrsar is one of those coastal towns sprinkled with hidden mysteries. I love its cobblestone streets, the seaside promenade, and those quiet moments that feel like walking through time.
Famous artists choose this small picturesque place on the shore, located between two more renowned tourist giants, Poreč in the north, and Rovinj, in the south. It’s not by chance that they would only take the rest of daily hustle & bustle from big cities and seek the shelter they can create. Famous artists know that such a place is the right place for calmness and peace, the place where inspiration is simply lived. Between Lim Channel, the natural protected area on the south and Funtana the small spot on the north next to it, Vrsar is hidden but not frozen in time.
Why you should visit Vrsar
Besides exciting landmarks, you can also enjoy the stone architecture of the old town developed around the citadel. Vrsar is surrounded by greenery and excellent accommodation facilities. Many things could be done to be inspired in Vrsar and surroundings in summer and during the wintertime.
Here we want to share theideas of things inspired in Vrsar with you since my every new visit to Vrsar always inspires me again. So, here we prepared a shortlist what to do in Vrsar. Before heading off, make sure you have all the essential travel items, which will make your holiday that much more comfortable.
Vrsar in history
The town was settled by the Istrian peninsula’s first known inhabitants, Historian people, before it was captured by the Romans and later incorporated into Byzantine Empire (from 538 till the 8th century). After it, Lombards and Franks ruled the town, and between 10th and 18th centuries, Vrsar was ruled by Poreč bishops appointed by the Roman popes.The famous adventurer Giacomo Casanova spent two summers in Vrsar, which is evident from his memories.Like the other towns, Vrsar succumbed to the French (Napoleon Bonaparte) rule and Austrian rule in the 18th century.
Vrsar sights
Since Vrsar is full of the cultural, historical and sacral monuments, the artist and the history fans will like it. So let’s explore them then.
Climb to the Vrsar Citadel
Climb on to the Vrsar hill to see the citadel used by Poreč bishops who ruled Vrsar from the 6th century until 1778 as a palace and a summer residence. The fortress called “Kaštel” by locals is located on the top of the Vrsar hill, constituted by the parish church, bell tower, and nearby lookout point.
It’s considered this used to be a small Roman castle constructed under the bishop Oton in the 13th century. Besides as residence, it served as a shelter from the epidemics and wars. During the Venetian Rule, the citadel was ruled by Venetian mayor of Sv. Lovreč, and at the end of the 19th century it was owned by Fergotini family from Poreč. It was abandoned for a long time, but today it was completely renovated. Three palace stores are transformed into apartments.
You’ll mention two Roman towers dating back to the 13th century near the palace.
Take a walk the Main Town Gate
Get a walk across the Main Town Gate situated next to the Church of St Fosca’s, and served for centuries as an entrance into a fortified town, which expended outside the town walls only in 19th century. Entering the old town, you’ll notice the stone slab standing above the gate. In the Romanesque style, the slab built-in 13th century contains a relief of the Venetian lion with a closed book, a sign that Venice was at war when the replacement was made.
Walk across The old Roman Gate
Now that you entered the Old Vrsar through its main gate, you’ll also mention the town had another one, bit smallerthe Old Roman Gate. Those are on the city’s eastern brim, near St.Anthony Church. However, this is a somewhat older gate made in the 2nd half of the 12th or the beginning of the 13th century.
Take a look on to the construction of the Gate frame that consists of 13 stone blocks. Crossbars made of Istrian oaks were preserved, among the oldest in Istria.
Next to the Roman Gate, you’ll also notice two iron balls. It’s considered the balls served to be the ammunition of the English ships that shot cannonballs in the 19th century at Istrian towns under time at the time Napoleon.
See The Parish Church of Saint Martin
The Parish Church of St. Saint Martin with the bell tower is the first thing visitors will see when they get to Vrsar. This church, dating from 1927 and 1935,was constructed gradually and in phases of Vrsar stone. It stands in the middle of the hill overlooking the rest of Vrsar. The Church of St. Martin is a representation of the three-nave building with a central nave and smaller transverse aisles on each side, separated by columns.
Enjoy the View of Vrasr from a Bell Tower
You simply cannot miss capturing the photo from the absolute best place to get wide-ranging views over the stone houses ofVrsar. Though Vrsar hasn’t had a bell tower since the old medieval one used to stand on the main town square, was demolished in 1920, the town got the new one. It was built in 1991. Since then, a 40-meter tall bell tower with a new structure, divided into four parts, contains three bells (which are not being used)dominates the area.
