Vrsar is situated at the same mouth of the Lim Channel, on a 54 metres high hill. The original settlement was set on the very top of the hill, but later on it spread down the hill slopes. The present-day Vrsar has developed along the sea - shore. It is surrounded by romantic islets and cliffs named Figarolica, Lakal, Salamon, Zavata, Galiner, St. Juraj, Longa, Gusti Školj, Tuf, Galopon, Koversada and Orlandin. To the north the harbour is bounded by the promontory called Montraker.
The name Vrsar (Italian: Orsera) is very old. In Medieval Latin documents the name appeard in different variants: Ursaria, Ursarium, Vrsarium, Orsaria... The name Ursaria was even used for the whole coastline between the village Funtana and the Lim Channel. According to some linguists, the old Mediterranean word ''ur'' meaning ''water spring'' has been preserved in the root of the name Ursaria.
Namely, while sailing along the western coast of Istra the ancient sailors were providing themselves with drinking water from the spring between Funtana and Vrsar and so the name Ursaria emerged. In the Roman and Byzantine times Vrsar was known under that name.
In the early Middle Ages the Slavs (Croats) adjusted the ancient name to their pronunciation. In the Croatian version ''u'' was converted into ''v''. The ending ''ia'' disappeared, what resulted in the Croatian name ''Vrsar''. The time was slowly passing by and Vrsar, sunlit and bent over the seashore, was living its summers and winters in the same way.
There where no tourist here. These sunny, good-natured beauties were waiting. Then awakening happened. The first tourist who had roamed to Vrsar from afar were enraptured by its beauty. In this way Vrsar woke up. In this way its beauties were discovered. So the seasons of the sun and the sea have started. The seasons that still last. To all of you we wish a pleasant stay under this ancient Istrian sun. Take a good rest and gather new strength for your everyday life. Give yourself up to the sun and the sea, to the green and silence, to purple dusk's and nights full of stars and moonlight.
Enjoy the fascination and sweetness of this coast and take with you dazzling, unforgettable memories.
