Are you planning a vacation and Istria is one of the places on your wishlist? This is truly a magical Croatian region worth visiting, thanks to its enchanting nature and rich cultural heritage, which leaves no one indifferent. A stay in Istria is a special pleasure and experience that everyone should have, and we often hear that top-notch cuisine and wines are not to be missed.
There are numerous reasons why more than 4 million tourists visit Istria every year, and one place that leaves most people breathless is Rt Kamenjak. Located on the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula, not far from Pula, or about a 20-minute drive from Premantura.
This beautiful cape, which has been a protected area since 1996, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istria. Due to its uniqueness, the well-known world travel guide Lonely Planet once even included it on the list of the most desirable locations for a secluded Mediterranean vacation.
Why visit Rt Kamenjak?
One of the main reasons why tourists visit Rt Kamenjak is its extraordinary natural beauty. This beautiful part of nature abounds with rocky coasts, picturesque bays, crystal clear sea, sandy beaches, and numerous species of plants and animals. Its unique geological structure and rich flora and fauna have made it one of the most significant ecological areas in the Mediterranean.
Rt Kamenjak is also known for its bays that are unique in their beauty, and the most famous are Velika and Mala Kolumbarica, below which lies the Portić Bay and caves that, if you are adventurous, you can explore.
The blue-green sea will lure you to explore the rich underwater world, and many hidden and hard-to-reach beaches are the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. The beaches are mostly pebble or rocky and are surrounded by a beautiful landscape that makes a real paradise for nature lovers.
How to get to Kamenjak?
Tajana & Zlatni Rat Excursions, a tourist agency from Medulin with a long-standing family tradition, offers you a half-day boat excursion, which is one of the best ways to experience the Medulin archipelago and its beauty. Enjoying a panoramic ride will leave you breathless, and upon arrival at the famous nature park Rt Kamenjak, there is time for swimming, as well as a visit to hidden caves.
The cult Safari beach bar
In the heart of the protected park, there is Safari bar, a true attraction located above the Mala Kolumbarica Bay, and due to its ambiance, it attracts even the most demanding visitors. In this bar, you will feel like you are in the jungle, and visitors are most attracted to the ‘Bali’ swing created for impressive photos. This unique bar surrounded by bamboo, where you can sip tasty sangria, will provide you with an unforgettable experience that you will want to relive again. Thousands of tourists visit it annually, and due to its wild nature, it reminds many of the jungles of Bali.
Dinosaurs once walked through Kamenjak
Rt Kamenjak is synonymous with untouched nature where the scent of medicinal herbs, the buzzing of bees, and the murmuring of the sea blend into a true feeling of nature. It is an exceptional place where time seems to stand still and is an unmissable Istrian destination. It is one of the few habitats of endangered and protected plant species, where dinosaurs walked almost 100 million years ago. A glimpse of those ancient times is forever preserved in the multitude of fossils that can be found on the shores of Kamenjak. You can see fossilized dinosaur footprints on the islet of Fenoliga and on the Grakalovac peninsula, and near the Polje cove, there is a farm where you can see indigenous Istrian cattle. You can reach the most intimate parts of Kamenjak via dirt roads where you can enjoy the sights of the Cleopatra, Argus, and Zorica butterflies, which are part of as many as fifty different species of diurnal butterflies.
During July and August, it is the peak of the season, and Rt Kamenjak is the busiest at that time, so crowds can form. Given that this area has a typical Mediterranean climate, i.e., there are many sunny days throughout the year, and precipitation is significantly less compared to Pula and Medulin, Kamenjak is an ideal spring destination. You can take advantage of the favorable climate for cycling, walking, and being in nature, and the atmosphere of unreal beauty will captivate you at first glance.
The famous Porer lighthouse
Furthermore, in the area of Kamenjak and Premantura, there is also the islet of Porer where the eponymous famous lighthouse from the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was built back in 1846, and you can see it as part of a half-day boat tour.
From diving, cycling, hiking, or enjoying one of the most beautiful sunsets on the Adriatic, Rt Kamenjak offers countless possibilities for fun and adventure and is an ideal destination for families, couples, and groups of friends.
Finally, it is worth noting that a visit to this beautiful nature park not only provides an unforgettable experience but also an opportunity to learn something new about nature and the importance of its preservation. Therefore, if you are looking for a perfect place that will fulfill all your expectations, Rt Kamenjak is a paradise on earth that will stay in your memory.
