Općina Medulin: Archaeology, Nature and Coastal Trails

On the Vižula peninsula in the heart of Medulin lies the multimedia Vižula Archaeological Park. Its archaeological traces span the Neolithic, Late Antiquity and the early Middle Ages; the site covers 26 hectares. Here, you can encounter evidence from periods far removed from one another. Visitors can attend a school of archaeology in the park. Information boards in Braille and a circular tactile map are also part of the facilities.

Archaeology and history

Banjole also offers a glimpse into the history of the municipality: the Park of the History of the Municipality of Medulin is an open-air museum and gallery. Its displays cover the period from prehistory to the present day. Information in Braille and audio interpretations are intended for people with disabilities or reduced mobility, as well as blind and visually impaired visitors.

Near Vinkuran, Cave Romane tells the story of another period in the past. The ancient quarry supplied, among other things, stone for the construction of the Pula Arena as early as Roman times. Its steep rock walls serve as an acoustic stage for numerous concerts. The site thus combines the history of quarrying with a cultural use as a concert venue.

Trails and nature at Kamenjak

The Municipality of Medulin includes four protected areas, one of which is Donji Kamenjak and the Medulin Archipelago. On the Grakalovac peninsula, a hiking trail leads to a site with fossilised dinosaur footprints in the Donji Kamenjak and Medulin Archipelago area. Gornji Kamenjak is a protected landscape where 487 different plant species grow. The Gradina sensory and educational trail there has also been adapted for blind and visually impaired visitors.

The Gornji Kamenjak lookout trail begins at the car park at the entrance to Premantura. The eight-kilometre hike takes around an hour and a half. Along the way, the trail passes a defensive cove built by the Austro-Hungarian army during the First World War to protect Pula and its surroundings from the Italian army. Nature and military history share the same route here.

For a cycling trip, the Orhideja route begins at a car park at the entrance to Premantura and heads towards the protected landscape of Kamenjak. The Premanturka cycling route also starts at the entrance to Premantura, crosses a small bridge near Šćuza and continues to Pomer. Cycling route 315 Medulin Riviera begins and ends on the Medulin waterfront. The stated starting and finishing points help you choose a route that suits your planned point of departure.

In Školjić Bay, visitors can rent kayaks, explore the Medulin Archipelago, and try SUP and windsurfing. The range of activities therefore extends from walking trails to water sports. If you would rather plan a beach break, Bijeca is a one-kilometre-long sandy beach in Medulin that attracts families with small children. Munte Beach in Premantura is adapted for blind visitors and people with reduced mobility. The beach has a ramp and wide steps leading to the sea, equipped with a handrail.

Pomer and local experiences

In Pomer, the marina has 250 berths in the water and 50 dry berths, as well as related services. In summer, local residents organise a folk festival, and classical music concerts are held in the churches of Pomer. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check in advance whether a suitable date falls during your travel period.

At Istarska Farma on Kamenjak, visitors can see donkeys, chickens, pheasants, ducks, parrots and Boškarin cattle. The food offering includes homemade specialities made with fruit and vegetables grown on the farm or on neighbouring farms; it is open from late spring through summer. This seasonal detail is useful if you would like to combine your visit with local produce.

Discover more destinations: Medulin, Premantura, Vintijan, Pjescana Uvala, Vinkuran, Pomer, Banjole, Općina Oprtalj.

For the overview of the wider region: Istria County.