Walking tour of Croatia- 04N/05Days

Arrival in Krasica or Brtonigla

Night 1: at Al Merlo Olivo in Krasica (the first of two nights here). Alternatively, you can choose to upgrade to the Hotel San Rocco in Brtonigla for your first two nights.
As your first night’s accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of walking.

Circular route from Krasica:

Approx 16km, 4.5hrs; or from Brtoniglia: 11km, 4hrs

Circular route from Krasica: 16km, 4.5hrs
Our introductory circuit from Krasica leads you along scenic paths and quiet roads to the charming hill-top village of Buje. After a leisurely lunch here, return to Krasica via olive and vine-clad hills.

Circular route from Brtoniglia: 11km, 4hrs
If you are staying in Brtoniglia, we recommend a route that explores the Skyline Nature Reserve south-east of the town, with several small lakes and a stream that has carved a canyon on its course to the River Mirna. Be sure to leave time to explore Brtoniglia, too – this historic hill-top village has a lovely medieval center, rich wine-making heritage, and several excellent Istrian eateries.

Krasica to Motovun: Approx 21km, 6.5hrs; Brtoniglia to Motovun: 19km, 5.5hrs

If you are starting from Krasica, you begin by walking to Grožnjan, but if you are starting from Brtoniglia we include a transfer to this medieval hill-top village, where many art galleries line its narrow cobbled streets.

Enjoy a browse and a coffee before striking out across high rural uplands towards the historic village of Oprtalj, a former fort surrounded by high defensive walls upon which the village houses have now been built among the former town gates.

The town is centered on the 16th-century church of St George and its tall bell tower. Descending steeply to the plain, you follow a short section of La Parenzana, the former Austro-Hungarian railway line that connected Trieste and Porec and now a walking and cycling track. On reaching Livade (a world center of truffles), you take a pre-arranged taxi to Motovun, where you spend two nights at the Hotel Kastel.

Choice of routes from Motovun: Approx 13.5km or 16km

You could simply relax in the town or use the hotel’s spa facilities today, but we suggest a choice of circular walks.

Circular route via Kanal & Meluni: Approx 13.5km, 4.5hrs
The first explores the southern side of Motovun which is Istria’s well-known – and picturesque – fruit-growing area, where apples, pears, and plums grow together with olives, figs, and cherries. We include a visit and tasting at the excellent Benvenuti vineyard which you will pass along the way.

Circular route via La Parenzana: Approx 16km, 5hrs
The second walk partly explores La Parenzana on the western side of town, meandering across an isolated stretch of the old railway route amid lush vegetation and stunning views. You leave La Parenzana to reach a typical rural inn for lunch (Špinovci) before returning on little-trodden paths to cross a small valley into neighboring Brkac and directly back to nearby Motovun.

Pocklon to Lovran: Approx 12km, 4.5hrs

Transfer to Poklon, high in the Ucka Mountains, from where you enjoy a long traverse through oak and beech trees before a steady descent through woods, catching glimpses over to the islands of Kvarner Bay, as you close to the sea. In Lovran, your final three nights are spent at the Villa Vera.

Choice of routes from Lovran: Approx 9km or 12km

Lovran is a charming and relaxed town set in a natural bay with the Ucka Mountains as a stunning backdrop and it’s well worth spending one day enjoying a relaxed exploration of its streets. The town takes its name from laurel – Laurus nobilis, which grows abundantly in the town’s numerous parks and gardens. From humble beginnings as a port and ship-building center, the town later became a fashionable resort of the Austro-Hungarian nobility in the 19th century.

Medieval Moscenice: 9km, 3.5hrs
If you decide to walk, we suggest catching the bus to Mošcenicka Draga to then head inland and climb up forested slopes for glorious views over the rugged coastline and Kvarner Bay. Wander across the hillside to linger over a leisurely lunch in the medieval village of Mošcenice before descending steps to the coast and along the promenade to your starting point.

Along the Prom to Opatija: 12km, 4hrs
Alternatively, you may like to enjoy a stroll along the coastal promenade, the lungomare, to lively Opatija, for wonderful views along the coast and over to Mount Ucka and the islands of Krk and Cres. This paved promenade runs for 12 kilometers along the coast through the woodland of mighty oak trees and laurel groves, passing opulent villas and luxuriant gardens. There are plenty of benches to sit and admire the view, and shingle beaches or platforms from which to swim.