Among the small islands scattered around the Pula coastline, Frešker and Freškerić stand out for their wild and authentic character. Just off the Verudela peninsula, these two islands are surrounded by a beautiful stretch of sea that has become one of the favorite anchoring and swimming areas for sailors exploring the Pula archipelago. The larger of the two, Frešker, is home to sheep, goats and even rams. Away from the shoreline, the island remains remarkably wild, with dense Mediterranean vegetation and paths that feel more like a journey into nature than a visit to a tourist destination. There is something wonderfully unexpected about seeing animals roaming freely on a small island in the middle of the Adriatic. The sea between Frešker, Freškerić and the mainland is especially distinctive for its beautiful turquoise color. The nearby freshwater springs and the natural sea currents give the area a character of its own, while the shallow seabed creates a fascinating landscape that is constantly changing. Sand and gravel are moved by the sea from year to year, meaning that the shoreline can look slightly different each season – sometimes more sand gathers along the island, while at other times the seabed shifts toward the mainland or further into the channel. For sailors, this shallow channel is a favorite place to anchor, swim and enjoy the warm summer sea. The water is relatively shallow in places, making it particularly inviting for a relaxed swim and exploration around the islands. On the western side, however, the character of the sea changes dramatically. Between Frešker and Freškerić lies a shallow reef, making this passage unsuitable for sailing through. Beneath the surface, however, the reef creates an interesting underwater world and is a rewarding area for those who enjoy diving and exploring the Adriatic seabed. With a little luck, you may encounter gilthead seabream (orada) among the rocks. In the shallower waters, schools of saddled seabream (known locally as “oćade”) can often be seen moving together. They are especially entertaining around boats, as they have become accustomed to being fed and may gather eagerly at the surface. Frešker and Freškerić are a perfect example of the small discoveries that make sailing around Pula so special – wild islands, changing shores, turquoise water, curious fish and a landscape that is never quite the same from one summer to the next.