To reach this must-do spot is to climb to the top of the bell tower. Set adjacent next to the Parish Church of St. Martin in the middle in the heart of the old town of Vrsar, you can’t skip since the bell tower is the tallest building in Vrsar. It is the most popular viewpoint offering a view of the Church of St Euphemia in Rovinj, the islands around Vrsar, Funtana, and the area around Poreč and the numerous hills in surroundings.
See The Church of St. Fosca
Situated next to the Main Gate, St. Fosca Church was built in the first half of 17th century. The church interior contains a sacral collection comprised of many valuable artefacts and has three altars.
See The Church of St. Anthony Padua
A little St. Anthony’s Church situated next to the old town gate, Roman Gate, has a distinctive belfry and a porch. The church dating back of the 2nd half of the 17th century last restored in 2010 displays characteristics of both the renaissance and the Baroque style.On the church façade, there is a small bell-cot, from which a bell with images of Saint Anthony of Padua, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and saints used to hang in 1657. The church houses a wooden, Baroque, and richly decorated altar, whose surface gives the impression of being gilded and with Baroque splendour.
See The Basilica of St. Mary of the Sea (Crkva Sv. Marije od Mora)
Though today’s appearance of the basilica situated near the Vrsar pier on the shore, originates from the 12th century, it is considered to be built on the previous St. Mary Church 2nd century’s remnants. It’s also assumed in Roman times some large building as “villa Rustica”, a country house with farm buildings), was standing on its place.The three naved basilicas represent Roman architecture in Istria, but with a few restorations between 08th and 12th century.
Sure you need to take a selfie with this small, picturesque but also a significant monument.
Stroll Dušan Džamonja Park
The permanent exhibition “Under the Stars” is with no doubt a must-see for all sculpture buffs. They would not want this park’s miss stroll to settle close to the north town entrance (from Poreč direction). This beautiful natural environment is home of the modern sculpturesof one of the famous Croatian sculptors Dušan Džamonja bearing the same name as the eponymous Sculpture Park. The monumental modern sculptures made of steel, iron, bronze, aluminium, marble and concrete are on display from March till October except for Mondays.
See the Bulwarks and Towers
The historians should look at the architecture of buildings while strolling the Vrsar Old Town of Vrsar. Some of the buildings still display the town bulwarks’ fragments that encircled the first prehistoric settlement (from the Bronze and Iron Age) situated on the hill’s top. Vrsar once was surrounded by bulwarks and towers, and between the 13th and 16th century the new walls were built.
Find the best View in Town of Viewpoints
Vrsar has been situated on a prominent hill by the sea since the Middle Ages. Such location enabled it to rise in the city having excellent views extending the surrounding beaches, islets, bays and coves. Though we already uncovered the best picture from the tallest building bell-tower, there are still many viewpoints.
Let’s find some of the pointswith the view of St. George Island, Vrsar quayside and marina, St Mary’s Church of the River, and the abandoned Montraker quarry. Do you have any idea where is the best view in town? The viewpoint you definitely shouldn’t miss while stroll Vrsar situated in the shade of trees is located under the Church of St Anthony of Padua, just below the Small Gate of Vrsar. Not only magnificent, since it offers the most beautiful sweeping view of Vrsar,extending towards the southwest but it is also one of the oldest and largest viewpoints of Vrsar.
Just enjoy in the shadow or get relaxed nearby the water cistern (Šterna). The water cisterns that used to be built on the balcony entrances are often spotted as one of the viewpoints. Both houses in Vrsar old towns or in Istria are characterized by cisterns since they were once only water source.
And this is ofcourse not an all in the town of the viewpoints. Another viewpoint that the photography or art lovers but also the romantics shouldn’t miss is that one behind the parish Church of St Martin.Since it is a multi-level viewpoint, with several terraces, allowing many persons to enjoy the view is stretching toward the north, of Camping Valkanela and the Funtana archipelago.
Now you think we mentioned all the viewpoints in Vrsar? Well, probably, we haven’t. There are two more official viewpoints called “Bepo and Tonina”,and the other famous “Casanova”. I will tell you that “Bepo and Tonina” are a few dozen metres below the last mentioned one above. But where is the “Casanova” point this, of course, remains the secret that you’ll need to uncover by yourself.
Climb up to Montraker and find the abandoned Quarries
Vrsar is surrounded by abandoned quarries in which the stone has been obtained ever since Roman times. One of them is Montraker where is nowadaysevery summer held the international sculpturing school. Suppose you’re in Vrsar during the summer and you like sculptures. In that case, it is an excellent opportunity to see an open summer sculpture school. The school is mentored by the sculptor, which offers a unique insight into the row stone redefinition process (three weeks later).
