Zub Lighthouse

Zub Lighthouse stands on the Lanterna peninsula right next to Vabriga, on Istria's western coast in Croatia. Built in 1872, the stone tower sits just ten metres from the waterline, wrapped in dense Mediterranean greenery with the Adriatic stretching out in front of it. It's one of those Istrian landmarks where maritime history and modern tourism overlap — the light still operates, but the old keeper's quarters have been converted into holiday accommodation.

Where exactly is the lighthouse?

The Lanterna peninsula sits almost exactly halfway between Poreč and Novigrad, roughly 13 kilometres from each. Two bays flank the cape — Tarska on one side, Lunga on the other — both lined with shallow, pebbly beaches that work well for families with young children. Vabriga itself is a small settlement within the Tar-Vabriga municipality, one of Croatia's better-known camping destinations.

How do you get there?

The site is reachable by any means of transport — car, bicycle, or on foot along the coastal path. The drive from either Poreč or Novigrad takes only a few minutes. In high season it's worth parking near the main road connecting the two towns and walking the last stretch to the cape on foot; the path cuts through a campground and a small pine grove before the lighthouse comes into view.

What will you see there?

The tower itself is 7 metres tall, with the light positioned at a focal height of 11 metres above sea level — modest dimensions typical of a small coastal marker built to guide boats safely into the bays rather than to project a signal far out to sea. The stone structure has kept its 19th-century character even though the light now runs fully automated, with no resident keeper. Inside, a single six-bed suite has been fitted out for guests, making this one of the rare places where you can actually spend the night inside a working lighthouse. Around it, thick Mediterranean vegetation reaches almost to the shore, and the coastline on both sides invites a walk or a swim.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring and early autumn bring quieter beaches while the sea is still warm enough for swimming. July and August are the busiest months regionally, since the nearby campsites in Tar-Vabriga rank among Istria's most popular. If you want the cape to yourself, aim for early morning or sunset, when the light hits the stone walls and the water in a way that's hard to match at midday.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Zub Lighthouse as a tourist attraction? The lighthouse mainly functions as accommodation with one suite rather than a museum or a paid viewpoint, but the surrounding cape and beaches are freely accessible to anyone passing through.

How old is the lighthouse? It dates back to 1872, making it one of the older lighthouses along Istria's western coastline.

How far is it from the nearest towns? Both Poreč and Novigrad are about 13 kilometres away, which makes the lighthouse a convenient stop between the two.

Can you actually stay overnight there? Yes — the building includes one six-bed holiday suite, though the navigational light itself remains fully automated and runs independently of any guests staying inside.