Category: News

Welcome to Beautiful Istria!

Make the most of your stay and explore everything this region has to offer!

Here are some incredible destinations you won’t want to miss:

Fun & Adventure:

• Istralandia: Istria’s largest water park with slides, pools & fun for all ages! https://www.istralandia.hr/en/
• Adventure Park Jangalooz: High-flying adventures, zip-lines & rock climbing for all ages! https://www.jangalooz.com/
• Dino Park Funtana: A charming theme park dedicated to dinosaurs with life-size replicas & educational exhibits! https://dinopark-funtana.com/

Charming Towns & Cities:

• Grožnjan: A picturesque hilltop town known for its artistic scene and cobbled streets. https://www.placesofjuma.com/groznjan-croatia/
• Motovun: A beautiful medieval town perched on a hill, famous for its film festival and truffles. https://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/croatia-destinations/istria/motovun/
• Poreč: A charming coastal town with a rich history, known for its UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica & stunning coastline. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pore%C4%8D
• Portorož: A seaside resort town offering beautiful beaches, a vibrant atmosphere, and delicious food options. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portoro%C5%BE

Unforgettable Day Trips:

• Venice: Take a day trip to this romantic Italian city built on water! Explore canals, beautiful architecture & unique treasures. https://villsy.com/blog/trip-venice-istria-104/
• Brijuni National Park: Explore the former summer residence of Yugoslavian president Josip Broz Tito & discover the island’s rich history & natural beauty. https://www.np-brijuni.hr/en
• Trieste: Explore the intriguing history and culture of this beautiful Italian city with its maritime spirit and charming atmosphere. https://triestetrips.com/tour/flavours-of-istria-tour-from-trieste/

Beyond Istria:

• Grotta Gigante: One of the world’s largest tourist caves near Trieste, adorned with stunning formations. https://www.grottagigante.it/en/home/
• Miramare Castle: A romantic castle perched on a cliff above the Adriatic Sea with beautiful gardens and panoramic views. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miramare_Castle
• Postojna Cave: A Slovenian karst cave with stunning formations, explored by train. https://www.postojnska-jama.eu/

Active Fun at Rocca Riviera:

• Free Electric Bikes & Scooters: Explore the surroundings with ease!
• Paddle & Tennis Courts: Enjoy an active vacation with nearby courts.

Indulge in Istrian Delights:

Don’t miss out on Istria’s exceptional culinary scene! Here are some nearby restaurants to tantalize your taste buds:

• Konoba Nono (Traditional Local) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g15836254-d1625573-Reviews-Konoba_Nono-Petrovija_Istria.html
• Konoba Buščina (Traditional Local) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g608710-d1117745-Reviews-Konoba_Buscina-Umag_Istria.html
• Konoba Čok (Fish) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g608708-d2734446-Reviews-Konoba_Cok-Novigrad_Istria.html
• Damir & Ornela (Fish Fusion) https://damir-ornela.com/
• Meneghetti (Modern Istrian) https://meneghetti.hr/restorani
• Zigante (Fine Dining & Truffles) https://restaurantzigante.com/en/
• San Rocco (Gourmet) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g736587-d3294679-Reviews-San_Rocco_Restaurant-Brtonigla_Istria.html
• Stari podrum (Traditional Local) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1190335-d3171997-Reviews-Konoba_Stari_Podrum-Momjan_Istria.html
• Morgan (Gourmet) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g736587-d1866720-Reviews-Restaurant_Morgan-Brtonigla_Istria.html
• La Capannina (Pizza & Sushi) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g608710-d10249783-Reviews-La_Capannina-Umag_Istria.html
• San Servolo (Steakhouse & Pizza) https://www.sanservoloresort.com/
• Pizzeria Luna (Pizza) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g608710-d1143502-Reviews-Bistro_Pizzeria_Luna-Umag_Istria.html

Note: Reservations are recommended to secure your spot and enjoy outstanding dishes.

Additional Tips:

• Istria produces the best quality olive oil in the world, and Istria is also famous for its truffles, so be sure to try pasta with truffles, cheese with truffles, chips with truffles, and other delicacies.

We wish you a pleasant stay at Rocca Riviera Luxury Apartments and an unforgettable exploration of magical Istria!