There are few of the ancient abandoned stone quarries in Vrsar vicinity. Such this one within the Basilica of St. Mary there are the other on the islets offshore, on the GavanovVrh peak, or Monte Ricco. The latter was where the high-quality grey stone (Aurac) has been obtained ever since Romanesque times. Make the tour alongside the abandoned quarries and look on it. It’s fascinating since it is not commercial.
See the Romanesque Tower and Casanova’s “Sanctuary”
One shouldn’t miss visiting this Romanesque Tower dating back to the Middle Ages in the Romanesque style. The tower was restored in 2017 that following the restoration was intended to serve as Casanova’s “sanctuary”. Plenty of new information and multimedia centre documenting the sojourn of famous Venetian lover Casanova that visited Vrsar in 1740 could be found in it.
It’s considered the famous adventurer Casanova came to Vrsar twice and mentioned the town in his memoir. He describes passionate encounters with a certain chambermaid, and some of the next praises the food and wine in Vrsar. Casanova who event. Once escaped from a prison in Venice or came with the Venetian soldiers supposedly attracted 200 women. The number of those who wanted to b seduced is even more significant. By chance or not, Vrasr’s Island of Koversada has been the most popular nudist destination in Europe with a tradition for some 50 years.
Walk alongside the Vrsar Promenades
Besides the old town of Vrsar contains a network of narrow and typical cobblestone medieval streets opening the view on to the squares, balconies, traditional architecture, limited spaces or views, Vrsar also has as the coastal part. Quaint little shops and art galleries and plenty of restaurants characterize the beautiful, old neighbourhood Vrsar Riva waterfront. For me one of the very marvellous one in Istria you shouldn’t miss taking a walk alongside.
And Vrsarhas it sea promenade called “Lungo Mare” also very specif one. Tiny, picturesque, but filled with the natural surroundings’ green and blue colours simultaneously, Vrsar promenade “Lungo Mare” is my favourite one in Istria. Stretching alongside the sea through various ambients, starting from the luxury marina, leads through the fishermen’s anchorage. Later passing by the Vrsar beach beneath apartment complexes. Eventually, it reaches the Petalon Resort and the naturist destination of Koversada. Take a walk and enjoy the sunsets.
There is also the north promenade extending to small picturesque place Funtana. And I might not forget to mention the insular one, the island promenades on Sveti Juraj – St. George. It’s with no doubt the best one to me since the island coastline promenade provides a beautiful broad view of the sea landscape of Vrsar and the unique view of the old town of Vrsar.
Be active in Vrsar
There are many bike tracks, diving centres, rent-a boats, and nautical tourism capacities for those who enjoy the sport and recreation activities.
- Cycling. Vrsar environment is made to enjoy in it. The plethora of the tracks of culture, history and nature, each of different length are waiting to be discovered. No matter the short, the round or the long one, just take your bike or rent it and start. There are few sports centres in Pineta, Porto Sole, Koversada Valkanela, Montarker, Sport Vala Grill, Fiore and Orsera where bikes could be rented. One of the trails I always use to enjoy and recommend is for sure that Vrsar to Kontija Forest leads through the 15 kilometres pure nature above the Lim Channel. Uncover the hermit Ronaldo tracks that lived in one of the Limski Kanal (Lim Bay) caves. If you feel yourself in good training you can pass the Lim Bay, continue to drive till Rovinj and back.
- Walking. Besides the Vrsar promenades, the same for as cyclists, there are lovely trails from Vrsar direction to bay. The nature lovers and admirers of mysterious historical stories, staying in Vrsar wouldn’t want miss to explore the Lim Channel, flooded canyon valley in the karst, created by Mother Nature. There are several trails you can take from Vrsar. However, my favourite is that one who starts a nearby Vrsar sports airport leads straight to the channel reaching St. Romualdo’s cave. However, this is not the only Romualdo’s cave in the Lim Bay. This one under Kloštar is believed he lived in, but few more you can uncover. There are sure the other tracks from Vrsar direction to Poreč, and if you walk that way, you’ll reach the camping of Zelena Laguna.
- Parachute jump/skydiving. Adventure seekers will find the adrenaline excitement over one of the most beautiful Istrian landscapes in Aero Park Vrsar. There is a sport airport with air activities. You can try the Tandem skydive jump with an instructor and remember the view to Vrsar and the other Istrian towns. Besides parachute jumping or skydiving, you can also become a pilot for a day and enjoy a panoramic flight over beautiful Istria.
