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Croatia 2025 day 4 Short tour to the highlights in the Medulin and Pula region
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert Patrick Lemaire - RouteXpert
Last edit: 14-02-2026
Route Summary
Discover the southernmost tip of Istria on an unforgettable motorcycle tour through Medulin and Pula. This route combines panoramic views with impressive historical heritage. You'll ride through the breathtaking Donji Kamenjak nature reserve, where rugged cliffs and azure bays provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing stop. Then, head towards Pula, where you'll come face to face with the imposing Pula Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world.
The tour continues past the historic Pulski Kaštel, with stunning views over the town and harbour, and through the atmospheric old town centre, where the Roman gate (Arch of the Sergii) and charming streets take you back in time.
An ideal blend of nature and culture—perfect for anyone who wants to explore Istria in a short time. A route that deserves five stars. Not for its distance, but for the fact that so many highlights—familiar and surprising—are included. The adventure aspect hasn't been overlooked either. Because, let's face it, getting off the beaten track always evokes that feeling a little, doesn't it?

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Verdict
Duration
6h 47m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
41.51 km
Countries
Pula Arena
RouteXpert Review
The route starts at Hotel Minerva in the heart of Medulin, but it could just as easily be at another hotel. There's no shortage of holiday accommodations in this tourist town. We're in the southern part of Istria, and quite a few roads are (still) unpaved. These roads are usually easy to navigate, even with a heavy motorcycle like a Harley. Those who are less adventurous can easily bypass this section via an alternative paved road.

As mentioned, you start in the center of Medulin. And right away, a very pleasant stop is the local café Mizerija. I haven't found the meaning of the word in Croatian, but in any case, don't expect "misery" there. On the contrary, the owner, the local fishermen, and other regulars are super friendly. Tip! If you haven't had breakfast yet, there's a wide selection of pastries at the nearby Konzum. And the café owner has no objection to you enjoying them, if you order a coffee from her, for example. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the lapping seawater and the swaying fishing boats from the terrace.

Then you'll head towards the Kamenjak peninsula. This is the southernmost point of Istria and a protected nature reserve. It's completely isolated from the rest of the country, but you can still reach it after paying a toll. Note that all roads are unpaved. The surface is relatively flat and dry (read: dusty), although this isn't always the case on some side roads. So be careful and consider your vehicle's capabilities.

On the way there, you'll get a taste of some off-road driving. The last village you'll encounter is Premantura, pleasantly bustling, yet with that typical southern flair.

When you arrive at the entrance to the nature park, you'll encounter a barrier that only opens once you've paid the lady in question. It can get a bit chaotic, especially if she's overwhelmed by more than five motorcycles. But once you're past this obstacle, a different, even dazzling, world opens up. The pristine white ground reflects the sunlight so brightly that sunglasses are essential. Fortunately, the vegetation of broom and other sea-breeze-loving plants provides some variety. It's quite enjoyable to just drive around here, searching for beautiful views from the various cliffs. The Safari Bar cafe is highly recommended. It's very well camouflaged under the vegetation and coconut mats. It's barely visible from a distance, so follow the signs. You'll feel like you're in a shady jungle after being exposed to the blazing sun. A unique spot for a drink and/or a snack.

Then you return to the exit to drive to the city of Pula. Pula (Latin: Pola) was already a very important city in Roman times. Its location on the Adriatic coast has maintained its importance over time, both as a port and seaside resort, and for its monumental architecture.
First, you'll visit Pula's main attraction: the arena. It's one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world (1st century AD). It could seat approximately 20,000 spectators. Today, concerts and events are still held there. Depending on the time of day, it can get very crowded, so that's something to keep in mind. However, from the outside, everything is also reasonably viewable. And if you're lucky, you might find a spot on the terrace next to the arena to watch the action while enjoying a drink. And if you're even luckier, you can even park your motorcycle next to this terrace.

Afterwards, it continues through the city to the next highlight: Pula Castle. This 17th-century Venetian fortress, with panoramic views of the city and harbor, is definitely worth a visit. Parking is available at the entrance, and it's usually not too crowded.

You're not far from the city center, where there's even more of that beauty to see. But by now, you might be feeling a little peckish. It's best to park your motorcycle in this dead-end street. Then it's just a few steps to the historic center. The number of restaurants is countless, so take your pick. Or you can get straight to the action and visit the following attractions this city has to offer.
First, there's the Temple of Augustus. Located in the Forum, dedicated to Emperor Augustus, it's a beautiful example of Roman temple architecture. Then there's the Arch of the Sergii, a triumphal arch dating from around 30 BC, built in honor of the family—yes, you guessed it, Sergii. And of course, it doesn't end there. Anyone who appreciates architecture from the periods of Byzantine, Venetian, and Austrian rule will certainly be amazed.

Once you've had your fill, you'll return to Medulin along quiet roads, passing through a few charming villages along the way. And terraces desperately begging for a short visit... You'll have to be made of iron and steel to resist this.
Donji Kamenjak
Unpaved road Donji Kamenjak
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Istrië
Medulin
Pula
Kroatië
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Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.

Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Nearby routes
Istria
About this region
Istria ( ISS-tree-ə; Croatian and Slovene: Istra; Istriot: Eîstria; Istro-Romanian, Italian and Venetian: Istria), formerly Histria (Latin), Ἴστρια (Ancient Greek), is the largest peninsula within the Adriatic Sea. The peninsula is located at the head of the Adriatic between the Gulf of Trieste and the Kvarner Gulf. It is shared by three countries: Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. Croatia encapsulates most of the Istrian peninsula with its Istria County.

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Statistics
7
Amount of RX reviews (Istria )
5584
Amount of visitors (Istria )
111
Amount of downloads (Istria )
Route Collections in this region
Istria you know
This collection consists of a series of three rides, spread across the entire peninsula.
The first one goes through the north of Istria and starts in Opatija on the eastern side of the Kvarner and ends in Porec on the western coast of the Gulf of Trieste.
The second route goes through the middle part of the Istrian peninsula, starting in Poreč. It ends via a loop, which takes in the eastern side of Istria and also on the western side in the Adriatic coastal town of Vrsar.
The third stage takes in the south of Istria. The tour starts in Rovinj on the west coast of the Gulf of Trieste and ends in Rabac on the east side of the Kvarner

Istria in Croatia is located on the northeastern part of the Adriatic Sea. Istria is proud of its miles of coastline full of dazzling beaches and its green inland full of forests and vineyards. During a stay in Istria, you will also find numerous villages and towns that breathe culture and history. The beauty and diversity of the region make Istria a popular holiday destination. For sun worshippers, for culture lovers, but also for those who love adventurous, but also exciting roads.

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3 Routes
514.17 km
24h 2m
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