Coastal Trail
Istria
What's included
7 day adventure
5 hiking stages
Road book & GPX-files
accommodations
Accommodation
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B&Bs and hotels
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With private bathroom
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Including daily breakfast
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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 and lunch pack: €300 / p
What can you expect
Discover South Istria on foot: a 110 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 well balanced and physically manageable, making the trail a good fit for active travellers who want a rewarding multi-day walk without going fully off-grid. The shortest stage runs from Fažana to Pula, leaving plenty of time to explore the city's impressive Roman heritage and lively historic centre.
Each day ends in carefully selected B&Bs and hotels, 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. Along the way, you experience some of Istria’s greatest highlights: from the cobbled streets of Rovinj and the historic city of Pula to the protected nature reserve of Cape Kamenjak.
Included
5 days of hiking in South Istria
6 nights in B&Bs and hotels
Delicious breakfast
Detailed road book + GPX-files
Pick-up & drop-off at the airport
24/7 route assistance
Weekly planning
Stage 1: Rovinj – Bale
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: Bale – Fažana
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: Fažana – Pula
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: Pula – Premantura
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: Premantura – Medulin
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.
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) + €50 p.p.
- Ljubljana (Slovenia) + €50 p.p.
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.