The islets of Medulin bay

Why it is worth your time

The islets of the Medulin bay, Ceja, Bodulas, Levan and Fenera, form an archipelago in miniature that shields the bay from the open sea and gives visitors the best reason to take a boat: all four are uninhabited or nearly so, with shores of smooth stone, shallow coves and pines, and the largest, Ceja, also has a restaurant that works through the season. To the nearest islet the ride from the Medulin marina takes some fifteen minutes, and taxi boats run all day on a schedule; it is also possible to rent a smaller boat without a skipper's licence and tour them yourself.

The sea around the islets is shallow, warm and exceptionally clear, with a sandy bottom in several places, so this is a favourite address of families and of those who swim with a mask. Bring water and food, because apart from Ceja there is no catering. For a day that looks like a postcard yet lies a quarter of an hour from the beach, this is the best outing in southern Istria.