Kamenjak National Park, Croatia: Most Beautiful Beaches and Holiday Tips

Almost everyone has been to Croatia, perhaps even multiple times. For Czechs, Croatia can sometimes feel so overdone that many beautiful places are overlooked. I have one such place for you. You surely know Krka National Park or Plitvice Lakes, but have you heard of Kamenjak National Park? In this guide I will share with you Kamenjak National Park, Croatia: Most Beautiful Beaches and Holiday Tips.

Kamenjak stretches across the southern tip of Istria and is full of breathtaking rock formations, beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, and wild nature. And once you visit, you’ll want to keep coming back again and again. I know what I’m talking about. 😊

When to Visit Croatian Istria

If you want a typical swimming holiday, then head to Istria from June to August. These months offer warm and sunny weather, ideal for swimming and sunbathing on the Adriatic coast.

However, you can also visit Istria in the spring or autumn months. These periods offer pleasant temperatures, though perhaps not as hot as in the summer months. They are ideal for walks, cycling, and exploring cultural sights.

TIP: Read our article on where to go on holiday in Croatia.

Premantura Best Hotels: where to Stay

You will be closest to Kamenjak National Park in the seaside resort of Premantura:

• Residence Kamenjak Premantura,
• Apartments Villa Fernetich,
• Aparthotel Punta Blu – POOL & SPA,
• Alena Home,
• Apartmani MIRA.

Kamenjak National Park: Basic Information

Kamenjak Peninsula is a national park on the southernmost tip of Croatian Istria. The peninsula consists of a 9-kilometer long rugged coastline with various capes, bays with crystal-clear blue sea, and nine uninhabited islets.

The national park boasts wild nature, natural beaches, and open sea views. Dusty, unpaved roads and trails run through it, so expect your car to be completely white (and if you’re not careful enough, perhaps a bit dented from stones, bumps, and potholes 🫣).

The peninsula and the adjacent Medulin Archipelago have been under state protection as a protected natural area since 1996.

At the same time, Kamenjak is such a magical place that you’ll feel like you’ve landed somewhere completely different than Croatia.

TIP: Read our article about Dubrovnik.

How to get to Kamenjak National Park

There are two ways to get to Kamenjak National Park. The main road — Paredine, which is located along the road leading west from Premantura, and the second entrance is Premantura, along the road south of Premantura. Opening hours are from 7 AM to 9 PM, entry is charged, and camping is not allowed here.

Another way to get to Kamenjak is by boat. I recommend this option if you want to take a day trip or if you don’t have your own car and don’t feel like walking (let’s be honest, walking for miles on dusty, sun-baked roads isn’t for everyone 😊).

You can choose from organized trips on the travel portal GetYourGuide.

Where to Buy Tickets and how much They Cost

You can either buy tickets on-site at both entrances or purchase them online. You will pay more for entry during the main summer season than in other months. This period starts from mid-June and ends in mid-September.

You can buy daily, three-day, or weekly tickets, and there’s a difference depending on whether you’re traveling by car, camper van, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot.

If you go on foot or by bicycle, then entry is free. But if you’re traveling by any of the aforementioned means of transport, then the prices are as follows:

At the entrance, after payment or showing your ticket, you will receive a leaflet with a map of Kamenjak and plastic bags for your waste, to help keep the park clean. If you purchase a multi-day ticket, you won’t have to wait in line at the cash register; the gate will automatically lift for you upon both arrival and departure from the area.

TIP: There is a parking lot before the entrance gate where you can drive your car, and from there you can head to Kamenjak on foot or by bike without needing a ticket. There is also an option to rent a quad bike nearby.

How many Days to Visit Kamenjak National Park

And now the crucial question — how many days should you spend in Kamenjak? The answer probably depends on each of you, according to how you like to spend your holidays.

Kamenjak is a place that combines relaxation and swimming with an active holiday full of nature, so it will likely appeal to everyone. At the same time, there’s a lot to discover here, and you really won’t see everything in one day. Ticket prices are also more advantageous if you decide to stay for more days.