Rocca Riviera Team

Discover the charm of summer at Your Finest Istrian Address, Rocca Riviera Umag! Take advantage of our ‘4=5 Early Booking Special’—book five nights in June and only pay for four.

Included in the offer:

• Luxurious accommodation in one of our apartments
• Free parking usage
• Free electric vehicle charging
• Free use of electric bicycles (subject to availability)
• Free access to the sauna, gym, and outdoor pool
• Welcome gift

Please note:

• Tourist tax is not included in the price and is €1.33 per person per day.
• This discount applies only to direct bookings and the number of accommodations is limited.
• Secure this exclusive offer by May 31th for stays in June!

Contact us via email or for a better user experience, reach us by phone +385 95 56 53 851

Two wheels, one passion. Embark on an extraordinary cycling adventure, uncovering the stunning landscapes of Istria, idyllic beaches, the allure of Umag, and numerous other delightful places in the vicinity of Umag. Bid farewell to the hassle of finding parking as you cycle carefree to the city center.

If you didn’t bring your own bike, you can rent bicycles from us. MTB, E-bike, city bike, or e-scooter, the choice is yours. Rent our latest e-bikes for your thrilling exploration. Our e-bikes are user-friendly and adaptable to your comfort. Discover nature like never before with our e-bikes, the easiest and most enjoyable way to navigate through the enchanting landscapes of Istria. Please note that our e-bikes can be reserved during booking and are subject to availability (additional charges apply).

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

Let us recommend some of the most popular beaches in Umag that are easily accessible by bike from Rocca Riviera:

Kanegra Beach: Known for its crystal-clear water and beautiful surroundings, this pebble beach is suitable for families, offering numerous amenities including restaurants, cafes, and sports facilities.

Laguna Stella Maris Beach: Located near the Stella Maris resort, this Blue Flag beach has sandy shores and clean shallow waters, ideal for families with children.

Savudrija Beach: Just a few kilometers from Umag, this peaceful rocky and pebble beach provides a tranquil spot for relaxation. Nearby is the Savudrija lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the Adriatic Sea.

Katoro Beach: This popular beach in Umag, with its pebbles and concrete terraces, offers various amenities such as sun loungers, umbrellas, and various sports facilities.

To make your cycling experience in Istria even more enjoyable, check out the wealth of information on the official Istra Bike website.

After relaxing on the beach, take the opportunity to discover the captivating cycling routes in the heart of Istria! Umag and its surroundings are beautiful for exploring by bike. Here are a few routes and places we would recommend:

1. Umag – Savudrija – Umag Route: This approximately 25 km route takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of western Istria. Explore the coastline, vineyards, olive groves, and pass by the Savudrija lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the Adriatic Sea.
2. Parenzana: This popular cycling trail follows the old railway that once connected Poreč and Trieste. Part of the trail passes through the municipality of Umag, offering beautiful views of the landscape, vineyards, and olive groves.
3. Buje Cycling Route: This route takes cyclists to the picturesque town of Buje, known for its medieval architecture and beautiful views of the surroundings. The route is approximately 23 km long.
4. Grožnjan and Motovun: These two picturesque hilltop towns are a bit further away but definitely worth a visit. The routes take you through beautiful landscapes, vineyards, and truffle-rich forests.

Always carry enough water, food, and suitable equipment, and use a protective helmet. Istria is known for its hills, so be prepared for a slightly more challenging ride, but the landscapes that unfold are definitely worth the effort! Enjoy your holiday with cycling and exploring the beaches, vineyards, olive groves, and other beauties of Istria.

After a day filled with discovery and adventures, return to our luxury apartments and relax. Enjoy our private swimming pool, the ideal place for refreshment or simply unwind with your favorite book. Afterward, treat your muscles and relax in our sauna, indulging in the scents of aromatic oils that will ensure your complete relaxation and preparation for a new day of adventures in Istria.

Date: May 19 – May 20, 2023

The Sea Star Festival 2023 will be held at the stunning Stella Maris seaside resort in Umag, Croatia. This international music festival is organized by the crew of the world-renowned EXIT festival and is the first big event of the summer season with a daily capacity of 15,000 people. It offers a dream world of festivals with several stages spread over the picturesque lagoon. The Tesla Main Stage and Nautilus Arena are the largest stages and will feature some of the hottest acts from the global and regional music scene. Other stages will provide a variety of genres, such as hip-hop, trap, techno, house, reggae, rock, and bass, creating the perfect beach festival atmosphere.

