Vrsar Travel Guide
Old provincial town of Vrsar is an enticing place set within one of the most magnificent archipelagos along the coastline of Istria. The closest airports to Vrsar are Trieste (Italy) - 77 km and Pula (Croatia) – 60 km. The town has good bus connections with Porec, Pula and Rovinj. It can also be reached by bus, train or boat from nearby cities of Croatia.
The area of Vrsar has been inhabited since Bronze Age. First known settlers were the Liburnians and Histris, whose main occupations were farming and sea commerce. During the Roman times the town turned into a great Istrian market. In the early medieval times Vrsar was occupied by the Slavs and became a prominent Christian center.
Tourist attractions. The list of must-sees during Vrsar travel seems endless. However, you certainly should visit the Renaissance Church of St. Fosca, the Parish Church of St. Martin (19th c.), the Romanesque palace of the Porec Bishops (12th-13th c.), the Church of St. Anthony (17th c.) and a Romanesque Church of St. George on the islet of the same name. Historians will be utterly delighted to see old Romanesque Gate (17th c.) with a part of the town walls and the tablet featuring a relief of St. Mark's lion, the Main Town Gate which used to serve as the major entrance to the fort, the remains of Roman warehouse and cemetery, old abandoned stone quarries and the remains of old Christian Basilica (4th c.). Jurassic park at Funtana is recommended as a funny amusement place for kids.
Festivals and cultural events. One of the most fascinating Vsrar festivals is Casanova Fest, an event celebrating the world famous lover Casanova who visited Vrsar twice. Montraker Live Music Festival is also an unavoidable event, especially for jazz, blues, ethno and gospel music lovers, which takes place in mid July. Those who admire sculpture should spend their Vrsar holidays in September not to miss the Montraker School of Sculpture, due to which the town is graced with astonishing works of art that can be seen everywhere. The list of Vrsar festivals also includes the annual music event Sea and Guitars which is held in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Sea, the Water Polo Cup, sailing regattas, tennis tournaments, etc.
Beaches. Tourists who are planning to enjoy Vrsar beaches will be spoilt for choice, with plenty of Blue Flag beaches to choose from. If you are looking for hide-away beaches, you will surely find them on any of 18 uninhabited islands scattered along the coast. Those who are seeking fun during their Vrsar holidays should go to wonderful beaches of Montraker peninsula. Vala Beach with its smooth sand, cool shade of pine trees and splendid coves will delight families with kids, as well as romantic souls. Travelers who would like to visit naturist beaches during their Vrsar travel will be impressed by the Blue Flag Koversada beach, one of the most popular in Europe.
Restaurants. Gastronomically oriented visitors will experience true magic of Mediterranean cuisine in Vrsar restaurants. Trost serves excellent baked fish, veal and prosciutto, Ive restaurant offers traditional Istrian pasta and steak with truffles, in Petra restaurant you can try exotic seafood and various meat delicacies. The best pizza in entire Croatia is prepared in Fancita.
Active vacations. Extreme sports admirers can visit Adrenalin Park Akros, which offers incredible adventures, or try airplane panoramic flights and parachuting. Nine climbing sites full of difficult obstacles are at the disposal of truly fit tourists during their Vrsar travel. Those who like the underworld simply must visit the Baredine Cave to see sculptures made by water out of stalagmites and stalactites. The most popular diving centers in Vrsar are Starfish, Aqualung Diving, AMDC (Adriatic Master Dive Center) and Ugor.