Villa Kasandra · Pool in the evening light

Dobrodošli · Welcome · Willkommen

Your guide through Istria

Everything you need to know for unhurried days in Kaštel and the surrounding region — shopping, dining, beaches and hilltop villages.

Updated: May 2026 Kaštel · Buje · Istria

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Contents

Where to find what

We're so glad you're here

Up here, where the hills slope gently towards the Adriatic, time moves differently. It softens — stretching into long mornings by the pool, long lunches in the shade of the olive tree, and evenings when the last light gilds the old walls of Buje.

This guide is your quiet companion for the first few days. It tells you where to find the best bread in the morning, which Konoba is worth the drive, which cove has the fewest people, and who to call should anything go wrong.

We have taken care to be honest — no recommendation out of politeness, no address untested. If something is missing or no longer accurate, just let us know. And in the meantime: settle in, breathe deeply, and forget for a while what day of the week it is.

Warmly, your hosts Villa Kasandra · Kaštel

Umag · Old town with bell tower seen from the sea

Umag in the morning light. Fifteen minutes — that's all it takes.

II.

First Things First

Four things you will most likely want to know on the day you arrive.

Wi-Fi

High-speed Wi-Fi is available to you at no charge. The network name and password can be found in the printed booklet in the apartment — including a QR code for instant connection.

Please use responsibly — no file sharing, no illegal content.

Check-out

Check-out is by 10:00 am. A different time is always possible — just let us know in advance.

Before you leave, please: empty the fridge, take out the rubbish, put away the dishes, close the windows, turn off the air conditioning, and leave the key.

Recycling

Four bins in the courtyard: General waste · Paper · Plastic · Glass. Please sort — it matters in Buje.

For bulky waste, electronics, and paints: the municipal recycling centre in Buje (Reciklažno dvorište), Momjanska 6 — about 5 minutes by car.

Parking

Designated parking spaces are available on the property — please keep the access lanes clear. The entrance and car park are monitored by CCTV.

Electric vehicle charging is not available on site. The nearest charging point is in Buje (see INA Buje).

III.

House Rules — Essentials

So that all guests can enjoy a relaxed stay — the key points at a glance.

Quiet hours 22:00 – 08:00

Please no loud music, no loud conversation in the outdoor areas, no slamming doors. Parties are not permitted.

No smoking indoors

Smoking is not permitted in any interior space. Outside is perfectly fine — please use the ashtrays provided.

Booked number of guests

Please use the property only with the number of guests stated in your booking. Overnight stays by unregistered guests are not permitted.

Pool — at your own risk

Children must be supervised at all times. Please shower before swimming (sun cream). Quiet hours apply at the pool as well.

Gas barbecue — designated area only

Charcoal is not permitted. Please barbecue only under supervision and turn off the gas after use.

Use water mindfully

Especially in summer. No fats, oils, wet wipes, or sanitary products in toilets or drains — the pipes are sensitive.

Air conditioning with windows closed

Otherwise it simply works against itself. Please turn it off when leaving the apartment.

No pets

Out of consideration for guests with allergies and to maintain consistent quality throughout the property.

Damage — please just let us know

Things break — it's part of life. Simply tell us and we will find a solution together.

Commercial photography only by arrangement

Photo or video production for advertising or social media purposes requires prior written consent.

The full House Rules are available on request — these 10 points cover everyday life at the villa.

IV.

Shopping & Daily Bread

Buje is five to ten minutes by car — and for the widest range of products, Umag is the destination.

IV.1

Petrol Stations

Nearby · 24/7 Shop

The closer of the two — open at night as well, with a bistro and ATM.

Gospodarska ulica 3, 52460 Buje

+385 91 497 1114

Mon – Sun: 06:00 – 22:00

Towards Plovanija

On the road towards the Slovenian border — a convenient option when passing through.

Plovanija 2, 52460 Kaldanja

Mon – Sun: 07:00 – 19:00

IV.2

Groceries

Three large supermarkets in Buje — all within 5–10 minutes by car. Sunday is no longer a "closed day" in Croatia; all three are open on Sundays (as of May 2026).

Open Sunday

Croatia's largest domestic retailer — well stocked, fair prices, good range of local products.

