Cape Kamenjak is the wild southern tip of Istria, a protected headland of white cliff, scrub and hidden coves a few kilometres past Premantura. It is the clearest water near Pula and the most rugged day out, which means you pack for it rather than expect it to provide. Car entry is about €10 a day.
What it is like
The cape is several kilometres long, linked by gravel tracks between the coves, with no real facilities and little shade. The safari-themed beach bar sits in the scrub and is the one spot to buy a drink. You swim off rock and concrete into water that stays clear because the coast is undeveloped. It suits confident swimmers and people happy to carry their day with them.
Hidden coves and snorkelling
The coves hold damselfish, wrasse and the occasional octopus, and the rock arches and small caves are the best snorkelling near the city. Our snorkelling in Pula guide names the clearest spots and the safety basics. Bring shoes, because the entry is rock and sea urchins live on the stone.
Dogs
Kamenjak is dog-friendly, and the official year-round dog beaches mean you are not restricted to a corner. Keep the dog on a lead near the cliff edges and the bar, and off the few managed picnic spots if asked. Our dog-friendly beaches guide lists the legal bays across the region.
A safety word
The jumping ledges are real and tempting, but the water depth changes with the swell and the rocks are sharp, so only jump where locals do and never after drinking. Wear shoes everywhere off the tracks, because sea urchins are common on the rock and a sting ends a day fast. Tell someone where you are going if you walk the far coves, because there is no phone signal everywhere and no lifeguard. The day trips from Pula guide covers Kamenjak alongside the other options.
