Novigrad

Novigrad in Istria is a small coastal town on the western side of the peninsula, with a historic core occupying what was once an islet later connected to the mainland. Medieval walls remain visible beside the sea, including a square tower near the former gate and round Renaissance towers. The parish Church of St Pelagius and St Maximus contains an early Romanesque crypt, a rare sacred space in Istria. The Lapidarium Museum presents Roman and medieval stone monuments connected with the town's early Christian and later history. Beside the walls stands Belvedere, a loggia open towards the sea, while the harbour and mandrač recall Novigrad's fishing tradition. Karpinjan and other swimming areas lie outside the tight historic core. Novigrad is smaller than Poreč or Rovinj, allowing the centre to be explored on foot without complex logistics. The town also has a strong food scene based on fish, shellfish and olive oil from north-western Istria. A first visit can link the walls, church, Lapidarium and waterfront before continuing along coastal paths north or south of the centre.