Quick Take
Novigrad quickly became one of our favourite family destinations in Croatia. We weren’t staying in the old town itself—we based ourselves at Aminess Maravea Camping Resort just a few kilometres away—but we found ourselves catching the little tourist train into town more than once simply because it was such an enjoyable place to spend a few relaxed hours.
Unlike some of Croatia’s larger coastal destinations, Novigrad feels easy to explore with children. The historic old town is compact and largely walkable, the waterfront promenade is lined with cafés and gelato shops, and there are playgrounds, boutique stores, safe swimming spots and plenty of places to simply sit and watch the boats come and go.
Whether you’re visiting for an afternoon, staying in the old town, or using Novigrad as your base to explore Istria, it offers a wonderful balance of history, family-friendly attractions and a laid-back seaside atmosphere.
Best for: Families, camping holidays, beach lovers, relaxed sightseeing, couples with young children
Ideal stay: Half-day visit, or 3–7 nights as an Istria base
Best time to visit: Late May to September (June and September offer warm weather with fewer crowds)
Why Visit Novigrad With Kids?
When most people picture Croatia, destinations like Dubrovnik and Split usually come to mind. They’re beautiful cities, but if you’re travelling with young children they can also feel busy, crowded and sometimes overwhelming during summer.
Novigrad offers something completely different.
Situated on the west coast of the Istrian Peninsula, this small fishing town combines centuries of history with a relaxed seaside atmosphere that’s perfect for families. The old town sits on a small peninsula surrounded by the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea, while beaches, camping resorts and walking paths stretch along the coastline in both directions.
One of the things we loved most was how easy everything felt. We arrived by tourist train from Aminess Maravea Camping Resort, wandered along the harbour, browsed souvenir shops, stopped for excellent gelato and coffee, let the girls explore the playground overlooking the sea, and still had plenty of time to head back for an afternoon swim.
Even during the European summer holidays, Novigrad never felt overwhelming. There were plenty of people enjoying the waterfront and cafés, but we could always find somewhere to sit, the streets never felt overcrowded, and everything was within an easy walking distance.
If you’re looking for a destination where you can slow down, enjoy good food, let the kids explore safely and use it as a base for discovering the rest of Istria, Novigrad is hard to beat.
Getting to Novigrad
Novigrad is located on the west coast of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, around an hour from Pula Airport and just over an hour from Trieste Airport in Italy. Its central location makes it one of the easiest towns to include on an Istria road trip, whether you’re staying in a hotel, apartment or one of the region’s excellent camping resorts.
Many visitors explore Novigrad as a day trip from nearby towns such as Poreč, Umag or Rovinj, while others choose to base themselves here and explore the rest of Istria from a single location.
If you’re planning to visit several towns and beaches during your holiday, we’d definitely recommend hiring a car. Having your own transport makes it easy to discover hidden beaches, hilltop villages like Motovun, and family attractions such as Aquapark Istralandia.
Compare Rental Car Options and Deals.
Exploring Novigrad by Tourist Train
One of our favourite parts of visiting Novigrad wasn’t actually in the town itself—it was getting there.
During our stay at Aminess Maravea Camping Resort, we caught the tourist train into Novigrad on two separate occasions. Our youngest daughter loved it so much that she asked to ride it again, making the journey part of the adventure rather than simply transport.
The train follows the coastline before arriving near the marina, making it a fun and relaxing way to reach the old town without worrying about parking.
One thing worth knowing is that there are multiple tourist trains operating during the summer season, each serving different resorts and areas around Novigrad. Make sure you check the colour or destination before boarding your return trip—we nearly jumped on the wrong one!
If you’re staying at one of the nearby Aminess resorts or campsites, the tourist train is a fantastic option and one we would happily recommend to other families.
Numadi Tip
💡 Keep a little cash handy for the tourist train and take a photo of the timetable before exploring the town. It’s much easier than trying to remember which train you arrived on after an afternoon of gelato and sightseeing.
First Impressions of Novigrad
The tourist train drops you near the marina, and within a few minutes you’re strolling beside fishing boats, cafés and the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
Our first impression was just how relaxed everything felt.
