Istrian Peninsula Croatia – 7 Days

Arrive in Buje or Brtonigla (this depends on whether you choose to take the standard or premium walk). Be met by one of the representatives on the ground to go through the next 6 days with you. See Other Important Stuff to how to get there. We can arrange a private transfer at a small added cost from Pula airport.

Walking: Easy 1 – 2 km
Accommodation: Buje or Brtonigla in an ensuite room

In the morning there’s a short transfer to the start of the walk. The walk today showcases the diversity of the Istrian Peninsula today, as it makes its way through vineyards and olive groves once again and out into open fields and then forest. There are stacks of family-run wineries and opportunities to taste wine as you walk. The views from the historic town of Buje are outstanding.  You walk into your accommodation so there’s plenty of time to meander and soak up the ambience of the Istrian vineyards and countryside.

Walking: Moderate / 15 km / 4 – 5 hrs
Elevation: +323 / -313M
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Buje or Brtonigla in an ensuite room

The day begins with a 10-minute transfer to Groznjan. There’s time to explore the excellent art galleries before setting off. The walk follows an old Austrian railway line that has been repurposed for hiking. This is truly an off-the-grid walk via tunnels and over old railway bridges. Of course, there are also more of the distinctive Istrian rolling hills dotted with vineyards. Toward the end of the day, you will arrive at Lovade, the truffle centre of the world, where you can partake in the local delicacy.  From here it’s a short walk to your hotel in the famous hilltop town of Motovun.

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 20km or 26 km / 5-8 hrs
Elevation: +455 / -4780m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Motovun in an ensuite room

After breakfast, there’s a short transfer this time to the picturesque town of Oprtalj, deep into the Istrian peninsula. Today’s walk begins on the Istrian Mountain Trail through the forest. Pass by the small village of St Ivan (St.John) and then St Lucija with its very beautiful church. There are outstanding views over the river and the Mirna valley as you hike. The trail passes straight by Pietrapelosa Castle (worth exploring) and then heads down into the valley, passing an old aqueduct trail. It is then onto the village of Mali Mlun and various other small villages culminating with magnificent views over the town of Buzet. Make your way through a forest down to Buzet and your accommodation.

Walking: Moderate / 19 km / 5 to 6 hrs
Elevation: +350 / -450m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Vacqueyras in an ensuite room

The walk from Buzet to Hum and return is a loop trail or one way if you start from Hum. From the river, the track winds its way through forest and over a dry river bed before passing waterfalls and lakes. The gently sloping trail leads to Kotli, and its natural springs and an old watermill.

From here the trail follows the riverbed, via Bencici, an abandoned village with very old traditional Istrian stone houses. From Bencici you’ll see Hum and its recognizable church tower in the distance. When you get to Hum, take a walk around the town and you’ll quickly understand why it’s the smallest town in the world. In Hum, you can eat in a local “konoba” (meaning restaurant) with only traditional Istrian dishes.  The return hike returns via the “Way of Mistletoe”, a further 3 hours of hiking back to Buzet.

Walking: Moderate / 14km  or 26km/ 3 to 7.5 hrs
Elevation: +534m / -534m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Buzet in an ensuite room

With a short transfer to Poklon, we start the walk at a saddle between two hills before trekking to the summit of Ucka mountain, the tallest mountain in Istria (1401 m).  The panorama includes views over Kvarner Bay and other coastal towns, as well as Mount Obruc, Snjeznik and Risnjak to the rear.  When visibility is good you can see all the way to Venice and the Alps to the north. The path down is cloaked in oak and chestnut forest, a pleasant canopy in the hot summers. From the top, the track makes its way all the way down to sea level to Lovran and your accommodation.

Walking: Moderate / 12km / 5 to 6hrs
Elevation: +452m / -1400m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lovran in an ensuite room

Lovran has all the trappings you’d expect from a Croatian seaside town. Excellent restaurants and eateries, plenty of beaches, a marina and the old town to explore. Opatija is just 5 km away with its lovely promenade and amazing architecture. If you are staying in the premium hotels you are already staying in Opatija. There is a lot more to do so why not add an extra day or two? The trip officially ends after breakfast.

Meals: Breakfast