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Highlights
Walk from the heart of Croatian Istria to the Adriatic Sea
Start from the hilltop towns of Motovun, perched above the rolling green hills of central Istria.
Walk past old castles, fortresses, and walled cities that reveal the history of this region.
Explore olive groves and vineyards, then watch truffle hunters and their dogs searching their way through the forests.
End your tour at the stunning Adriatic Coast, taking a celebratory swim at one of the beautiful beaches.
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.
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.
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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
Departure on April 1st – 26th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR1158
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR958
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR809
- Sharing a triple room: EUR705
Departure on April 27th – May 25th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR1180
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR979
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR819
- Sharing a triple room: EUR713
Departure on May 26st – July 4th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR1234
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1034
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR870
- Sharing a triple room: EUR759
Departure on July 5th – August 25th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR1363
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1163
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR948
- Sharing a triple room: EUR831
Departure on August 26th – September 30th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR1234
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR1034
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR870
- Sharing a triple room: EUR759
Departure on October 1st – 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR1180
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR979
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR819
- Sharing a triple room: EUR713
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.
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
- How hard is the Istrian Castles to Coast Walking Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Croatia?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Are meals included on the Istrian Castles to Coast Walking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Motovun to start this tour?
- Where does the Istrian Castles to Coast Walking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Croatia?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Croatia?
We rate this tour as a 2/5. The walks are mostly along vineyards, uneven footpaths, mule tracks, and small gravel roads. The trails through the vineyards can get slippery, muddy and heavy-going when wet or after heavy rain. The trails do not always have markings. This tour is mostly suited to fit, adventurous travellers who can walk several hours per day for consecutive days.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly to Pula International Airport (PUY), from where you will need a transfer to reach Motovun. You can also fly to Italy at Venice Airport Marco Polo (VCE), Trevor Airport (TSF), or Trieste Airport and travel by land or by boat to Motovun. Airport transfers can be added as an upgrade.
The tour ends in Opatija. You can either use trains or buses to reach your departure airport or arrange a transfer as an upgrade.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
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.