Even though we visited during the European summer holidays, Novigrad never seemed overcrowded. Families wandered along the promenade with ice creams, people sat enjoying long lunches by the water, and boats gently bobbed in the harbour while fishermen prepared for their next trip.
Rather than rushing from one attraction to the next, Novigrad encourages you to slow down.
Some of our favourite moments weren’t planned at all—they were simply sitting on the waterfront with a coffee, watching boats come and go while the girls explored nearby or debated which flavour of gelato to choose next.
It’s this slower pace that gives Novigrad so much of its charm and makes it feel very different from Croatia’s larger tourist cities.
Exploring Novigrad’s Old Town
Novigrad’s Old Town is one of those places that’s best explored without a plan.
Unlike larger Croatian cities where you can spend hours ticking off attractions, Novigrad is all about wandering. The historic centre is compact enough to explore on foot, and every narrow stone street seems to lead you back to the sea.
From the tourist train stop, we followed the waterfront promenade before gradually making our way into the heart of the old town. It quickly became one of our favourite parts of visiting Novigrad.
Stroll Along the Waterfront
The waterfront is the perfect place to begin your visit.
Fishing boats and yachts sit side by side in the marina, while cafés spill out onto the promenade overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Even if you’re not planning to stop for lunch, it’s worth taking your time here.
During our visits we found ourselves slowing down more than we expected—watching fishermen working on their boats, families enjoying an afternoon stroll, and people simply relaxing with a coffee beside the water.
If you’re travelling with children, the promenade is mostly flat and easy to walk with a pushchair, although it’s worth keeping little ones close near the marina and roads.
Wander Through the Historic Streets
Leaving the waterfront, the streets become narrower and more colourful.
Stone buildings, wooden shutters and small squares give the old town plenty of character, while boutique clothing stores, souvenir shops and local businesses make it an enjoyable place to browse.
One of our daughters spent ages looking through a lovely little art and souvenir shop, eventually choosing a framed print by a local artist as a keepsake from our Croatian holiday. It wasn’t the sort of souvenir you find everywhere, and it’s now one of our favourite reminders of the trip.
There are also plenty of shops selling practical holiday essentials. On our second visit we ended up buying a new pair of sunglasses after realising ours had seen better days, so if you’ve forgotten something for the beach, chances are you’ll find it here.
Don’t Miss the Umbrella Street
One of Novigrad’s most photographed spots is its colourful umbrella street.
Hundreds of brightly coloured umbrellas hang overhead, creating welcome shade during the hot summer months and making it one of the best places in town for family photos.
The umbrellas were originally installed as part of a local festival and became so popular that they have remained one of Novigrad’s best-known attractions.
It only takes a few minutes to walk through, but it’s well worth including on your route around the old town.
Stop for Coffee, Gelato and Fresh Sandwiches
Our favourite café in Novigrad quickly became Labelle D’Or Gelato, Brunch & Sweets Bar.
We actually visited twice during our stay.
The first time we stopped for coffee, gelato and one of their fresh salmon sandwiches. The second time we headed back hoping to try more of their menu, only to discover most of the sandwiches had already sold out again.
The staff explained that they’re prepared fresh each morning and are often gone by around midday during summer.
If you’re hoping to grab lunch here, we’d recommend arriving earlier in the day.
The salmon sandwich was delicious, the coffee was excellent, and the girls were more than happy choosing from the impressive range of gelato flavours. The display cabinet was also filled with beautifully presented cakes and sweet treats that looked almost too good to eat.
It’s exactly the sort of place that makes you want to sit for half an hour, slow down and enjoy the atmosphere before continuing your walk.
Numadi Tip
🍦 Planning to stop at Labelle D’Or? Visit before lunch if you want one of their fresh sandwiches—they’re popular with both locals and visitors and often sell out early.
Family-Friendly Attractions in Novigrad
Although Novigrad isn’t packed with big-ticket attractions, that’s actually part of its appeal. It’s the kind of place where families can enjoy simple experiences together without feeling like they need to rush from one attraction to the next.
For us, the combination of playgrounds, harbour walks, historic streets and plenty of places to stop for an ice cream made for a wonderfully relaxed day out.
