In the southernmost part of Istria (county of the region of Julian Veneto), 10 km from the town of Pula – Pola, on a piece of land surrounded by the sea and perched on the top of a hill, there is a small and ancient village. It was first called Promontorium Polaticum, then Promontore (Promontore d’ Istria) and finally Premantura.
Just a step away from Premantura is Cape Kamenjak. This beautiful peninsula, declared a protected area back in 1996 because of its exceptional beauty and diversity of plant and animal species, is 3400 m long & between 500-1200 m wide and includes more than 30 km of coastline with several bays, beautiful coves and beaches. You can find there many protected and endemic species of plants and animals, such as: endemic orchids, butterflies, Mediterranean monk seals, crabs and many more, completely uninhabited. The area is criss-crossed by a maze of dirt roads and trails, making it easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. Near the southern tip of the peninsula is a viewpoint that offers an incredible view of the island of Cres and the peaks of Velebit. Nearby is a wonderfully dilapidated beach bar, half-hidden in the bushes, seemingly cobbled together from flotsam. The adjacent cliffs are popular with daredevils, who dive from them and swim through the shallow caves at the water’s edge.
Throughout history, Premantura & Kamenjak have been subject to constant changes of government due to the importance and uniqueness of their location. In the 20th century, the inhabitants of Premantura had lived through six different political regimes or states.
The best proof of the ancient history of Premantura & Kamenjak are the 146 dinosaur footprints found on Kamenjak, which are more than 90 million years old.
