All the magic of one cape – Cape Kamenjak
Kamenjak is located in the south of Istria, within the town of Premantura, which is about 10 kilometers from Pula. It is a significant part of Istria that attracts visitors from all over the world with its natural resources throughout the year.
Kamenjak is located in the south of Istria, within the town of Premantura, about 10 kilometers from Pula. It is a significant part of Istria that attracts visitors worldwide with its natural resources throughout the year.
Before we introduce you to all the charms of this pearl of Istria, we will ask if you have heard of Kamenjak. Many people have recently discovered this area, as well as the rest of Istria and Croatia. In simple terms, we will say that Kamenjak is the lower peak of Istria.
To get there by road, and you will probably get the idea to do so after this article and the attached photos (if you have not already), you must first go through the whole of Istria. If you would like to use the navigation, the coordinates are 44°46’7.92″ north and 13°54’42.57″ east.
Cape Kamenjak is a peninsula in the far south of Istria divided into Lower and Upper Kamenjak. Many call it even the Medulin archipelago, Premantura peninsula, or Punta. It is 3400 m long and extends between 500 and 1600 m wide. When it all adds up, he has 30 kilometers of coastline.
This natural beauty is surrounded by 11 uninhabited islets – Ceja, Fenoliga, Bodulas, Finera, and other equally attractive beauties. Due to its proximity to the sea, Kamenjak has a unique microclimate. Therefore, it is not uncommon to experience sudden weather changes while driving from Pula towards Kamenjak.
However, once you reach the area, you will enter a Mediterranean climate without rain and with plenty of sunshine. The clouds seem to bypass this region, making it a great place to visit for a sunny and enjoyable day.
Driving to Premantura and Kamenjak can give you a real feast for the eyes. The locals perceive the ride as mundane, but most guests will be impressed. You will ride parallel to the sea like you would drive by a lake. After you pass the forest area, you will see a small town with a soul, Premantura.
The author of this article could write pages and pages about Premantura, but all she will tell you on this occasion is that you should not forget to enter its old and attractive streets. Passing through Premantura, you reach the beginning of Kamenjak.
About Kamenjak otherwise care public institution Kamenjak, financed from its resources. That is why when you come across a wooden house and a ramp, you will have to pay a ticket of 5 euros in the preseason up to 8 euros in the high season (the price applies only to motor vehicles). Ticket money supports the protection, maintenance, and promotion of its originality and the smooth running of natural processes.
When you come to the wooden signposts that point you to the Polje, Njive, Pinizula, Kolombarica, Skoljic, and many other bays, do not be confused as I did long ago on my first visit. Wherever you go, you can’t go wrong. Each way will take you on a route of pure natural beauty, peace, and tranquility.
Climbing hills and valleys, you will reach picturesque shores and bays. In the far south of Kamenjak, there are many caves, the largest of which are Velika and Mala Kolumbarica, named after the pigeons that used to breed in these caves.
Once you step on this ground and inhale the air, you will feel incredible. Kamenjak is one of those places where the elements of water, fire, earth, and air combine into one. Your senses will detect wonderful scents carried by the wind towards the sea.
Your eyes will absorb those lovely color combinations from light blue to dark green. When you rub the velvety gray leaf of sage with your fingers and bring it closer to your nose, you will feel a sharp scent that instantly clears your nostrils.
Enchanted by the beauties, you will forget everything and unite with the wind sounds blowing through the pine branches. You will discover numerous picturesque bays. Some will be easy to reach, and some will require some effort. But for this effort, you will be rewarded not twice but three times. If you want to feel alone in the world and enjoy the light blue of the sea, then it is good to know that there are about 30 such bays.
Due to their location and climate, the plants here have adapted to the high-temperature conditions and summer droughts. The richness of flora recorded so far is known for 591 plant species. They make a combination of forests, grasses, maquis, and rocky terrain.
What is very interesting is that the area of Kamenjak is suitable for the growth of orchids, the most diverse of which are here in Istria, with twenty-eight species, one subspecies, and four hybrids. You will also find information that Kamenjak is a habitat for numerous rare, endemic, and endangered species, 37 of which are in the pre-extinction category.
