Umag Marina

Umag Marina, officially ACI Marina Umag, is one of the main marinas on the northern coast of Istria, and it is the gateway to the town of Umag, close to the border with Slovenia. It lies in the northern part of the city harbour, and it is open all year round, offering around five hundred berths, which makes it one of the larger marinas in the region. The berths can accommodate boats of many sizes, from small sailing yachts to large motor yachts and superyachts of well over a hundred metres in length. The marina has earned recognition for its quality of service and its environmental standards, including the Blue Flag, an international label that is awarded to marinas and beaches that meet strict criteria, and a national award for tourism quality.

The facilities cover the needs of visiting sailors. The marina has modern sanitary blocks, fuel stations, water and electricity at the berths, and technical services for maintenance and repairs, along with a reception that provides information and help with arrangements. Restaurants, cafés and shops are close by, so crews can stock up and eat well without leaving the harbour area. The season for sailing and water sports runs from May to October, when the weather is warm and the sea is clear and comfortable, and many boats stay in the marina through the winter. For those arriving by sea, it is important to navigate carefully around a shoal called Paklena, which is marked by a lighthouse and buoys, and to follow the instructions in the pilot books and from the marina staff.

The marina is also easy to reach by land. The town of Umag is connected by road with the rest of Istria and with Slovenia and Italy, and the nearest airports are at Pula, Trieste and Ljubljana, each within a reasonable drive. This makes the marina convenient for crews who join or leave their boats here. From the marina, the old town of Umag is a short walk. It sits on a small peninsula with narrow streets and Venetian-era fortifications, the main square, called Trg Slobode, or Freedom Square, and a waterfront lined with restaurants serving fresh seafood and Istrian specialities, such as pasta with truffles, grilled fish and local wines. The Umag Municipal Museum, housed in a historic building, presents the history of the area.

Umag is also known for sport. The Stella Maris Resort hosts the ATP tennis tournament, the Croatia Open, which has been played here for more than three decades, and the town has long cycling and walking routes along the coast and through the vineyards and olive groves inland. Beaches, rocky coves and a long promenade provide places for swimming.

The marina suits sailors, charter crews and boat owners exploring the northern Adriatic, as well as visitors who enjoy harbours. Book a berth in advance in July and August, and check the weather forecast before leaving.