Sea Star Festival has charmed both the audience and international and regional performers in its previous four editions, with performers praising the quality and vibe of the festival, the stunning Croatian coast, and the hospitality. In 2017, Sea Star won the Capra D’Oro award from the Istria Tourist Board for promoting the region of Istra, as well as the Ambassador music award for best new festival. The festival has already welcomed over 120,000 visitors and hosted internationally acclaimed music stars, including The Prodigy, Wu-Tang Clan, and Paul Kalkbrenner, as well as local music stars such as Dubioza Kolektiv and Rambo Amadeus.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 editions of the festival were canceled and postponed to 2022. In May 2020, the Sea Star festival organized the Sea Star Stream festival, the first regional streaming festival airing the performances of global superstars and regional music heroes who made history in Umag’s Stella Maris lagoon from 2017 to 2019.

The upcoming fifth edition of Sea Star Festival will take place on 19-20 May 2023 at the Stella Maris lagoon, aiming to surpass all previous seasons. Sea Star is part of the EXIT family, which includes the award-winning EXIT Festival in Novi Sad, Serbia, as well as five other festivals, including Sea Dance in Buljarica, Montenegro, Revolution in Timișoara, Romania, Sunland Festival in Perla Beach, Primorsko, Bulgaria, Ada Divine Awakening Festival at Ada Bojana, Montenegro, and No Sleep Festival in Belgrade, Serbia. Stay tuned for lineup announcements!

Book your accommodation in time:

We have some awesome news to share! Rocca Riviera Umag now has 11 kW chargers for e-cars! Yay! We’re super excited about this because we’re committed to sustainability and we believe that providing eco-friendly amenities is essential for promoting responsible travel. And the best part? We’re offering our guests the chance to charge their e-cars for free while staying at our apartments. So you can rest assured that you’ll be doing your part for the planet without any additional cost.

But that’s not all, folks! We’re also thrilled to offer our guests free e-bikes and e-scooters during the month of May as part of your stay. That’s right, you can explore the stunning Croatian coast in a sustainable way and have a blast doing it!

At Rocca Riviera Umag, we go the extra mile to provide exceptional customer service and promote sustainable tourism. We truly believe that together we can make a difference in protecting our environment and preserving our beautiful planet for future generations.

So why wait? Come and experience the elegance of sustainable luxury at Your Finest Istrian Address – Rocca Riviera Umag. We can’t wait to welcome you to our apartments and provide you with an unforgettable holiday experience that is both sustainable and responsible.

Planning a trip to Istria, Croatia is an exciting adventure filled with breathtaking scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture. While it’s a beautiful destination to visit year-round, there’s something truly special about traveling to Istria in June or early summer. Here are some of the top perks you can expect when visiting Istria during this time of year.

Avoid the crowds and traffic

One of the biggest advantages of traveling to Istria in June is that you’ll bypass the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season. With fewer people visiting during this time, you’ll experience less traffic on the roads, making for a smoother trip. In addition, border controls between Slovenia and Croatia have recently been abolished, further simplifying your journey.

More favorable prices and deals on accommodations and activities

Visiting Istria in June also means that you might score better deals on accommodations and tourist activities compared to the busy summer season. To entice visitors, many hotels and excursions offer discounts and special offers during this period.

Ideal temperatures for outdoor activities

The weather in Istria in June is simply perfect for exploring all that the region has to offer. With temperatures warm enough for swimming in the crystal-clear sea but not too hot for outdoor pursuits like hiking or cycling, you can enjoy a wide variety of activities without worrying about being too uncomfortable.

Less crowded attractions and restaurants

Traveling to Istria in June allows you to experience popular sights, attractions, and restaurants at a more relaxed pace. With fewer tourists around, there’s no need to jostle for space or waste precious vacation time waiting in line.

Friendly hospitality from refreshed staff

In the early summer months, restaurant and hotel staff are still fresh and eager for the season ahead. As a result, you’re likely to receive better service and more personalized attention during your stay.

