Medulin: Things to Do, Hidden Gems and the Old Town

Medulin is the main town of the Medulin Riviera at the southern tip of Istria. Many people know it for the long sandy Bijeca beach – but Medulin has much more to offer: a small village centre with a striking church, a peninsula full of Roman traces, an archipelago of small islands and quiet corners that are not overcrowded even in August. Here are the best things to do and hidden gems.

Medulin at a Glance

According to Wikipedia, the municipality of Medulin includes the villages of Medulin, Banjole, Pomer, Premantura, Pješčana Uvala, Valbonaša, Vinkuran and Vintijan. At the 2021 census, around 6,550 people lived here. Medulin itself lies about 10 km south-east of Pula on a wide, sheltered bay. It is busy in summer, while the shoulder seasons are noticeably quieter.

Medulin Old Town

St Agnes Church

The town’s landmark is the parish church of St Agnes (Sv. Agneza) on the hill above the harbour. According to kroati.de, it is the only church in Istria with two bell towers – you can spot its silhouette from far away. The present church was built at the end of the 19th century on the site of a smaller predecessor. From the church lawn you have a lovely view over the bay and the islands.

Lanes and Harbour

Around the church are a few narrow lanes with old stone houses. The village centre is small, and you can explore it in half an hour. Then head down to the harbour, where fishing boats and excursion boats are moored. In the evening, the waterfront promenade becomes the place to meet, with cafés, ice-cream parlours and restaurants. A tip for the evening atmosphere: first a stroll through the old town, then dinner by the water.

The Best Sights

Vižula Peninsula and Archaeological Park

The small Vižula peninsula juts out into the sea south of the town centre. According to istra.hr, it is an important archaeological site: across around 26 hectares, the traces range from the Neolithic to late antiquity, including the remains of a Roman villa. The tourist board has created an archaeological park here with information boards, benches and footpaths. All around the peninsula you will find natural rocky coves beneath the pines – a lovely place to swim away from the big beaches.

Bijeca Sandy Beach

According to the Medulin Tourist Board, Bijeca is a sandy beach about 1 km long with a gentle entry into the water and plenty of facilities – one of the few genuine sandy beaches in Istria and ideal for families. For parking, facilities and the neighbouring beaches, see our guide to Bijeca Beach in Medulin.

The Medulin Archipelago

Several small, uninhabited islands lie off the coast, such as Levan, Ceja and Bodulaš. They are popular destinations for boat trips with a swimming stop. In season, excursion boats leave Medulin harbour daily, often combined with Cape Kamenjak and, with a bit of luck, dolphins. Find out which tours are available in our guide to boat trips from Medulin.

Cape Kamenjak

Just a few kilometres south lies the Cape Kamenjak nature reserve near Premantura – undeveloped coastline, turquoise coves and the Safari Bar. A must on any Medulin holiday. Admission and tips in our guide to Cape Kamenjak.

Boat Hire in Medulin

If you want to explore the islands on your own, rent a boat. There are several rental companies in Medulin, many of them at the harbour. In Croatia you can drive small boats with a low-powered outboard (according to rental offers, for example 6 hp) without a boating licence. For more powerful boats you need a recognised boating licence.

Prices depend heavily on boat size and season. According to rental portals, small licence-free boats start at roughly €100 to €190 per day, towards the upper end in high season (as of 2026, please check with the rental company). Fuel is usually extra.

Tips for your day on the water:

• The sea is usually calm early in the morning. Wind can pick up in the afternoon – especially the open side of Cape Kamenjak can then be challenging.
• Ask the rental company to show you the route, permitted anchorages and swimming zones. Swimming zones near beaches are off-limits to boats.
• Bring sun protection, water and a snorkel mask – there is hardly any shade on the islands.

Prefer to paddle yourself? In season, Medulin also has kayak and SUP rental – a peaceful alternative for the sheltered bay.

Medulin Hidden Gems

• Sunset on Vižula: In the evening, when the day visitors have gone, the peninsula is especially atmospheric.
• St Agnes church lawn: Early in the morning you have the view over the bay almost to yourself.
• Cycling along the bay: Cycle paths and footpaths take you from Medulin via Pomer to Premantura. Routes in our guide to cycling and hiking around Medulin.
• Shoulder seasons: In June and September the water is warm, the beaches are emptier and prices are often lower.
• Small coves instead of the main beach: Around Vižula and towards Kažela you will find rocky bathing spots that are quieter than Bijeca.

Is Medulin Overcrowded?

In July and August, Medulin is a lively resort with busy beaches and car parks. If you are looking for peace and quiet, stay in one of the smaller villages on the riviera – such as Pomer – and only drive into Medulin to swim or eat. Away from the centre, on Vižula or at the cape, you will find quiet spots even in high summer, especially early in the morning.

Medulin with Children

Medulin is a very family-friendly place. The shallow Bijeca sandy beach is ideal for small children, and the promenade has ice cream, playgrounds and pedalos. According to visitor reviews, the archaeological park on Vižula also has playgrounds and shady seating. For older children, a boat trip with a swimming stop or an outing to Cape Kamenjak with its cliffs and snorkelling coves is a highlight. If the weather lets you down, Pula with its aquarium and Zerostrasse is close by – more in our guide to things to do in Pula.

Eating and Drinking in Medulin

Around the harbour and along the promenade you will find plenty of restaurants, pizzerias and konobas. The menus feature fresh fish, seafood, Istrian pasta such as fuži and pljukanci and, in autumn, truffle dishes. For a quieter dinner, it is worth looking at the smaller neighbouring villages on the riviera. Choosing can be hard in summer – booking ahead in the evening is recommended, especially for tables by the water.

From Little Dream

Little Dream is in Pomer, a small village on the same bay as Medulin. The centre of Medulin is only about 5 km away – a few minutes by car, or a relaxed bike ride along the coast. That way you have Medulin’s beach, harbour and restaurants nearby and return to the tranquillity of Pomer in the evening. Read more about your holiday village in our guide to a Pomer holiday, and see all the places on our map.

Medulin and Cape Kamenjak right on your doorstep? Send an enquiry for Little Dream and discover the Medulin Riviera.

Frequently asked questions

What should you do in Medulin?

Spend a day on Bijeca sandy beach, take a walk around the Vižula peninsula and its archaeological park, go on a boat trip to the islands of the Medulin archipelago and enjoy an evening on the harbour promenade. Add a side trip to Cape Kamenjak near Premantura.

Does Medulin have a nice old town?

Medulin has a small, authentic village centre on a hill above the harbour. Its landmark is the parish church of St Agnes with its two towers. The old town is compact but charming – ideal for an evening stroll.

Where is the most beautiful spot in Medulin?

Many people love the Vižula peninsula with its pines, rocky coves and Roman ruins, the shallow Bijeca sandy beach and the view over the bay from St Agnes church. If you are after unspoilt nature, carry on to Cape Kamenjak.

Can you rent a boat in Croatia without a licence?

Yes, in Croatia you can usually rent small boats with a low-powered engine without a boating licence. Several rental companies in Medulin offer such boats. The rental company will explain exactly which engine power is allowed and which documents you need.