Istrian Paradise: Exploring Cape Kamenjak

Hi Buzztrippers! Today it’s time to make you dream! I was in a blue funk this morning, therefore I decided to look at my summer pictures in order to revive, at least for a couple of minutes, the merry moments I lived in Croatia with my best friends. Those 4 days spent in Istria were sooo precious for me: I could relax, babble, enjoy the sea, the local food and the nightlife with two dearest people, forgetting daily worries. The destination I chose is one of my favourite places on earth: Cape Kamenjak!

Located in the southern far end of Istria, Cape Kamenjak is a wild, unspoilt protected area. The closest village is Premantura (a quaint little town, with many good restaurants, characterized by a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere), where you will find some cheap campings and a lot of apartments for rent. I personally love camping so I opted for a shadowy pitch in Camp Stupice, right on the border with the natural area: highly recommended for its excellent price/quality ratio.

From Premantura, start exploring the area (free exploration if you are on foot, small fee if you go around by car- 35,00 Kuna- around 5,00 €)! Here you find my tips about the best attractions in Cape Kamenjak.

Beaches

First things first: beaches!!! Just explore the area and choose your favourite spot where to relax, sunbathe and enjoy a refreshing bath. You can park close to almost any of the beaches of the peninsula: take advantage of pine trees, rocks, pebbles… the variety of the panoramas enables everybody to find his/her perfect beach!

My suggestions? Penižule beach, with its beach bar and pine forest; Njive, covered with gravel and small pebbles; the spectacular Mala Kolombarica, a rocky beach with high cliffs (perfect if you want to dive from a tremendous height); Portić, the largest cove of the area with a cozy bar; and my favourite beach, Školjić. Školjić is one of the most popular beaches of the eastern side of Cape Kamenjak, and provides guests with many services: windsurfing, kitesurfing, bikes, buggy, sunbeds, parasols, a bar, even a massage house!  A real paradise for any soul in search of relax!

Hiking Trails, Flora, Fauna and Dinosaurs!

I know, Kamenjak may seem an exclusively summer destination, but you will be surprised discovering its all-year round richness of panoramas and attractions. If you have time, start exploring its hiking trails: leave the well trodden tracks, and wander around, observing Mediterranean plants and bright flowers. You will discover a multitude of different colors, scents, shapes! Furthermore, if you like animals, do not miss the visit of a typical Istrian farm, located right in the heart of the peninsula: some cute barnyard animals are waiting for you!

And if just can’t get enough of animals, here you will have the chance of learning a lot! As a matter of fact, Cape Kamenjak presents an educational and recreational trail with models of dinosaurs and other creatures from the Cretaceous. On Cape Grakalovac, near Penižule beach, you can find real footprints of dinosaurs that once roamed this area.

Safari drinks!

Last but not least, there is a place where you MUST go when in Kamenjak: the legendary Safari Bafar, near Kolombarica! Briefly, a bar with an incredible setting (and a delicious sangria, too)! You will enjoy your refreshing drink completely surrounded by thatched huts, narrow trails, bamboo little forests, logs used as chairs… and a lot of children carousels built out of recycling materials or simple elements such as wood and ropes. Sip your drink, orders some olives and experience one of the most original aperitifs ever!

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