Kamenjak National Park (also known as Cape Kamenjak) is one of the wildest and most scenic places in Istria, Croatia. Located near the small coastal village of Premantura, this protected nature park is packed with rocky coves, hidden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and epic viewpoints. It’s the perfect destination for a relaxing swim, a cliff jumping adventure, or even spotting real dinosaur footprints.
If you’re looking for a unique day trip from Pula, Kamenjak National Park in Premantura offers a rugged escape from the city and feels like you’ve entered another world. We spent a full day exploring the cape and loved the mix of untouched nature and offbeat charm.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to spend a day at Cape Kamenjak: the best beaches, how to get there, where to eat, tips for first-time visitors, and a detailed route to help you make the most of it.
Did you know?
Cape Kamenjak has been a protected nature park since 1996. It covers 14 square kilometres and stretches along over 30 km of rugged coastline, with cliffs, coves, and beaches. The area is home to over 600 plant species, hundreds of butterfly and bird species, and even rare animals like the Mediterranean monk seal.
How to Get to and around Kamenjak National Park
Kamenjak National Park is located at the southern tip of Istria, just a short ride from Pula or Premantura. Getting there is easy, and once you’re in, you’ve got a few options for exploring this stunning coastal area.
Bus
From Pula, hop on a local bus to Premantura (28/28b), the closest village to the park entrance. Buses run regularly and take about 30–40 minutes. From Premantura, it’s an easy 10-minute walk or a quick cycle to the start of the park.
For the latest schedules and ticket info, check the Pulapromet official site.
Car or Scooter
If you have your own wheels, just follow the signs from Pula to Premantura and then to Kamenjak. Parking is available at several entry points inside the park.
Good to know: Cars, motorbikes, and campervans must pay an entrance fee to drive into the park — usually around €10 per day, depending on your vehicle type. You can buy tickets at the entrance booth (card payments accepted), or save 10% by booking online in advance via the official Kamenjak site.
Walking
Technically, you can walk between beaches once inside Kamenjak National Park, but keep in mind — distances are long, and the summer sun is intense. If you’re visiting during the hotter months, we strongly recommend biking instead. It’s much more manageable and still lets you enjoy the scenery and hidden spots at your own pace.
Bike
You can cycle from Pula to Kamenjak if you’re up for the ride (approx. 12 km), but the most scenic and convenient option is to rent a bike in Premantura. That’s exactly what we did, and it was perfect for cruising between beaches, scenic cliffs, and quiet coves at our own pace.
We rented our bikes at Rent a Bike Premantura and paid €20 for 24 hours. Just note: they only accept cash, so make sure to bring some euros with you.
How to Spend a Day at Kamenjak National Park, Premantura
Cape Kamenjak is one of those places where time slows down. It’s where you can spend the whole day hopping between hidden coves, quirky bars, and rugged trails with Adriatic views at every corner. With its mix of beaches, cliffs, nature, and local charm, it’s best explored slowly.
Here’s how we’d recommend spending a full day in Kamenjak National Park, based on our route and what we loved most:
Morning: West Coast Beach-Hopping & Hidden Bays
- Beach Pinizule: Start your day with a refreshing swim in this quiet cove, surrounded by pine trees and peaceful views
- Beach Polje: Just next door, this stunning bay offers a relaxed vibe and turquoise water, perfect for early-morning photos and a calm dip
- Beach Njive: One of our favourite stops! A gorgeous, secluded bay, a laid-back beach bar, cold drinks, and a great atmosphere make this an ideal place to cool off after a dusty bike ride
Tip: By midday, the sun gets intense. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. It’s a sweaty ride on the bike!
