Camping by the sea: discover Vrsar

Vrsar is a charming small town with less than 2000 inhabitants, but it’s still a very popular tourist destination. The secret to its success? Its first class campsites! From the oldest naturist campsite in Europe and a campsite with the prestigious ADAC Superplatz award, to a campsite that is open all year round, you are sure to find the right campsite for your vacation in Vrsar.

And what if you like the campsite so much that you don’t want to leave? We totally get it. But while you’re here, it would be a shame not to get to know Vrsar a little better. The town has so much to offer, so we have selected some of the best recommendations that might just inspire you.

What to see and visit

The old town of Vrsar is located on a hill and can be reached through the Big or Small Gates, which served as the entrance to the town in the Middle Ages. A walk through the narrow streets of the old town is a real adventure. Behind every corner you can discover a piece of history, an old detail in the stone or a fascinating view of the sea.

Vrsar is also known as the “town of viewpoints” and it’s not hard to see why. There are five places in the town where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the 18 islands of the Vrsar archipelago and as far as Poreč and Rovinj. The biggest one is the viewpoint of St. Anthony of Padua, but the viewpoint of Bepo and Tonina and the viewpoint of St. Martin, as well as the bell tower next to the church of St. Martin also offer excellent views.

If you’re traveling with your significant other, the Casanova Tour is a must. You will take a romantic walk through Vrsar inspired by the famous seducer who visited the town mid-18th century. This interactive tour with actors also includes the Casanova viewpoint, a great place for a romantic view of the sun setting behind the sea.

Where to eat

From traditional Istrian specialties to freshly caught seafood, Vrsar offers authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Here are some of our favorite restaurants that will delight even the most discerning foodie:

• Konoba kod Luce – Choose a dish with fresh seafood or homemade pasta and enjoy your meal on the terrace under the shade of grape vines.
• Fančita – Do you like seafood and truffles or are you more of a pasta and pizza lover? Whatever you decide, Fančita is the place for you.
• Restoran Petra – A little out of the center, but worth every minute of walking. It offers an excellent international menu, that changes depending on the seasonal ingredients available.
• Restoran Dvi Palme – The restaurant offers real Istrian food and seafood dishes such as white fish carpaccio or steak with truffles.
• Restoran Trošt – Located in the Vrsar marina, this is one of the most popular Istrian fish restaurants. Be sure to reserve a table in advance, as it often gets crowded.
• Konoba Pjaca – This modern Istrian tavern on the main town square offers seafood specialties, pasta, various salads and delicious desserts.
• Restoran Orlandin – A great restaurant by the sea if you get hungry on the beach or want a romantic dinner with a view of the sunset.
• Casanova Beach Bar – Enjoy a coffee or cold drink by the sea, good music and delicious food so you can spend all day on the beach.
• Skusha Local Fish – ideal place for a relaxed lunch or dinner while exploring the old town of Vrsar. It offers an innovative approach to traditional seafood specialties, combining authentic Mediterranean flavors with the popular “street food” concept.

Where to stay

Traveling as a couple, with family or friends? It doesn’t matter, in Vrsar there is a campsite that will meet all your needs.

• Campsite Valkanela – A family campsite with a new sports center, mini-golf course and swimming pool complex for all ages. As for accommodation, there are well-maintained pitches and new mobile homes by the sea.
• Campsite Porto Sole – This year-round campsite offers a long beach with plenty of natural shade and the option of booking a private bathroom with hot tub or sauna.
• Campsites Koversada Covered and Koversada Uncovered – Koversada, the first naturist campsite in Europe, has been divided into a textile and a naturist section this year, but both campsites continue to offer their guests a first class camping experience in pitches and mobile homes.
• Camping Orsera – Has a Blue Flag beach and is located next to a 500 meter long promenade leading to the center of Vrsar.

Where to swim

• Vrsar town beach – A pebble beach located below the old town. It offers easy access to the sea, natural shade and a restaurant, and for good travel photos there is a great photo corner with a swing by the sea.
• Petalon Beach – Has a rocky and pebble section that offers a better access to the sea if you are traveling with children. There are also stone plateaus for sunbathing and a forest that provides enough shade when it gets too hot.
• The beaches at the campsites in Vrsar are varied, so it all depends on what you are looking for. The sandy beaches at the Valkanela and Koversada Covered campsites are particularly suitable for children, naturists can swim on the beach at the Koversada Uncovered campsite, and pet-friendly beaches can be found at the Valkanela, Koversada Covered and Porto Sole campsites, as well as next to the town beach.

Now that you have all the information you need about Vrsar, it’s time to plan your trip. Vrsar hosts a variety of events throughout the year, so if you want to plan your vacation accordingly, check out the schedule on the Vrsar Tourist Board.