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

The post 4=5 Early Booking for June – Stay 5, Pay 4 first appeared on Rocca Riviera.

Looking for the perfect blend of active vacation, stunning Istrian landscapes, and a top-notch cycling adventure? Then don’t miss the UCI Istria Gran Fondo 2025!

Date: April 11-12, 2025.
Location: Umag, Istria, Croatia

Get your bike ready and embark on an exciting journey through the scenic roads of Umag, one of the top cycling destinations in Croatia.

UCI Recognition and Qualification for Australia

This year, Istria Gran Fondo is under special focus. Since 2023, it has been part of the UCI Gran Fondo Series, a prestigious global cycling competition spanning five continents.

The top cyclists will qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, set to take place in Lorne, Australia, from October 16–19, 2025.

Earn your spot at the global finale and compete with the best!

Who Can Register?

All cyclists over 16 years old are welcome to participate.

If you are over 19, you qualify for the UCI World Series World Cup.

Professional cyclists can also compete, but their results do not count for qualification rankings.

What to Expect?

1. Individual Time Trial – April 11, 2025

Love pushing your limits? This is your chance! The Time Trial will take place on Friday, April 11, 2025.

Test your speed, endurance, and technique on a challenging Istrian route!

2.  Main Race – April 12, 2025

Saturday, April 12, 2025, is reserved for cycling enthusiasts. Choose between two exciting race formats:

Istria Medio Fondo (87 km)

Istria Gran Fondo (112 km)

Both routes take you through the northwestern and central parts of Istria, offering breathtaking views of olive groves, vineyards, and Mediterranean landscapes.

With four refreshment stations, you can take a break and refuel along the way.

The start and finish line are set in Stella Maris Resort, next to the Goran Ivanišević ATP Stadium, just a two-minute walk from Rocca Riviera apartments!

Experience Istrian Hospitality

Istria Gran Fondo 2025 is more than just a race – it’s a full-day experience for the whole family and all lovers of active vacations in Croatia.

Expo Zone – latest cycling gear and top brands

Kids’ Program – fun activities for young visitors

Gourmet Offer – authentic Istrian specialties and fine wines

Discover why Umag is one of Croatia’s top cycling destinations!

Special Accommodation Offer at Rocca Riviera

Planning a cycling weekend in Umag? Book your stay at Rocca Riviera Apartments and take advantage of a special offer:

Send an email to info@roccariviera.hr with the keyword “GranFondo” in the subject line and receive a 10% discount on accommodation!

Combine your cycling challenge with a relaxing stay in modern apartments in the heart of Istria.

See You at the Starting Line!

Don’t miss one of the biggest cycling events in the region.

Umag will welcome you with great organization, breathtaking Istrian landscapes, and an unforgettable cycling experience.

Get ready for an incredible ride, meet cycling enthusiasts from around the world, and create lasting memories!

Welcome to UCI Istria Gran Fondo 2025!

Explore the beauty of the Istrian coast, push your limits, and enjoy every kilometer of this unique cycling adventure in Croatia!

Share this event and tag your cycling friends!

#IstriaGranFondo #Umag #Istra #Hrvatska #AktivniOdmor #CyclingLife

The post UCI Istria Gran Fondo 2025 first appeared on Rocca Riviera.

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

The post Istria Family Vacation: Explore Charming Towns & Water Parks first appeared on Rocca Riviera.

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).

Find out more

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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.

• Trails
• GPS
• Cycling parks
• Brochures

CHECK THE INFORMATIONS

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.

The post CYCLING HOLIDAY IN ISTRIA – A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE first appeared on Rocca Riviera.

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:

The post The Sea Star Festival 2023 first appeared on Rocca Riviera.

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.

The post Free Electric Vehicle Charging in Umag first appeared on Rocca Riviera.

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!

The post Discover the Perks of Visiting Istria in June first appeared on Rocca Riviera.

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

The post Short trip Croatia: 4 days – 07.04.2023-11.04.2023 first appeared on Rocca Riviera.

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!

The post The Perfect Winter Getaway first appeared on Rocca Riviera.

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/

The post Truffle Museum in Istria first appeared on Rocca Riviera.