I first visited Medulin in 2009 and have returned many times, mainly as part of my frequent Istria holidays, but I have also stayed there professionally.
Medulin is located at the south end of the Istrian Peninsula. Often called the Tip of Istria, Medulin sits just a short drive southeast of Pula, about 10–15 minutes by car or a quick bus ride on line 25. It’s not one of those overcrowded mega-resorts; instead, it’s a laid-back seaside town that has grown around its natural bay and archipelago of small islands. With nearly 5,000 beds in hotels, apartments, and campsites, it’s clearly built for tourism, but it still feels authentic and unpretentious.
The Arena Sport Center is the venue for the football tournament Arena Cup, and many teams, domestic and foreign, use the facilities for pre-season training camps.
Medulin also has several camping sites in the area; they are not as big as those in Porec, but still well suited for families with kids.
Beaches and Water activities
What immediately draws you in is the coastline. Unlike most of Croatia’s pebble beaches, Medulin has Bijeca, a proper 1-kilometer long sandy beach that shelves gently into the crystal-clear Adriatic. It’s ideal for families with small children, as the water stays shallow for a long way out. You can rent loungers and umbrellas, there’s a playground nearby, and even an adrenaline park for the kids to burn off energy. In summer, the place buzzes with beach volleyball, paddleboarding, and people just soaking up the sun. It’s one of those rare spots where you can actually walk barefoot without wincing on rocks.
Beyond Bijeca, the Medulin Riviera offers a mix of pebble, rocky, and hidden coves. Many are reachable by short walks or by renting a pedal boat or small motorboat.
What to do in Medulin
The archipelago in front, little islands like Ceja or Levan, makes for easy day trips. Boat tours from the harbor take you out for cave swims, snorkeling, or just cruising with lunch and drinks on board. One popular route hits the Golumbera sea cave and Porer Lighthouse, with stops for swimming in turquoise waters. If you’re into water sports, this is the place: windsurfing, diving, sailing, water skiing – it’s all here in the calm bay.
For history lovers, head to the Vižula peninsula right in town. It’s an archaeological park with Roman ruins, remnants of ancient villas, and mosaics overlooking the sea. Quiet and a bit off the main tourist path, it’s a peaceful spot to wander and imagine life here millennia ago. The town’s center has a Roman Catholic church with twin belfries rising above the rooftops, a classic Istrian sight. Stroll the promenade in the evening, grab fresh seafood at a waterfront konoba, and watch the lights reflect on the water.
Medulin is also perfectly positioned as a base for day trips. Pula is close enough for an afternoon exploring the Roman amphitheater, temples, and old town. Drive south to the Premantura peninsula and Cape Kamenjak for wild nature and hidden beaches with that untouched Istrian feel. Or head north toward Rovinj for its postcard-perfect Venetian streets.
My take on Medulin
Medulin is a great pick if you are looking to spend most of your holiday relaxing; there is a great vibe and always something going on in the port area near the Fontana.
The Bijeca sandy beach, of course, gets crowded in the main season, but as the beach is long, you will always be able to find a spot for your towel.
The villages in the Medulin municipality, Banjole, Pomer, Premantura, Vinkuran, and Pješčana Uvala, are all holiday destinations, so there are plenty of options in the area. Check out this website to find affordable accommodation.
FAQ Medulin
Is there a sandy beach in Medulin
Yes, the largest Sandy beach on Istria, Bijeca, is located in Medulin
Is Medulin a good place for a holiday
Yes, the whole municipality of Medulin is geared for the holiday season, with plenty of apartments, beaches, and activities.
How to get to Medulin from the Pula Airport
You can either take the airport shuttle to Pula Bus station and then take an Uber / Taxi from there on, or you can take a taxi / Uber directly from the airport
