At the very south of the Croatian peninsula Istria, just around ten kilometres from the town of Pula, there is a special oasis of pristine nature called Cape Kamenjak, also popularly know as Premantura. This beautiful stripe of nature spreads itself about six kilometres deep into the sea and is about one kilometre wide, creating a natural space of great biodiversity as well as great beauty. Special allure to this nature park give also its rugged coastline and numerous beaches which attract tourists throughout the year, offering a unique experience to everyone who visits.
With Cape Kamenjak being a protected natural park, adding to the ecotourism and sustainability is also its visitors’ policy – if you are arriving by a motor vehicle, there is a fee to pay. However, for walkers and cyclists the entrance is free. Another great way to visit Cape Kamenjak is also by boat – having eleven uninhabited islands and with some beaches reachable by boat only, in this way you will definitely have a privilege to see some real nature treasures.
Whether you would like just a lazy day on the beach enjoying the sun or an active holiday, Cape Kamenjak is ideal for both: the rock and pebble beaches are perfect to soak in the sun while resting your eyes on the blueness of the sea or you can also choose to actively explore the park. Besides discovering the surroundings by bike and snorkeling as a traditionally good option when at the Adriatic sea, you can also try kayaking and windsurfing at the Windsurf station. With a bit of luck, you will see dolphins and Mediterranean monk seals but in any case you will enjoy the company of fish and small crabs while swimming.
While discovering the cape, don’t be surprised if you bump into some dinosaurs – the educational and recreational trail ‘Following the Dinosaur Path on Kamenjak’ is definitely a must-see. Located on the western side of the Cape Kamenjak and very close to the entrance of the park, this 600 m long track will show you the prehistorical life of the cape. Dinosaur real-size models will take you back to the period of Cretaceous bringing to life what it was like at Kamenjak in those old days. At the end of the trail, on Cape Grakalovac, on the flat rock you will find real fossilised tracks of dinosaurs that were once roaming around.
After all the activities you will definitely get hungry – this is the ideal time for one of the many beach bars that offer not just cocktails but delicious food as well. Our absolutely favourite is the Safari Bar near the southern part of the park. Once you reach it, climb the wooden ladder to the outlook platform in a manner of a pirate – the amazing view is sure take your breath away.
Enter the bar though the many bushes and bamboo reeds and follow the path to come to its heart hidden in the shades. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly wish to spend here several hours – besides enjoying delicious food and snacks in a relaxed atmosphere like sardines or cevapcici in a bun, the bar is a sort of a playground for both children and adults and offers a number of activities.
Quirky playground toys for like wooden slides and wheels are perfect for a bit of fun with friends and are to be used at your own responsibility. Try walking on a tightrope, play table tennis between the bushes, enjoy the view from the swing or just lay back in one of the huts, chill and enjoy. It will be the perfect ending of a beautiful day.
