Hiking in the Heart of Istria

Arrival to the famous town of Motovun which is located on top of a mountain in the heart of Istria. Check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day in the town filled with beautiful cobblestone streets, gardens and green surroundings.

Accommodation in Motovun

The Kalidir valley located at the foot of Motovun is locally best known for its fruit cultivation. Today's hike takes you through fruit orchards with apple, peach, plum and cherry trees. Along the way you pass several shrines and walk through small remote villages. At the top of a hill you have a fine view over Mount Ucka and the sea on the other side. What could be better than finding a nice picnic spot among olive trees? Perhaps you'll even get company from a bee-eater or a woodpecker. The hike ends with a steep climb that leads you back to the hotel in Motovun.

Accommodation in Motovun

From Motovun the hike goes down through the Kadir valley which then takes you with a climb on winding small forest paths, past small villages and along green landscapes with many wild flowers. Get magical views over the Mrna river, hear church bells ringing in the valley and see Sovinjak in the distance before you continue on the stone road that in medieval times was used by both merchants and travelers to finally reach today's destination, Sovinjak.

Accommodation in Sovinjak

Today's hike takes you to the ancient thermal bath in Istarske Toplice. Why not take the opportunity to take off your hiking shoes for a while and take a relaxing hot bath or have something good to drink in the cozy atmosphere? The warm thermal bath water contains many healing minerals, including sulfur which has been used since ancient times by the local population. When you're ready, the hike continues up the narrow path on the impressive 85-meter high cliff behind the bath. Enjoy beautiful views over the surroundings before you continue on small paths and through villages back to Sovinjak.

Accommodation in Sovinjak

From quiet paved country road to remote areas where asphalt is just a memory makes today's hike fantastic. Today's first 3 kilometers take you to Sveti Donat and then continue to Kozari where you can stop at a local Konoba before the hike continues towards the forest. The path in the forest is well-marked and leads you on a steep downhill past a small picturesque village before you reach today's destination Hum. Hum is officially the world's smallest town and has both city walls, church and cemetery.

Accommodation in Hum

Mount Vojak which is Istria's highest point rises 1401 m above the eastern coast into Ucka National Park. This is a paradise for many protected plants. You start the morning with a transfer to the foot of Mt Vojak from where a well-marked trail takes you up through forest to the top of the mountain. From here you have magnificent views over the coastline and the mountainous interior. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Marmolada peak in the Dolomites. Back at the starting point you are met by a taxi that drives you to your hotel in Opatija.

An alternative for the day is to after the hike to the top of Mt Vojak hike from Poklon all the way down to Opatija. This involves over 1000 m of descent so make sure to be prepared for this. The long descent to the Adriatic Sea varies with nature and paths from sometimes narrow, steep paths in beech forest to passages past buildings. Along the trail you will get beautiful views over the sea and when you reach sea level you continue on the coastal path that takes you past magical small bays before you arrive in Opatija. The extension is 7 km long, + 532 m / -538 m. 

Accommodation in Opatija

The trip ends after breakfast. If you want to book extra nights in Opatija that's fine. It's also possible to book taxi transfer to Pula airport.