Istria is a way of life: what does the summer look between the lighthouse in Savudrija and the old Umag Streets? – Life

Istriawhere the sea climbs the stone, and the wind is rustling through the pine, there is Savudrija – a quiet place guarded by one of the most visited lighthouses on the Adriatic.

Lighthouse

The Savudria Lighthouse will not look for a long – enough to go down to the shore and will already greet you with your height. 36 meters high, this lighthouse is the oldest on the Adriatic, but also the most sighthest in Croatia. More importantly – he still works. And how! Raised in 1818. year, it was designed by architect Pietro Nobila, and the lighthouse was a technological pioneer of his time. The first in the world used gas obtained by distillation of coal for lighting. And when does the installation break down? It is switched to oil. Smart, right?

The legend says the lighthouse was built according to the order of the Austrian Count Meternich, who fell in love with a beautiful Croatian noble on one Vienna ball. He wanted to raise the house by the sea for her. However, she died before the construction was completed. The Count never stepped in Savudri again. Fate, they say.

But, and without legends, this lighthouse would be a sufficient reason to visit Savudri. It is located right next to the beach, only 30 meters from the sea, and you can walk it on foot, effortlessly. History, nature and silence are combined. If you close your eyes, you’ll hear waves hit the rocks, seagulls come and may – if you are lucky – some whispering winds wearing voices of long-forgotten sailors.

Istria, Rome and Ships

Savudrija is not just a lighthouse. This place has about 1800 inhabitants, of which one is a thousand members of the Italian minority. And everything breathes there for some light rhythm – as if time here is no hurry.
An old fishing port, even from Roman times, it works today. They say that all ships that could not pass through the winds of the Adriatic, there was shelter here. Roman mosaics and residues of villas are hiding underground and sea, and if you are lucky, local fishermen will tell you stories about oysters that were extracted while the Italian trucks came for fresh fish. And illegally, because in the Savudrija, it seems, always happens below the surface.

But nothing is so much on the surface – and so obvious – as a beacon. Today, it is automated, there is one lighthouse and no need for weapons (and used to have them, because people intruded for force wanting to climb). The stairs in the lighthouse go in a circle – every stone, one day, one round of love. Many are more important in it. Perhaps because they believe in eternal light, and maybe only because of a fairytale scene that conquers.

If you haven’t been yet – don’t bypass this place. Not only because of the lighthouse, but also because of the smell of pines, the taste of salt in the air and feelings you are somewhere everything makes sense.
In addition to enjoying nature, Savudrija also offers many activities: cycling with Roman monuments, trekking, tennis, golf on red top with views of vineyards and the sea. For adrenaline lovers – windsurfing here is a serious matter, with tramontana that brings wind, challenge and joy.

And only diving! Clean sea and rocky bottom are perfect for discovering the underwater world. If you love silence, you will find it here. If you love action – and there are. And all this for just ten minutes from Umag.

Umag, olives and wine

Umagthe most fashioned city of Western Istria, is a real counterpoint of Savudrija. While Savudrija whispers, Umag greets with full voice. This town is the perfect blend of Mediterranean charm, modern tourist offer and rich history. With its 45 kilometers of coast and the hinterland that offers wine, olives and winds and the forest Umag is the starting point of any serious research of Istria.

There are museums, Venetian houses, city walls, churches and of course – the sea. And by the sea, promenades and great places for dinner. If you do not conquer you with Istrian dishes, it may make a tennis ATP tournament that is held here every year. Umag knows how to connect beautiful and useful.

Savudrija and Umag are like day and night, but in the best sense. One offers you light and silence, other voices and colorfulness. The lighthouse in Savudrija stands as a witness of time, must and love, while Umag spreads hands and invites you to discover all the charms of Northwest Istria.

You won’t make a mistake if you come. You will only be mistaken if you don’t come.