Medulin is the Istrian resort with the shallowest beaches – a wide, sheltered bay with small islands offshore where toddlers can wade far out. A few kilometres south, past the village of Premantura, begins Cape Kamenjak: an undeveloped nature reserve with more than 30 coves, cliffs and dinosaur footprints. This mix of family beach and wild nature is rare in Croatia.
At a glance
Region
Istria, southern tip
Airport
Pula (approx. 10 km)
To Pula
approx. 15 minutes by car
Best time to visit
June and September; spring/autumn for surfers and cyclists
Ideal for
families with small children, surfers, campers, cyclists
Special feature
one of Istria's rare spots with sandy sections
Medulin: shallow water and islands
Medulin Bay is shallow and sheltered from the wind; at Bijeca and Belvedere beaches there is fine pebble and sandy stretches – an exception in Istria. Offshore lies the Medulin archipelago with islands such as Fenoliga, Ceja and Levan, reachable by boat, kayak or stand-up paddle. The town itself is no historic gem but a lively holiday centre with campsites, a promenade and restaurants.
Cape Kamenjak: Istria's wild end
The protected area of Lower Kamenjak and the Medulin Archipelago covers the narrow peninsula south of Premantura. There are no buildings, just gravel tracks, maquis, orchids in spring and a coastline of pale rock slabs. Fossilised dinosaur footprints can be seen in several places.
Fees 2026: pedestrians and cyclists free; cars pay €20 in peak season (15 June–15 September) and €10 in shoulder season (2 May–14 June and 16–30 September). Online tickets are cheaper.
Safari Bar cult bamboo-and-reed bar near the southern tip
Cliffs popular for cliff jumping – only in calm sea and after checking the depth
Pinizule, Debeljak, Školjić pebble and rock coves; the further south, the emptier
By bike the best way to explore Kamenjak: hire bikes in Premantura, the tracks are short and flat
Active: surfing, diving, cycling
The bay between Premantura and Kamenjak is a well-known windsurfing and kitesurfing spot with several schools. Dive centres run trips to wrecks and caves off the cape. Inland, signposted cycle routes lead e.g. towards Ližnjan and the Marlera lighthouse with its quiet rocky coves.
Honest verdict
Medulin is ideal for families and active holidaymakers, less so for romantics after Venetian charm (for that, drive to Rovinj, 50 minutes). Kamenjak by car is a hassle in July and August: queues at the entrance, full coves, dust on the tracks. Come early in the morning or by bike – or in June and September, when it is almost deserted.
