Coastal Trail
Istria
What's included
9 day adventure
7 hiking stages
Road book & GPX-files
accommodations
Accommodation
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Guest houses & apartments
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With private bathroom
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With fully equipped kitchen
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Within walking distance of shops and restaurants
Dates
- Trail accessible from April to October
Prices
- Self-guided Istria Coastal Trail: €850 / p
- Optional luggage transfer: €300 / p
What can you expect
Discover South Istria on foot: a 190 km journey through nature and history
The terrain is varied but accessible, with a mix of gravel paths, forest tracks and secondary roads. The stages are fairly long and physically demanding, but not extreme, making it a good fit for active travellers who want a multi-day challenge without going fully off-grid.
Each day ends in carefully selected guest houses and apartments, where comfort and a warm, local atmosphere take priority. Expect private and small-scale accommodations, good food nearby, and the chance to properly recover before the next stage.
Walking the Istria Coastal Trail is a rewarding way to experience Croatia. It allows you to travel at a slower pace and truly absorb the surroundings, discovering places you would otherwise miss.
Included
7 days of hiking in South Istria
Detailed road book + GPX-files
8 nights in guest houses/apartments
24/7 route assistance
Pick-up & drop-off at the airport
Kayak safari or relaxing massage
Weekly planning
Stage 1: Pula – Premantura
The first stage of the Istria Coastal Trail takes you from Pula to the southernmost village of Premantura, following scenic coastal paths and peaceful Mediterranean landscapes. Highlights include the Church of Our Lady of the Sea, the unique ship-shaped Church of St. Nicholas, the tranquil Soline Forest Park and the historic Cave Romane quarry. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming villages like Vinkuran and Banjole, before a final climb reveals panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea on one side and the Istrian countryside on the other.
Stage 2: Premantura – Ližnjan
The second stage of the Istria Coastal Trail spans 27 km, taking you along the dramatic southern tip of the peninsula. The route climbs to the Kamenjak viewpoint for breathtaking sea views before looping along Cape Kamenjak back toward Premantura. Then you continue through Pomer toward Medulin, featuring the Archaeological Park Vižula, a renovated windmill and the twin-towered Church of Our Lady of Health. The stage concludes in Ližnjan, where the Church of St. Martin and its bell tower overlook the village.
Stage 3: Ližnjan – Marčana
Stage three of the Istria Coastal Trail leads from Ližnjan to Marčana, combining rugged coastline and quiet inland paths. The route begins towards Kuje Bay, known for its wild beauty and local legends, before following the indented coast with stunning sea views and hidden coves. Leaving the coast behind, the trail continues through peaceful forests and traditional villages such as Šišan, Valtura, and Muntić, where historic churches and authentic Istrian atmosphere can be discovered. A highlight is the archaeological site of Nesactium, the oldest known settlement in Istria.
Stage 4: Marčana – Rakalj
Stage four of the Istria Coastal Trail takes you from Marčana to the picturesque village of Rakalj, passing through peaceful countryside and historic settlements. Highlights include the quiet hilltop village of Mutvoran, rich in medieval heritage, and Krnica, offering beautiful views over the Kvarner Bay and access to a charming fishing port. The route continues through unspoiled nature and rolling landscapes, with stops at traditional churches and scenic viewpoints. As you approach Rakalj, the rugged terrain creates a striking atmosphere, leading to the historic site of Stari Rakalj.
Stage 5: Rakalj – Vodnjan
The fifth and longest stage of the Istria Coastal Trail covers 32 km, leading from Rakalj inland to Vodnjan. Leaving the coast behind, the route passes through peaceful countryside, green landscapes, and traditional villages such as Hreljići, Filipana and Loborika. Along the way, you encounter historic churches, quiet forest trails and authentic Istrian scenery, with highlights including the House of Cycling in Loborika and several cultural landmarks in Vodnjan. The journey concludes at the Church of the Immaculate Conception (Concetta), built on the foundations of an ancient oil mill.
Stage 6: Vodnjan – Barbariga
Stage six of the Istria Coastal Trail begins in Vodnjan and follows a scenic 28 km route toward Barbariga. Highlights include the Church of St. Blaise, known for its unique collection of relics, as well as charming landmarks such as the Bradamante Palace. The trail leads through olive groves, vineyards and traditional dry stone landscapes, passing archaeological sites like Guran and Roman villa remains near Gajana. As the route descends toward the coast, you are rewarded with beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea and the Brijuni Islands, ending the day at the historic site of Betiga.
Stage 7: Barbariga – Pula
The final stage of the Istria Coastal Trail begins at the peaceful shrine of St. Foška near Batvači and leads to the historic city of Pula. This scenic route passes through green countryside, traditional landscapes with kažuni (dry stone huts), and charming villages like Peroj. Following the coastline, you reach the fishing town of Fažana before continuing toward Štinjan. The stage ends in Pula, where iconic landmarks such as the Pula Amphitheater, the Temple of Augustus and the Arch of the Sergii offer a memorable cultural finish to a 193 km pilgrimage.
Practical
What do you need
- Hiking shoes
- Backpack
- Camelbak and/or water bottle
- Rain coat
- GPS
- First aid kit
- Swimming clothes
- Sun cream
- Mosquito repellent
How do you get here
- Pula (Croatia)
- Rijeka (Croatia)
- Trieste (Italy)
- Zagreb (Croatia)
- Ljubljana (Slovenia)
Payment terms
The remaining amount must be paid at least 30 days before arrival.
For a booking within 30 days before arrival, the full amount must be paid immediately.