Vrsar: An Ancient Town on the Istrian Peninsula

If you're looking for an ideal destination for a summer seaside vacation, Vrsar might be the perfect choice. This picturesque town on the western coast of the Istrian Peninsula will enchant you with its atmosphere, history, nature, and gastronomy. Vrsar is also known as the place where the famous lover Giacomo Casanova stayed. Get ready for an unforgettable experience in this gem of Croatia.

Where is Vrsar Located and How to Get There

Vrsar is situated on a small hill surrounded by islands, about 10 km south of Poreč. It has a beautiful harbor and an ancient historic center. Vrsar has about 2,700 inhabitants and is part of the Istrian County.

You can reach Vrsar in various ways:

• By Car: Vrsar is easily accessible by road from various directions. From the Czech Republic, it's about 800 km via the A1 motorway through Slovenia and Croatia. From Poreč, it’s just a 15-minute drive along the D75 road.
• By Plane: The nearest international airport is in Pula, about 50 km from Vrsar. Here, you can rent a car or take a bus to Vrsar. Another option is to fly to Trieste in Italy, about 140 km from Vrsar, and continue by car or bus.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is in Pazin, about 35 km from Vrsar. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Vrsar.
• By Boat: Vrsar has a modern marina with a capacity for 220 boats. You can dock your boat here or rent a yacht or catamaran. Boat trips to nearby islands and bays are also available from Vrsar.

History of Vrsar

Vrsar has a rich and fascinating history dating back to prehistoric times. The first traces of human settlement come from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. Later, Vrsar was part of the Roman province of Dalmatia and was known as Ursaria. The Romans built a fortress, aqueduct, and baths here.

In the Middle Ages, Vrsar was ruled by various feudal lords, including Byzantine emperors, Venetian doges, Istrian counts, and popes. From the 12th to the 18th centuries, Vrsar belonged to the bishop of Poreč, who had a summer palace and extensive lands here. The bishops also built several churches and chapels in Vrsar.

In the 18th century, Vrsar, along with the rest of Istria, fell under Austro-Hungarian rule. During this time, Vrsar developed as a fishing and trading town. In the 19th century, Vrsar was visited twice by the famous Italian writer and adventurer Giacomo Casanova, who found love and inspiration here.

In the 20th century, Istria and Vrsar experienced various political changes. It went through Italian occupation, was part of Yugoslavia, and of course, saw Croatian independence. Vrsar also became a popular tourist destination, especially for naturism enthusiasts, who founded the first naturist camp in Croatia here in 1967.

Tourist Attractions, Historical Monuments, and Best Beaches

Vrsar offers various attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some tips on what to see and do in Vrsar:

• Old Town: A walk through the narrow streets of the old town is like a journey into the past. Admire the old stone houses, squares, fountains, and statues. Visit the Church of St. Martin and its 40-meter-high bell tower, which offers amazing views of the sea and islands. Also, check out the Church of St. Fosca, the oldest church in the town, built in the 9th century.
• Harbor: The marina is the heart of Vrsar, where locals and tourists meet. Here you can admire boats of all sizes and shapes, taste fresh fish and seafood in one of the restaurants, or rent a boat or kayak to explore the sea.
• Islands: Vrsar is surrounded by 18 small islands, forming the Vrsar Archipelago. Each island has its unique character and beauty. You can visit the island of St. Catherine, home to a former Benedictine monastery from the 15th century, the island of St. George, with its 12th-century church, or the island of St. Andrew, with its 19th-century lighthouse.
• Beaches: Vrsar has several beautiful beaches for every taste and need. You can choose between pebble, sandy, or rocky beaches with clear water and shady pine trees. Some of the most popular beaches are Belvedere, Petalon, Koversada, and Orsera.
• Sculpture Park Dzamonja: This unique cultural project was created in 1986 by Croatian sculptor Dušan Džamonja. The park covers an area of 10 hectares and contains more than 70 monumental sculptures made from various materials such as iron, bronze, concrete, or glass. The park is open year-round and is freely accessible to the public.

Festivals and Celebrations in Vrsar

Vrsar is also a lively and entertaining town with various festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Here are some events you shouldn’t miss:

• Fishing Festivals: Traditional celebrations in honor of fish and seafood, held once a month from May to September along the coastal promenade. Enjoy freshly grilled fish and other sea delicacies, learn the secrets of successful fishing from local fishermen, and dance under the stars to live music.
• Casanova Tour: A guided tour of Vrsar’s historic center, taking you to the places where the famous lover Giacomo Casanova stayed. The tour includes theatrical performances, music, and tastings of local specialties. The Casanova Tour takes place every 14 days from June to August.
• Casanova Fest: A cultural festival celebrating love and eroticism connected to the work of Giacomo Casanova. The festival offers a rich program of artistic performances, exhibitions, workshops, and concerts. Casanova Fest is held annually at the end of June.
• Montraker Live Music Festival: A music festival focusing on jazz, blues, ethno, and gospel music. It takes place in the former Montraker quarry near Vrsar, featuring renowned domestic and international artists. The Montraker Live Music Festival is held annually in mid-July.
• Limes Bike & Family Tour: A cycling event for the whole family, taking you through the beautiful countryside around Vrsar. The route follows the former Roman border Limes and offers attractions such as the Kašteljir fortress, the Church of St. Agatha, and the Lim Bay. The Limes Bike & Family Tour is held annually at the end of May.
• Lim Bay Challenge: A sporting event for lovers of running and outdoor activities. The event offers various race categories for adults and children, running along Lim Bay and its surroundings. The Lim Bay Challenge is held annually at the end of September or early October.

