Umag at a glance
Umag is a coastal town in Istria with two sides. The old town sits at the water's edge. The beaches and the tennis stadium lie a few kilometers out, in the Laguna and Stella Maris area.
Most visitors come for one of three things: a beach day, the ATP tournament in July, or a base for exploring the rest of Istria. The sections below cover each of them, with the distances and prices that are published for 2026.
Beaches around Umag
The shore here is mostly pebble, rock and paved platforms rather than sand. Bring water shoes if you are sensitive to stones.
| Beach | Distance | Shore | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laguna / Stella Maris | About 3 km from the center | Pebble and paved areas | Right next to the tennis stadium |
| Kanegra | About 10 km from Umag | Pebble and rock | Beside a holiday complex, with a naturist area nearby |
| Laguna (Novigrad) | – | Pebble and concrete | A different place with the same name, see below |
The descriptions of Laguna at Stella Maris mention pebble and paved areas, not sand, so do not plan around a sandy beach there. Kanegra is the farther of the two, and because a naturist area is nearby, look at the signs before you spread out your towel. The full list of twelve coves and beaches in Istria, with shore types and fees, is on our Istria beaches page.
Day trips and tours in Istria
Boat trips, truffle hunts, hill-town visits and day trips across Istria, with live prices and availability.
The ATP tournament in Umag
The Plava Laguna Croatia Open is played in the Goran Ivanišević stadium in the Stella Maris area. The beach at Laguna is directly next to the stadium, so a tennis day and a swim fit into the same trip.
For 2026, the organizer's ticket shop lists July 10 to 18, while another page of the organizer gives July 10 to 19. A news item from March 13, 2026 announces the final for Saturday, July 18. The exact limits of the tournament and of the side program therefore differ between pages. For any later year, take the dates from the organizer's own schedule and book your room first.
- The stadium is in Stella Maris, about 3 km from the town center.
- Daily ticket prices, child and wheelchair tariffs and online fees are set by the organizer. Check them when you buy.
- Parking near the stadium on match days should be checked locally before you drive.
A day plan for Umag
One way to spread the sights over a day without rushing.
Morning in the old town
Walk the old town by the water while it is still cool. Museum and church opening hours change with the season, so ask locally before you plan a visit inside.
Midday at the beach
Go to Laguna if you want a short ride from the center and the stadium next door. Choose Kanegra if you accept a longer trip for a different stretch of coast.
Afternoon match or excursion
In July, the tournament sets the schedule. In other months, use the afternoon for a day trip to a neighboring town or to the hill towns of the interior.
Novigrad, the neighbor town
If you stay in Umag for several days, Novigrad is a natural addition. Make sure you mean the one in Istria, because there are other places with that name. The old town has the Mandrač harbor, remains of the town wall, the Belveder loggia and a lapidarium. The bell tower is 44 m high, according to a regional description.
Museum prices, closing days and parking fees in Novigrad should be checked on the spot. You can walk the lanes of the old town freely, but that says nothing about entry to the museums.
Note that Novigrad also has a bay called Laguna, beside a hotel. It is not the same as the Laguna at Stella Maris in Umag. Read the place name carefully when you look for directions.
Getting there and staying
Practical points for a trip based in Umag.
Arrival
The airport on the peninsula is Pula. Shuttle bus details and the alternative airports are on our Pula Airport page. Tolls on the Istrian Y depend on the route and the vehicle class, and the operator offers a toll calculator for your exact trip.
Money and borders
Croatia has used the euro since January 1, 2023, and has been part of the Schengen area since 2023. Carry your travel documents all the same.
Where to sleep
For a comparison of bases along the coast and in the interior, see where to stay in Istria. A tourist tax applies to overnight stays, and the amount is not the same everywhere in Istria. Ask your host for the current rate.
More to explore
Pages that pair well with a stay in Umag.
Umag: frequently asked questions
Where is the tennis tournament in Umag played?
The Plava Laguna Croatia Open takes place in the Goran Ivanišević stadium in the Stella Maris area, about 3 km from the town center. The Laguna beach lies right next to it.
When was the tournament in 2026?
The organizer's shop lists July 10 to 18, 2026, and another page of the organizer gives July 10 to 19. The final was announced for Saturday, July 18. For future editions, use the organizer's current schedule.
Does Umag have sandy beaches?
The beaches described around Umag are pebble, rock and paved. Laguna at Stella Maris has pebble and paved areas. Kanegra has pebble and rock.
How far is Kanegra from Umag?
About 10 km. A naturist area is close to the beach, so look at the signs on arrival.
Is Laguna in Umag the same as Laguna in Novigrad?
No. They are two separate places with the same name. The Novigrad bay is beside a hotel and has pebble and concrete. The Umag one is at the tennis stadium in Stella Maris.
Which airport is closest?
Visitors usually use Pula. See the Pula Airport guide for the shuttle bus, car rental and the alternatives in Trieste, Venice and Ljubljana.