Let the Kids Burn Off Some Energy
If you’ve been wandering around the old town for a while, there’s a great playground overlooking the sea that’s well worth a visit.
Our girls loved having somewhere to climb and play after walking through the streets, while we enjoyed sitting nearby with views across the Adriatic. It’s one of those little discoveries that many guidebooks don’t mention, but parents travelling with young children will definitely appreciate.
The playground is also close to the historic town walls, making it easy to combine both stops during your walk.
Walk Along the Historic Town Walls
Novigrad has a fascinating history stretching back well over a thousand years, and parts of its medieval defensive walls can still be seen today.
Originally built to protect the town from attacks arriving by sea, the walls have become one of Novigrad’s most recognisable landmarks.
Walking alongside them gives you a completely different perspective of the old town and is a great reminder that this peaceful fishing town has a long and colourful history.
If you’re interested in photography, this area also offers some beautiful views back towards the harbour and coastline.
Enjoy the View from Belvedere Loggia
One of our favourite viewpoints was the Belvedere Loggia, a historic lookout perched beside the old town walls.
From here you can look out across the Adriatic Sea, watch boats arriving and leaving the harbour, and appreciate just how compact Novigrad’s peninsula really is.
It’s also a lovely place to pause for a few minutes before continuing your walk through town.
If you’re visiting during the late afternoon, the light across the water makes this one of the best photo spots in Novigrad.
Watch Life Around the Marina
Sometimes the simplest moments become the most memorable.
While the girls browsed the nearby shops on our second visit, I wandered back towards the marina for a look around.
Fishing boats were tied up alongside sailing yachts, people were preparing for afternoon cruises, and locals chatted while working on their boats. It wasn’t a major attraction—it was simply a nice place to slow down for a while and watch everyday life unfold.
If you’re travelling with young children who love boats, it’s well worth spending a few extra minutes here before heading back through the old town.
Join a Boat Tour
If you have more time than we did, Novigrad is also a fantastic place to start a boat trip.
During summer you’ll find a range of family-friendly cruises departing from the marina, including:
- Dolphin watching cruises
- Sunset boat trips
- Coastal sightseeing cruises
- Family-friendly day trips along the Istrian coast
- Seasonal fishing excursions
Many tours are only a few hours long, making them ideal if you’re travelling with younger children who may not enjoy spending a full day on the water.
Numadi Tip
⭐ If you’re visiting from a nearby campsite like Aminess Maravea, don’t feel like you have to squeeze everything into one visit. We came into Novigrad twice during our stay, which meant we could explore at a relaxed pace, enjoy another gelato (or two!), and still make it back in time for an afternoon swim.
The Best Beaches in and Around Novigrad
One thing you’ll quickly notice about Novigrad is just how easy it is to spend an entire day by the water.
Unlike destinations with one main beach, Novigrad has several swimming areas scattered along the coastline. Most are made up of smooth pebbles, rocks or paved sunbathing platforms rather than soft sand, but the reward is incredibly clear Adriatic water that’s perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
If you’re travelling with young children, we highly recommend packing water shoes. They make getting in and out of the water much easier and are useful throughout most of Istria.
Karpinjan Beach
Located just north of the old town, Karpinjan Beach is one of Novigrad’s most popular family beaches.
The calm, shallow water makes it a good choice for younger children, while the nearby shade, cafés and walking paths make it easy to spend several hours here.
It’s also close enough to walk from the old town if you’re staying nearby.
Rivarela Beach
Just a short stroll from the historic centre, Rivarela Beach is another convenient swimming spot.
It offers crystal-clear water, plenty of space to relax and fantastic sunset views later in the day.
Because it’s so close to town, it’s easy to combine a swim with lunch or an evening walk through the old streets.
Mareda Beach
Although technically outside Novigrad itself, Mareda Beach became one of our favourite places during our stay.
Located near Aminess Maravea Camping Resort, it has beautiful clear water, plenty of room to spread out and a relaxed family atmosphere.
The beach is mostly pebble with sections of rock, making water shoes worthwhile, but the water is some of the clearest we experienced anywhere in Istria.
It’s also an excellent place to finish the day after returning from a visit to Novigrad.
Kastanija Beach
Another beach we really enjoyed was Kastanija Beach.