Midday: Scenic Ride to the South
- Portić Bay: A quiet inlet tucked between cliffs and greenery. We stopped at a viewpoint above the bay to snap a few photos. The dramatic coastline and turquoise water make it one of the most scenic spots along the west coast
- Safari Bar & Mala Kolombarica: This iconic jungle-style bar is the perfect place to rest, refuel, and enjoy the unique atmosphere under the pine trees. Order a fresh lemonade or a glass of sangria and soak up the vibes! Just steps away is the famous Mala Kolombarica cove, where you can watch or even try cliff jumping into the deep blue water
Afternoon: Secluded Spots & Final Dip
- Beach Sv. Mikule Dražica: A lesser-known, secluded rocky beach with insanely clear water. We took our final swim here before slowly making our way back
- Scenic ride along the east coast: As you start heading back north, enjoy peaceful trails and open sea views
Note: Get ready to cycle uphill, this part is a real leg burner. After cruising downhill for most of the day, the return journey through this section is hot, sweaty, and surprisingly tough. Bring water and take your time!
Optional Sunset Tip
If your timing works out, Safari Bar is a great place to watch the sunset. The golden hour light, jungle-style décor, and relaxed music create a magical ending to your day.
Just make sure to double-check the last bus departure if you’re not driving!
Optional Stops (If You Have Time)
- Dinosaur Trail: A short educational path featuring real dinosaur footprints! Great for a quick stop with kids or dino-lovers
- Debeljak Cove: A peaceful bay with shallow water and shade, ideal for snorkeling or a quiet break if you skip the far south
Best Beaches in Kamenjak National Park
With over 30 km of coastline, Kamenjak National Park offers some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in Istria. From family-friendly pebbled shores to rugged coves ideal for snorkeling or cliff jumping, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a quick guide to the top beaches and what you can do at each:
- Pinižule Beach: A quiet cove surrounded by pine trees and rocks, perfect for a refreshing swim and some light snorkeling. Good for a peaceful start to the day, also to track the dinosaur trail
- Polje Beach: This dreamy bay has a calm, relaxed vibe and beautiful turquoise waters. Great for swimming and sunbathing. Often less crowded
- Njive Beach: One of our favourite stops, it has a fun beach bar, nice energy, and easy water access. A good mix of relaxation and amenities
- Portić Bay: Tucked between cliffs and greenery, this spot is photogenic and tranquil. There aren’t many facilities, but it’s great for taking in panoramic views and quiet moments
- Mala Kolombarica: This cove is famous for cliff jumping and dramatic rocky scenery. Bring your snorkel or just sit back and watch the jumpers. It’s right next to Safari Bar, so it’s easy to combine both
- Debeljak Cove: A secluded and shallow bay; it’s ideal for snorkeling. You can spot sea life and even some fossils along the rocks — perfect for families or curious explorers
- Sv. Mikule Dražica: A lesser-known beach we loved for its seclusion, crystal-clear water, and relaxed vibe. Great for an end-of-day dip away from the crowds
- Skoljic Beach: Popular with windsurfers and water sports lovers. You can rent gear here and enjoy a more active beach scene
Water Sports and Outdoor Activities in Kamenjak
Beyond swimming and beach hopping, Kamenjak is a hub for outdoor adventure lovers. Here are some of the top activities to try:
Snorkeling
Many of the coves — like Debeljak, Pinižule, and Kolombarica — have rocky seabeds and crystal-clear water, perfect for spotting fish and marine life. Just bring your own gear and dive in.
Kayaking
Paddle along the rugged coastline and discover sea caves, cliffs, and hidden beaches. You can rent kayaks at Školjić Cove or join a guided tour that includes stops at secret spots around the Medulin Archipelago.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
For a peaceful glide across turquoise water, SUP is a great way to explore the calm bays, especially in the morning hours.
Cliff Jumping
Mala Kolombarica is the go-to place for thrill-seekers. The dramatic cliffs and deep waters below attract jumpers from all over — or just enjoy the show from a safe distance.
Diving
Licensed divers can explore several underwater spots near Kamenjak, including caves and reef walls. Dive centres in nearby Premantura offer organised excursions.
Windsurfing
Kamenjak is one of Istria’s top spots for windsurfing. Head to Školjić Beach, where you’ll find rentals and beginner-friendly conditions.
Check out kamenjak.hr for details on equipment rentals, tour options, and regulations.