In short, traveling to Istria in June or at the beginning of summer offers many advantages, including lower prices, fewer crowds, ideal temperatures, clear waters, and friendly staff. Additionally, border controls between Slovenia and Croatia have been lifted this year, making your arrival even faster and easier.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the beauty of Istria in the best possible way!

Book your trip now and start exploring this amazing region!

Easter holidays Croatia 2023

Look forward to a spring trip to Istria.

The temperatures are perfect, and it’s time to get the spring wardrobe out of the closet. The next trip is already waiting, and Easter is just around the corner.

It’s time for a short trip to Croatia! Croatia is a beautiful country and has so much to offer.

Crystal-clear water, dreamlike bathing bays, idyllic coastal towns, countless sights and breathtaking nature await you. Maybe you’re trying something different over the Easter holidays, or are you still looking for the perfect place for the summer?

Mediterranean idyll right by the sea

In the luxurious residence Rocca Riviera you will feel relaxed and enjoy the modern space close to all the tourist beauties of Umag. The tranquility you dream of. Isn’t it wonderful to sleep with the window open and replace the alarm clock with relaxing birdsong?

FAMILY EASTER BONUS in Rocca Riviera – Book directly for 4 days on our website and pay in advance and get 25%

LAST MINUTE OFFER: Instead of 1.596,00 EUR, the price is 1.197,00 EUR for 4 people

For all cyclists, on the other hand, there is plenty of fun and adventure to be discovered around our beautiful Parenzana Trail.

You realize that you have reached the Mediterranean because the air is different here. It tastes of salt and heat. On the horizon, you can see white or colored villages built on rocks and shores. Markets, villages, ancient recipes, truffles,centuries-old traditions, history of culture and civilization and an artistic heritage of exceptional richness. Your journey starts here. Feel the atmosphere of Istria.

Spring is the most enchanting time of the year when nature awakens with the vitality and colors of a new blooming season for you to enjoy, refresh your body and re-energize so you can start spring with renewed vigor!

INCLUDED SERVICES FOR FAMILIES EASTER BONUS

• Four-day accommodation in luxury apartments with sea or pool views
• A welcome gift
• Free use of the sauna and fitness area
• Free use of e-scooters
• Free use of bicycles
• Free parking or garage
• Use of the outdoor pool depending on weather conditions

Rocca Riviera is a perfect choice if you are looking for a winter getaway. Rocca Riviera luxury apartments are fully equipped for everything you need to make your holiday stress-free and relaxed.

In the winter months, Umag has a comfortable temperature of 12 degrees celsius on average, perfect for weather-sensitive people who want to avoid winter temperatures or who want to get away from city pollution and miss the sea breeze.

To start your day, Rocca Riviera will deliver freshly baked pastries to your doorstep. You can enjoy the morning sun while sipping on your favorite coffee. A perfect slow start to your day.

In the afternoon, make sure to make use of the sun’s rays by going on a bike ride by the sea or, if you are more adventurous, on one of the many bike roads in Istria. You can bring your bike that will be safely stored in the garage, but in case you forget, Rocca Riviera also provides bikes and e-scooters.

Following an active day in nature, take some time to visit the wellness center, which includes a meditation room and a sauna, or finish your day with some yoga in the gym. If you wish for some fun after a relaxing day, visit a Christmas market in Rovinj or Poreč and enjoy some hot chocolate and cozy vibes.

To finish up your holiday shopping list, visit the nearby city of Trieste, only a 30- minute drive from Rocca Riviera, and treat yourself to some retail therapy and authentic Italian cuisine.

After a winter holiday like this, you will return home refreshed and ready for what the new year may bring!

And at the end, we want to mention January 1, 2023, Croatia will become the 27th country in the Schengen area. Border and customs checks will be abolished at the borders between Croatia and Slovenia. We can finally forget about the crowds at the border crossings 🙂

Hope to see you soon!

In Paladin, next to Buzet, the famous truffle family Karlić opened the first truffle museum, dedicated to everything that makes truffles in Istria, but also much more widely. Through details from history, tools, and interesting facts about truffles, every visitor leaves here richer for a new experience and a different experience of truffles.

