Cape Kamenjak: Coves, Entry Fees and Tips for Istria's Southern Tip

Once you have driven along the gravel tracks of Cape Kamenjak on a clear morning, you will understand why so many Istria fans keep coming back. The cape is the southernmost tip of the Istrian peninsula and has been a protected area since 1996. Instead of hotels, you will find low maquis, pine trees, white limestone rocks and coves with turquoise water. Here you can find out which coves are worth it, what entry costs and how best to plan your day.

What is Cape Kamenjak?

The protected area covers the southern tip of the Premantura peninsula, often also called “Donji Kamenjak”. The coastline is highly indented, with countless small coves, rocky plateaus and offshore islets. More than 600 plant species have been counted here, including around 30 species of orchid – in spring everything is in bloom.

There are no buildings on the cape itself, just a few simple beach bars, gravel tracks and parking areas. That is exactly what makes it so appealing: you pick your cove, lay your towel on a warm rock and jump into the crystal-clear water.

Entry and opening hours (as of 2026)

Entry is free all year round for pedestrians and cyclists. If you drive in by car, motorbike or camper van, you need a ticket in season. According to Visit Pula, these daily prices apply in 2026:

Vehicle	Low season	Main season (15/6–15/9)
Motorbike	€5	€8
Car	€10	€20
Camper van	€40	€50

There are also three-day and weekly tickets. If you buy online via the park management’s web shop (shop.kamenjak.hr), you get a 10% discount. According to travel reports, entry is free in the off season outside the season months. Visitors are asked to leave the area by 10 pm. All details as of 2026 – please check locally or on kamenjak.hr.

By car or by bike?

By car you are flexible and can get close to the coves with your cool box and parasol. The tracks, however, are unpaved gravel roads with potholes – drive slowly and expect lots of dust. There are several designated parking areas near the beaches; parking on green areas and driving off the marked tracks is prohibited.

For many, the nicer option is the bike: you can park in front of the barrier beyond Premantura and then enter free of charge by bike or on foot. A loop on the cycling and hiking trails adds up to a good 14 km.

The most beautiful coves at Cape Kamenjak

Mala and Velika Kolumbarica

The Kolumbarica coves at the southern tip are famous for their intensely blue water and the rocks from which the brave jump into the sea. Cliff jumping is popular here, but only for experienced swimmers – check the water depth first! Above Mala Kolumbarica is the Safari Bar, a quirky bar made of wood, reeds and found objects, with hidden swings and shady corners.

Mali Portić

A sheltered cove with calm water and fine pebbles – small, but very popular with families. It gets busy in summer accordingly.

Njive

A pebble cove with turquoise water and easy, shallow access – one of the postcard coves on the cape.

Pinizule and the dinosaur trail

A dinosaur nature trail with figures runs around Pinizule; fossilised footprints from the Cretaceous period have been documented in the area. The tracks themselves are not always easy to find – patience pays off.

Sv. Mikula Dražica and Radovica

If you are willing to walk or clamber a little, you will be rewarded with quieter coves. Good for snorkelling.

From the cape you can also see the Porer lighthouse on its little island off the coast.

Tips for your day at the cape

• Arrive early: in July and August the parking areas and coves fill up from late morning. Early in the morning or from late afternoon it is much more relaxed.
• Bring shade: natural shade is scarce. A parasol, sun cream and plenty of water belong in your backpack.
• Water shoes: the coves are stony and rocky.
• No fires: fires outside the designated fire pits are prohibited, as is camping.
• Dogs on a lead: dogs are welcome, but on a lead. You can find out more about dog beaches in our guide to Istria with a dog.
• Shoulder season: the cape is at its best in May, June and September – warm water, few crowds.

Cape Kamenjak from the water

The cape is spectacular from a boat too. Excursion boats from Medulin sail along the cliffs, past the Porer lighthouse and to sea caves, often with a swimming stop at Levan island. You can read about the tours on offer in our guide to boat trips from Medulin and dolphins.

Hiking and cycling at the cape

The cape is a paradise for anyone who likes to be active. Marked cycling and hiking trails run through the protected area, mostly on gravel. According to the tourist board, cycle route 316 “Premanturka” starts at the Paredine car park at the entrance to Premantura and is around 10 km long, about half of it paved, with 145 metres of elevation gain. Cycle route 357 “Kamenjak Direct” is also part of the Medulin Riviera network. Hiking here is especially lovely in spring, when the orchids are in bloom, and in autumn – in high summer you should start early, as shade is scarce.

What to pack

• Water shoes and a snorkel mask
• A parasol or beach tent
• At least 1.5 litres of water per person
• Snacks (there are only a few beach bars)
• Cash and card – there is no guarantee the bars accept cards
• A scarf against the dust if you are cycling or driving with the windows open

From Little Dream

From Little Dream in Pomer it is around 7 km to Premantura, and the entrance to the protected area is just beyond the village. So by car you are there in no time. If you are feeling sporty, take the bike: the Šetnica na moru footbridge takes you from Pomer straight to the Premantura side, and from there cycling and hiking trails lead to the cape. You will find suitable routes in our guide to cycling and hiking around Medulin, and more about your holiday base in our guide to holidays in Pomer.

Cape Kamenjak practically on your doorstep? Send an enquiry for Little Dream and plan your holiday on Istria’s southern tip.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cape Kamenjak worth a visit?

Yes – for many, Cape Kamenjak is the highlight of southern Istria. Unspoilt coastline, crystal-clear water and dozens of small coves make it the perfect destination for a half or full day at the beach.

Can you drive to Cape Kamenjak?

Yes, cars are allowed on the marked gravel tracks and can park in designated parking areas. In season you need a day ticket for this; pedestrians and cyclists get in free.

How much is the entry fee for Cape Kamenjak?

Pedestrians and cyclists pay nothing. According to Visit Pula, a day ticket for cars costs around €10 in the low season and €20 in the main season (15 June to 15 September) in 2026, with a 10% discount online. Please check prices in advance on kamenjak.hr.

Are dogs allowed at Cape Kamenjak?

Yes, dogs are allowed in the protected area but, according to the code of conduct, must be kept on a lead. You should not swim with your dog right in among other bathers.

What can you do at Cape Kamenjak?

Swimming and snorkelling in the coves, hiking and cycling on the gravel tracks, cliff jumping at Kolumbarica and a break at the Safari Bar. There is also a dinosaur nature trail.