San Marino Islet is the small rocky landmark that appears in many views of Novi Vinodolski. It sits just off the town’s eastern shore, with a tiny church at its centre and the mountains of the Vinodol hinterland rising behind it. From the beach, it looks close enough to touch. From above, our drone photographs reveal a separate little world of stone, paths, clear water and open sea.
The official San Marino guide places the islet about 205 metres from the coast, but visiting the islet still requires a water crossing. There is no bridge or public road. Some people swim, while others use a SUP, pedal boat or small craft. The right choice depends on the weather, your experience and which seasonal services are operating.
This guide explains what is on San Marino, where to see it from shore and how to plan a visit without underestimating the sea.
Where is San Marino Islet?
The islet lies east of the main Lišanj beach area, opposite the shore between Lišanj and Lopar. It is visible from several beach and promenade sections in this part of Novi Vinodolski. The small red-roofed church makes it easy to recognise.
San Marino is not the distant country of the same name and not an island with accommodation or restaurants. It is a compact, uninhabited-looking rocky islet that functions as a historic landmark, occasional event setting and short excursion on the water.
Its closeness is part of its appeal. The islet changes character with the light: pale and sharp in the midday sun, warm against the coast in the evening, and dramatic when the Kvarner wind roughens the sea around it.
What is on the island?
The main building is the small Church of St Marin. Official heritage sources explain that the present structure was built in the 17th or 18th century on the foundations of an older building and restored in 1818. Archaeological traces point to an earlier church, while a late Roman stone inscription honouring Empress Helena was also discovered on the islet.
The church is visually simple: stone walls, a red roof and a small bell gable. Its scale suits the landscape. Rather than dominating the island, it sits low among the rocks and open grass.
San Marino also has a connection with the fishing history of Novi Vinodolski. The islet once served as a station for tuna fishing. A tunera, a traditional lookout structure connected with spotting tuna, now recalls that past.
Official tourism information also describes a path and eight benches carrying local names of winds characteristic of this coast. Those names are especially appropriate here: the island is exposed, and wind determines whether a visit feels calm or challenging.
Is it worth seeing from the shore?
Yes. You do not have to land on San Marino to appreciate it. The easiest experience is a coastal walk on the eastern side of Novi Vinodolski, combining views of the islet with Lišanj and the beaches along the Dr. Franjo Tuđman promenade.
From shore, the church forms a clean focal point against the sea. A telephoto lens or phone zoom can isolate it, while a wider frame shows the relationship between the islet, Novi Vinodolski and the mountains. Early morning usually gives quieter water and fewer boats. Evening brings warmer light, although the island’s position and the season determine the exact direction of the sun.
Our aerial images show details that are difficult to understand from the beach: the tiny landing place, the circular shape of the rocky shore, the footpaths and the surprisingly short gap between the island and town. They also show why the crossing needs attention — swimmers and small craft share the same water.
Swimming to San Marino
Official local information notes that swimmers do reach San Marino from the nearby coast. The straight-line distance of about 205 metres can sound modest to a confident swimmer. However, a return trip is at least twice that distance, and open water is different from swimming parallel to a beach.
Do not choose the swim simply because you can see the island clearly. Check:
- wind, waves and current;
- water temperature;
- boat and rental-craft traffic;
- your ability to swim the full return distance without resting on a sandy beach;
- whether you have a companion who can monitor the route;
- how you will remain visible to other water users.
Only experienced open-water swimmers should consider the crossing. Avoid going alone. Use a bright swim cap and suitable visibility equipment, stay clear of boat approaches and turn back early if conditions change. Never assume that the island has a lifeguard, drinking water or shelter.
Children and uncertain swimmers should not treat San Marino as a target to “try and see.” Enjoy the view from shore or choose a stable rented craft with the appropriate safety equipment.
Going by SUP, pedal boat or small boat
A SUP, pedal boat or small boat can make the crossing more accessible, and the official beach page lists these as common ways visitors reach the islet. Rentals are seasonal and may not be available every day, so check at the beach before building your plan around them.
Follow the operator’s instructions, wear the provided buoyancy equipment and ask where landing is permitted. The islet has a small approach, but it is not a marina with unlimited mooring space. Do not block the landing area or tie up where you may interfere with another boat.
Private operators and small excursion boats may also offer transport during the tourist season. Organised events sometimes include a dedicated transfer. That does not mean there is a regular public ferry: confirm the return arrangement, price and departure point directly with the operator.
