Labin, Croatia: The Colorful Old Town in Istria!
Labin is a beautiful little town on the east coast of Istria. It is situated on a hill overlooking the popular seaside resort Rabac and is particularly attractive for its charming old town. Strolling through the charming stone alleys of the city center, one is amazed by the many pretty attractions as well as historical buildings, and colorful squares to be discovered in Labin. Thanks to its rich history, the town exudes a wonderful mix of Croatian and Italian flair. Also fantastic are the excellent restaurants and cozy cafés that invite to enjoy excellent food and drinks. Only 5 kilometers from the coast, there are also some wonderful beaches that make a visit to Labin a unique experience.
In this travel guide you will find all the important information and tips about Labin in Croatia. We will show you the most exciting things to do in Labin, the best attractions, where to find beaches as well as the best accommodations for a perfect stay.
Good to know!
There are some fantastic places to stay in Labin. Truly recommended is the Hotel Peteani, a small boutique hotel beneath the old town and just a few minutes by car from the beach.
There is a terrific selection of restaurants in Labin! If you love pizza and pasta, you should go to Pizzaria Rumore, where delicious Italian dishes are served with amazing views.
Directly in Labin there are no beaches! However, beautiful bathing bays are in the nearby town of Rabac, which is only 5 kilometers away. Check out the best beaches in Rabac here.
So if you are planning a beach vacation, you should look for accommodation in neighboring Rabac. Nice are the Valamar Sanfior Hotel & Casa, but also the Park Hill Residences.
General Information about Labin
Labin in Croatia is located on the eastern side of the Istrian peninsula, halfway between Pula in the south and Opatija in the north. The town has about 12,000 inhabitants, some of whom live in the Rabac district and the surrounding area. Situated on a hill about 320 meters high above the coast, Labin enchants with a medieval, very romantic old town, which delights with countless attractions, boutiques for shopping and good restaurants. Since the town has developed into a popular cultural city over the last few years, you can also admire many small galleries in the center.
In Italian, the town is called Albona, a name that most likely had its origin in the Illyrian-Celtic culture. The history of Labin goes far back to the 4th century BC, when a first settlement had been established on the town hill. Once, coal was mined in Labin, which is illustrated in the City museum today. Among the most famous personalities of the town is certainly Matthias Flacius Illyricus, a fellow campaigner of Martin Luther.
Best Things to Do in Labin
When you travel to Labin, you can expect a variety of attractions worth seeing. The highlight is the beautiful old town, which can be easily explored on foot. Also the surroundings with the beautiful beaches are unique. Here, we have summarized the best things to do in Labin at a glance:
Old Town Square Titov Trg
The beautiful main square, Titov Trg, is the best point to start an exploration tour through the center of Labin. Nearby, there are also some free parking lots, where you can easily leave your car. Directly on the square are several restaurants and an excellent coffee house, where you can watch the hustle and bustle with delicious tiramisu and good cappuccino.
Capital Gate of St. Florus
The Capital Gate of St. Florus is the first attraction you can see before entering the medieval old town. This beautiful city gate was built as early as 1589 and is still one of the most important sights in Labin. Very interesting is also the stone lion Serenissime on the archway, which is still a remnant of the Venetian rule.
City Museum
Probably one of the most beautiful buildings and at the same time one of the most important attractions of Labin is the City Museum. Located in a red baroque palace of the noble Battiala-Lazzarini family, this 18th century structure is a real eye-catcher. Inside is a museum that uses replicas of a gallery to tell about the former mining of coal.
Alleys of the Old Town
Beautiful and a real highlight is the car-free old town of Labin, which conjures up an extraordinary beautiful authentic ambience with its colorful old town houses and the many pretty details. Here you feel transported back in time and you can enjoy a grandiose atmosphere. Walking through the ancient stone alleys, almost at every corner there is an attraction or a fantastic photo motif to take great pictures. Also fabulous are the small restaurants and the cozy cafés that invite you to linger during a sightseeing break.
Tip: Labin is home to some lovely art galleries, such as the Alvona Gallery, which has taken up residence in the formerly dilapidated church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Parish Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary
Another must-see in the old town is the Parish Church of the Nativity of Mary. It dates back to 1336, the church building being built on the remains of a church from the 11th century. Above the entrance to the church is the Lion of St. Mark, a trademark of the Venetian period, and on the Baroque façade you can spot the sculpture of Senator Antonio Bollani. Also worth seeing is the interior of the church, where you can marvel at artworks by some Venetian artists.
Stari Trg Main Square
Stari Trg is the old main square of Labin and still enchants with its beautiful ambience. It is located not far from the main gate and cannot be missed on any city walk through the old town. Especially pretty here are the Old Theater and the Clock Tower, which together form a grandiose backdrop.
Best Beaches near Labin
Labin does not have its own beaches. However, this town is only 5 kilometers from the coast, where you can find the beautiful beaches of Rabac after just a short drive. Perfect if you want to combine sightseeing and wandering around the old town with a visit to the sea. In the resort of Rabac you will enjoy a variety of fantastic bathing bays, and whether for families, couples or nudists, everyone will find their personal favorite beach here.
Optimal for a beach vacation are the beautiful Valamar Sanfior Hotel & Casa and the Girandella Valamar Resort. Both hotels are located directly by the sea on the best beaches!
Where to Stay in Labin
There is a small but fine range of accommodation options in Labin. Most of the places to stay are privately run apartments or guesthouses. If you are still looking for a recommended accommodation in Labin, we can give you these picks on the way…It’s worth a look!
- Boutique Hotel: The Hotel Peteani is a small stylish boutique hotel that convinces with beautiful rooms, fantastic cuisine and top breakfast.
- Charming B&B: The Rialto Residence is a chic B&B located near the old town of Labin. Guests love the modern interior of the double rooms.
- Apartments with Pool: The well-equipped Apartments Rajkovic are a top choice for a vacation in Labin. From the pool you have a great view of the sea!
- Hotel by the Sea: The Girandella Valamar Collection Resort with great pool, is a perfect option if you prefer to stay by the sea in the resort of Rabac.
Find the best accommodation in Labin:
More about Istria:
-
Rovinj, Croatia: An Expert Travel Guide
-
Pula, Croatia: An Expert Travel Guide
-
Top 10 Amazing Beaches in Istria
-
Porec, Croatia: An Expert Travel Guide
-
Umag, Croatia: Travel Guide & Things to Do
Keep Exploring
Read more about Croatia
Split | Dubrovnik | Zagreb | Krk | Zadar | Dalmatia | Hvar | Makarska | Brac | Trogir | Sibenik | Korcula | Crikvenica | Rijeka | Rab | Murter | Primosten | Medulin | Vodice | Vir | Nin | Biograd | Omis | Novigrad | Vrsar | Ugljan | Pasman | Senj | Dugi Otok | Solta | Cavtat | Croatia
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. Meaning that if you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Comments are closed.