Crna Punta Lighthouse

Crna Punta Lighthouse stands on the eastern coast of Istria, a few kilometers from Koromačno, in the municipality of Raša. Built on an isolated headland just meters from the water, it has guided ships toward Rijeka and other Kvarner Gulf ports for more than 150 years.

Where exactly is the lighthouse?

Crna Punta sits on the easternmost edge of Istria, roughly 5 km from the center of Koromačno and less than 2 km from the small village of Skitača, where you'll find a shop, a post office and a few places to eat. Administratively it belongs to the Labin area (Raša municipality), perched on a rocky point facing the open sea. The setting is deliberately remote — exactly what the job of a lighthouse keeper once required.

How do you get there?

The easiest approach is by car to Koromačno or Skitača, then following the local coastal road for the final stretch, which runs through sparsely built terrain — worth planning ahead rather than relying on real-time navigation. There's no public transport running directly to the lighthouse, so your own vehicle is essentially the only practical option. Free parking is available once you arrive.

What's the history behind the building?

The lighthouse was built in 1873, at a time when Istria's coastline needed a dense network of navigational points to keep ships safe on their way toward the Kvarner Gulf. For decades it wasn't just a technical structure — it was home. Lighthouse keepers and their families lived here full-time, tending the light and maintaining the equipment. Life on such an isolated point was demanding: the nearest shops or school were several kilometers away, and contact with the outside world meant occasional trips into Koromačno or Skitača.

What will you actually see on site?

The building has kept its original two-story layout and stands only meters from the waterline, giving an unobstructed view over the open sea and the rocky shore. The surroundings remain wild and largely untouched — no crowds, no hotel strips, just the same coastline the keepers looked at a century ago. Part of the lighthouse and its outbuildings now serve as guest accommodation, which means visitors can experience the interior rather than just admiring the tower from outside.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring and early autumn offer the mildest conditions, with the coastal paths around the lighthouse comfortable to walk without the heat of midsummer. Summer days can get hot and still around midday, though the sea right by the lighthouse makes for a good swim. Winter visits can be trickier, since the open Istrian coast is exposed to strong wind and rain at that time of year.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Skitača, less than 2 km away, is the natural stop for supplies — a shop, post office and a handful of restaurants. Koromačno itself, a former mining settlement linked to bauxite extraction, adds another layer to the area's history, from industrial past to today's quiet coastal town. Pairing the lighthouse visit with a walk along the shore toward Koromačno's old cargo port rounds out the trip nicely.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Crna Punta Lighthouse? The area around the lighthouse is open to the public, while the building itself partly operates as accommodation, so access to the interior depends on availability.

How old is the lighthouse? It was built in 1873, making it one of the older navigational structures on Istria's eastern coast.

Can you walk there from Koromačno? The roughly 5 km route along local roads is walkable, but driving is faster and more comfortable, especially since the last stretch has limited signage.

Are there shops or restaurants nearby? Yes — the closest options are in Skitača, less than 2 km from the lighthouse, and in Koromačno itself.