I’ve been to Kamenjak 5 years in a row (always for multiple days) and I dare say I haven’t discovered everything yet. After all, there are more than 30 beaches in the national park, not to mention all the other interesting and beautiful places.

Recommendation: If you’re hesitant about whether Kamenjak is for you, then I recommend buying a one-day ticket first, and if you like it there, you can purchase additional days later.

Kamenjak: the most Beautiful Beaches

As I already wrote, you’ll find more than 30 beaches in Kamenjak; some are “well-known” and very popular, while others are hidden, secret, and almost deserted. Those who seek, find.

At the same time, you don’t have to worry about the beaches being packed to bursting. Kamenjak’s coastline is very extensive, so you’ll always have enough privacy.

However, be aware that in many places there isn’t enough shade or trees to hide from the scorching sun. Therefore, before you head here, pack umbrellas, beach tents, head coverings, sunscreens, and a supply of water.

It’s also important to know that there isn’t really an option to have a full meal at a restaurant in the nature park (there are a few beach bars and one restaurant), so bring snacks!

Now let’s move on to the most beautiful beaches of Kamenjak National Park:

Kolumbarica

Kolumbarica is probably the most beautiful beach of all, which you’ll find in Mala Kolombarica Bay, at the southernmost tip of Kamenjak Cape. The beach is rocky, full of high cliffs from which daredevils jump all day long. However, water entry is more suitable for adults than for children.

The beach is divided into Small and Large Kolumbarica and is probably the most extensive beach in all of Kamenjak. It is known for its namesake Kolombarica cave, which you can explore, dive in, and swim through (I recommend this experience, but it’s not for claustrophobes; diving goggles are a must here).

Directly above the beach is the legendary Safari Bar, which offers snacks and drinks.

In the summer months, the beach is a popular spot and can get quite crowded. From the beach, you can admire views of Fenoliga Island and Porer Lighthouse. Kolumbarica is among Kamenjak’s most visited beaches.

Fenoliga

Fenoliga is a tiny island located northwest of Kamenjak Cape. It measures approximately 150 m and is famous for the dinosaur footprints discovered here by Austrian paleontologist Adolf Bachofen-Echt in 1974.

The island has about 146 dinosaur footprints distributed across six trackways. The footprints belong to Theropod and Sauropod dinosaur species and are estimated to be over 90 million years old.

Fenoliga is also known as the site of Crispus’s killing. Crispus was the son of the great Roman Emperor Constantine. The event took place in 326 AD, and it is speculated that it was at the command of his father Constantine, because his son was in love with his stepmother.

Fenoliga Island can only be reached by boat, kayak, dinghy, or paddleboard.

Debeljak

Debeljak Beach is located in Debeljak Bay on the eastern side of the peninsula. The central part of the beach is covered with pebbles and shingle. The edges of the beach are rocky and flat.

The sandy bottom in the bay allows for safe anchoring, so you can arrive here by boat. During peak season, this beach can be crowded with people who come here on foot, as it’s within walking distance. Access to the shore is very gentle, suitable for families with children.

In the central part of the beach is Debeljak beach bar, where you can get refreshments. Debeljak is also known as a sandy beach, but the sand is only in the water, not on the beach itself.

Radovica

Radovica Beach is located in the bay of the same name on the western side of Kamenjak Cape. The central part of the beach consists of pebbles, while the edges are rocky and moderately high, ideal for jumping into the water.

Radovica Beach is a popular beach, especially among younger people. Due to the high cliffs surrounding the beach, access to the beach is quite steep. There is a parking lot above the beach.

Njive

You’ll find Njive Beach on the western side of the peninsula. The beach consists of small pebbles, and its edges are rocky and flat. Entry into the sea is very shallow and suitable for families with children and older people. However, outside the bay, there are many sea urchins.

Above the beach is Njive beach bar, which offers drinks and food. And if you’re looking for true relaxation, there’s also a massage parlor near the beach. There’s a parking lot by the beach, and you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas here.

