Tar Tourist Festival (Turisticka festa)
One of the oldest and most visited festivals in Istria, held the first weekend of September in Tar-Vabriga. Features a mini-marathon, brass band parade, traditional donkey race and Istrian gastronomy.
Plizio Visual Lab
Try it generously drizzled over local dishes and fresh bread at any village tavern.
Look for this traditional Istrian pasta dish freshly prepared in local konobas.
Enjoy locally sourced seafood harvested from the nearby Lim channel or Mirna river mouth.
Buy premium olive oil directly from family farms (OPG) located in and around the village.
Pick up a bottle of crisp Malvazija directly from the nearby wine cellars.
The extensive olive groves surrounding the village are well-suited for a calm and peaceful walk.
The area around the church features a tranquil atmosphere with panoramic views of the landscape.
Water temperature…
Tar is perched on a plateau in western Istria, midway between Poreč and Novigrad. Together with its neighbor Vabriga, it forms a community celebrated for its superior olive oil, a product praised since ancient Roman times. Standing 112 meters above sea level, the village provides sweeping views that can reach Venice on clear days. The Church of St. Martin stands at the heart of its historic center. Just below Tar lies the Lanterna peninsula, a bustling tourist hub known for its extensive beaches, campsites, and water sports facilities. During the summer, Tar comes alive with traditional festivals like the donkey race (Garoze), preserving Istrian customs. The local dining scene is a treat for foodies, focusing on fresh Adriatic seafood paired with the globally recognized locally pressed 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 Tar right now.
Brtonigla: Aquapark - Istralandia · 5.2 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
Start your morning in Tar's old town with a visit to Kaštel Papini, a testament to local Venetian architecture. A short walk leads you to St. Martin's Church, whose bell tower marks the town's skyline. At midday, dive into the local gastronomy. The small market offers fresh Istrian produce before you settle into a traditional tavern (konoba) to enjoy handmade pasta or fresh seafood. In the afternoon, head down to Tarska vala cove. This bay is famous for its brackish waters and rich birdlife, offering a peaceful retreat away from the busy resorts. Finish the day with a relaxed coastal stroll and find a viewpoint to watch the sunset over the mouth of the Mirna River.
A rainy day in Tar begins under the protective walls of Kaštel Papini. We explore St. Martin's Church as a dry retreat before strolling through the local market. A long lunch in a cozy konoba warms us up. In the afternoon, Tarska vala bay offers a mystical, misty atmosphere by the water despite the rain, creating a unique coastal view.
In winter, Tar shows its quiet side, often accompanied by the cool Bura wind. We begin the tour at historical sites where the wind subsides in the narrow alleys. A visit to the market offers local winter supplies. After a warming meal in the konoba, we walk to Tarska vala to enjoy the clear winter light before the sun sets early over the Adriatic.
Explore the surroundings of Tar on two wheels. After a short stop in the village center, cycle down to the Larun oil mill to learn the secrets of Istrian liquid gold. The route continues towards the Lanterna peninsula. Morning is for the beach. Enjoy the sun and sea at Lanterna, then have a picnic in the shade of the trees. The bike paths here are well-maintained and offer great views. In the afternoon, cycle along the coast to Tarska vala. The path is flat and passes through a protected natural area. Watch the lagoon's birds before starting the climb back into the village. End the day back in the historical heart of Tar at Kaštel Papini, where you can recap the day's journey over a cold drink.
On two wheels, we brave the rain in Tar. After a short stop at the church, we visit Uljara Larun to immerse ourselves in the world of olive oil while staying dry. Despite the rain, we cycle to the Lanterna coast, where the surf is wild and loud. We move our picnic under a permanent pavilion before returning via the damp paths of Tarska vala.
A winter bike tour in Tar requires warm gloves and motivation. The clear air at St. Martin's Church is invigorating. We warm up with a tasting at Uljara Larun before cycling to the solitary Lanterna coast. The winter picnic is short but intense, followed by a quick ride through the quiet Tarska vala back into the sheltered village.
By car, you can comfortably explore the highlights of Tar and its coastline. The morning begins in the historical center with Kaštel Papini and St. Martin's Church. Distances in the village are small, allowing for easy exploration on foot once parked. Next, visit the Larun oil mill to experience the famous Istrian olive oil tradition. The journey continues to the Lanterna peninsula, where you can spend midday at the beach and dine at a local restaurant with sea views. In the afternoon, dedicate your time to nature. A short drive takes you to Tarska vala, a quiet bay known for its traditional fishing. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the fresh sea breeze. To end the day, take a short stroll by the small harbor in the bay before heading back. The flexibility of the car allows you to experience the different facets of the region stress-free.
By car, a rainy day in Tar is comfortable. We visit the historical sites easily, then drive to Uljara Larun for a dry olive oil tasting. In Lanterna, we watch the rain on the sea from the warm car before enjoying a pleasant lunch. The day ends with a brief look at the rainy Tarska vala and a drive along the Riva.
Winter sightseeing in Tar by car is relaxed and warm. We visit the historical core and warm up in the vehicle between stops. At Uljara Larun, we enjoy the winter harvest. The drive to Lanterna passes through quiet landscapes where we experience the sunset comfortably from the car at the viewpoint before driving along the calm Riva.