- Diving.There are numerous diving centres in Istria, but in Vrsar; however, two are remarkably enough to enjoy the beautiful world under the sea.
- Kayaking/rowing. Vrsar coast with the opposite island of Sveti Juraj – St. George and Kovesrada are amazing to be rowed alongside it. The tour from Rovinj to Vrsar was one of the daily training when I used to propel once. Of course, I don’t say you need to row right up to Rovinj, but what can you do is take a kayaking tour to Limski Kanal – Lim Bay.
- Rock Climbing. The wonderful climbing area with various climbing routes is situated above Lim Bay, nearby Kloštar and offers an incredible climbing experience with beautiful views to the bay. The next one that is not also so far away from Vrsar is situated above mystical Dvigrad. It offers a beautiful view of this also known the Plague Town.
- Play Tennis. The numerous tennis courtssituated within resorts and hotels would enable tennis to all tennis lovers.
Daily tours in Vrsar sourround
The city’s excellent position enables you to further explore the Istrian Peninsula and experience the region’s diversity.Busses depart the Vrsar and Poreč station to nearby Pula and Rovinj on a daily base. If you have or rent a car, you can just travel through the breathtaking countryside. If you do, then read in our blog post Things should feel Istria about the ideas. Here we prepared some shortlist of the trip ideas you can make it while in Vrsar.
Sail the Lim Bay
The many of various boat trip offers daily you’ll just easily find in Vrsar. All of them include sailing from Vrsar to Rovinj and back trough beautiful Lim Bay – Limski Kanal. The channel or fjord is an ideal spot for dropping the anchor, taking a plunge with a swim in crystal water, and enjoying the clear water. The daily trips are a perfect opportunity to see Rovinj – a little Venice without driving to it.
Find the Roman tracks
Yes, Vrsar is an ideal location where you can decide which side you want to go, north to Poreč or the south in Pula. Both of them are Antique cities. Visit Poreč andmake a sightseeing of this Roman place, established back in the 1st century during the reign of the emperor Augustuswith rich culture and antique history. After it takes a connection to Pula, the largest town of the Istrian peninsula. It offers a diversity of culture and Roman traces sightseeing that begins and ends with a Roman amphitheatre.
Go to Pearls Archipelago of Brijuni and see the other fish town Fažana
Situated in the south of Istria, opposite of the another small fisherman’s place Fažana, Brijuni Islands make one of 8 Croatian National Parks. They are home to Safari park with wild animals and Tito, Tito Museum which once was a holiday house of former Yugoslavian president. The nature lovers will enjoy Brijuni diversity of natural beauty, indigenous plants, green meadows where fallow deer, views extend to Istrian landscapes. Spend one beautiful day on the south and compare the two small, antique summer destinations for Roman patricians Fažana and romantic Vrsar. What seems to be more attractive to you?
Search for Romualdo View of Lim Bay in Kloštar
Vrsar is situated right on the exit form ca. 11 km. the long bay is a part of the Lim valley spreading 35 km inland almost reaching Pazin. Though often called a fjord or channel, it is created by corrosion of Pazinčica. Already mentioned hermit Romualdo (see above in activities section) used to live in Lim Bay’s cave under Kloštar, which is believed he left from the church. Explore the mystical Kloštar that is less than 10 kilometres far away from Vrsar and find the place of the best view of the bay.
Vrsar events
Though there used to be more events, we will mention just the most famous ones.
Fisherman’s party(Ribaraska Fešta)
This is the best way to feel the local atmosphere since the traditional party is attended by all the local’s townspeople and from the other places of Vrsar surroundings. The fisherman’s celebration is held during the summer six or seven times. The party located on Vrsar waterfront Riva, dedicated to the queen of bluefish – the Pilchard. You can enjoy traditional music, taste the pilchards, learn about the Istrian folklore and customs.
Vrsar Porto Fest
If you are looking for a taste of Istria simply, look no further than Vrsar Porto Fest. Another event, held at the Vrsar seafront, links together the traditional and trendy showing the Istrian culinary specialities and drinks and features lots of music and dancing with live concerts in the city centre. Find various meet food, fish or pasta, wines and enjoy in music.
Casanova fest
The festival honoured to widely famous Casanova invented as an event that celebrates historical relationships between Vrsar and famous lovers. The festival’s eternal theme is love and erotic as a source of inspiration through different artistic areas such as literature evenings, exhibitions, lectures, gastronomical treats, movie projections, or music.