Portić

Veliki Portić Beach is located in the bay of the same name, which is the largest bay in the entire park. You can safely anchor in this bay if you’re arriving by boat.

The edges of the beach are rocky and flat. Along the beach, there’s a forest of oaks and pines, ideal for relaxing in the shade. The beach has a gentle entry into the sea and is suitable for families with children. It also includes Mali Portić beach, which is a beautiful small sandy beach with a beach bar.

Plovanije

Plovanije Beach is located in Plovanije Bay on the western side of the peninsula. The central part of the beach is pebbly, while the edges are rocky and flat. Plovanija Beach is very popular among locals. Thanks to its gentle entry into the sea, it is suitable for families with children and older people.

Školjic

Školjić Beach is located on the eastern side of Kamenjak Cape. It has a rocky coastline with easy access to the sea and is suitable for all ages.

On the beach, you can rent equipment for sports and beach activities, such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, bicycles, buggies, sun loungers, and umbrellas. There’s a beach bar at Školjić Beach, offering drinks and food. For those who want to relax, a massage parlor is available. There’s also a parking lot in the forest where you can leave your car in the shade.

Polje

Polje Beach is located in the bay of the same name, which is part of Polje harbor. It is a pebbly beach in the central part of the bay with shallow entry into the water.

You’ll also find Polje beach bar here, offering refreshing drinks and food. About fifty meters above the beach is an Istrian farm — a farm and restaurant built in the Istrian style.

Pinižule

Penižule Beach is located in a bay on the western side of the peninsula. Entry into the sea is very shallow, suitable for families with children. Above the beach is Penižule beach bar. In the forest above the beach, there’s a fitness playground in the shade of pine trees with sea views.

On the right side of the bay, there’s an educational trail focused on dinosaur footprints. There’s also a parking lot near the beach.

Toreta

Toreta Beach is located in Toreta Bay on the western side of Kamenjak. The central part of the beach is made up of stone boulders, while the edges are rocky and moderately high, suitable for jumping into the water.

Entry is more suitable for younger people than for older ones. The name Toreta (in Italian “torretta”, meaning “small tower”) was probably chosen due to the concrete structure above the beach that resembles a small tower.

Kršine

Kršine Beach is located on the Kršine peninsula in Kamenjak National Park. The central part of the beach is covered with pebbles and smaller boulders. The edges are rocky and moderately high, suitable for jumping into the water.

Dražice

Dražice Beach is located in the bay of the same name. It is the first beach in the national park from the Premantura entrance, so you can easily reach it on foot or by bike. It has a very shallow entry into the sea, which is ideal for families with children. The surrounding area is rocky, and pine trees grow here, offering shade.

Near Dražice Beach is Stare Užance beach bar, which offers sandwiches, salads, and drinks. Stupice campsite is located near the beach. There are many parking spaces by the beach where you can park.

What to See and Do in Kamenjak National Park

Kamenjak National Park offers a lot, and I think everyone will find something for themselves here. In Kamenjak, you can play sports, explore the surroundings, swim, or just read a book all day.

Hiking

Kamenjak hides hiking trails. You can explore the dusty trails and see every corner, enjoying beautiful views of the open sea.

Cycling

The national park also offers circular cycling trails, so if you’re into very active holidays, don’t hesitate to cycle around Kamenjak. However, I would recommend a mountain bike.

Swimming

Kamenjak National Park lies on the Adriatic coast, and the water here is absolutely crystal clear. It’s deep here, and you can see beautifully underwater. So Kamenjak meets all the ideal conditions for bathing, swimming, jumping, and diving.

In Kamenjak, you’ll never feel like you’re “just” in Croatia.

Snorkeling

The water in the national park is perfect for snorkeling. Underwater, visibility is excellent, and you can observe rich marine life below the surface. In some places, there are also shipwrecks that might attract more experienced divers.

