Camping by the sea: discover Funtana

Located between Poreč and Vrsar, Funtana is one of the most picturesque places on the western coast of Istria. Though small, it captivates visitors with its stone core, narrow streets, old castle, and medieval churches. And of course, there’s the sea. Funtana also has what many larger cities lack: character and warmth.

We bet you can already tell that you won’t be bored in Funtana, but there’s still more to discover. Keep reading to find out where to swim, what to visit, where to eat, and where to stay in Funtana, the most touristy small town on the Adriatic.

Although small, Funtana has many attractions

What to see

Parish church of St. Bernard – Built by count Bernardo Borisi in the 17th century. It has a 34-meter-high bell tower, and behind the altar is Funtana’s most important work of art: a painting of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus surrounded by saints. You can visit the church before and after Holy Mass. In the summer, the church hosts outdoor concerts and festivals.

Funtana Castle – The first building in Funtana, around which developed the rest of the town. It was also built by Bernardo Borisi in the 17th century (about 10 years before the church). Today, it is a protected cultural monument. The interior of the castle is not open to the public.

Funtana’s springs – Water springs after which the town got its name. They are located along the road at the entrance to Funtana from the direction of Poreč. The springs never dry up, so until recently, they were also used by locals. A little further away is a more modern attraction for photography enthusiasts: Funtana swing.

Fisherman’s festivals – Held every other Friday in the summer months. The venue is the port/marina, where you can enjoy seafood specialties prepared from the fishermen’s daily catch. All of this is accompanied by music. And to get a glimpse of the atmosphere, check here.

Amusement parks – In Funtana and its surroundings you will find 3 amusement parks: Dinopark, Aquacolors water park and Crazycars Moviepark.

Funtana has some of the most breathtaking sunsets you’ll ever see

Where to eat

One thing is for sure: in Funtana, you won’t go hungry. Although it’s a small town, it has a lot of restaurants. There are over 10 restaurants in the center, just a few steps from each other, so you’re sure to find something to your liking.

Konoba Bokoon – The tavern at the Valamar Camping Istra campsite that serves traditional Istrian dishes with a touch of Italian cuisine. It’s right by the sea, and all the ingredients are locally produced, from prosciutto and cheese to bread and olive oil.

Konoba Bare – You’ve got to check it out when you’re in Funtana. The menu’s original, the ingredients are fresh, and the chef, Domagoj, is innovative. There’s meat and fish, so whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong.

Restaurant & Pizzeria Delfin – This place has the best pizza in the area, and you can choose from 3 types of dough: white, whole wheat, and black (with activated charcoal).

Restaurant More – They’ve got great fish dishes, pasta, and traditional Istrian dishes (like Istrian soup). It’s got a nice vibe and the hosts are great. All in all, it’s a restaurant worth visiting.

Restaurant Histria – The food is delicious and affordable, you should definitely try the fish carpaccio and beef fillet with truffles.

Nandos Grill – This restaurant at campsite Polidor has some great meat and fish dishes. It’s great for tuna burgers and steaks.

Konoba Daniela – It’s a common belief that the best food is found outside the city. And we can confirm that it’s true. This place is about a 10-minute drive from the center of Funtana, but once you get there, you won’t want to leave! Because you’ll want to try everything. If you can’t decide, go for mixed shellfish, steak tartare, and Istrian ombolo.

Where to go to the beach

Funtana’s got plenty of well-maintained beaches to choose from. There’s something for everyone: beaches with facilities for families with children, smaller beaches for couples, and even beaches for dogs.

Beach Funtana – Located right at the entrance to Funtana, near the photo swing. The beach is pebbly with rocky and concrete parts. You can rent deck chairs and umbrellas, and there’s a café above the beach where you can get a coffee, juice, or cocktail, and even something to eat.

Beach Polidor – A pebbly beach within the campsite of the same name, with a popular beach bar. You can rent deck chairs and beds, get a coffee, cocktail, or juice, and enjoy the music played by a DJ. It’s a hit with the younger crowd. A little further on, there’s also a dog beach.

Val Sunset Family Beach – A popular family beach on the west side of the campsite Valamar Camping Istra. You can rent deck chairs and there’s also a café where you can get snacks and drinks. There’s also a dog beach next to it. While you’re there, take some time to walk around the campsite – it’s stunning, you won’t be disappointed.

Beach Bijela Uvala – A beach within the campsite with a pebble and concrete section and some shade in the morning. On the other side of the campsite, there’s a dog beach.

Beach Valkanela – Another campsite beach that combines a pebble cove and a concrete part. Smaller part also has sand, an ideal spot for the youngest. Nearby you’ll find a children’s playground, a bar and a sports center, and there’s an inflatable water park in the sea.

Beach Puntica – A concrete beach next to the marina, with smaller pebble coves on the right side and lots of shade, especially in the morning. There is also a restaurant next to the beach.

Beaches at campsite Polidor and Valamar Camping Istra

Where to camp

A small place, but a lot of campsites. An unusual combination, we know. But that’s how it is in Funtana. Here is where you can camp in Funtana and its surroundings:

Valamar Camping Istra – One of the best campsites in Croatia. It features heated swimming pools, a water park, wellness areas, play areas for kids, a cinema, a sports center, and a cool mini golf course.  You can rent pitches and mobile homes, and some of the mobile homes even have private swimming pools. There’s a special area of the campsite with glamping tents, perfect for watching the sunset.

Campsite Polidor – A smaller campsite that’s open all year. It’s located 800 meters from the sea. But don’t worry, you won’t have to walk – staff will be there to transport you to the beach in golf carts or a tourist train. You can camp on pitches, and some of them have their own jacuzzi. Along with the usual mobile homes, there are camping villas with jacuzzis or private pools, as well as glamping tents.

Campsite Valkanela – A nicely maintained campsite. It has a pebble-concrete beach with a sandy part, and a dog beach nearby. Accommodation is available on pitches, and there are also mobile homes by the sea. There is a new, well-equipped children’s playground, a new sports center, an outdoor fitness center and a mini golf course.

Campsite Puntica – A smaller campsite right next to the Funtana Marina and also close to the town itself. Most of the pitches are in the shade, and they also offer mobile homes. The beach at the campsite is mostly concrete, with a smaller part that’s pebbly.

Campsite Bijela Uvala – One of the biggest campsites on the Adriatic. They did lots of renovations so you can expect a new children’s center with a playground and indoor playroom and pools with big slides. Accommodation is available on pitches and in mobile homes. Pitches offer plenty of shade, and some have private toilets. The campsite has a dog beach.

The campsites in Funtana are the perfect place to unwind