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.

A short transfer brings you to Brtonigla from where you begin your walk. Far away from modern civilization, enjoy your walk through numerous vineyards and olive groves and enjoy absorbing the local culture and way of life. At the end of your walk reach Buje once more, where we recommend having lunch before making your way back to your accommodation.

Ascent/Descent: 265m/249m

After breakfast you will be transferred 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 Parenzana Railway Trail and pass through several tunnels and old bridges, enjoying magnificent rolling landscapes along the way. Visit Livade, and sample some of the local truffles, before heading on to the hilltop village of Motovun, where you will spend the night.

Ascent/Descent: 325m/325m

After breakfast, a short transfer brings you to picturesque Sv. Juraj, at the start of the Istrian Mountain Trail. Heading downhill into the forest you will pass Sv. 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 and small villages before reaching Buzet, your base for the next two nights.

Ascent/Descent: 527m/745m 

Today’s trail starts alongside the river and then the rail 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

Ascent/Descent: 495m/495m

After breakfast transfer to Poklon, where the trail over the Ucka Mountain Range to the Adriatic Coast begins. 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 (1401m), 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. 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: 445m/1370m 

Today you can 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 transfers for you at an additional cost.