Kayaking

In Premantura, you can rent a kayak and explore the beauty of Kamenjak from the sea. Kayak trips can also be booked on GetYourGuide.

Windsurfing

Kamenjak is an ideal place for windsurfing and similar water sports, especially thanks to the open sea and the wind that blows here almost constantly.

Cliff Jumping

Kamenjak is partly made up of high rocks and cliffs, from which you can jump into the sea below. If you are brave enough and want to experience some adrenaline, then Kolumbarica is probably the best place for cliff jumping.

Underwater Caves

A highlight of Kamenjak are its underwater caves, created by the sea waves. The most famous of them is Kolumbarika, which is 10 meters tall. You can admire the caves from the land or try swimming through them.

Visiting Local Bars

Near some beaches, you’ll find beach bars where you can grab refreshments. Among the most interesting are perhaps Safari Bar at Kolumbarica or the bar at Mali Portić bay.

Viewpoints

While exploring Kamenjak, you can discover several breathtaking viewpoints. The most famous is perhaps the Vidikovac Lanterna viewpoint at the site of a former military bunker.

Follow in the Footsteps of Dinosaurs

As mentioned above, the Kamenjak peninsula is known for dinosaur footprints found there. Here you will find an educational trail with dinosaur models and information boards about their species.

Visiting Nearby Islands

The surrounding islets are also part of Kamenjak, which you must reach by boat or dinghy. The islets are mostly small and offer a quiet and private place for swimming and sunbathing. Among the most beautiful are Fenoliga, Šekovac, and Ceja.

Treat Yourself to a Massage

In two places in the national park, you can get a massage. Massage facilities are located near Njive and Školjic beaches.

Visit a Local Farm

At Kamenjak, you will find a farm that belongs to a local Istrian restaurant. You’ll see cows, donkeys, horses, sheep, pigs, and chickens here. It’s a great attraction for families with children.

Work Out

The protected area offers a unique spot for exercising. Locals come here, for example, to run or work out at the outdoor gym.

Kamenjak: Map with Points of Interest for your Phone

Save the map of the best places on the Kamenjak peninsula directly to your phone. After purchase, you will receive a link to an unlisted Google Map, which you can save by clicking “Follow”. This will copy it to your Google account and display it on all devices where you use Google Maps.

Go Fishing

Kamenjak is a renowned and popular place for fishermen. An excellent spot for fishing is, for instance, the Albanež shoal.

Most Beautiful Beaches and Holiday Tips

To make your first visit to Kamenjak as enjoyable as possible, I have some useful tips for you:

• Definitely pack water shoes; you’ll need them. The stones here are sharp and jagged, and there are also sea urchins in some places.
• Pack anything to protect you from the sun. By that, I mean beach tents, umbrellas, head coverings, etc. The sun here is very strong, and there is not much shade.
• Pack all essentials you might need during the day, such as plenty of water, food, sunscreen, snorkeling masks, etc. Once you leave the area, you cannot re-enter on the same day.
• Don’t forget towels, blankets, beach mats, or pads. Sun loungers are not available for rent on most beaches, and the beaches are rocky.

Excursions in the Surroundings

Southern Istria offers many wonderful places that are worth visiting. So, explore the surrounding area.

TIP: Read what to see and do in Dalmatia.

Pula

If you are already in the area, don’t miss visiting Pula. The city is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as its beautiful coastal areas.

Medulin

Another picturesque seaside town is Medulin. Medulin combines a beautiful coastline, rich history, and a modern center, making it a popular seaside holiday destination. The city offers a combination of relaxation and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Rovinj

If you are a fan of charming port towns, then don’t miss visiting Rovinj. Here you’ll find a picturesque town, historical sites, and a rich cultural scene.

Brijuni National Park

Another national park worth visiting is Brijuni, which can only be reached by a tour boat. Here you will find untouched nature, crystal clear sea, and ancient sites. Boat trips usually depart 3 times a day. Simply book a trip through the GetYourGuide portal, which we highly recommend.

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