Nestled on Croatia’s stunning Istrian peninsula, Medulin beaches are honestly something of a revelation – especially if you’re used to the overcrowded tourist traps that plague other Mediterranean destinations.

Medulin beaches range from bustling family spots with all the amenities you could ask for to hidden coves where you might not see another soul all day. The water is so crystal clear that I can’t even begin to describe it. Sometimes the water is so still and clear it feels like you’re suspended in air rather than water.

The Most Popular Medulin Beaches Worth Visiting

Let’s have a look at the most popular Medulin Beaches that would be worth visiting.

Bijeca Beach – Medulin’s Crown Jewel

Ask anyone – locals or regular visitors – about Medulin beaches, and Bijeca will almost certainly be the first name that tumbles out..

What makes Bijeca special? For starters, it’s SANDY. Anyone who’s spent time along Croatia’s coast knows this is something of a miracle – most Croatian beaches are pebbly affairs that have you doing the hot-stone-hop dance to reach the water. But Bijeca’s fine golden sand stretches nearly a kilometer along the bay.

The water here is ridiculously shallow too. Bijeca isn’t just about the natural perks though. The place is loaded with conveniences: spotlessly maintained bathrooms, changing cabins that don’t make you feel like you’re in a horror movie, and enough cafes that you’ll never wait more than five minutes for a cold drink. 

They’ve got sunbeds for rent if lugging beach gear isn’t your thing, and the inflatable water playground.

In the evenings, the walkway behind the beach transforms completely. Street musicians set up shop, local artists hawk paintings capturing the day’s sunset, and the smell of fresh ice cream mixes with salt air. 

If you’re into cultural stuff beyond beaches, there are some fantastic cultural excursions in the area worth checking out.

Pješčana Uvala (Sandy Bay)

Don’t let the name fool you – Pješčana Uvala isn’t actually that sandy. 

This crescent-shaped bay is mostly pebbly with some concrete platforms where sunbathers stretch out like lizards. What it lacks in sand, it makes up for with some of the clearest water I’ve seen around Medulin beaches. The bay’s horseshoe shape shields it from rougher seas, making swimming here pleasant even when other spots are getting hammered by waves.

I discovered this place tends to attract a slightly older crowd – fewer screaming kids and more people peacefully reading books under umbrellas. 

The pine forest that backs the beach is a lifesaver during July and August when temperatures soar into the high 30s (Celsius). Some afternoons I’d retreat to the natural air conditioning of the pine shade, napping to the sound of wind in the branches. There’s also a network of paths through these pines – perfect for a sunset stroll.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent kayaks right on the beach. Those looking to explore more of the coastline should check out the boat excursions to nearby islands.

Cape Kamenjak Beaches

I’ve saved my personal favorite for last. Technically, Cape Kamenjak sits on the Premantura peninsula just west of Medulin proper, but skipping these beaches would be criminal. 

This protected nature park feels like stepping into another world. The landscape is wild and untamed – scrubby Mediterranean vegetation clinging to rugged cliffs that plunge into water so turquoise it looks Photoshopped. But it’s 100% real. The cape has dozens of small coves and beaches, most without names, just local references like “the one with the fallen tree” or “where the flat rocks are.”

The famous Safari Bar is worth a mention too. Built entirely from driftwood, branches, and other natural materials, it blends into the landscape as it grew there naturally. It’s the perfect place to rehydrate after a day of exploring, though be prepared to pay tourist prices for the privilege.

Beach Name	What It’s Really Like	Who You’ll See There	My Take
Bijeca	Golden sand, super shallow water	Families with kids of all ages, ice cream everywhere	Perfect for easy days when you just want to relax without thinking
Pješčana Uvala	Pebbly with concrete sun spots	Book readers, couples, morning swimmers	My go-to for peaceful mornings and afternoon shade
Cape Kamenjak	Wild, rocky coves with Caribbean-blue water	Nature lovers, adventurous types, locals escaping tourists	My favorite – worth the extra effort to get there
Lighthouse Beach	Remote pebble beach with big views	Hardly anyone – maybe a few hikers	Bring EVERYTHING you need – but the solitude is magic
Školjić	Local hangout with smooth pebbles	Medulin residents, very few tourists	Great for authentic experience and shell collecting

Family-Friendly Medulin Beaches

Now, let’s take a look at some family-friendly beaches in Medulin.

Why Medulin Beaches Are Perfect for Families

The gentle slope into the sea is perfect for small children or those who don’t know how to swim the best yet. At beaches like Bijeca, the water remains shallow for what feels like forever. 

Something else I noticed is that there’s this incredible sense of community among families. Kids would make friends across language barriers within minutes, organizing impromptu volleyball games or sandcastle competitions. Parents would watch out for each other’s children.

The local authorities clearly understand their audience too. During peak season, the main Medulin beaches have dedicated play zones with supervised water inflatables and slides. The lifeguards are vigilant but friendly.

