Walking on Croatia’s Istrian Coast

Distance: 6 miles (9½km) 

Total ascent: Negligible 

Starting from the hotel, we’ll follow the flat coastline south from Poreč, passing a number of delightful beaches, all inviting us to take a dip. We’ll take a rest at a green lagoon and admire the Adriatic views. On the way back, we’ll reach Poreč where we can visit the old city, before walking back to the hotel. 

Distance: 8.5 miles (13km) 

Total ascent: Negligible 

This walk follows the same route as option 1 but extends things with a longer walk along the coast before returning to Poreč. 

Distance: 5 miles (8½km)

Total ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)

Total descent: 600 feet (180m)

Starting from a bridge over the River Mirna, we’ll pass through woodland skirting the river before ascending the side of the valley. A view of our objective, the mediaeval hill-top town of Motovun, suddenly and dramatically appears before us as we pass through vineyards. We’ll make our final ascent to the much-visited town via an ancient stairway to enter it as travellers over the centuries have done.

Distance: 7½ miles (12km)

Total ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)

After following a similar route to option 1, we’ll make a sharper ascent of the valley side to reach the Parenzana, following a disused railway track through the rolling hills popular with cyclists and walkers. After visiting Motovun we’ll descend through woods and fields with delightful views over the neighbouring valley. 

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Total ascent: 400 feet (120m)

Istria’s modern motorway speeds us to the jewel on the southern coast – the Kamenjak Peninsula. We’ll hike over the limestone on the rugged western coast, reach the breathtaking viewpoint on the southern tip and return on the gentler shores of the eastern side with its tempting beaches and bays. We’ll finish our in the old village of Premantura before a guided tour of historic Pula– a coastal city which is home to a wealth of Roman architecture including a well-preserved amphitheatre built to house 23,000 spectators. It’s the only remaining Roman amphitheatre in the world with a complete circle wall. 

Distance: 8½ miles (13½km)

Total ascent: 700 feet (220m)

Starting from the quiet village of Premantura, a small fishing and tourist town, we’ll cross onto the spine of the Kamenjak Peninsula. Despite our modest height the views are spectacular and the history of this location even more so – you may even spot the fossilised remains of dinosaur footprints. This leads us onto the peninsula where we pick up the option 1 track and round off with a guided tour of ancient Pula.  

Distance: 6½ miles (10km) 

Total ascent: 900 feet (270m) 

Total descent: 700 feet (210m) 

Today our walk starts from the small village of Triban. From here, we’ll walk down to the old disused Parenzana railway path. On the way, we’ll cross a bridge and head through two tunnels built for the Parenzana railway. It’s then on towards Zavrsje on a circular path back to the small city of Grožnjan. We’ll visit this medieval town and enjoy wonderful views over the inner part of Istria.  

Distance: 9 miles (14½km) 

Total ascent: 1,400 feet (420m) 

Total descent: 1,100 feet (330m) 

Our option 2 walk starts at Buje, also called the guard of the northern part of Istria. From Buje, we’ll follow the same route as option 1 walkers on the disused railway track. We’ll make our way towards Zavrsje on a circular path back to the small city of Grožnjan. We’ll visit this medieval town and enjoy wonderful views over the inner part of Istria.  

Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)

Total ascent: 980 feet (300m)

We’ll begin in medieval Pazin. Mentioned in an adventure novel (Mathias Sandorf) by Jules Verne, this hillside town is home to wow-factor panoramas over a limestone canyon, an impressive 12th century castle, and the incredible Pazin Cave. We’ll tour the cave’s subterranean tunnels and chambers before continuing our journey along a stream to tick-off both Pazinski and Zarečki Krov – two stunning waterfalls. After a short break, we’ll hike back to Pazin. 

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 1640 feet (500m)

Our longer option starts from Grdoselo stream where we’ll see Lake Butoniga in the distance. Picking up the Mill Valley trekking route, we’ll pass the ruins of Zelengrad castle, stop by the waterfalls of Pazinski and Zarečki Krov, and eventually reach Pazin for a tour of Pazin Cave