Walk from the heart of Croatian Istria to the Adriatic Sea
The Istrian Castles to Coast Walking Tour is a relaxing walking trip from Motovun, the heart of Istria in northern Croatia, to Opatija, an elegant 19th century coastal resort on the stunning Adriatic coast. This town’s turbulent history is reflected in the wide variety of monuments, architectural styles, cuisine and even language that you’ll appreciate upon arriving. As you walk, the strong Italian influence of nearby Venice is unmistakable throughout the undulating hills and medieval hilltop villages that resemble those of central Italy 30 years ago.
Walk through small vineyards and olive groves, and in the early morning admire the truffle hunters with their dogs as they sniff their way through the vast oak forests. Stay in a variety of small friendly inns and hotels in well preserved walled hamlets where you can taste traditional local recipes. This walking tour is an idyllic way to embrace the charm of Croatian Istria.
Highlights of the Istrian Castles to Coast Walking Tour
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The Istrian Castles to Coast Walking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Motovun
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Motovun
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Motovun Loop in the Kaldir Valley
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Motovun
Distance: 6 hours, 17.5km, 638m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Walk to Sovinjak
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.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Sovinjak
Distance: 4.5 hours, 14km, 429m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Walk to Istarske Toplice
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.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Sovinjak
Distance: 3.5 hours, 10km, 468m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Walk in the Woods to Hum
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.
Overnight Location: Homestay in Hum
Distance: 5 hours, 15km, 516m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Transfer to Poklonon Ucka N. P. and Descend to Opatija
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Opatija
Distance: 4/7 hours, 11/7 km, 429/532m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 7 Farewell Istria!
The tour ends after breakfast unless you’ve pre-booked extra days to enjoy the coast. Safe travels home!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departure on April 1st – 26th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,250 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,050 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $875 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $775 USD
Departure on April 27th – May 25th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,275 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,075 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $895 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $775 USD
Departure on May 26st – July 4th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,350 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,125 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $950 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $825 USD
Departure on July 5th – August 25th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,475 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,275 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,025 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $895 USD
Departure on August 26th – September 30th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,350 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,125 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $950 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $825 USD
Departure on October 1st – 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,275 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,075 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $895 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $775 USD
Accommodation on the Istrian Castles to Coast Walking Tour
This tour is based in hotels, guesthouses, and homestays. Hotels on this trip are 2-3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Kastel ★★★
Hotel Kastel is elegant and chic. Unwind in the sauna or spa or take a dip in the pool or book one of the most extensive wellness experiences.
Konoba Santa Terra
Enjoy the hospitality at this cozy guesthouse, which enjoys a beautiful location. Ask the helpful hosts if you want any local recommendations.
B&B Nela, Hum
There’s nothing quite like a locally-run B&B in the countryside, and this one will have you feeling in touch with the Istrian countryside.
Hotel Savoy, Opatija ★★★
Where better to end the tour than a hotel with a seaside pool, outdoor bar and terrace, and elegant rooms? You won’t want to head back home once you’re here!
What’s Included in the Istrian Castles to Coast Walking Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transfer is included. Your transfer on Day 6 from Hum to Poklon is also included. Airport transfers are not included but can be added as an upgrade.
Also Included
- Information kit
- Route notes
- 24/7 telephone support
Not included
- Tourist city taxes
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Trains, busses or boats wherever necessary
- Meals not previously mentioned
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before, during or after the walk
- Single room supplement(s)
- Transfer from airport to Motovun
- Transfer from Opatija to airport
Frequently Asked Questions about Istrian Castles to Coast Walking Tour
S-Cape Travel is a boutique tour operator focused on sharing the best walking, cycling, cultural and food & wine tours in Europe. Book one of their self-guided tours to live La Dolce Vita for a week or two, as you walk or cycle around Europe, enjoying incredible views and amazing food and wine.
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