Digitronska 23, 52460 Buje

Mon – Sat: 07:00 – 20:00
Sunday: 07:00 – 14:00

Sunday until 18:00

A newer, brighter branch with parking and an ATM — excellent cheese selection.

Gospodarska ulica 1A, 52460 Buje

+385 52 554 711

Mon – Sat: 07:00 – 21:00
Sunday: 08:00 – 18:00

Widest range in Buje

A hypermarket with the broadest selection in the region — fresh produce, toiletries, wine.

Digitronska ulica 27A, 52460 Buje

Mon – Sat: 07:00 – 21:00
Sunday: 08:00 – 14:00

Right next door

The small emergency shop practically on your doorstep — for cigarettes, a bottle of milk, a beer, or a forgotten toothbrush. Not for the weekly shop, but unbeatable for proximity.

Portoroška 6, Plovanija · approx. 5 min

Mon – Sat: 07:00 – 21:00

IV.3

Bakeries

Fresh bread, Burek, sweet strudel. Both bakeries open before 7 am — perfect for setting the breakfast table on the terrace.

Pekarnica San Sebastian

Local favourite

Right in the centre of Buje, on the main square. Burek and classic bakery pastries fresh from the oven.

Trg Josipa Broza Tita 16, 52460 Buje

Mon – Sat: 06:00 – 21:00
Sunday: 07:00 – 14:00

Chain · reliable

Croatian bakery chain with consistently good quality, located directly in the Konzum complex.

Digitronska 23, 52460 Buje

Mon – Fri: 06:00 – 20:00
Saturday: 07:00 – 15:00
Sunday: 07:00 – 13:00

IV.4

Pharmacy

Istarske ljekarne

The nearest pharmacy. For Sunday emergencies — on-call duty rotates; if in doubt, dial 112.

Istarska ulica 13, 52460 Buje

+385 52 773 157

Mon – Fri: 07:00 – 20:00
Saturday: 08:00 – 13:00
Sunday: Seasonal

IV.5

Umag · the big trip

~20 minutes to the west, right on the coast. Worth the drive when you need the larger ranges of European discounters, or when you are heading to the beach anyway. Bonus: the pharmacy in Umag is open on Sundays too.

Largest range

Classic Kaufland hypermarket with German brands, fresh deli counter, wine, toiletries.

Novigradska ulica 22, 52470 Umag

Mon – Sat: 07:00 – 22:00
Sunday: Seasonal

Discounter · familiar

Just like at home — recognisable own-brand products, affordable, tidy. EV charging points in the car park.

Ulica Poduzetnika 3, 52470 Umag

Mon – Sat: 07:00 – 22:00
Sunday: Seasonal

Local · large

The larger Plodine — right next to Kaufland, often the better choice for local specialities.

Novigradska ulica 24, 52470 Umag

Mon – Sat: 07:00 – 22:00
Sunday: Seasonal

Open Sunday

Important: open on weekends too. The closest Sunday pharmacy in the region.

Ul. Ernest Miloša 2C, 52470 Umag

+385 52 741 413

Mon – Fri: 07:00 – 21:00
Saturday: 08:00 – 13:00
Sunday: 08:00 – 12:00

IV.6

Fresh Markets · Tržnica

For fruit and vegetables straight from the producer, olive oil in unlabelled bottles, homemade cheese, fresh bread, and sometimes fresh fish — the farmers' markets offer what no supermarket can. Tip: go early (before 10 am); by noon most stalls are packing up.

Tržnica Umag

Daily, mornings

Farmers' market near the new town of Umag — fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, local produce. The largest market in the region.

Umag · Town centre · approx. 20 min

Mon – Sat: approx. 07:00 – 12:00
Sunday: Seasonal

Stella Maris (Summer)

Seasonal market

In summer, at the Stella Maris resort: fresh produce, handmade goods, souvenirs. A lively atmosphere in the evenings — vendors stay on late.

Stella Maris Resort, Umag · approx. 22 min

June – Sept: daily until late

Tržnica Buje

Small · local

The smaller farmers' market right in Buje — modest in size, but warm in character. Good for a basket of tomatoes and a friendly chat on the way back from the bakery.

Buje · Town centre · approx. 7 min

Mornings: best on Sat

Motovun. One of three hilltop villages that tend to change the way you travel.

