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Kamenjak Nature Park
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Kamenjak Nature park is located only few kilometers from tourist resorts of south Istria, on the most southern tip of Istrian peninsula. Kamenjak is long, narrow peninsula, about 9 km long, and 1.5 kkm wide with 30 kilometers long coastline.
It is one of the last oases of the coastal region that has preserved its original appearance - a mosaic of cultivated fields, pastures and green groves immersed in the deep blue sea. Resembling at first glance scorched land of thesouthernmost tip of Istria, Kamenjak conceals great secrets of nature.
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Lovely coves and beaches, as well as crystal-clear sea make this area a particularly attractive destination. Althoughcamping is not allowed in this area, there are various other opportunities for visitors to enjoy the beauties of Kamenjak. One of the marked Istrian bike tracks passes here, and since it is not demanding, everyone can enjoy the easy ride and magnificent views. Or one can also spend the entire day walking and discovering the beauties of Kamenjak. |
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This protruding peninsula offers numerous possibilities for summer sports. Due to the extremely strong sea currents that meet here, diving is allowed only for professionals, but always accompanied by experienced and certified divers. Favourable winds offer great possibilities for windsurfing, however one should be careful and first check the weather forecast, because sudden changes of weather conditions, wind and sea currents on the southernmost tip of Istria are nothing unusual at any time of the year.
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| Because of its location this area has much more pronounced features of Mediterranean climate than the surrounding area. Naturally, this is reflected in its vegetation. The latest research speaks of the unique plant life in this area. Nearly 500 plant species on such a small territory are proof of its biological diversity. Owing to the endemic plants and very specific habitat of certain bird species, Kamenjak was proclaimed a protected landscape in 1996 and part of it is about to be proclaimed a botanical reserve. |
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This very specific and valuable landscape of Kamenjak is a result of the combination of meadows, bushes and macchia. On the meadows of Kamenjak one finds numerous species of orchids, among which is the endemic Istrian serapias (Serapias istriaca). The coastal belt is the only habitat of several rare plant species in Croatia.
*Substantial parts of this text originated from www.istra.hr |
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