If your family gets beach-fatigued (though honestly, with the variety of Medulin beaches, that’s hard to imagine), there are tons of family-friendly excursions just a short distance away. 

Best Facilities for Families

I’ve been to beaches worldwide where “facilities” meant a single grimy portable toilet and an overpriced drinks stand. Medulin beaches are in another league entirely.

Take the shower and changing facilities at Bijeca, for instance. They’re actually clean. Like, genuinely clean, even at 4 PM when they’ve seen hundreds of sandy feet tromp through. The changing cabins are spacious enough that you’re not performing contortionist moves trying to get kids into dry clothes.

Food options abound too. These places understand that not every kid wants exotic local cuisine, though – plenty of familiar options fill the kids’ menus. What impressed me most was how many restaurants had small play areas where children could burn off energy while parents lingered over coffee or a glass of local Malvazija wine.

Another detail I appreciated is that most beaches have a mix of rental umbrellas and natural shade. When midday temperatures soar, having options to get out of the direct sun is crucial for families.

One last thing parents will appreciate – the gentle entry into the water. No sudden drop-offs or treacherous underwater rocks to navigate. At many Medulin beaches, you can see straight to the bottom, so there are no nasty surprises underfoot for little explorers.

Hidden Gems: Secluded Medulin Beaches

Don’t get me wrong – Bijeca is fantastic, but sometimes you want to escape the ice cream vendors and inflatable unicorns, you know?

That’s when I discovered that some of the best Medulin beaches are the ones you have to work a little harder to reach. The payoff? Having a slice of paradise practically to yourself.

Lighthouse Beach

The lighthouse itself is nothing spectacular – a simple white tower – but it gives the beach its unofficial name (locals just call it “the small bay near the light”). What makes this spot special is the absolute tranquility. 

The only sounds are waves gently rolling pebbles and the occasional seagull. 

Fair warning: bring EVERYTHING you need. There’s not a bathroom, café, or rental umbrella for miles. I made the rookie mistake of bringing only one water bottle and had to cut my first visit shorter than I wanted. Now I pack a small cooler with water, sandwiches, and fruit – enough to last the day. The effort and planning required is exactly what keeps this spot so pristine and uncrowded.

On clear days, the view extends all the way to some distant islands, and occasionally, if you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins playing in the deeper water. 

Školjić Beach

Školjić may lack the dramatic landscape of Cape Kamenjak or the golden sand of Bijeca, but it has an authentic charm that’s hard to find in more touristy areas. The beach itself is mainly smooth pebbles with a few concrete platforms added where the ground was uneven. The water clarity here is remarkable – perfect for snorkeling along the rocky edges where fish dart in and out of small underwater caves.

The name Školjić means “little shell” in Croatian, and it’s apt – the shoreline is dotted with beautiful shells and sea glass worn smooth by the waves. I spent one peaceful afternoon collecting perfectly symmetrical scallop shells, which now sit in a glass jar on my desk back home.

What makes Školjić special is the atmosphere. Groups of local families set up for the day with elaborate picnics, multi-generational conversations flowing in Croatian around you. Children play the same beach games their parents probably played decades earlier. There’s a small café where old men play chess in the shade, barely glancing up as waves almost reach their table during high tide.

Medulin Beaches for Water Sports Enthusiasts

I’m not exactly an adrenaline junkie, but something about the Adriatic makes me want to try new things. Over my visits to Medulin beaches, I’ve gone from someone who could barely stay upright on a paddleboard to someone who… well, I still fall off occasionally, but with much more style now.

If you’re into water sports or want to try them for the first time, Medulin is perfect. The conditions are ideal, with calm mornings giving way to reliable afternoon winds. And the crystal-clear water means you can see straight to the bottom, which is surprisingly comforting when you’re learning something new.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

There’s something almost magical about harnessing the wind to glide across the water that’s so clear you can see fish darting away beneath your board.

The phenomenon locals call “maestral” – a reliable afternoon wind that picks up almost like clockwork – creates perfect conditions for these sports.

The east side of the peninsula, particularly Indije Beach, gets consistent cross-shore winds that are ideal for intermediate windsurfers. Beginners are better off at Pomer Bay, where the more sheltered conditions make learning less intimidating. 

Equipment rental is easy to find, with prices ranging from about €20 for a single hour to €100 for a full day, depending on what you’re after.

Paddleboarding and Kayaking

Early mornings on Medulin beaches are magical. The water often looks like glass – perfectly still and clear enough to count pebbles 20 feet down. This is prime time for paddleboarding and kayaking, before the afternoon wind picks up and most tourists have even had their first coffee. Kayaking offers a slightly more stable experience and lets you explore further.

Many rental places offer guided tours, which I’d highly recommend at least once. The local guides know all the best spots – hidden caves, underwater ruins, and secret beaches. 

If you’re into more active exploration, check out the adventure excursions offered in the area. You can do all sorts of tours, some that include cliff jumping, snorkeling, and cave exploration by kayak – it will give you a whole new perspective on the coastline.