Sad love of Austrian count Metternich

Mystic and magnificent, alone on the rocks like some forgotten giants, lighthouses have always been a subject of fascination. Many of them are surrounded by numerous stories and myths that make them seem even more secretive.

Savudrija lighthouse – the oldest lighthouse on the Adriatic

Savudrija lighthouse was built in 1818 and today is the oldest active lighthouse in the Adriatic, as well as the most northern in Croatia. It is located in the vicinity of Camping Savudrija, near Savudrija Apartment, 9km from the centre of Umag, and just a few minutes from the Slovenian and Italian borders. This 36 metre high building is totally consistent with the mysterious atmosphere that has surrounded lighthouses for centuries - and this one also has a legend…

Legend of the lighthouse

Local stories often connect the Savudrija lighthouse with the sad story of the Austrian Count Metternich who apparently fell in love with a beautiful Croatian lady at a ball in Vienna. He built the lighthouse and the house beside it just for her. Unfortunately, fate cruelly saw to it that the Count’s chosen one died of a serious illness and she never saw the light at the lighthouse, the pledge of their love and their unused love nest. Totally in despair, Count Metternich decided never to visit the lighthouse again, and some people swear that still today in the empty rooms you can hear the footsteps of the desperate lover in search of his dearest...

Savudrija Beach

Beside the lighthouse, there is a beautiful pebble beach with stone outcroppings where you can place your towel and beach chair. Savudrija is a top destination for lovers of water sports such as windsurfing because of its calm sea currents and fair winds, while its clear sea attracts a large number of divers.

The fair winds and calm sea currents are great for water sports such as windsurfing, and the clear sea and rocky bottom offer a wide range of options for divers.

Learn more about the Savudrija lighthouse.