Holidays to Vrsar

Vrsar and its string of little islets are a fantastic destination for all kinds of holiday-makers. The beautiful coast is indented with a series of miniature bays with shingle beaches (many of which have Blue Flag awards for their facilities and the cleanliness of the water), the sea is impossibly blue, and the range of water sports virtually unlimited. The town itself is an exquisite ensemble of historic buildings, surrounded by hills that you can climb for spectacular views of this breathtaking stretch of coast. There are some superb hiking and biking trails around Vrsar, along with tennis, golf and even a small airfield that offers panoramic flights plus skydiving!

Vrsar has plenty of atmospheric taverns (konobas) where you can tuck into the delicious local cuisine. Ultra-fresh seafood is a local speciality, often served simply grilled, or in a fishermen’s stew. The shellfish is outstandingly good – you could try the local prawns, oysters, scallops and lobster. If you’re not a fish fan, why not try one of the tasty pasta dishes (particularly good when made with Istrian truffles), or some local pork or lamb straight off the grill, perhaps with some of the locally grown asparagus? The area is also famous for its cured hams and sausages – perfect for picnics. And you can wash it all down with some local wine: the villages on this peninsula have been producing wine for centuries.

Active families will be thrilled by the huge range of things to do in Vrsar, which include charming beaches, fantastic water sports, boat trips, walking, cycling, and a clutch of child-friendly attractions such as water parks and even a Dino Park. The beach at Koversada has a special area for kids, but most of the small beaches are ideal for children. They will enjoy taking the ferry across to the islet of St George, where more gorgeous beaches await, or taking one of the boat trips around this beautiful coast. There are slides and pools at the water parks, plus some animated dinosaurs in the Dino Park in nearby Funtana.

Pretty much every activity you can imagine is available in the gorgeous natural paradise of Vrsar and the Istrian Peninsula! The stunning coastline and the string of little islets are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving, with several local suppliers on hand for equipment rental, and you can also have a go at sailing, paddle-boarding and kayaking. On land, there are scores of beautiful hikes and bike trails through the olive groves and vineyards, and you’ll also find some excellent climbing locations. Vrsar also boasts its own small aerodrome, the departure point for panoramic flights around the coast as well as skydiving!

Vrsar is blessed with a spectacular, rugged coastline, which is indented with exquisite little bays. Most of them have small beaches, usually of fine shingle, and many of them have been awarded Blue Flag status for the quality of the water and the wide range of facilities. The most convenient is the main beach in Vrsar itself, a pretty arc of fine shingle sloping into the brilliant, blue sea. Koversada beach, a mixture of rocks and pebbles, has a special area for younger kids, and the best beaches of all are found on the little islet of Sv Juraj (Saint George). The Belvedere beach is one of  the best equipped, with sunloungers and parasols for rent, and convenient cafés and restaurants within a short walk.

Vrsar has plenty of atmospheric taverns and bars where you can enjoy a drink and some convivial chat with the locals. There are some fabulous bars right on the beach, where you can enjoy a cocktail or two as the sun goes down. The area boasts some very chic bars and clubs, often in stylish hotels, where you can lounge by the pool on a day bed as waiters bring you drinks. You won’t find much in the way of big nightclubs, but several bars host DJ sessions in summer or perhaps some live jazz. The town festivals are always fun, and include a summer rock festival and one dedicated to the famous ladies’ man, Casanova! 

Vrsar is a very charming and historic town, beautifully set amid hills, olive groves and vineyards, and boasting a stunning coastline dotted with picturesque bays and a string of islets. The setting simply couldn’t be more romantic! On top of that, you’ll have a huge choice of water sports, a host of activities including hiking and cycling, and plenty of romantic waterfront taverns to choose from for an intimate, candlelit dinner. There are also lots of stylish bars where you can indulge in a sunset cocktail or two. The town itself is a delight to explore on foot, its pretty streets and squares scattered with inviting cafés. And you can climb up to the hilltop viewing points to enjoy a spectacular, romantic panorama of the whole coastline.

Vrsar has a long history, still evident in the narrow streets of this enchanting old town. Sections of the medieval walls that once enclosed the town survive, along with a Romanesque gate that dates back to the 13^th century, and the remains of a Roman settlement and necropolis are currently being excavated. Within the old walls, Renaissance and Baroque churches are scattered around the charming streets and squares, and the ruins of an ancient castle, which later became a summer residence for the bishops of Vrsar, crown a hill above the town. And out on the little islet of St George sits a pretty Romanesque church.