Holidays in Pomer: The Fishing Village on Istria's Southern Tip

Pomer is one of those places you could almost miss on the map – and that is exactly what makes it so charming. The former fishing village lies on the southern tip of Istria, in the western part of Medulin bay, and belongs to the municipality of Medulin. Around 250 people live here. Instead of hotel blocks, you will find a small marina, pebble coves beneath pine trees, a few konobas and plenty of peace and quiet. At the same time, you are only a short trip from Pula, the sandy beach at Medulin or the Cape Kamenjak nature reserve. In this guide you will find out what makes Pomer special and how best to plan your holiday here.

Pomer at a glance

Pomer lies between Medulin to the east and Banjole to the west. According to the Kroati.de travel guide, it is about 5 km to Medulin, about 7 km to Premantura, about 8.5 km to the bus station in Pula and around 12 km to Pula Airport. From Munich, expect a drive of a good 600 km and about 6.5 to 7 hours.

The village wraps around a sheltered bay. Opposite lies the Premantura peninsula, which runs south into Cape Kamenjak. Thanks to its sheltered position, the water in the bay is usually calm – ideal for families, stand-up paddlers and anyone who simply wants to swim in peace.

A little history

For a long time, Pomer was a village of fishermen and farmers. The parish church of the Visitation of Mary was rebuilt around 1632 and houses works of art from the 16th century. There are also traces of Roman summer villas in the area – the southern tip of Istria was already a popular retreat in antiquity, just a few kilometres from Roman Pula.

Beaches in Pomer

Pomer beach starts below the marina and runs around the small peninsula, alongside the campsite. The coast is a mix of rocks, pebble coves and concrete sunbathing areas. Getting into the water is easy in many places, and pine trees provide shade.

A little further on is Scuza bay (also spelt Šćuza). It has round pebbles and slopes gently into the sea – a good tip for children. Around the beaches you can hire sunloungers, parasols, pedalos and kayaks in season.

Tip: pack water shoes. As almost everywhere in Istria, the beaches are stony, and getting into the water from the rock slabs is much more comfortable with shoes on.

You will find a detailed overview of all the swimming spots in the area in our guide to beaches in Pomer and Medulin.

Šetnica na moru: the walkway over the sea

One of Pomer’s loveliest features is the Šetnica na moru, a narrow footbridge around 300 metres long. It crosses Ribnjak bay and connects Pomer with the opposite shore on the Premantura side. There is nothing but water to your left and right – a very special feeling, especially early in the morning or at sunset.

The walkway is narrow, and the railing is just a rope. If someone comes the other way, you have to step aside briefly. So keep a close eye on small children. For walkers and hikers it is a handy shortcut towards Premantura and on to Cape Kamenjak.

Things to do around Pomer

Water sports

Pomer bay is popular with windsurfers; there is a windsurfing centre at the campsite with equipment hire and lessons. Diving, kitesurfing, wakeboarding and kayaking are also on offer in the area. You can read about what is suitable for beginners and where to hire boards and kayaks in our guide to SUP, kayaking and diving in Medulin.

Marina and boats

ACI Marina Pomer offers well-sheltered berths – around 250 in the water and about 50 on land. Even if you do not have your own boat, an evening stroll along the jetties is worthwhile.

Cycling and hiking

Pomer lies right in the middle of the Medulin Riviera cycle network. The Orchid Route, for example, runs from Medulin across the Vižula peninsula to Pomer. We introduce routes for every level in our guide to cycling and hiking around Medulin.

Eating out in Pomer

For a small village, the choice is surprisingly good. Right in Pomer you will find, for example, Konoba Istriana with Istrian cuisine and a veranda, Sopravento restaurant with seafood, and the fish restaurant Scuza. Just a few kilometres away in neighbouring Banjole is the renowned Konoba Batelina, which is listed in the Michelin Guide. Opening hours change with the season – a quick call beforehand is worthwhile.

You will find more recommendations, including for Medulin, Premantura and Pula, in our guide to konobas and restaurants between Medulin and Pula.

The best excursions from Pomer

The big advantage of Pomer: the highlights of southern Istria are practically on your doorstep.

• Cape Kamenjak: the nature reserve on the southern tip of Istria, with dozens of swimming coves, cliffs and the Safari Bar. Everything about entry, parking and the most beautiful coves is in our guide to Cape Kamenjak.
• Pula: the Roman amphitheatre is one of the best preserved in the world. You will find tips on opening hours and tickets in our guide to the Pula Arena.
• Brijuni National Park: by boat from Fažana in around 15 minutes to the islands with their safari park and Roman ruins – more in our guide to Brijuni National Park.
• Rovinj and the hinterland: for a day trip to the Venetian old town or to the truffle forests near Motovun.

When is the best time for Pomer?

Many consider June and September ideal: the sea is warm enough for swimming, but the beaches are much emptier than in July and August. In spring and autumn the area is wonderful for cycling and hiking, when it is not so hot. In high summer Pomer is busier, but compared with the big resorts it stays relaxed.

Practical tips for your holiday in Pomer

• Car: a car is handy for excursions. Pomer is, however, also connected to the public bus network.
• Shopping: you will find larger supermarkets in Medulin and Pula.
• Water shoes and snorkel: the clear water along the rocky shores is perfect for snorkelling.
• Set off early: if you want to go to Cape Kamenjak or Pula in summer, it is best to leave in the morning before it gets crowded and hot.

From Little Dream

If you stay at Little Dream in Pomer, the village beaches, the marina and the Šetnica na moru walkway are right in your neighbourhood – the village is small and easy to explore on foot. For everything else, you are quickly on your way: Medulin is about 5 km away, Premantura about 7 km (the entrance to Cape Kamenjak is just beyond it), and the bus station in Pula around 8.5 km. We explain how best to get here – by car from Germany or by plane to Pula – in our guide to getting to Pula and Pomer.

Fancy peaceful days in a fishing village on Istria’s southern tip? Send an enquiry for Little Dream and plan your holiday in Pomer.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the nicest place in Medulin?

It depends on what you are looking for. Families love the long sandy Bijeca beach in Medulin town, while those seeking peace prefer smaller villages such as Pomer on the western edge of Medulin bay. For wild nature, head to Cape Kamenjak at the southern tip.

Is Medulin expensive?

Compared with well-known places such as Rovinj, the Medulin Riviera is considered fairly moderate. In the main season of July and August, prices for accommodation, parking and restaurants rise noticeably; in the shoulder seasons it is considerably cheaper.

Is Medulin a nice town?

Medulin is a lively seaside resort with a promenade, a sandy beach and lots of restaurants. If you prefer things quieter, you might like to stay in one of the neighbouring villages such as Pomer and still be in the centre within a few minutes.

What is the most beautiful place in Istria?

Many would say Rovinj with its Venetian old town, others the hill towns of Motovun and Grožnjan inland. In the south, the area around Pomer and Premantura stands out with its natural coves and the Cape Kamenjak nature reserve.