Restaurants & Konobe

From the simple Konoba with truffle pasta for 18 € to the Michelin-worthy San Rocco — all within 10–25 minutes by car. Reservations are recommended in high summer.

San Rocco

Michelin level

A heritage hotel housing what may be the finest gourmet kitchen in Istria. Seasonal tasting menus, 200+ wines, five-course vegetarian available. For a truly special evening.

Srednja ulica 2, 52474 Brtonigla · approx. 10 min

san-rocco.hr

Konoba Morgan

Michelin Guide

A family-run restaurant on the road between Brtonigla and Buje. Seasonal: wild game and truffles in autumn, asparagus ravioli in spring. Views across the vineyards.

Bracanija 1, 52474 Brtonigla · approx. 12 min

Konoba Stari Podrum

Local classic

Tucked away in the valley below Momjan, beside the Argili stream. Homemade pasta, truffles, steaks from Boškarin beef. Pairs beautifully with a visit to the Kozlović winery nearby.

Most 52, Momjan · approx. 15 min

Konoba Buščina

Michelin Guide

A rustic country house on the outskirts of Umag, family-run for over 30 years. Boškarin steak, truffles, Istrian prosciutto — all from local sources, prepared with honesty.

Buščina 18, Umag · approx. 18 min

Authentic · Momjan

Traditional Istrian cuisine in the mountain village of Momjan. Stone walls, an open fireplace, homemade Fuži with truffle sauce. Rustic in feel, utterly honest in flavour.

Momjan · approx. 12 min

konoba-pjero.com

Malo Selo

Close · genuine

A traditional Konoba in Buje itself. Homemade salami, Fuži with Boškarin sauce, grilled meats over an open fire. Summer terrace.

Buje · approx. 7 min

Konoba Bukaleta

Local recommendation

A Konoba in the heart of Murine — specialities include fish platters, grilled meats and homemade ravioli. A lovely covered outdoor area, private car park, and genuinely warm hospitality.

Galići 45M, 52470 Murine · approx. 8 min

+385 52 225 332

Mon – Sat: 10:00 – 23:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 22:00

Pizzeria Aquarius

Pizza · since 1988

The oldest pizzeria in Buje — wood-fired oven, flour milled on-site, spelt option available. A local institution built over the years. House wines from their own estate.

Digitronska 14, 52460 Buje · approx. 7 min

+385 52 773 417

aquariusbuje.com

Own brewery · Wagyu

A steakhouse with its own craft brewery, set in the hills between Buje and Grožnjan. Six naturally brewed Istrian beers following the Bavarian Reinheitsgebot of 1516. Black Angus and Wagyu from the grill, alongside truffles and wild asparagus. Beer spa and resort adjacent.

San Servolo Resort, Buje · approx. 8 min

sanservoloresort.com

Oštarija Rondo

Pizza · Mediterranean

Right on the main square of Buje. Pizza, Mediterranean classics, gluten-free options. Reliably good since 1995 — perfect for an easy evening in town.

Trg Josipa Broza Tita 6, 52460 Buje · approx. 7 min

+385 52 772 898

40 pizzas · wood oven

A rustic Konoba since 1995, on the road between Plovanija and Umag. A large central fireplace with a fire burning all day. Wood-oven pizza in 40 varieties, homemade Fuži and gnocchi, bread from the wood oven, Peka dishes available on request. Dogs welcome, car park out front.

Sv. Marija na Krasu 41 · approx. 8 min

+385 91 151 8645

konoba-rustica.com

VI.

Beaches along the Northern Shore

Istria's beaches are rarely sand — mostly pebble and rock, backed by pine groves. That is precisely what makes the water so clear. An honest selection here, ordered by character.

~15 km · 25 min

Savudrija

The lighthouse beach.

A pebble-and-rock mix with pines for shade. Family-friendly, calm, with the distinctive 36-metre lighthouse. Ideal for long strolls along the water's edge.

~14 km · 20 min

Zambratija (Villa Rosetta)

For families with young children.

Pebble and rock, very shallow entry, surrounded by greenery and pines. The beach is publicly accessible (in Croatia, all beaches are legally open to everyone) — the sun loungers directly in front of the hotel, however, are reserved for hotel guests.

~16 km · 22 min

Stella Maris (Laguna)

Family comfort with sand.

