Meli II Beach, Croatia
Beach character
The beach's defining feature is its crescent shape, formed by a natural rock formation that shelters the shore. Beige sand covers most of the beach, with the seabed composed of similarly grainy sand. Depth increases gradually from the shore, making it suitable for swimmers of all abilities. Reviews note the presence of sea urchins and shells near the water's edge, indicating a relatively undisturbed marine ecosystem.Swimming and shore
The shallow, sandy seabed extends for several meters before deepening gradually. Visitors frequently mention encountering sea urchins and shells in the shallows, which some describe as a sign of the area's ecological purity. However, one review specifically notes plastic debris along the shoreline, suggesting environmental concerns that warrant attention.Facilities and activities
No formal amenities are present at Meli II Beach. The primary activity is hiking, requiring a 30-minute trek over fields and rough terrain from the nearest road. Reviewers recommend wearing sneakers or rock shoes for the journey. The beach's isolation means it remains largely untouched by commercial infrastructure.Access and location
Located in Belej, a small coastal village in Croatia's Primorje-Gorski Kotar region, the beach is accessible only via a footpath from nearby roads. Its remote location contributes to its tranquil atmosphere but also limits vehicular access. The surrounding area includes rural landscapes and coastal trails typical of the region.What visitors say
Reviewers consistently praise the beach's natural beauty, with one calling it 'a natural swimming pool' and another describing 'splendidly colored sea' visible from the shore. The presence of sea urchins and shells is frequently mentioned as a positive indicator of the area's ecological health. However, multiple visitors note the prevalence of plastic debris on the beach, which contrasts with the otherwise pristine environment. The 30-minute walk to the beach is generally described as a simple but necessary journey, with reviewers recommending sturdy footwear.Practical tips
Bring sturdy footwear for the 30-minute walk to the beach. Consider carrying a trash bag to help mitigate the plastic debris issue noted by visitors. The beach's isolation means no lifeguards or amenities are present.Exploring the coast by yacht
For sailors exploring the northern Adriatic, Meli II Beach lies near the sailing routes connecting the Istrian Peninsula with the Kvarner Gulf. While the beach itself is not a formal anchorage, the surrounding waters are part of a broader sailing area that includes marinas in nearby towns such as Rijeka and Opatija. Yacht charter guests may find the region's coastal trails and natural beaches appealing for day trips.Environmental Considerations
While the beach's marine life reflects a relatively healthy ecosystem, the presence of plastic debris reported by visitors highlights ongoing environmental challenges. Local conservation efforts may be limited given the beach's remote location.Anchorages in the surrounding area
Anchorages in the Cres area, including Belej and Ustrine, offer nearby mooring options for boats.
- Anchorage β cres β 0.2 NM from beach
- Anchorage β belej β cres β 3.0 NM from beach
- Anchorage β ustrine β cres β 3.1 NM from beach
- Anchorage β ustrine β cres β 3.3 NM from beach
- Anchorage β ustrine β cres β 3.5 NM from beach
- Balalta β osor β cres β 3.6 NM from beach
- Anchorage β cres β 3.9 NM from beach
- Anchorage β osor β cres β 4.5 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Mooring buoys in the surrounding area
- Jetty β cres β 0.0 NM from beach
- Jetty β osor β cres β 4.2 NM from beach
- Buoy field β osor β cres β 4.3 NM from beach
- Osor β cres β 4.3 NM from beach
- Buoy field β punta kriza β cres β 6.6 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Marine fuel stations
- Tifon β nerezine β losinj β 5.0 NM from beach
- Adria Oil β mali losinj β 11.6 NM from beach
- Ina β mali losinj β 12.3 NM from beach
- Ina β rab β 12.5 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Harbours in the surrounding area
- Nerezine β losinj β 5.6 NM from beach
- Ul β punta kriza β cres β 6.1 NM from beach
- MartinΕ‘Δica β martinscica β cres β 7.0 NM from beach
- Za Osirom β cunski β losinj β 9.3 NM from beach
- Veli Ε½al β suha punta β rab β 10.8 NM from beach
- Valun harbour β cres β 11.0 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Marinas in the surrounding area
- Marina Nerezine β losinj β 5.7 NM from beach
- ACI Marina Supetarska Draga β rab β 11.5 NM from beach
- Marina LoΕ‘inj β mali losinj β 11.7 NM from beach
- Y/C Marina Mali LoΕ‘inj β mali losinj β 11.7 NM from beach
- ACI Marina Rab β 12.5 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Restaurants near the beach
Restaurants in Belej and Osor, like Pod Beli and Livio, provide dining options near Meli II beach.
- Pod Beli β belej β cres β 3.0 NM from beach
- Livio β osor β cres β 4.2 NM from beach
- Osor β cres β 4.2 NM from beach
- Orfey β osor β cres β 4.3 NM from beach
- Nonina kuhinja β osor β cres β 4.3 NM from beach
- Bonifacic β osor β cres β 4.3 NM from beach
- Restaurant Adria β osor β cres β 4.3 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Navigation guides for the surrounding area
Navigation guides for areas like Ustrinska Luka and Osor assist with route planning around the beach.
- Ustrinska Luka β 3.6 NM from beach
- Osor β 4.2 NM from beach
- Nerezine β 5.5 NM from beach
- Uvala Majiska/Uvala Kolorat β 5.6 NM from beach
- Luka Studendc (Luka Sv. Jakov) β 6.0 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Yachts from nearby departure bases
Sailing yachts
- Elan 35 Impression (Essi) β Mali LoΕ‘inj β 11.7 NM from departure base to beach
- Elan 40 Impression (Laali) β Mali LoΕ‘inj β 11.7 NM from departure base to beach
- Bavaria 37 Cruiser (Alani) β Mali LoΕ‘inj β 11.7 NM from departure base to beach
- Sun Odyssey 32i (Cikat) β Mali LoΕ‘inj β 11.7 NM from departure base to beach
- Sunsail 38 (Islanders) β Mali LoΕ‘inj β 11.7 NM from departure base to beach
Motor boats
- Merry Fisher 895 (Zablace) β Mali LoΕ‘inj β 11.7 NM from departure base to beach
- Barracuda 530 RIB (Hvar) β Mali LoΕ‘inj β 11.7 NM from departure base to beach
- Galeon Galia 630 (287670ML) β Mali LoΕ‘inj β 11.7 NM from departure base to beach
- Antares 36 (JOIA) β Mali LoΕ‘inj β 11.7 NM from departure base to beach
- Invictus 200FX (1255ML) β Mali LoΕ‘inj β 11.7 NM from departure base to beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Frequently asked questions
Is there parking available near Meli II Beach?
No parking is available at the beach itself. Visitors must walk from nearby roads, as no vehicular access is present.Are there any facilities at the beach?
The beach has no formal amenities, including restrooms, showers, or food services.Nearby beaches
Reviews
Beautiful beach, a natural swimming pool, where you can spend a day in total relaxation.
Beautiful sandy beach with nice viewπ
A natural pool! WONDERFUL! Seabed full of sea urchins and shells, a sign of uncontaminated sea. It is the only sandy beach on the island and to reach it you walk along a path through fields for about 30 minutes, the path is quite simple compared to the target of the area. I recommend sneakers and rock shoes
A nice route on foot or by bike to reach it and then... in front of you the splendidly colored sea, lots of sea urchins, sand once you enter the water, the only negative element is lots of plastic debris on the beach brought by the sea. davide redaelli
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