Music festivals
This is with no doubt, an excellent opportunity to feel the picturesque environment of the small fisherman’s place. In Vrsar situated on the Adriatic shore, you can listen to the soothing sounds of the music made by guitar, one of the typicalMediterranean instruments. And still, if you reach to hear some of the Vrsar serenades, this is a real coastal feel.
Vrsar beaches
Around Vrsar, the coastline unfolds in a mosaic of hidden bays and sunlit beaches, offering a place for every mood – from quiet retreats to lively summer spots.
Beach Belvedere, Vrsar
A rocky and pebble, Blue Flag awarded beach is apart of Belvedere Resort. Located right on the seaside, only a couple of minutes away from the old town core by foot the beach is with all of the facilities., Those include the rental of umbrellas and sports equipment. Besides beautiful designed beach and promenade the beach consists the outdoor swimming pools, and sunbathing areas, a restaurant and many other facilities are offered on this pebbly beach. It’s very children friendly.
Beach Petalon, Vrsar
Rocky paved, and pebble beach is located on a peninsula in Petalon Resort. The beach has shower facilities, bars and is recommended for families and sports fans.
Nudist Beach Koversada
This concrete and sandy beach is another Blue Flag beach situated in a popular resort Koversada, southern from Vrsar at the Limski Channel entrance. Koversada is a small camping town, connected by a bridge with the same-named islet reserved for tents. If you are a naturist lover, this is a perfect place that you must visit. The beach is recommended for the families and sports fans. It has showers and all the facilities.
Beach Town Vrsar
This partly gravel, partly rocky with paved plateaus beach is distant about 500 meters away from the old town. It’s a public beach with plenty of beach bars, a children’s park, a sports centre, and a lift for the disabled.
Beach TN Funtana
This beach paved with concrete and natural roughly-worked stone blocks are located in a small fisherman town Funtana near Vrsar, direction to Poreč. Since it’s within Resort Funtana, the beach has various facilities as showers etc.
Beach FKK Istra, Funtana
This natural beach and rocky beach is nudist – FKK beach situated in Naturist Camping Istra, 4 km from Vrsar.
Beach AC Valkanela
The Blue Flag, fine gravel beachis placed in a beautiful cove within Campground Valkanela at the north of Vrsar. Alongside a 3 kmbeach between Vrsar and Funtana, there are stone, pebbly, rocky, concrete and sandy beaches. There is plenty of recreational and sports amenities, the Aqua Park and sports equipment rental. The various restaurants and bars are situated along the coast.
Beach AC Puntica, Funtana
This concrete beach is situated in a small peaceful campsite surrounded by natureoffers some shadow of daily heats. It is located next to the picturesque fishing village of Funtana.
Getting to Vrsar
Vrsar might be a small coastal town, but it’s surprisingly well connected. Whether you’re flying in from abroad, hopping on a bus, or driving along Istria’s scenic roads, here’s how to reach it.
✈️ By Plane. Vrsar has a small sports airfield, but regular flights land at nearby international airports:
- Pula Airport (PUY) – The closest major hub, about 1 hour away. It serves more than 70 destinations, including low-cost airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet. From the airport, take a shuttle to Pula’s bus station, then continue by bus or taxi to Vrsar.
- Rijeka Airport (RJK) – Located on Krk Island, about 140 km from Vrsar. Seasonal flights mostly operate in summer with several European low-cost airlines.
- Trieste Airport (TRS) – Across the border in Italy, around 110 km away. A convenient option for travelers from northern Italy or central Europe.
- Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) – About 240 km from Vrsar. Popular with international travelers, with plenty of transfer services to Istria.
- Zagreb Airport (ZAG) – Croatia’s largest airport, 270 km away (about 3.5 hours by car).
🚌 By Bus. Vrsar has a small bus station with links to local Istrian towns. For international connections, head to Poreč bus station (10 km away), which has direct routes to Munich, Trieste, and other European cities. From Poreč, local buses run regularly to Vrsar.
🚉 By Train. Vrsar doesn’t have a train station. The closest is Pazin, about 40 km inland, with rail connections to Zagreb and Ljubljana. From Pazin, you can reach Vrsar by bus or taxi.
🚗 By Car. Driving is one of the easiest ways to reach and explore Vrsar. The Istrian Y motorway links the region with Slovenia and Italy. Take the Medaki / Vrsar-Poreč exit. Expect heavier traffic in summer and keep an eye on speed limits, as controls are frequent.
🅿️ Parking in Vrsar. Parking can be tricky in peak season. The old town is pedestrian-only, so most parking areas are 10–15 minutes on foot from the center. Hotels usually provide designated parking for guests.