We can rightly say that this museum is “a small museum with a lot of souls”. The Truffle Museum is a new project of the Karlić family, responsible for numerous innovative tourism products related to truffles, such as truffle hunting. After the new tasting room opened a few years ago, now it’s the museum’s turn. It contains everything that makes up truffle farming in Istria, but also additionally refined it with a wider picture of truffles in the world, with the desire that the visitor can get to know this interesting and special mushroom in a simple, unburdened and fun way, one of the oldest foods that we still use today.

– For many years this was my wish and dream. We bought an older building near our tasting room, and there I wanted to show in one place how truffle-making developed in Istria, to present the little people who started the story with truffles when they didn’t even know what it was and also to somehow thank to grandfather Ivan Rašpolić for being persistent in searching for and promoting truffles. Today, we are part of the story that places Istria in one of the world’s most important truffle regions – Ivan Karlić told us.

Notes from history

In the museum, you can see what the root of the tree looks like around which the truffles will develop and grow, find out a few details from the history when truffles were attributed divine properties, and feel why the truffle is so popular, which writers dedicated their works to the truffle and which historical personalities served as an aphrodisiac. A special section is devoted to the development of Istrian truffles, the first official discovery of the white truffle in 1929, which confirmed that Istria is a truffle region, as well as the types and specificities of truffles.

Interestingly, each of the four most common types of truffles that thrive in Istria is presented separately, and modern technologies have made it possible for visitors to try their specific smells and see how they differ. The largest truffle of 1.31 kilograms found in the Buzeta Forest in 1999 by Giancarlo Žigante was also presented, and a part of the museum is also dedicated to all those local truffle hunters who contributed to the development of this beautiful story by going hunting every day.

For years, Ivan Karlić collected historical objects from his family, but also other truffle growers, so part of the museum is dedicated to tools such as shovels for digging up truffles, which in Istria are called the, records of collected and sold truffles, old scales, baskets, licenses for hunting for truffles, calculators and other everyday items that were once used during hunting and redemption.

Source: https://www.turizaminfo.hr/novosti/projekti-muzej-tartufa-u-istri/

Your Summer Adventure Starts in Istria!

Istria is known for its bike trails and breathtaking landscapes, from dashing country roads and cobbled streets of medieval towns to mountain bike trails.

So far, through Rocca Rivierra’s blog posts, we have tried to bring you closer to the natural beauties of Istria, the local cuisine, and the cultural events that take place throughout the year. Istria is famous for its bike trails and breathtaking landscapes, and has everything you need for an active, yet relaxing holiday. Explore the dashing country roads and cobbled streets of medieval towns and take a chance on the MTB trails. We are sure you will enjoy it whether you are a professional cyclist or just stopping by for a family holiday.

You will also have an opportunity to experience the rich history of the Istrian peninsula, dating all the way back to the 11th century BC. Istria was inhabited by the Histri, a prehistoric Illyrian tribe, aIer whom Istria was named.

For the more adventurous bunch, Istria offers a wide variety of trails. Each trail is marked, making it easy to tailor it to your physical ability, ranging from easy, moderately demanding, to very demanding.

Don’t forget to check out the details at http://www.istria-bike.com/en/ bike_trails before deciding which route to take. You will also have the opportunity to rent E-bikes that are eco-friendly, and a great choice if you decide on a one-day cycling trip, and you will easily find E-bike chargers on all trails. You can rent ebikes here: https://www.rent-ebike-umag.com/

Rocca Riviera recommends the Parenzana trail, our personal favourite. The Parenzana trail is 80 km long, encompassing the routes of the former Austro-Hungarian railway. During this cycling adventure, you will pass through the towns of Savudrija, Buje, Grožnjan, Livade, Motovun, and Vižinada, as well as some of the most beautiful scenic areas of this part of Croatia. This is one of the most interesting historical, and gastronomic routes. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the traditonal dishes such as the Istrian maneštra, pljukanci, pasta with truffles, and kroštule… Istrian cuisine includes the highest quality ingredients. All ingredients are organic and grown locally. Istrian olive oil and wine are surely a must. Olives and grape orchards are family owned and have been part of the Istrian traditon for decades, making them a world class compe:tor.

We welcome you to discover the magic of Istria and create unforgetable memories. With over 160 historic bike trails, carefully marked to fit your cycling ability, and world class cuisine to enlighten your tastebuds.

This summer we invite you to join us for and exciting holiday and explore Istria differently.

Welcome!