If renting a motorboat, follow Croatian navigation rules, keep a safe distance from swimmers and never approach the rocky edge faster than conditions allow.
Landing and walking on the islet
The shoreline is rocky and the island has very little natural shade. Wear footwear that handles rough stone rather than arriving barefoot with only swimming fins. Move carefully near exposed edges and supervise children at all times.
The visit itself can be short. Walk the path, see the church exterior, look for the wind benches and take in the unusual view back towards Novi Vinodolski. From the island, the town appears much closer to the sea than it does from the road.
Do not expect a conventional attraction with an entrance desk, café, toilet or museum display. Church access may be restricted, and an event can temporarily change how the island is used. Bring water, take every item of rubbish back with you and leave the historical structures untouched.
Fishing history and local identity
San Marino is more than a photogenic rock. Its former role in tuna fishing connects it to a wider story along the Kvarner coast. Traditional tuna lookouts allowed observers to spot moving schools from an elevated position and alert the fishermen below.
The remaining or reconstructed tunera is a reminder that the clear water around the islet once supported work as well as recreation. This context helps explain why San Marino became a symbol of Novi Vinodolski: it combines the town’s maritime history, sacred heritage and modern beach culture in one compact place.
Official local material also notes that the landscape inspired artists. Its visual appeal is easy to understand. The isolated church, bright limestone and changing blue water create a scene that feels designed for a painting, even though it developed from practical coastal life.
Events and weddings
The islet is occasionally used for concerts, ceremonies and weddings. Tourism authorities promote it as a romantic setting and can coordinate specialised arrangements. A scheduled event may include boat transport, decoration or temporary facilities.
Ordinary visitors should not assume those services exist outside an organised booking. Before setting out, check the official event calendar and make sure the island is not reserved or temporarily difficult to access. If an event is in progress, enjoy the view from shore and return at another time.
Best time to visit
Calm mornings are normally the best window for a water crossing. The air is cooler, the sea is often quieter and there is less small-boat traffic than in the middle of a summer afternoon. Conditions matter more than the hour, so a windy morning can still be a poor choice.
June and September can offer warm water with fewer people, while July and August bring the widest range of rentals and excursions but also more traffic. Outside summer, do not assume that any rental or transfer operates.
The Kvarner coast is known for sudden and powerful winds, particularly the bura. Check the marine forecast, watch the actual water from shore and ask a local operator if uncertain. If whitecaps are building or the route feels exposed, postpone the crossing.
Combine San Marino with Lišanj
San Marino fits naturally into a Lišanj beach day. Start with a walk along the shore and identify the island from different viewpoints. Swim at a recognised beach section, have lunch or coffee, and only then decide whether the conditions and available equipment support a crossing.
This order removes pressure. Even if you remain on land, the island still gives the eastern waterfront its most memorable view. A visit does not need to become an athletic challenge to be worthwhile.
For a broader day, continue into the centre and old town of Novi Vinodolski. The elevated streets and church viewpoints give a different understanding of the same coastline.
Frequently asked questions
How far is San Marino from Novi Vinodolski?
Official tourism information places it about 205 metres from the eastern coast of the town.
Can anyone swim there?
No. The distance is short only for an experienced open-water swimmer in suitable conditions. The return, wind, current, water temperature and boat traffic all matter.
Is there a regular boat service?
Do not assume one. Seasonal rentals, private boats and organised event transfers may be available, but the departure point and return must be confirmed for the day.
Is there a beach on the island?
The shore is predominantly rocky. Treat San Marino as a small historic islet and water excursion, not as a serviced beach with sand, shade and facilities.
Can you enter the church?
The church is the island’s main landmark, but regular public opening hours are not guaranteed. Visit respectfully and do not promise interior access without current confirmation.
Compare the surrounding coast in our guide to the best beaches near Novi Vinodolski.
Our verdict
San Marino is one of the defining views of Novi Vinodolski. Its tiny church, fishing history and close relationship with the beach make it much more interesting than its size suggests.
See it first from the shore. If you decide to cross, choose the safest method for the actual conditions and your experience. A SUP, pedal boat or properly arranged small boat is the better option for many visitors; swimming is only for capable open-water swimmers. The island will still be there on a calmer day.
Last updated: 9 August 2026.