Home to the oldest lighthouse in Croatia, Savudrija is a charming seaside village in the north-west of Istria. The area has been settled since at least the Neolithic period and is dotted with the ruins of Roman buildings. Due to its proximity to both Slovenia and Italy, Savudrija has a diverse European population.
One of Savudrija’s most beautiful buildings is Villa Cesare, which was originally established as a country estate for silkworm farming. The current villa dates from 1877, when it was reconstructed by a wealthy shipowner from Trieste. Villa Cesare lies a stone’s throw from the fairways and greens of the Gold Club Adriatic.
Overlooking the Gulf of Trieste is the 29-metre-high Savudrija Lighthouse, which was completed in 1818 and initially lit with coal gas. It’s a short stroll from the pebbly shores of Svjetionik Beach, where you can enjoy a dip in the Adriatic Sea. Windsurfing is also popular in the area.
Getting there
Savudrija is an hour’s drive from Pula and Pula Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Savudrija and the village is small enough to explore on foot.