One of the few genuine sandy beaches in the region — shallow, clean, with resort facilities (sun loungers, bar, sports). If building proper sandcastles with young children is on the agenda: this is the place.

~15 km · 22 min

Punta (Umag)

Sandy beach with a gentle entry.

At the Punta Resort, 1.5 km from Umag's town centre. Real sand, an exceptionally shallow water entry, ideal for children and non-swimmers. Shaded areas under pine trees, a beach bar nearby. One of the very few sandy beaches along the entire western coast.

~16 km · 22 min

Katoro / Polynesia

Blue Flag, activities, beach bars.

A Blue Flag beach near Umag with beach volleyball, a tennis academy next door, and a watersports centre. More lively than the others — ideal if you want to keep busy.

~22 km · 30 min

Mareda (Novigrad)

Pines, coves, fewer crowds.

Several small bays tucked into a pine grove along the peninsula — those seeking quiet drive a little further and find an unpretentious, locally-flavoured Adriatic beach.

~18 km · 25 min

Karpinjan (Novigrad)

Small rocky coves right in town.

Several small entry points along the Novigrad promenade — perfect for a morning swim followed by an espresso in the old town.

When a day is too beautiful to drive anywhere — the garden is more than enough.

VII.

Worth Seeing — Within Reach

The three hilltop villages can be done in a single day — we recommend spreading them over three.

~7 km · in Buje itself

Buje · Old Town

At 222 m elevation, with a panoramic view.

The late-Baroque Church of St Servulus and the 48-metre bell tower (the second-tallest in Istria) offer views on clear days all the way to Slovenia, Italy, and Austria. A medieval town core, narrow lanes, Venetian walls.

~25 km · 35 min

Motovun

Istria's most famous hilltop village.

A medieval fortress, truffle capital, and the setting for the celebrated Motovun Film Festival (late July). A walk along the town walls is not to be missed. For truffle pasta: Konoba Mondo right in the village.

~12 km · 20 min

Grožnjan

The artists' village.

More galleries than houses. In summer, Grožnjan hosts an international jazz music academy — spontaneous evening concerts spill into inner courtyards. Small enough for an afternoon, beautiful enough to return.

~10 km · 15 min

Momjan

Castle ruins, vineyards, fewer visitors.

A medieval castle ruin with sweeping views across the Dragonja valley. Nearby: the Kozlović winery (award-winning architecture) and some of the oldest olive groves in the region. A quiet gem that most visitors miss.

~22 km · 30 min

Poreč · Euphrasius-Basilika

UNESCO World Heritage Site.

An early Christian basilica from the 6th century, featuring Byzantine mosaics — one of the most significant cultural monuments on the Adriatic coast. Followed by a stroll through the peninsula's old town.

~30 km · 40 min

Rovinj

The most beautiful town on the Adriatic.

Stone alleyways, Venetian houses built directly over the water, the tower of St Euphemia. A day in Rovinj feels like a day in another Italy — correspondingly busy in high summer, correspondingly serene in September.

VIII.

What You Can Do

When the beach and garden are not quite enough — three things this region is specifically renowned for.

Right on your doorstep

Wine tour

Malvazija, Teran, sweet Muscat di Momiano.

The area around Kaštel and Momjan is one of Istria's finest wine-growing territories. Recommended estates with tastings: Kabola (organic, Momjan), Kozlović (architecture award, Momjan), Geržinić (Vižinada). Please call ahead — these are small family operations.

Buzet · Motovun forest

Truffle hunting

Into the forest with a dog and a guide.

Guided 2–3-hour tours followed by a shared tasting. In autumn (Sept–Dec) it is white truffle season; in spring, black truffle. Extremely popular — book early. Operators: Karlić Tartufi, Zigante Tartufi, Prodan Tartufi.

~5 min · in Buje

Zigante Tartufi

The "truffle king" of Istria — right on your doorstep.

Shop in Buje (J.B. Tita 12) with tastings, truffle oils, pastes, and sauces to take home. This is precisely where Giancarlo Zigante, with his dog Diana, unearthed the world's largest white truffle in 1999 (1.3 kg · Guinness World Record). For the full experience — truffle tour (15 €/person in a group, 140 € private for up to 5), gourmet restaurant — head to the headquarters in Livade (~40 min).

~30 km · Nova Vas

Aquapark Istralandia

23 slides, the largest wave pool facility in the region.

Open May – September. A full day out with children, even more so with teenagers. Tickets are often cheaper online. For a quieter experience: go in the morning — afternoons get busy.

Region

Olive oil tasting

Istria regularly wins the Flos Olei award.

Several small mills offer tastings across different varieties (Buža, Istarska Bjelica, Leccino). Recommendation: Olea BB (Vodnjan) for connoisseurs, or a small-group tour with Olive Oil Tour Istria.

Region · seasonal

Cycling

The Parenzana trail.

The former narrow-gauge railway from Trieste to Poreč is now a 123-km cycling route threading through tunnels, viaducts, and hilltop villages. The sections starting from Buje are particularly scenic — ideal as a half-day excursion.

Umag · seasonal

ATP Tournament · Croatia Open

One tennis week in July.

For those here in July with an appetite for sport: the ATP 250 tournament in Umag (Stella Maris). Evening programme with concerts right at the centre court. Tickets from approx. 25 €.

~20 min · Umag

Watersports Katoro

Jet ski, parasailing, banana boat.

Levante Watersports directly on the beach at Katoro. Yamaha Wave Runner tours along the west Istrian coast, parasailing solo or tandem (the boat can tow up to 6 people), and classic banana boat rides. Book at the beach stand or via levantewatersports.hr.

~15 min · Umag

Go-kart Umag

The short, fast circuit.

A 380-metre track with Sodi RT8 karts (9 hp, up to 80 km/h). 4 left-hand corners, 7 right-hand corners, lap time around 30 seconds. Great for beginners, birthday groups, and an afternoon adrenaline fix. Novigradska 30/1, Umag — free car park adjacent.

~90 min · Pula

Green Garden Karting

The proper, full-size circuit.

A 1-km track with European homologation, lap record at 40 seconds. Race kart standard, in operation since 1997, set within the Šijana forest near Pula. Also: a dedicated children's track, paintball course, and quad tours with views across the Medulin Archipelago. Šijanska 12a, Pula.

~90 min · Medulin

Scenic flight Medulin

Istria from 150 metres.

Air Medulin (Cessna C-172/C-182) departs from Medulin airfield and follows the coast over Cape Kamenjak, the Brijuni Islands, Pula, and Rovinj. Three durations: 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, from approx. 60 €/person. The light is most beautiful in the morning.

~40 min · Buzet

Sedam Slapova · 7 Waterfalls

Istria's finest hike.

A 14-km circular walk from Buzet along the Mirna and its tributary the Draga. Moderate difficulty, ~5 h, seven waterfalls, old watermills, a lake, small gorges for swimming. Spring and autumn are the most spectacular — in high summer some falls run low.

~45 min · Kotli (Buzet)

Waterfall Kotli

With its own natural swimming pool.

A 12–16-metre waterfall on the Mirna in the abandoned village of Kotli, once famed for its watermills. Directly below lies a clear natural pool — perfect for a plunge on hot days. Accessible by car, with a short walk from the car park.

~1 h · Pazin

Zarečki Krov

A hidden natural pool.

A 15-metre waterfall in the Zarečje nature park, set within pristine surroundings. Below it, a turquoise pool you can swim in. Less visited than Kotli — an ideal quiet half-day excursion off the tourist trail.

IX.

If something does go wrong

In Croatia, 112 covers everything — police, fire, ambulance. The other numbers connect directly to the relevant service and are sometimes faster.

112 General emergency Police, fire brigade, ambulance — all from one number. Valid EU-wide.

192 Polizija Direct line to the police. For theft, accidents, filing a report.

193 Vatrogasci Direct line to the fire brigade. Fire, smoke, fuel spillage.

194 Hitna pomoć Emergency medical services / ambulance. For medical emergencies.

1987 HAK · Roadside assistance Croatian automobile club. Flat tyre, dead battery, towing.

+385 52 624 530 Ljekarna Buje Local pharmacy. Outside opening hours, call 112 for the on-call duty service.

German Embassy +385 1 6300 100
Zagreb

Austrian Embassy +385 1 4881 050
Zagreb

Swiss Embassy +385 1 4878 800
Zagreb

Hospital Opća bolnica Pula
+385 52 376 000