Advent in Novigrad
A festive Christmas market during the winter season offering mulled wine, handmade gifts, and holiday music.
PlizioGo
A local delicacy often served raw or lightly grilled with olive oil. Try them in traditional taverns (konoba) near the harbor.
A crisp, refreshing local white wine. Enjoy a glass in one of the wine bars tucked in the narrow streets.
Small, sweet deep-fried dough balls. Often sold at small bakeries or street food stalls near the promenade.
Istria produces world-class olive oil. Buy directly from small specialty shops or the local farmers' market.
Look for truffle pastes, oils, or cheeses in local delicatessens around the historical center.
A lovely, pebbly beach lined with pine trees, first-rate for a relaxing afternoon away from the crowds.
The historic inner harbor area is well-suited for a peaceful morning walk to watch the small fishing boats.
Water temperature…
A festive Christmas market during the winter season offering mulled wine, handmade gifts, and holiday music.
The celebration of the city's patron saint featuring live music, local food, and a grand fireworks display in late August.
A mystical summer festival revolving around astronomy, ancient legends, and atmospheric music.
An annual culinary event celebrating traditional Istrian dishes and fresh seafood.
A series of summer concerts held in the city's historic squares, featuring local and international artists.
An event showcasing the best wines of Istria, focusing particularly on the famous Malvasia.
Novigrad, also known as Cittanova, is situated on a small peninsula in northwestern Istria and has successfully preserved its original charm. Once a quiet fishing village, it is now a popular choice for travelers seeking authenticity and tranquility. The most striking feature of the town is its impressive medieval walls, which almost entirely enclose the old town and today serve as a scenic seaside promenade. In the heart of the historic center stands the Basilica of St. Pelagius with its free-standing bell tower, a prominent landmark visible from afar. For culture enthusiasts, the Lapidarium Museum is, housing one of the most significant collections of stone monuments in Croatia, including a rare 8th-century ciborium. Novigrad is also a culinary hotspot; the numerous restaurants lining the Mandrač harbor serve freshly caught seafood, often accompanied by world-class local olive oil.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 68 | 83 | 72 | 69 | 89 | 74 | 60 | 79 | 113 | 102 | 123 | 96 |
See what it looks like near Novigrad (Istria) right now.
Novigrad: Porporela · 0.2 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
In the morning, start in the heart of the old town at the distinctive bell tower, which provides an orientation of the city. Then visit the neighboring Pelagius Church. At noon, dive into history at the Lapidarium Museum and then stroll along the historic city walls right by the sea. In the afternoon, dedicate time to the maritime past at the Gallerion Museum, which offers an impressive collection. In the evening, enjoy the relaxed hustle and bustle at the Novigrad Riva as the fishing boats return to the harbor.
Morning at the misty Mandrač harbor starts peacefully despite the light rain. At midday, the city walls and the Loggia provide a good windbreak by the sea. In the afternoon, the Lapidarium Museum is the ideal indoor spot to stay dry. In the evening, enjoy the cozy atmosphere of a local bistro in the marina area.
Morning at the harbor is crisp and cold, especially when the Bura wind blows. At midday, enjoy the clear winter light while walking along the empty city walls. In the afternoon, warm up inside the modern museum or the baroque church. Since the sun sets around 4:45 PM, the day ends early with a cozy dinner.
In the morning, start at the picturesque Mandrač harbor and cycle on well-maintained paths along the north coast towards Karpinjan. At noon, you reach the shady pine forests of Mareda, ideal for an extensive swimming break in the clean sea. In the afternoon, leave the coast and explore the hilly hinterland with its vineyards and olive groves before reaching the Mirna estuary. In the evening, return to Novigrad and enjoy the pride of the completed kilometers with a drink at the Riva.
Morning bike tour starts at the marina in light drizzle. At midday, the route leads to the Mirna estuary, where winds can pick up. In the afternoon, return to the harbor for a break under a shelter. The day ends with a cautious ride along the slippery city walls.
Morning brings a fresh breeze at the marina, great for maintaining speed. At midday, the ride to Antenal offers wide views over the Mirna valley. In the afternoon, return to town before the icy evening wind sets in. The tour ends right at sunset at the Belvedere Loggia.
In the morning, park on the outskirts of Novigrad and explore the historic Cluster A on foot, visiting the Pelagius Church and the Lapidarium stress-free. At noon, leave the city and drive to the Istralandia water park in Cluster B, where action and fun are on the agenda for most of the day. In the afternoon, make a short nature stop at the Mirna estuary in Cluster C before returning to the center. In the evening, enjoy a first-class dinner at one of the fish restaurants at the harbor after visiting the Gallerion maritime museum.
Morning parking at the marina is easy while the rain pours. At midday, the Lapidarium provides shelter from the heaviest showers. In the afternoon, drive inland to Brtonigla for a local wine tasting. The day ends with a quick dash from the parking lot to Mandrač harbor.
Morning starts with plenty of parking choices at the marina in winter. At midday, the Lapidarium is a warm stopover on the tour. In the afternoon, drive through the sleeping Istrian hinterland to Brtonigla. To finish, experience Mandrač harbor in the atmospheric winter light.
