Uncover the Hidden Wonders of Savudrija: From Battles to Love Stories
Savudrija is a charming town located on the westernmost point of Istria, near city of Umag in Croatia. With its beautiful beaches and rich history, Savudrija has something to offer to everyone. Whether you’re interested in the mystery of its name, the tales of a major naval battle. Or the story of the oldest active lighthouse on the Adriatic Sea, Savudrija is sure to captivate you.
- The Origins of the Name Savudrija
The waters around Savudrija hold the secret to the town’s dark history. In the 12th century, a bloody battle took place in the area, involving more than a hundred galleys. The Doge of Venice and his fleet of thirty galleys ambushed the larger fleet of the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. And despite being outnumbered, the Venetian army emerged victorious.
When the Emperor’s son, Otto, realized the fate of his fleet, he fled to the coast on his ship and found refuge in an old Roman water tank in today’s Savudrija. The town was then named “Salvore” which means “saved king” in Italian, paying homage to the young emperor’s escape.
- The Lighthouse of Ill-Fated Love
The lighthouse in Savudrija is not just any lighthouse. It is the oldest active lighthouse on the Adriatic Sea, built in the early 19th century, and it was the first lighthouse in the world to use coal gas for lights. The lighthouse is 36 meters tall, and the stony beach near it is perfect for swimming and marine sports like windsurfing.
However, the lighthouse’s story is not just one of engineering and progress. Built by Austrian Count Meternich for a beautiful Croatian noblewoman he fell in love with at a ball in Vienna. Tragically, the noblewoman died during the construction of the lighthouse, and the Count never visited it again.
Experience the Magic of Savudrija, Istria
Savudrija is the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the heat and humidity of other Mediterranean towns. The town’s unique location allows the Mediterranean air to mix with the alpine air, making it never too hot or humid. Savudrija is located near Pineta Camping Village, not far from Savudrija Apartments, and only 9 kilometers from the center of Umag. It’s also a few minutes from the Slovenian and Italian border.

Savudrija, Istria, is also characteristic for the boats hanging above the sea. Surrounded by pine and cypress forests, it offers its visitors an experience of untouched nature. The settlement with stone bungalows, villas, apartments and a car park complete the picture of this extremely attractive summer resort.
Explore various activities in Savudrija, Istria
Restaurants, sports fields, places for fun and leisure, outdoor swimming pool, tennis school, organized entertainment and dance evenings, complement the rich offer of this tourist resort. Fish specialties, shellfish, and especially lobster, washed down with good Istrian wine, will make the atmosphere complete.
It was Savudrija that the Austro-Hungarians chose as their destination for rest and treatment: Evidenced by numerous villas and summer houses by the sea, where many tourists stayed then, as they do today.
In addition to the tourist resort and hotel, you can also look for comfortable accommodation with private renters. Hospitable hosts offer accommodation in comfortable, modernly equipped bungalows, apartments and rooms along the entire Savudri coast.
The facilities, completely surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation that provides a special atmosphere for a pleasant stay throughout the year. Cycling paths that pass by numerous historical remains of Roman buildings, and a rich gastronomic offer are just some of the attractions of a summer vacation in Savudrija. In recent years, the Savudri lighthouse, the oldest on the Adriatic, built in 1818, has become a tourist attraction and a place for guests to stay.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Savudrija, Istria and uncover its secrets. From battles to love stories, Savudrija has something for everyone. Plan your trip today!

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