Istra
Cycling and pedestrian trails
There are numerous bicycle paths and roads on which you can explore the small villages of this municipality on foot and discover why wealthier people from noble families once upon a time in history chose this very area as the place to build their country estates.
THE TRAIL OF PONDS AND JUG (861) connects the rich Istrian wine scene and picturesque vineyards, several ponds (kalići - puddles) important for the preservation of freshwater habitats and their flora and fauna, and traditional Istrian cuisine.
Enjoy cycling through untouched nature, picturesque vineyards and unique pools (puddles). In the area of Sveta Nedelja, you can explore 3 bike paths that combine natural and cultural heritage, and a rich local food and wine offer:
441 THE TRAIL OF PONDS AND NOBILITY
ROUTE: Nedešćina – Jurazini – Eržišće – Blaškovići – Radovići – Šumber – Grašići – Nedešćina
The bicycle route Trail of Ponds and Nobility starts in the centre of Nedešćina. The settlement is dominated by the Church of the Holy Trinity, whose corner is mentioned in the historical document "Istarski razvod" as the border of three communes: Šumber, Labin and Plomin. The trail leads in the direction of the hamlets of Jurazini and Eržišće, where there are several puddles. Kalić Dužica, Čiper puddle, Marguda puddle and Rupica spring are just some of the rare preserved examples of freshwater habitats. The importance of preserving puddles and their rich flora and fauna is part of the local culture of the Istrian region.
442 THE TRAIL OF MINERS AND STONE SCULPTURES
ROUTE: Nedešćina –Štrmac – Vinež – Tomažići – Cere – Santalezi – Nedešćina
The route starts from Nedešćina, the central settlement of the municipality of Sv. Nedelja, whose central position is occupied by the Church of the Holy Trinity from 1897, and where the former Benedictine abbey of St. Trinity was located.
You are heading in the direction of the Štrmac settlement, built at the end of the 19th century next to a former mining shaft. The most significant mining revolt in Istria, also known as the 'Labin Republic', left indelible traces in the Labin region. The miners' struggle, aimed at seeking their labour rights, improving their position and working and living conditions, led to the establishment of the Labin Republic, which lasted from March 2 to April 8, 1921. On this cycling route, you will also visit the centre of Vinež, place where the miners' strike began.
443 THE TRAIL OF SAINT MARTIN / BARON’S TRAIL
ROUTE: Sveti Martin – Ružići – Županići – Stepančići – Santalezi – Cere – Markoci – Golji – Snašići – Turini – Paradiž – Sveti Martin
There are numerous paths and roads that can be used to explore the villages and hamlets of this part of the municipality by bike and to discover why wealthier people from noble families once upon a time chose this very area as the place to build their country estates. The area of this part of Istria, also known as as Terra Rossa (red soil), is covered with vineyards, whose vines produce top quality wines. Numerous winemakers have recognized the importance of breeding old vines and preserving the traditional Istrian drop. Do you need another reason to explore the surroundings of Sveti Martin on two wheels?
Trail ISTRIAN DEMARCATION (55 km) is dedicated to one of the most important Croatian medieval documents found in neighbouring Kršan, the trail LIBURNIA (71 km) will introduce you to Labin's rich history of mining, and the TERAN (46 km) trail, which is named in honour of the famous Istrian wine, will take you for a ride along the Wine Road.
Trail 410 ANCIENT TOWNS OF EASTERN ISTRIA (89 km) connects the rural areas of Labin, which reveal a true wealth of history, tradition and interesting old-town centres.