Discover the Municipality of Novigrad through its coastal waters, historic churches and culinary events. When planning your stay, you can choose between spending time by the water, exploring buildings with different historical connections, and attending regional events celebrating fish and mussels.
Coastal Waters and Beach
Karinsko more is connected to Novigradsko more by a narrow channel. The rivers Zrmanja, Karišnica and Bijela flow into Karinsko more. Their inflows make the water less salty than at other Dalmatian beaches. Karinsko more is no more than twelve metres deep and is warmer than the Adriatic.
The Zrmanja also flows into Novigradsko more. Its inflow lowers the salinity and supports mussel farming. At Novigrad Beach, the Velebit Mountains form the backdrop. The different bodies of water, their inflows and the mountain panorama give the coast several distinctive features.
Activities on the Water and by Bike
At Novigrad Beach, visitors can follow an underwater trail and observe marine life. As the facilities may be subject to maintenance or seasonal conditions, it is worth checking their current status before your visit. Pedal boating and rowing are seasonal activities at the beach. Stand-up paddleboarding on Novigradsko more is also seasonal; SUP boards can be rented.
There are cycling routes around Novigrad. Route conditions and availability may change, so it is a good idea to check current conditions before setting out on a bike ride. Whether you prefer to be on the water or on a bike, these activities offer different ways to experience the area, without forming a single shared route.
Churches, Fortress and Local History
The early Christian Church of St Martin lies in the fields on the road from Novigrad towards Pridraga. It dates from the 5th or 6th century and is a single-nave building with three apses. The remains of a baptistery from the same period stand beside the church. Together, the church and baptistery offer a glimpse of early Christian architecture in the area.
St Kate is considered the oldest church in Novigrad. Butko Kuriaković commissioned it in 1393. The Church of St Nicholas dates from 1800 and stands at the entrance to Novigrad harbour. Fortica is situated on a hill above Novigrad. A fishing museum is one of the town’s visitor attractions; check current opening arrangements before your visit. The Novigrad dialect is also part of the cultural heritage: it is included on Croatia’s list of intangible cultural heritage.
Mussels and Regional Cuisine
The annual Okusi Novigradske dagnje festival celebrates Dalmatian tradition, culture and gastronomy. As the programme may change, check the dates before your trip. Ribarske večeri focuses on fresh fish, local olive oil and Novigrad mussels; the menu may vary. Pridraga is associated with locally grown produce and livestock farming.
From Pridraga, you can explore the Zrmanja Canyon, which is approximately 2.8 kilometres away. The distance may vary depending on the route.
Discover more destinations: Dajla, Mareda, Novigrad, Paljuv, Municipality of Kaštelir - Labinci, Municipality of Grožnjan, Municipality of Sveti Petar U Šumi, Municipality of Kršan.
View the wider travel overview: Istria County.
