Bijeca Beach in Medulin: Sandy Beach, Parking and Tips

Soft sand underfoot, water that only slowly gets deeper and children digging for hours: for many families, Bijeca Beach in Medulin is the reason to come to the southern tip of Istria. In a country full of pebble and rock beaches, a genuine sandy beach is something special. Here you will find out what to expect at Bijeca, where to park and which neighbouring beaches are worth a visit.

Bijeca – Medulin’s Sandy Beach

Bijeca lies right in Medulin, below the centre on the wide Medulin bay. According to the Medulin Tourist Board, it is about 1 km long (other guidebooks say up to 1.5 km, depending on which sections are included). The beach is sandy and, according to the Croatian National Tourist Board, slopes gently into the sea. You can wade a long way out before the water reaches your hips.

That is exactly what makes Bijeca so popular with families with small children. But it is also the right place if you simply want a relaxed swim without clambering over rocks.

Facilities

According to the tourist board, Bijeca offers plenty for a full day at the beach. In season you can expect:

• Sunbed and parasol hire
• Beach bars, restaurants and ice-cream parlours within walking distance
• Water sports such as pedalos, kayaks and SUP boards
• Shady trees along the back of the beach

Exactly what is on offer changes from season to season. In the off-season, many bars and rental outlets are closed.

Blue Flag

According to adriatic.hr, Bijeca is one of the beaches in Istria to have been awarded the Blue Flag – an international eco-label for water quality and beach management. The award is renewed every year; you can check the current status on the Blue Flag website. Important for dog owners: dogs are not allowed on Blue Flag beaches.

Parking and Getting There

There are paid car parks behind the beach. According to visitor reviews, they fill up quickly in high season. Our tips:

• Arrive early: Before 10 am it is easier to find a space – and the best shady spots on the beach.
• Late afternoon: From around 5 pm many day visitors head home, the light is soft and the water is warm.
• By bike: Cycle paths and footpaths run along the bay. From the neighbouring villages, cycling is often quicker than driving once you factor in finding a parking space.

The Neighbouring Beaches: Belvedere and Alba Chiara

Bijeca is directly adjoined by other beaches that together form one long swimming area:

Belvedere

According to the tourist board, Belvedere is a modern beach with sunbeds and parasols and an illuminated promenade running along it. It lies next to the hotel of the same name.

Alba Chiara

The pebble beach of Alba Chiara lies next to Bijeca and Belvedere. According to the tourist board, there are sunbeds, paddle boats and pedalos, jet skis and bike hire, as well as drinks and ice cream. If you prefer lying on pebbles rather than sand, this is the place for you.

The Kažela Beach Area

On the edge of Medulin lies the Kažela area with the large Arena Grand Kažela campsite. According to the operator, the campsite’s beach stretches for around 2 kilometres. Unlike Bijeca, the coast here is mainly rocky and stony, with small coves and bathing spots under the trees. Water shoes are recommended.

According to beach directories, the Kažela area also has a designated dog beach. If you are travelling with a four-legged friend, you will find more tips in our guide to Istria with a dog. Whether a stretch of beach is open to the public or part of the campsite is shown by the signs on site.

Other Sandy Beaches Nearby

Genuine sandy beaches are rare in Istria. Besides Bijeca, there is Pješčana Uvala bay near Banjole nearby, with a mix of sand and pebbles. Otherwise pebbles and rock dominate – but the water is often especially clear. For an overview of all the swimming spots on the riviera, see our guide to beaches in Medulin and Pomer; for the city beaches, see our guide to beaches in Pula.

Tips for Your Day at Bijeca Beach

• Sun protection: Natural shade is limited. Bring a parasol or beach tent if you are not renting a sunbed.
• Keep an eye on the children: The shallow water tempts you to wade far out. Pay attention to the marked swimming zones and to boats outside them.
• Wind: When the south wind (jugo) blows, the water in the bay can be murkier and choppier. With the bora it is often especially clear, but cooler. You can check the forecast on our Pomer weather page.
• Best time: June and September are ideal – warm water, more space. Find out when the sea is warmest in our guide to the best time to visit Istria.
• Stay for the evening: After your swim, a stroll into Medulin’s old town is worthwhile. What there is to see is covered in our guide to Medulin: things to do and hidden gems.

Bijeca in the Shoulder Seasons

From mid-September the beach gets noticeably quieter. The sea is still pleasantly warm, the car parks are empty and you often have whole stretches to yourself. Many bars and rental outlets do close after the season, though – so bring your own drinks and snacks. In May and early June the water is still fresher, but the sand is pleasant and the beach almost empty. These weeks are ideal for families with small children in particular: relaxed swimming in shallow water without the crowds and without the fiercest midday heat.

What to Pack

• Sunscreen, sun hats and T-shirts for the children
• Sand toys – you won’t need them on the pebble beach next door, but you will here
• A beach mat or towels if you are not renting a sunbed
• Water and snacks, especially in the off-season
• Some cash and a card for parking, sunbeds and bars

From Little Dream

Little Dream is in Pomer, on the same bay as Medulin. Bijeca Beach is about 5 km away – a few minutes by car, or a lovely bike ride along the coast. The nearest beach in Pomer is just 2.3 km from the house, perfect for spontaneous dips in between. After your day in the sand, rinse off under the outdoor shower in the garden before heading to the lounge terrace. You will find all the beaches in the area on our map.

A sandy beach for the children, peace and quiet for you? Send an enquiry for Little Dream and plan your beach holiday in southern Istria.

Frequently asked questions

Which beach in Medulin is the most beautiful?

The best known is Bijeca sandy beach right in town, ideal for families with children. If you are looking for natural coves, you will find them on the Vižula peninsula and at Cape Kamenjak near Premantura.

Does Medulin have a sandy beach?

Yes. According to the Medulin Tourist Board, Bijeca is a sandy beach about 1 km long with a very gentle entry into the sea – a rarity in Istria, where most beaches are pebble or rock.

Is there a dog beach in Medulin?

Dogs are not allowed on Bijeca itself. According to beach directories, there is a designated dog beach in the Kažela area on the edge of Medulin. Further dog beaches are in Pula, Peroj and Fažana. Always check the signs on site.

Where do you park at Bijeca Beach?

There are paid car parks behind the beach. In July and August they are often full from late morning – arrive early or come in the late afternoon.