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Novigrad (Istria)

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Novigrad (Istria) (Croatia)
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Practical info — Novigrad (Istria)

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Walk the well-preserved medieval city walls at sunset for striking Adriatic views.
  • Parking can be tricky in the old town; use the larger parking lots located just outside the historical center.
  • Explore the town and surrounding coast on a bicycle, as the area is mostly flat with excellent cycling paths.
  • Look out for summer festivals in the main square, which often feature local music and gastronomy.

🍽 Food

🍽
Kapešante (Scallops)

A local delicacy often served raw or lightly grilled with olive oil. Try them in traditional taverns (konoba) near the harbor.

🍽
Istrian Malvasia

A crisp, refreshing local white wine. Enjoy a glass in one of the wine bars tucked in the narrow streets.

🍽
Fritule

Small, sweet deep-fried dough balls. Often sold at small bakeries or street food stalls near the promenade.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Local Olive Oil

Istria produces world-class olive oil. Buy directly from small specialty shops or the local farmers' market.

🛍
Truffle Products

Look for truffle pastes, oils, or cheeses in local delicatessens around the historical center.

🧘
Karpinjan Beach

A lovely, pebbly beach lined with pine trees, first-rate for a relaxing afternoon away from the crowds.

🧘
Mandrač Harbor

The historic inner harbor area is well-suited for a peaceful morning walk to watch the small fishing boats.

Highlights of 2026

6

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.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C4481216212323181495
Rain mm688372698974607911310212396

Live webcam – Novigrad (Istria)

See what it looks like near Novigrad (Istria) right now.

Novigrad: Porporela · 0.2 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
2,292
Coordinates
45.31860, 13.55750

Facts

  • The city walls were built in the 13th century and further reinforced in the 16th century
  • The Lapidarium Museum houses the famous 8th-century ciborium of Mauritius
  • Novigrad served as an episcopal see from the 5th century until the 19th century
  • The basilica's bell tower was modeled after the famous St Mark's Campanile in Venice
  • The annual Astro Party Lunasa transforms the town into an astronomical center every summer
  • The nearby Antenal area at the mouth of the Mirna River is a significant bird sanctuary

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Novigrad (Istria) (9)

Lapidarium Museum

A modern architectural space housing an impressive collection of ancient and medieval stone monuments.

Novigrad City Walls

Well-preserved 13th-century fortifications that encircle the historic town center on the peninsula.

Rigo Palace

A Venetian Baroque noble residence that now serves as a gallery for contemporary art exhibitions.

Belvedere Loggia

The only coastal loggia in Istria, offering remarkable views of the Adriatic Sea and the horizon.

Novigrad Marina

A modern and high-quality marina attracting sailors with its top-notch facilities and strategic location.

Belistra Water Sport🎡 recreation

A water park in Novigrad offering various aquatic activities and sports for visitors.

Mujela🏺 historical

An archaeological site near Novigrad featuring remains of ancient Roman structures.

Luka Novigrad🌿 nature

The local bay and harbor of Novigrad, serving as a central point for maritime activities.

Aquapark na napuhavanje👨‍👩‍👧 family

Aquapark na napuhavanje, an inflatable water park on the Adriatic coast in Novigrad (Istria).

Frequently asked questions

What is the Lapidarium in Novigrad?
A museum with a valuable collection of ancient stone monuments.
Why are there umbrellas hanging in the streets?
It's a colorful decoration that provides shade during the summer.
Is Novigrad a fishing town?
Yes, it has preserved its original charm as a fishing port.
What is the Gallerion Museum?
A naval museum dedicated to the history of the Austro-Hungarian Navy.
Are there beaches in Novigrad?
Yes, there are many paved and pebble beaches around the town.
Novigrad (Istria): where is it located?
Novigrad (Istria) is located in Croatia.
Novigrad (Istria): what is there to see?
Highlights include Lapidarium Museum, Novigrad City Walls, Rigo Palace.
Novigrad (Istria): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Novigrad (Istria): why is it worth visiting?
Novigrad, also known as Cittanova, is situated on a small peninsula in northwestern Istria and has successfully preserved its original charm.
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