Those who want to find out in more detail what kind of species are here on Kamenjak will not be left short. Here and there, various boards can be found, with a detailed description and picture of the species that live here.
The same goes for animal species. If you find yourself on Kamenjak in the spring or fall, you will witness the migration of many bird species. You will hear a choir of blackbirds, larks, titmice, and many others, and you can see the majestic spotted eagle and the elegant legs of a stork.
Spiders such as black widows, snakes, and other reptiles also reside here. If you wait a moment when the bold line moon shines on one of the beautiful beaches, the owl call will turn you into a real movie romance on a warm summer night.
The seashore is a very dynamic area, so don’t be surprised by the strong waves hitting the rocks and the significant fluctuations in temperature and salinity. For those who like to dive, the Kamenjak underwater is a kaleidoscope of color. Various algae, crustaceans, shells, snails, stars, sponges, and many other inhabitants of the area make the undersea world a diverse fauna. You will encounter flocks of saddled seabream, red mullet, common two-banded seabream, and many more of their offspring of fluorescent colors.
Due to the favorable influence of the sea currents, the fish stock is one of the richest in Istria. If the ticket you purchased brings good luck that day, you will see a monk seal, which is thought to have disappeared from the Adriatic area.
The possibility of observing the skills of grebes to dive in one place and to get out somewhere far away, about surfing seagulls in the wind, as well as carefree play and dolphin jumps, not to mention.
In 2010, the public institution Kamenjak began with the work of making educational and recreational trail Paths of Dinosaurs on Kamenjak. You can find the trail on the right side of the peninsula, 300 meters from the entrance. The total length of the trail is about 600 meters. You’ll be able to see the natural-sized dinosaur models, which is a real experience for the youngest and an amusing attraction for the elderly. Traces of the dinosaurs that used to walk the Kamenjak can be found on the plate rocks.
Along the path, there are also suitable tables describing the geological attractions of Kamenjak. The richest dinosaur footprint in Europe, with over a hundred footprints, is on the islet of Fenoliga. They were found to belong to a four-legged dinosaur from the sauropod group and were estimated to be about 3 meters high, 11 meters long, and weighing about 13 tons. Impressive! There will also be one unmistakable photo-motive on your memory card. It’s a place of various inspirations by day, especially at dusk.
The small lighthouse Porer was built in the 19th century. You will notice its Austro-Hungarian outlines. Beauty will entice you to swim towards it, but you must know that the currents that reign there are so strong, and it will direct you in every other direction, just not in the one you want.
Be careful not to be one of those tourists who, with strong warnings, overestimate the power of their “air mattress” in the fight against the dance of the currents.
Instead, watch it from the well-known Safari Bar, where children can play on amusing gadgets. After you’ve seen it all and caught a tan, there is no better feeling than in the evening, drinking sangria and greasing your lips with a nice squid sandwich.
When planning a visit to this cape, make room for various activities. Because there you can walk, run, bike, dive, surf. The cycling trails of the Upper and Lower Kamenjak are one of the most popular in Istria.
International mountain biking competitions and numerous other recreational events are also held here. The Full Moon Cycling is particularly exciting, and as its name implies, it takes place at night during the full moon in the summer months.
Surfers already know about this area, and with the first wind like butterflies on their sails and boards, they jump and live life to the fullest in the wind and waves. Over the years, many kite surfers have joined this pleasure. If you’re not surfing or haven’t brought a bike, it doesn’t matter.
The whole Kamenjak area is ideal for running and trekking. Trails with lush vegetation are a perfect balm for fans of this sport. In the woods of Pinižula Bay, you can also find exercise equipment. Your muscles will give you absolute joy in the shade of pine trees overlooking the sea.
If you didn’t see or remember everything during this visit, stop by the Nature House, which aims to present the marvelous Kamenjak. The house is in the center of Premantura, right next to the bell tower. Admission to the Nature House is charge-free, with an eco-center with facilities such as aquariums, terrariums, fossils, and dinosaur prints, as well as numerous photographs and interactive supplies.
Finally, when visiting Kamenjak, the most important thing is to completely surrender to your senses and nature, which will relax you from everyday obligations and stress. Because relaxation and enjoyment are the main goals of this visit, right?
TEXT – Iva Tominovic Matas PHOTO – Lovro Barbalich
