Istria: The best hiking trails for your holidays!
The Croatian county of Istria is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe and enchants you with a landscape diversity like few other regions. The mild Mediterranean climate makes Istria a true hiking paradise all year round. Discover the vineyards, coastal landscapes, and historic towns together with your four-legged friend.
Table of contents
Istria - 8 special hiking trails
By Brgudac through the Učka Nature Park
You can reach the crystal-clear bubbling Korita spring from the village of Brgudac via rocky mountain paths and cool forest trails. At the beginning of the hiking route, tall beech, oak, and fir trees provide pleasant shade. From the forest slope, you step onto open, sunny alpine meadows. After a short time, the rugged Brajkovi rock rises before you. Upon arriving at the Korita spring, the tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking mountain view invite you to take a break. Pure spring water pours over the steep stone wall, flowing down through ten wooden troughs into a sparkling pond. Information boards provide insights into the diverse animal and plant life of the region.
Route of the Seven Waterfalls
As the name suggests, the hike passes by seven waterfalls. The starting point of the route is the town of Buzet. Most of the trail runs along the banks of the Mirna River and leads through deep gorges, dense forests, and tiny villages. The highlight of the route is the "Vela peć." With its height of 26.5 meters, it offers a breathtaking spectacle. The path continues past an old quarry and abandoned coal mines. The seventh and thus final waterfall is the Grjak, with a height of 8.2 meters. The hike takes about 3 hours.
Lungomare Promenade
The Lungomare promenade is also known as the Franz Joseph I Promenade. This is because it was built during the emperor's reign. In its current length from Volosko to Lovran, it has existed since 1911. During the tour, you breathe in the spicy sea air. Always with the sea in view, you walk along the Lungomare without having to overcome major inclines at the charming Opatija Riviera. Along the way, you pass by opulent turn-of-the-century villas. The scent of laurel and other Mediterranean plants accompanies you. In the coastal towns, many restaurants invite you to stop in.
Circular hike through the Skarline Nature Park
Surrounded by gentle hills with blooming orchards and lush wine terraces, the Skarline Nature Park is located not far from the Istrian coast. The entrance to the gorge of the same name is about 2 kilometers from the charming town of Brtonigla. There, you enter a shady forest and water landscape with moss-covered trees and rocks. A babbling brook winds through the natural idyll and accompanies you on narrow, rocky forest paths. Over a steep slope secured with wire ropes, you reach a small waterfall. At the end of the adventurous gorge hike through the Skarline Nature Park, a picnic area invites you to take a break by two lakes.
From the Grdoselski stream to the Malenica waterfalls
Various hiking trails lead through the forested region around the Grdoselski potok. The small village of Grdoselo is a popular starting point for tours. An appealing hike leads along the stream to the Malenica waterfalls. There is the perfect spot for a break with a view of the spectacular natural scenery. The circular route along the stream to the Malenica waterfalls and back on parallel paths to the starting point measures just under 7 kilometers. The dry spring is particularly suitable for hiking tours on the natural paths. The forest landscape along the Grdoselski potok is also a real tip for bird watching.
Trail 141 St. Stipan
The starting point of this 10.6-kilometer circular hike is in Šišan. From there, you first go through a dense forest before walking along the coast in the second half of the path. The entire route leads through the magnificent landscape of Istria and offers views of both the landscape and the sea. The route is ideal for bird watching and partly goes through untouched natural landscapes. It is rated as easy and is suitable for families with children and dogs. You should plan about 2.5 hours for the route. The circular path is accessible all year round.
Sentona Goddess Trail
After a sightseeing tour of the historic center of Labin, you head through Aleka Velikana into a pine forest. Soon you reach the Labin Tourist Board, where the hiking trail officially starts. The scent of laurel and pine accompanies you. You cross small streams on seven bridges, and even a waterfall is along the way. It is worth leaving the hiking trail for a detour to the former St. Hadrian Church, which is only recognizable as a ruin. You eventually reach another waterfall that pours into a turquoise catch basin. Soon you arrive in the pearl of the Kvarner Bay, as the town of Rabac is called.
Orchid Path in Donij Kamenjak
The tour starts at the parking lot in Premantura and takes about two and a half hours. Right at the beginning of the tour, a highlight awaits you with the Dinosaur Park: life-sized statues give an idea of how impressive the prehistoric animals were. With a bit of luck, you might discover orchids along the way, which thrive well in the mild climate. At the southernmost point of the tour, the Safari Bar invites you to stop by. The brave dare to jump from the breathtaking cliffs into the sea. The return journey goes along the eastern coast, where the view of the offshore islands is unique. The imposing bell tower of Premantura points the way back.
