Camping Ulika – Istria, Croatia

Ulika camping was the only Naturist site that we had not visited in mainland Croatia. There are still two on the islands that are on our list but they are quite a distance from us and logistically difficult for a short trip so they will have to wait a while longer, say BN members Ryan and Leela

Camping Ulika is run by Istra Camping and lies 8 km north of Porec on the Istrian coast. The camp is well laid out and well taken care of with nice and spacious marked pitches as well as a free-for-all area and a lovely mobile home area with its own small swimming pool. There are four restaurants, a supermarket, shops – including a good bakery and a hairdresser – to take care of all your basic needs, as well as plenty of old, but clean, sanitary blocks dotted around the site.

The camp gives off a very peaceful atmosphere but we stayed on a somewhat cool Easter weekend only a couple of days after opening so there was hardly anyone there and not all the facilities were open. We are sure there is a much different feel to the place in high season when it’s completely full.

After an easy check-in we found a wonderful pitch on this vast site overlooking the ocean, using the map given to us by the receptionist. And with the weather much better than forecast we were able to enjoy the sun for most of the day and take a short run before enjoying the afternoon and evening views from our pitch.

We woke early to blue skies and slightly less wind on Saturday and after an early morning run exploring the lovely nearby peninsula north of the site, and an equally lovely breakfast, we took a long walk around the whole camp to get a good feel for the place.

The sports facilities looked good but the €5 fee for a rather poor mini-golf – and the same price for the use of the table tennis tables – seemed excessive. The swimming pool looked great, but we felt a charge of €10 for a sun lounger for the day was an unnecessary expense. A positive was that the well-stocked supermarket prices were not too high and it was a bonus that we didn’t have to dress to shop there which can be an issue at some Naturist campsites.

On Sunday we took our bikes out for a great ride along the coastline paths to the Mirna Canal and back. In the little coastline villages and marinas we passed through, there were many options to stop for lunch or a beer along the way. The tracks were a little wet in places after the recent rains but mostly perfect for a good mountain bike and very scenic with ocean and countryside views.

Monday was spent around the van, walking around the camp, and just enjoying the warm spring weather. Something we have dearly missed over the winter months in Austria where we live.

Camping Ulika was definitely a place that we enjoyed and would re-visit. The camp out of season was relaxed and the facilities, although basic, were clean and working well. We enjoyed the openness of the camp and not having to dress or cover up to go in the bars during the day or the supermarket and reception. There are many running and cycling trails available nearby and enough space to find some peace. We did not like the extra charges for basic things that should be included in the already rather high price.

Now that nearby FKK Koversada has introduced mostly textile camping and taken thousands of Naturist pitches away, this is a place that will for sure only get more popular in the next years.

Happy Naturist travels!

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