Surrounded by pine trees, it offers a quieter atmosphere than some of the more central beaches while still being close to the resorts.
The combination of shade, calm water and fewer crowds made it one of our favourite spots for a relaxing afternoon.
If you’re travelling with younger children, it’s well worth adding to your itinerary.
Looking for More Family Beaches?
Novigrad is surrounded by fantastic swimming spots, but there are dozens more worth exploring throughout the Istrian Peninsula.
If you’re planning to spend several days on the coast, don’t miss our complete guide to the Best Family Beaches in Istria, where we compare our favourite beaches, including Mareda, Kastanija, Bijeca, Lone Bay, Cuvi Beach and more.
Numadi Tip
☀️ Summer afternoons can be extremely hot. We found it much more comfortable to explore Novigrad in the morning or late afternoon, then spend the hottest part of the day cooling off with a swim before heading back into town for dinner or an evening stroll.
Where to Stay in Novigrad
Whether you’re looking for a beachfront hotel, a self-contained apartment or a family camping resort, Novigrad has accommodation to suit almost every style of traveller.
One of the things we liked most was that you don’t have to stay right in the old town to enjoy everything Novigrad has to offer. We based ourselves a few kilometres away and found it incredibly easy to visit by tourist train whenever we felt like exploring.
Here are a few accommodation options worth considering.
Best Family Camping Resort – Aminess Maravea Camping Resort ⭐ Our Choice
This is where we stayed during our family holiday, and we’d happily return.
Located just a few kilometres north of Novigrad, Aminess Maravea Camping Resort combines modern mobile homes, glamping accommodation, camping pitches and excellent family facilities in a beautiful coastal setting.
What we loved most was being able to spend the morning exploring Novigrad before returning to cool off in the pools or the Adriatic during the afternoon.
Highlights include:
- Multiple swimming pools
- Direct beach access
- Restaurants and cafés
- Children’s playgrounds
- Mini golf
- Sports courts
- Tourist train into Novigrad
- Fantastic sunsets along the waterfront
If you’re travelling with children, it’s hard to beat as a family base for exploring western Istria.
Check Prices at Aminess Maravea Camping Resort
Read our full Aminess Maravea Camping Resort review
Best Hotel – Aminess Maestral Hotel
Just a short walk from the old town, Aminess Maestral Hotel is one of Novigrad’s best-known family hotels.
Guests have easy access to the beach, indoor and outdoor pools, wellness facilities and several restaurants, making it a great choice if you prefer hotel comforts without needing to drive everywhere.
It’s particularly popular with couples and families looking for a relaxing beach holiday.
Best Apartment – Apartments in Novigrad Old Town
If you enjoy having extra space or cooking some of your own meals, staying in an apartment can be excellent value.
Many apartments are tucked away in the historic streets or just a few minutes’ walk from the waterfront, giving you easy access to restaurants, cafés and beaches while enjoying a more local experience.
Families with younger children often appreciate having a kitchen, washing machine and separate bedrooms after a busy day exploring.
Luxury Stay – Palazzo Rainis Hotel & Spa
For travellers celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to spoil themselves, Palazzo Rainis offers boutique luxury overlooking the Adriatic.
Expect stylish rooms, excellent dining and a peaceful atmosphere just outside the busiest parts of town.
It’s a beautiful option if you’re combining family travel with a little relaxation.
Should You Stay in Novigrad or Nearby?
If you’re planning a classic beach holiday where you’ll spend most of your time wandering the old town and enjoying nearby restaurants, staying in Novigrad itself makes perfect sense.
However, if you’re travelling with younger children and want pools, playgrounds, organised activities and extra space, we’d seriously consider staying at one of the nearby camping resorts instead.
That’s exactly what we did.
It gave us the best of both worlds—we could easily pop into Novigrad on the tourist train whenever we wanted, then head back for an afternoon swim while the girls still had plenty of energy left.
For our family, it turned out to be the perfect balance.
Numadi Tip
🏕️ Don’t overlook Croatia’s camping resorts. Even if you’re not travelling with a tent or caravan, many offer modern mobile homes, glamping accommodation and fantastic family facilities that often provide better value than traditional hotels.
