Vrsar certainly ranks among the most beautiful towns in Istria. Located “somewhere” around the middle of Istria’s western coast, this quiet ancient town has, over the past five decades, transformed into a well-known and developed tourist center
The gentle and green coastline between Poreč and the Lim Channel draws admiration from all over Europe, and Koversada has for decades been one of the first and most significant European nudist “meccas.” The coastal part of Vrsar is well-indented, full of small coves and islets. The climate is typically Mediterranean – mild and rainy winters, long and warm summers. The flora and fauna are also typically Mediterranean.
Vrsar, together with Poreč, is the largest settlement on the coast between the Mirna River and the Lim Channel. The Municipality of Vrsar-Orsera includes the settlements of Flengi, Bralići, Delići, Gradina, Marasi, Begi, Kontešići, Kloštar, and Vrsar.
Due to the historical fate of the Istrian peninsula, the ethnic structure of Vrsar and the surrounding places has constantly changed.
With the annexation of Istria to Croatia (i.e., Yugoslavia at the time) in 1943, the majority of Italians moved to Italy, while families from Dalmatia (mainly from the island of Brač) and the rest of Istria moved into the nearly deserted Vrsar-Orsera. Alongside the development of tourism, the population of Vrsar gradually increased, and today it numbers around 2,000 inhabitants. The Municipality of Vrsar has around 3,000 inhabitants.
Vrsar is located almost at the very mouth of the Lim Bay, on a 54-meter-high hill. The original settlement was only at the top of the hill, but later expanded along its slopes.
The new, tourist-oriented Vrsar is developing along the sea. It is surrounded by romantic islets and rocks: Figarolica, Lakal, Salamon, Zavata, Galiner, St. George, Longa, Gusti školj, Tuf, Galopon, Koversada, and Orlandin. On the northern side, the Vrsar marina is enclosed by the Montraker peninsula.
Vrsar – Historical Overview
The name Vrsar (Italian: Orsera) is ancient, appearing in medieval Latin documents as Ursaria, Ursarium, etc. Linguists believe the root „ur“ (meaning „spring“ or „source“) comes from an old Mediterranean language, referring to freshwater springs between Funtana and Vrsar, important for ancient sailors. The Slavic (Croatian) form evolved from Ursaria to Vrsar.
Vrsar has been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times. Its significant development began under Roman rule in the 1st century BC. Romans built settlements and agricultural estates (villae rusticae) around Vrsar, which became a local trade hub, especially for agricultural goods. A Roman road, Via Flavia, passed nearby. The ancient name Ursaria even appears on the Tabula Peutingeriana, a 3rd/4th-century Roman map.
Christianity spread to Vrsar by the 2nd–3rd centuries, making it an early Christian center alongside Poreč and Pula. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire (476 AD), Vrsar fell under Gothic, then Byzantine rule.
In the 6th–7th centuries, Slavs (Croats) arrived, and Vrsar was damaged during their incursions. Archaeological evidence confirms early Slavic presence. In the 8th century, the Franks conquered Istria and introduced feudalism.
From 983 to 1778, Vrsar was under the rule of the bishops of Poreč, functioning as a feudal county. It served as their summer residence and administrative center. Despite Venetian expansion, the bishops retained control, confirmed by papal authority.
During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, Vrsar’s stone quarries flourished, exporting quality stone to Venice. Vrsar was visited by Giacomo Casanova in 1743 and 1744, as recorded in his memoirs.
In 1778, Venice dissolved the ecclesiastical county, bringing Vrsar under direct Venetian control. Later, Istria passed between Austrian and French rule until finally being part of Austria from 1813 to 1918.
In the 19th century, Vrsar expanded beyond its medieval core. During Italian rule (1918–1943), especially under fascism, Croats and Slovenes were oppressed. After World War II, Vrsar became part of Yugoslavia and, since 1991, part of independent Croatia.
Vrsar gracefully blends its deep-rooted fishing culture and historic charm, making it a beloved destination for travelers and artists alike.
Meanwhile, the pristine landscapes of Lim Bay, along with the marina and nearby sports airfield, draw in adventurers and thrill-seekers year after year.
To learn more about local administration, services, and community updates, visit the official website of the Municipality of Vrsar.
Vrsar is a charming coastal town where fishermen’s traditions meet the timeless beauty of the Old Town, enriched by vibrant art, untouched nature, and an active lifestyle filled with sports, music, and unforgettable events—all wrapped in breathtaking sunsets.
For more inspiration, photos, and information about events and attractions, visit the official website of the Vrsar Tourist Board.