In short: in Premantura it is worth seeing Cape Kamenjak — a protected area since 1996 — with its dozens of coves and wild beaches, the Safari Bar and dinosaur footprints, at the very south of Istria.
Premantura is the last village at the very south of Istria and the gateway to the protected Cape Kamenjak — an area of wild beaches, hidden coves and untouched nature. It is smaller than the big resorts, but it draws lovers of nature and water sports. In this guide we go through the beaches, nature and excursions; if you are also interested in the Belgrade to Premantura minibus transfer, how to get there is at the end.
Beaches in Premantura
The coast is mostly rocky, with flat rocks from which you enter the crystal-clear sea, but there are also a few pebbly and sandy coves. The loveliest beaches are on Cape Kamenjak, among the pines and low scrub, far from the crowds. Plovanija has a gentle entry and suits families, Mala Kolombarica is known for the famous Safari Bar, and the hidden coves Debeljak and Njive draw lovers of peace and diving. For long sandy beaches with a shallow entry, neighbouring Medulin is nearby.
What to see in Premantura and nearby
The protected Cape Kamenjak
Cape Kamenjak is the southernmost point of the Istrian peninsula and a protected area since 1996 (a significant landscape, not a national park). The indented coast is almost four kilometres long, with some thirty coves and eleven uninhabited islets. It is graced by a clear sea, rare plant species and walking and cycling paths; the beaches are usually reached by bike or on foot.
Water sports
Because of the windy coves and the strong sea currents in the south, Kamenjak is a favourite among lovers of kitesurfing and windsurfing, as well as with divers, for its rich underwater world. Swimmers are advised to take care on the exposed parts.
Excursions from Premantura
Nearby are Pula with its Roman Arena and Fažana, the departure harbour for the Brijuni National Park — both on a short excursion.
Premantura for families and with children
The calm coves with a shallower entry and the nature of Kamenjak suit families who love an active break — cycling, walking and exploring the coves. As the coast is mostly rocky, for small children the sheltered shallow coves are chosen.
Where to eat in Premantura
In the village and along Kamenjak, fish and seafood are on offer, alongside Istrian specialities — pršut (prosciutto), truffles and olive oil, accompanied by Malvazija and Teran wines. The well-known beach bars on the cape give a relaxed summer touch.
How to get to Premantura from Belgrade
For the Belgrade to Premantura minibus transfer we drive door to door, departing from Belgrade. Departure is at night, at around 23:00h for Croatia, so the border is crossed when queues are smallest and you reach Premantura in the morning. The journey is about 665 km, a drive of 7–8 hours.
The price is fixed and free of hidden costs — see the price for Premantura or the whole price list, and we also drive to all the other towns in Istria (Belgrade to Istria transfer). Before the trip, check the border crossings and live cameras too, and read about the whole region in the guide Istria holidays.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cape Kamenjak?
The southernmost point of the Istrian peninsula and a protected area since 1996. The indented coast is almost four kilometres long, with some thirty coves and eleven islets, wild beaches and a clear sea.
Is Kamenjak a national park?
It is not — it is a protected area (a significant landscape), although it has features that would justify that status. Access and behaviour on the cape are under a special nature-protection regime.
What are the beaches in Premantura like?
Mostly rocky, with flat rocks and a crystal-clear sea, along with a few pebbly and sandy coves; the loveliest are on Cape Kamenjak, among the pines.
Is Premantura good for children?
It is for families who love an active break and nature; for small children the sheltered shallow coves are chosen, as the coast is mostly rocky.
When is the best time for Premantura?
The sea is warm from late May to mid-September. July and August are the hottest, while the shoulder months of June and September, with their windier days, particularly suit lovers of kitesurfing and windsurfing.
How many days to set aside for Premantura?
For the nature of Cape Kamenjak and its beaches it is nice to set aside three to five days, while lovers of an active break and water sports stay longer.
How far is Premantura from Belgrade?
About 665 km, a drive of 7–8 hours. With a night departure from Belgrade (around 23:00h), you reach Premantura in the morning.