Easy Day Trips from Novigrad
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Novigrad is its location. Almost anywhere on the Istrian Peninsula can be reached in under an hour, making it an excellent base for exploring the region.
Aquapark Istralandia (10 minutes)
If you’re travelling with kids, this should be near the top of your list.
Aquapark Istralandia is one of Croatia’s best water parks, with dozens of slides, splash zones, lazy rivers and pools suitable for all ages.
It’s close enough that you can easily spend half or a full day there before returning to Novigrad for dinner.
Poreč (20 minutes)
Poreč offers a slightly busier atmosphere than Novigrad while still retaining plenty of charm.
Highlights include:
- Euphrasian Basilica (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Historic Old Town
- Waterfront restaurants
- Family-friendly shopping
- Boat trips
It’s an easy morning or afternoon trip if you’re staying nearby.
Rovinj (45 minutes)
Often described as one of Croatia’s most beautiful towns, Rovinj is famous for its colourful harbour, narrow cobbled streets and hilltop church.
Expect a livelier atmosphere than Novigrad, making the two towns a nice contrast if you’re spending several days in Istria.
Motovun (40 minutes)
For something completely different, head inland to the medieval hilltop town of Motovun.
The drive alone is spectacular, winding through vineyards, olive groves and forests famous for Istrian truffles.
Motovun is a fantastic place for lunch, panoramic views and a glimpse of a different side of Croatia.
Practical Tips for Visiting Novigrad
A few things we learnt during our visits that may help you plan yours.
Wear Water Shoes
Most beaches around Novigrad are pebble or rocky rather than sandy.
A good pair of water shoes makes swimming much more comfortable, especially for younger children.
Explore Earlier in the Day
We visited during summer and it was very hot.
Walking through the old town was far more enjoyable in the morning or later in the afternoon than during the middle of the day.
Arrive Early for Lunch
If you’re planning to visit Labelle D’Or, try to arrive before midday if you want one of their freshly made sandwiches.
They were almost sold out both times we visited.
Keep an Eye on Little Explorers
Although much of the old town feels pedestrian-friendly, occasional cars and delivery vehicles still use some of the narrow streets.
Nothing to worry about—just something to be aware of if younger children like running ahead.
Don’t Rush Your Visit
One thing we enjoyed most was simply slowing down.
Rather than trying to tick off attractions, spend some time wandering, stopping for a coffee, watching the fishing boats and enjoying another scoop of gelato.
That’s really what Novigrad is all about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Novigrad worth visiting?
Absolutely. Novigrad combines a beautiful historic old town, family-friendly beaches, excellent restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it one of our favourite places in Istria.
Is Novigrad good for families?
Yes. We found it easy to explore with children thanks to its compact layout, waterfront promenade, playgrounds, beaches and relaxed pace.
How many days do you need in Novigrad?
You can comfortably explore the town in a day, but we’d recommend staying three to seven nights if you want to use it as a base for exploring Istria.
Are the beaches sandy?
Not usually.
Most beaches are pebble, rock or paved platforms with incredibly clear water.
Water shoes are highly recommended.
Can you visit Novigrad without a car?
Yes.
If you’re staying at nearby resorts such as Aminess Maravea, the tourist train makes getting into town simple.
However, we’d still recommend hiring a car if you want to explore more of Istria.
Final Thoughts
Novigrad isn’t the biggest town in Croatia, and that’s exactly why we enjoyed it so much.
It doesn’t try to compete with Dubrovnik’s city walls or Split’s ancient palaces. Instead, it offers something many families are really looking for—a place where you can slow down, wander beautiful streets, enjoy great food and let the kids simply be kids.
Some of our favourite memories weren’t famous attractions at all. They were catching the tourist train into town, sharing fresh salmon sandwiches and gelato, browsing local art and souvenir shops, watching boats drift in and out of the marina, and ending the afternoon with another swim back at Aminess Maravea Camping Resort.
If you’re planning a family holiday in Istria, we’d happily recommend adding Novigrad to your itinerary. Whether you visit for a few hours or stay for a week, it’s one of those places that quietly grows on you—and we’d love to return one day.
Before You Go…
Planning more adventures around Istria? These guides might help:
