Kamenjak Nature Park: Where 600 Plant Species Meet Prehistoric Dinosaur Tracks

This past weekend,  I found myself in Pula with a free morning and decided it was time to revisit Kamenjak Nature Park. I had not visited in a while, and honestly, I was curious to see how this southernmost tip of Istria looked in the quieter months. And it is great time to take some drone shots, too!

The drive down took about 20 minutes from Pula. What struck me immediately was how peaceful everything felt compared to the summer chaos I remembered from previous visits. Also great for getting my drone up just for few shots.

Where Safari Bar used to buzz with summer crowds

Safari Bar, the famous beach restaurant that usually buzzes with activity, was closed for the season. In some ways, this made the whole experience better. Without the summer crowds, Kamenjak Nature Park revealed its true character – a wild Mediterranean peninsula where nature rules.

The peninsula stretches almost four kilometers along a beautifully indented coastline. What you see from the road is just the beginning – there are 30 coves and 11 uninhabited islets that make up the Medulin archipelago. The landscape is covered in low vegetation and maquis – makija in Croatian, with patches of pine forest scattered throughout.

What makes 600 plant species thrive in one place

Walking the trails, I was reminded why this area became a protected zone back in 1996. dinosaurs walked on Kamenjak almost 100 million years ago The diversity here is remarkable – botanists have catalogued 600 plant species, most of them medicinal and aromatic herbs.

Spring is apparently the best time for orchid enthusiasts. There are about thirty species that bloom then, plus one autumn species called jesenska zasukica that flowers in fall. Thirteen of these orchids are strictly protected, and two are endemic – meaning you can only find them here at Kamenjak. But they come in a bit warmer months. Any day now.

Bikers’ Paradise

Those German motorcyclists I encountered were clearly onto something. The network of trails across the peninsula is perfect for exploring on two wheels, though the rocky terrain requires attention. I stuck to walking, following the coastal paths that lead to secluded coves.

The coastline geology tells its own story. These limestone cliffs have been shaped by wind and waves into dramatic formations. Some of the rocks contain fossils, and yellow centaury is found only at Kamenjak in Croatia – though I had no luck spotting this extremely rare plant during my visit. But my drone shots are still awesome!

The transformation of this landscape over centuries is equally fascinating. What used to be dense holm oak forests gradually became grasslands through timber harvesting and cattle grazing. Now these open habitats support the incredible biodiversity that makes Kamenjak special.

More than just pretty views for nature lovers

Kamenjak offers plenty for serious nature enthusiasts. But also for active folks as it is best known for its bike paths, hiking trails and awesome sea kayaking. Probably one of the best in the country.

We do offer visits to Kamenjak for our clients , contact Secret Dalmatia  – but the park is great for anyone coming. After three hours of walking, I felt I had barely scratched the surface of what Kamenjak has to offer. The German bikers were long gone by the time I headed back, but I understood their choice to come in the off-season. This is when you can really appreciate what makes this corner of Istria special. A one-day ticket for a car for Kamenjak is 10 € in the pre/post-season and 15 € in the main season per car; pedestrians and cyclists do not pay an entrance fee.

Basic prices for motor vehicles (Donji Kamenjak and the Medulin archipelago):

Car: 10 € outside peak season, 15 € in peak season.

Moped/motorbike: 5 € outside peak season, 8 € in peak season.

Camper: 20 € outside peak season, 30 € in peak season.

Bus: 60 € outside peak season, 90 € in peak season.

Entrance for pedestrians and cyclists remains free. You can buy a ticket at the gate or online via the official JU Kamenjak website.

Good to know

• Kamenjak Nature Park entrance fee: 35 kuna for adults (2023 season)
• Best months for orchids: March to May, plus autumn species in September-October
• Safari Bar operates May to September – check official Kamenjak website for current hours
• Bring water and sun protection – limited shade on coastal trails
• Mountain bikes recommended for inland trails, walking shoes sufficient for coastal paths
• Parking available at several points along the peninsula
• Swimming possible year-round for brave souls, but best May through October

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