Istria: Hiking, Culture and Good Food

Day by day

1. 01

   Arrival day

   Travel to Istria. After a welcome drink we take our rooms in the accommodation of our choice.

2. 02

   Poreč

   The walk begins straight from the accommodation and takes us through the country around Poreč. Narrow paths and shaded woods bring us to one of the highest points in the area, about 80 m above sea level.

   After three to four hours we are back at the starting point. The afternoon is free and can be spent on the beach or strolling through the town of Poreč.

   Stage: 11 km, ascent 110 m, descent 110 m, three to four hours.

3. 03

   The Slovenian coast and Piran

   Together we drive to Izola in Slovenia. As the name suggests, the town once stood on an island. After about an hour on the road we take a short coffee and comfort break.

   Today is more of an urban walk, since the Slovenian coast is relatively short and heavily used. Even so we find some original and little touched landscapes.

   We walk along striking cliffs, through old olive groves and past historic salt pans, now abandoned, which once mattered a great deal to the Venetian economy.

   A varied path takes us on to Piran, the pearl of the Slovenian coast. There is time enough here for lunch, an unhurried wander through the old town or a visit to St George’s church.

   A wine tasting awaits us on the way back to the hotel.

   Stage: 12 km, ascent 220 m, descent 210 m, three to four hours.

4. 04

   Buje, Motovun and Grožnjan

   Today we head inland, to some of the most beautiful medieval hill towns in Croatia.

   First we get out in Buje. After a short walk through the town we set off towards Grožnjan. The route runs partly on the famous former narrow gauge Parenzana line and is technically fairly easy, but the landscape is lovely.

   Grožnjan in particular, the picturesque artists’ town on its hill, is a delight, with its narrow lanes, historic stone houses and splendid views over the Istrian hinterland.

   Stage: 10 km, ascent 230 m, descent 110 m, three hours.

5. 05

   Učka

   For today’s walk, good boots, decent fitness, enough water and walking poles are recommended.

   A little over an hour by bus brings us to the Učka range. Our walk starts at the Poklon pass, about 920 m above sea level. Even here the view over the surrounding landscape is striking.

   The varied walk leads through the mountain country of the Učka. After about four to five hours we are back at our starting point.

   Stage: 11 km, ascent 590 m, descent 630 m, four hours.

6. 06

   Fažana, Pula and Istrian specialities

   The city of Pula, with a history spanning many eras, is a must on any visit to Istria. The famous Roman amphitheatre, one of the city’s landmarks, is particularly striking.

   We begin our walk near the coastal town of Fažana. The path follows the coast through extensive former military grounds and on towards Pula.

   After a longer break in Pula we drive to a local maker of Istrian specialities.

   Over a tasting of traditional prosciutto, cheese, olive oil and Istrian wine we round off the impressions of the day together.

   Stage: 11 km, ascent 60 m, descent 60 m, three hours.

7. 07

   Journey home

   After breakfast it is time to say goodbye. Departure for home.