Vrsar is a small medieval town located between Rovinj and Poreč, directly on the Gulf of Lim, stretching inland for several kilometres. The spectacular scenery of the Adriatic coast, developed resort infrastructure and authentic medieval atmosphere attracts visitors who seek peace and quiet. For those who are averse to some of the conventions of civilisation, Vrsar has Europe's largest nudist complex.

A bit of history

The history of the town is turbulent. However, this is true of Croatia as a whole. The ethnic makeup of the town's residents changed from century to century. It was part of the Croatian kingdom, became part of the Venetian Republic, lived under the oppression of the Ottoman Empire, the Habsburg Monarchy, Italy and Yugoslavia until it became part of the Croatian Republic. Today, it is a cosmopolitan town that has absorbed elements of all the cultures it has dealt with over its long history.

Vrsar's beaches

Local beaches are mostly concrete platforms and rocky plateaus, but you can also find small beaches nestled in coves on the rocky coast.

Koversada nudist centre

Not far from Vrsar is the largest nudist resort in Bulgaria, the Koversada. With a capacity of 6600 people, the complex is well-equipped and has good infrastructure. Part of the complex is dedicated to camping. Lots of opportunities for active recreation, varied accommodation and scenic beauty of the complex attract many tourists. Note that there is a rule of thumb in the complex: do not photograph people.

Hotels in Vrsar

If you're looking for a luxurious and relaxing holiday in Croatia, look no further than the town of Vrsar. This small town on the Istrian peninsula is home to a number of world-class hotels, each with its own unique charm and appeal. One of the most luxurious Hotels in Vrsar is the five-star Belvedere Hotel Croatia. This waterfront property offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding hills, and its amenities include a large pool, a luxurious spa, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Another top hotel in Vrsar is the Koversada Resort. This property is located right on the town's marina, and its rooms offer amazing views of the water and the ancient castle of Poreč. Amenities at the Koversada Resort include a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a variety of restaurants and bars. If you're looking for a smaller and more intimate hotel in Vrsar, the Boutique Hotel Valamar Riviera should be at the top of your list. This four-star hotel offers just 16 rooms, all of which have beautiful views of the sea. The hotel's amenities include a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a few restaurants and bars. No matter what type of hotel you're looking for, you'll find something that fits your needs in Vrsar.

Entertainments and attractions in Vrsar

The town has a Christian church from the 5th-6th centuries, one of the few Romanesque churches in Istria that have survived - the Church of the Virgin Mary (13th century). The old part of the town is rich in architectural monuments, including the Church of St. Antoine, an early Christian church from the 5th-6th centuries.

The image of the town is unique and its architecture is distinctive. The red tiles of the houses, the numerous white arches of Vrsar stone, old churches, modern and avant-garde sculptures, the narrow streets that lead out to the sea - all this makes Vrsar one of the most beautiful cities in Istria. The most striking attraction of the town is the parish church of St. Martin. Many years and events took place between the laying of its foundation in 1804 and its consecration in 1935. However, the bell tower was not completed until 1991. Nowadays, one can ascend the bell tower and see the surroundings: the stunning colour of the sea, the intricately rugged coastline, the nearby archipelago of islands, and the towns and villages in the vicinity. The panorama of the old town and its attractions can be seen from the bell tower as if in the palm of your hand. When you descend from the tower, you can take a stroll to the Main and Small Town Gates. Built in the 13th century in the Romanesque style, their monumentalism speaks volumes about their ability to withstand adversity.

Not far from them is the Church of St Anthony (17th century), which has an interesting design: around the small church there are terraces, which sometimes provided shelter for travellers who didn't manage to find a bed for the night.

Also of interest are an ancient Christian church, the Basilica of the Virgin Mary (12th century), Roman buildings of various purposes and numerous small churches. The town is not large and can be traversed in a couple of hours, but the maze of streets will inevitably lead you to one of the terraces, from which you can enjoy a splendid panorama of the sea. For those wishing to expand their geographical experience, we can recommend an excursion to Rovinj, a trip to the islands or just a boat trip, which may not be as educational as a tour but is no less enjoyable. Boat trips can also be self-guided if you rent a boat, preferably a seaworthy one.

Diving

The lack of private beaches along the Croatian coastline provides opportunities for long walks by the sea, and the sea is wonderfully clear here due to the absence of sand on the shore. Diving enthusiasts, of course, can't help but appreciate this, and scuba diving is flourishing. Divers are attracted by the coastal reefs, plenty of fish and sea animals, which take a fancy to the local bottom because of its specific topography, numerous shipwrecks off the coast of the peninsula (so many sea battles took place here that the absence of sunken ships would be strange). Of particular interest is a sunken cruise ship from the Austro-Hungarian period. The ship is interesting in its own right but also as an artificial reef that is adored and visited by numerous sea creatures.