Cycling
Kamenjak is also a dream for cycling enthusiasts. The Upper and Lower Kamenjak Trails wind through grasslands, pine forests, and scenic coastline. The trails are moderate in difficulty and give you a great overview of the park’s beauty and the Istrian coastline.. You can bring your bike or rent one in Premantura for around €20/day.
Tip: Try the Full Moon Bike Ride
One of the most magical summer experiences is joining the full moon cycling tour through Kamenjak. Ride as a group under the moonlight with the Adriatic as your backdrop. A dreamy, unforgettable way to explore the cape; not something you’ll find in every Croatian itinerary.
Practical Tips & Advice for Visiting Kamenjak National Park
Above all, set up comprehensive travel insurance before your trip. We recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance for reliable coverage and peace of mind while travelling abroad. For more information and to get started, check out SafetyWing website.
Where to Eat: Beach Bars & Restaurants in Cape Kamenjak
After a few hours of swimming, cycling, or exploring the park’s rugged coastline, you’ll want to refuel. Luckily, Kamenjak National Park has several laid-back beach bars and small restaurants where you can grab a bite or sip a cold drink with a sea view.
Here are a few spots we recommend:
- Safari Bar
- Beach Bar Njive
- Beach Bar Pinižule
- Beach Bar Školjić
- Debeljak Beach Bar
Tip: You’re welcome to bring your own picnic or sandwich. Also, keep in mind: most bars are cash-only.
Where to Stay near Cape Kamenjak, Premantura
Since Kamenjak is a protected nature park, there are no hotels, campsites, or apartments inside the park boundaries. Camping and overnight stays are strictly forbidden, and all visitors must leave the area by 10 PM.
Your best option? Stay in one of the nearby towns like Premantura, Pula, or even Medulin — all within easy reach of the park and offering a range of accommodation to suit your style and budget.
Premantura – Closest to the Park
- Ideal base for exploring Cape Kamenjak
- Peaceful village, perfect for nature lovers
- Aparthotel Punta Blu – Stylish, modern aparthotel with spacious rooms and easy bike access to the park
Pula – A Blend of City & Coast
We stayed in Pula, and it’s a fantastic choice if you want to combine beach time with city vibes and Roman ruins. From the city, it’s just a 20–30-minute ride to Kamenjak by car or bus.
- We stayed here and loved combining beach time with Roman history
- 20–30 min ride to Kamenjak
- Park Plaza Arena Pula – Seaside hotel on Verudela peninsula with relaxing views and resort comfort
- Airbnb or City Apartments – Budget-friendly options near the city centre with easy transport to Premantura
Medulin – Family-Friendly Resort Vibe
- Larger beach town with promenade, restaurants, and beaches
- ~20 min by car or scooter from the park
- More variety in restaurants and accommodation options
Final Thoughts on Kamenjak National Park
Cape Kamenjak felt like my wild Istrian epiphany, rugged, untamed, and endlessly beautiful. From fossil-stamped cliffs and hidden coves to quirky beach bars and turquoise bays, it’s a place where you can truly disconnect and soak up the raw charm of Istria.
If you’re planning a trip to northern Croatia, make sure to include a day (or two) at Kamenjak National Park. It’s one of the best nature escapes near Pula and easily accessible from Rovinj too. And while you’re exploring the coastline, don’t miss our dedicated post on Verudela beaches — another local gem worth a visit.
Cycle through pine forests, sip lemonade at Safari Bar, or dive into crystal-clear waters — however you spend your time here, Kamenjak is a place that stays with you long after the salt has dried and the sand has washed off.
Kamenjak Map
Get Inspired
Just south of Pula, Kamenjak National Park is a rugged slice of Istria where wild cliffs meet turquoise bays. Explore scenic bike trails, fossil-lined coves, hidden beaches, and the famously quirky Safari Bar. All wrapped in untouched nature and Adriatic breeze.
Hit play to see why Kamenjak deserves a spot on your Istria itinerary.
