Istrian Castles to Coast Walking Tour

Arrival in the famous town of Motovun on top of a hill in the heart of Istria. The hotel is on the central square on the highest point of the town and from the garden there are splendid views over the green surroundings. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool and stroll through the ancient cobbled streets.

The Kaldir Valley is situated at the foot of Motovun and is known for its fruit. Walk through orchards of apples, peaches, cherries, and plums. Along the route you will pass several national shrines and walk through small remote hamlets. An upper ridge offers great views of the top of the mountains and the sea on the other side. Find a nice picnic spot among the olive trees, look for honeybees and listen to the hammering of the lesser spotted woodpecker.

At the end of the walk a steep climb takes you back to the hotel in Motovun.

After descending from Motovun you walk through the Kadir Valley, then take a winding climb over small forest paths surrounded by greenery and many wildflowers. This path leads you past several small villages perched high above the Mrna River. You can hear the church bells ring down into the valleys and the blue rock thrush seen flitting among the branches as you continue the climb on a stony path used by merchants and travelers since the Middle Ages. In the distance you see Sovinjak already in front of you, a beautiful tiny hamlet with 29 inhabitants.

In the morning you’ll walk to the ancient thermal baths of Istarske Toplice where you can opt for a visit to the baths or to relax and have a drink at the bar. The warm thermal waters contain many healing minerals. To climb the impressive 85 meter high rocky outcrop which rises steeply above the baths, you follow a narrow path. From the top you have a beautiful view of the surroundings.

The route back to Sovinjak is on small paths and through quaint villages.

The first 3 km today are on a quiet asphalt road heading towards the town of Sveti Donat. From here on, you will venture into a remote area and will hardly see tarmac anymore. In Kozari you can make a stop at the local konoba before continuing through the woods.

After a steep descent you reach a well-marked trail that leads to Hum, officially the smallest town in the world, with a city wall, church and cemetery. On the way you pass the picturesque hamlet of Kotli which has a grand total of one permanent resident! Make sure to stop at the small little bar if it’s open.

The day begins with a transfer to Poklon Pass (922m) near the top of Ucka National Park. In good weather conditions you can climb up to the top of Mt. Vojak (1401m) for stunning 360° views. At Poklon you’ll begin the long descent to the Adriatic Sea, first over narrow, sometimes steep paths through the beech woods, later between buildings. The trail crosses the road, with regular views across the Adriatic and the many islands.

Once at sea level you follow a coastal footpath lined with small coves, inviting terraces, and classic style villas, built for wealthy Austrians and Hungarians who at the turn of the century came to spend the winter. Tonight you can try one of the many local restaurants near the marina.

The tour ends after breakfast unless you’ve pre-booked extra days to enjoy the coast. Safe travels home!