Restaurants and Hotels in Vrsar

Vrsar offers a wide range of restaurants and hotels for different budgets and preferences. Here are some tips on where to eat and stay in Vrsar:

Restaurants

Vrsar is a paradise for seafood lovers, which you can enjoy in one of the many restaurants along the coast or in the historic center. You can also indulge in other Istrian culinary specialties such as truffles, prosciutto, cheese, olive oil, or wine. Here are some recommended restaurants in Vrsar:

• Konoba Kod Luce: This family-run tavern is one of the best in Vrsar. It offers fresh fish and seafood, homemade pasta with truffles or prosciutto, grilled meat, and salads. The owners are very friendly and accommodating.
• Fancita: This pizzeria and restaurant, located near the coastal promenade, offers a wide selection of pizzas, pasta, salads, and desserts. The pizzas are large and tasty, the pasta is al dente, and the salads are fresh. The prices are reasonable.
• Trošt: This elegant restaurant, located in the harbor, offers a beautiful view of the marina. Enjoy luxurious fish and seafood dishes, truffle steaks, or goat cheese gnocchi. The restaurant is popular with locals and is open year-round.

Hotels

Vrsar has various types of accommodation to suit every taste and need. You can choose between hotels, apartments, campsites, or resorts. Some of them are even designed for naturists. Here are some recommended hotels in Vrsar:

• Maistra Select Belvedere Resort: This four-star family resort is located just a short distance from Vrsar’s old town. It offers spacious rooms and apartments with balconies overlooking the sea or park. The resort also has an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, fitness center, and animation program.
• Hotel Vista: This three-star hotel, located in Vrsar’s historic center, offers cozy and modernly furnished rooms with air conditioning, TV, minibar, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a terrace with a sea view where breakfast is served.
• Maistra Select Petalon Resort: This four-star active family resort is located further from Vrsar’s center. It offers comfortable rooms and apartments with balconies overlooking the sea or garden. The resort also has an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, wellness center, sports fields, and bike rental.
• Camping Porto Sole: This campsite is one of the few, if not the only one, in Istria that is open year-round. It offers various accommodation options, such as tent pitches, mobile homes, or bungalows. The campsite also has an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, shop, playground, and sports facilities.
• Naturist Resort & Campsite Koversada: This naturist resort and campsite is the first Croatian naturist facility, opened in 1967. It offers various types of accommodation, such as apartments, bungalows, or tent pitches. The resort and campsite also have outdoor pools, restaurants, bars, shops, a wellness center, and sports facilities. According to reviews, the campsite is quite old and lacks amenities for children.

Other Interesting Places Around Vrsar

Vrsar is also an excellent starting point for exploring other beautiful and interesting places in Istria. Here are some tips on where to go on a trip from Vrsar:

• Rovinj is one of the most picturesque and romantic towns in Croatia. Its historic center is full of narrow streets, colorful houses, and churches. The town's landmark is the Church of St. Euphemia, atop a hill offering a stunning view of the sea and surrounding islands. Rovinj also has several beautiful beaches and parks. You can reach Rovinj by car, bus, or boat from Vrsar.
• Poreč is one of the oldest and most visited towns in Istria. Its main attraction is the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica is a showcase of Byzantine art and architecture from the 6th century. Poreč also has a rich Roman history, evidenced by preserved mosaics, temples, and gates. The town offers many opportunities for sports, entertainment, and shopping. You can reach Poreč by car, bus, or boat from Vrsar.
• Dvigrad Castle is an abandoned medieval fortress located about 20 km from Vrsar. The castle was built in the 11th century and witnessed many battles and sieges. In the 17th century, the castle was abandoned due to plague and earthquakes. Today, it is an archaeological site and tourist attraction. The castle offers a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. You can reach the castle by car or on foot along a hiking trail.
• Lim Bay is a long and narrow bay stretching about 10 km inland into Istria. The bay resembles a Norwegian fjord and is known for its rich fauna and flora, especially for mussel and fish farming. The bay also has an interesting history, having been the filming location for some famous movies such as Titus Andronicus or The Vikings. You can visit the bay by car, boat, or kayak.

Vrsar is an excellent destination for a summer seaside vacation, offering something for everyone. Enjoy beautiful beaches, islands, nature, history, culture, and gastronomy. Vrsar is also an ideal starting point for exploring other Istrian gems. Don’t hesitate to discover the charm of Vrsar.