Lim bay and Vrsar: Istria's 'fjord', oysters and a harbour town

South of Poreč, the coast is cut by a long, narrow arm of the sea. The Lim bay (Limski kanal or Limski zaljev) runs 12 km inland between hills up to about 200 m high, covered in oak and pine. The water is calm and green, the shores almost untouched, and the shellfish are some of the best in Croatia.

What the Lim bay is

It is often called a fjord, but it was not carved by ice. The Lim bay is a submerged karst canyon: an old river valley flooded by the sea. It continues inland as the dry Lim valley, which reaches almost as far as Pazin. The inlet is a protected nature reserve.

Freshwater springs under the sea lower its salinity and make the water rich in plankton, which is why oysters and mussels thrive here. You will see their farms as rows of floats along the shore.

How to see it

By boat

In season, excursion boats leave from the harbours of Poreč, Vrsar and Rovinj. A typical trip sails into the bay, stops for lunch or a swim, and often includes a visit to a beach or nearby town. Some boats are big and lively, with music and drinks; smaller boats are quieter. Ask what is included before you book.

By car

Drive to the restaurants at the inner end of the bay, where you can eat oysters and mussels by the water. On the road between Vrsar and Rovinj you will also find viewpoints over the inlet and stalls selling local produce.

By bike or on foot

Marked cycling and walking routes run along the hills above the bay. They are best in spring and autumn.

Romuald’s cave

High above the bay is Romuald’s cave, where, according to legend, the hermit St Romuald lived in the 11th century. It shelters a protected colony of bats and is currently closed to visitors for safety reasons.

Vrsar

Vrsar, on a hill at the mouth of the bay, is a small harbour town with a big view. Climb up through the old streets to the church of St Martin for views over the archipelago of small islands. Vrsar is also known for the Montraker quarry, where a sculpture school and summer workshops have been held, and for a connection with Casanova, who visited in the 18th century and wrote about it in his memoirs.

Down in the harbour, restaurants serve the shellfish from the bay.

Eating Lim bay shellfish

• Oysters (kamenice): raw, with a squeeze of lemon.
• Mussels (dagnje): buzara style, in white wine, garlic and parsley.
• Fish: grilled whole, with chard and potatoes.

Read more in our guide to seafood in Istria.

Combining it

The Lim bay sits between Poreč and Rovinj, so it fits neatly into a Rovinj day trip. It is also on day 7 of our one-week itinerary.

From the villas

From Villa Duga, Vrsar is about 15 to 20 minutes’ drive south. From Villa Bina and Villa Cvita Domenica in Labinci, allow about 25 to 30 minutes.