Things to do in Premantura

Premantura sits at the southern tip of Istria. From a visitor's side it exists for what lies beyond it.

Cape Kamenjak is a protected headland of low rock, hidden coves and clear water. There are no hotels on it. There are no roads worth the name either.

What the cape is like

The coastline is broken into dozens of small bays, most of them reachable only on foot, by bike or from the water. The rock is sharp and the water is deep close in. Dinosaur footprints are preserved on one stretch of shore.

How it is sold

The offer here is small and entirely active. Nothing on this list is a bus tour.

• Kayaking. Half-day paddles along the cape, usually with a sea cave and a swim stop.
• Sunset kayak with wine. The same coast in the last hour of light.
• Electric scooters. Off-road routes across the headland, which is the fastest way to see its far end.

Istria around it

The peninsula behind the cape is a different holiday. Pula has a Roman amphitheatre still standing at full height, and the hill towns inland trade in truffles and wine. Both are within an hour.

Practical

• Season. May to September. Outside it the village is very quiet and most operators stop.
• Shoes. The rock cuts. Water shoes are not optional here, they are the difference between swimming and not.
• Shade. There is almost none on the cape. Water and a hat, and avoid the middle of the day in August.
• Getting there. Ten kilometres from Pula, and the airport is close. A car helps, but the kayak trips collect you.
• Entry to the cape. A small charge per car in season; on foot and by bike it is free.
• Nudism. Several of the coves are unofficially clothing-optional, and nobody signposts which. Worth knowing before you round a headland.