Trails of Green Istria

Arrive in Buje, a charming hilltop town, located inland from the Adriatic coast and where you will spend your first two nights. Take some time to visit the 16th century Baroque church, wander through the old city, and enjoy views over the surrounding landscape dominated by olive groves and vineyards. 

Please note that some of the accommodation used is just outside Buje or in the neighbouring village of Kaldanija, which is a 6-minutes taxi drive away. There will be an information meeting with a representative from our local partner at 7pm at the hotel reception area. You will be provided with a package including hotel vouchers, maps, a road book, and luggage tags.

A short transfer (10 minutes) brings you to Brtonigla where you begin your walk towards woodland and meadows. Far away from modern civilization, enjoy your walk through numerous vineyards and olive groves. This is an area where you can find excellent wines and olive oils with many family cellars and tasting premises dotted around where you can discover their authentic produce. It's a chance to stop and absorb the local culture and quiet way of life found here. At the end of your walk reach Buje or Kaldanija once more. We recommend having lunch in Buje and taking time to explore this hilltop town before making your way back to your accommodation. From the top of Buje you can enjoy the pretty view of terraced fields and arable land, vineyards and olive groves below.

Ascent/Descent: 294m/308m

After breakfast you will be transferred (10 minutes) to the starting point for todays walk, the artist’s colony of Grožnjan. Before departing explore the cobbled alleys and squares of Grožnjan and take in its galleries and art studios. From here walk along the old Parenzana Railway Trail and pass through several tunnels and old bridges, enjoying magnificent rolling landscapes along the way. The railway was functioning from 1902 until 1935 and used to carry passengers from Trieste to Porec. Now this 123km track has been transformed into a cycling and walking path that winds its wayg through Istrian hills and villages. Visit Livade, and sample some of the local truffles, before heading on to the hilltop village of Motovun, where you will spend the night. 

If time allows then this is a lovely spot to perhaps add an extra night to relax and soak up the delightful Istrian scenery.

Ascent/Descent: 463m/467m

After breakfast, a short transfer (15 minutes) brings you to the picturesque village of Oprtalj, at the start of the Istrian Mountain Trail. Heading downhill into the forest you will pass Sveti Ivan village and St. Lucija with its beautiful church.

Continuing on you will enjoy the stunning views over the Mirna River Valley. The trail passes through fields, forests, small villages, and Pietrapelosa Castle. After passing an aqueduct the trail goes beyond a hill towards the village of Mali Mlun before giving you your first glimpse over the town of Buzet, which will be your base for the next two nights.

Ascent/Descent: 517m/740m 

Today’s trail starts alongside the river and then the trail turns into the forest and crosses the shallow riverbed. Passing waterfalls and lakes the trail leads you to Korita freshwater springs and natural pools.

Pass the abandoned village of Bencici, with its traditional stone houses and continuing on you will see the town of Hum in the distance. This place is in the Guinness World Record Book for being the smallest town in the world! Enjoy some traditional Istrian dishes in a local restaurant, before following ‘the way of the mistletoe’ back to Buzet.

If you wish to shorten today walk then it is possible to take a taxi to Hum and walk back from there.

Ascent/Descent: 636m/614m

After breakfast transfer to Poklon (30 minutes). Sat between two hills this is where the trail over the Ucka Mountain Range to the Adriatic Coast begins. This is the most challenging of the walks on this trip and is rated Moderate to Strenuous due to the moutainour terrain, but it will reward you with some incredible views. Follow the path as it ascends along the Ucka ridge, in the shelter of oak and chestnut forests. It is worth climbing the summit of Vojak (1,401m), where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of Kvarner Bay, and on a clear day as far as Venice and the Alps on the north side. This is the highest peak in Istria. Continue along the wooded path as you make your descent into the coastal town of Lovran.

It is possible to take a taxi from Vojak to Lovran (paid locally and recommend booking in advance) if you prefer not to take on the final descent, which is very steep and can be a little slippery.

Ascent/Descent: 791m/1,683m

Today you can take a well earned break and relax and enjoy the seaside resort of Lovran nestled under the Ucka Mountain Range, on the Adriatic Coast. Find one of Lovran’s lovely beaches, visit the 13th century Church of St Juraj with its gothic frescoes, or take a leisurely stroll along the coastal promenade to Opatija.

Finish off your trip with an evening of fresh seafood and local wine in one of Lovran’s popular restaurants.

Make your way back to the airport for onward flights. There is a local bus running from Lovran to Pula or we can arrange private transfer for you at an additional cost.