Activities and recreation in nature
Thanks to its natural beauties and characteristic landscape , Istria offers endless possibilities for sports, recreation and active holiday, both for top sportsmen and recreational use. Cycling, hiking, mountaineering (Mount Učka is 1400 m above sea level), free climbing, horse riding, flying, caving... are the activities in which you can take part, all within 20 km from our house. We are ready to help you with our suggestions when creating your active itinerary, whether you plan it on your own or with organized teams. All you have to do is to - ask!
Recommendation:
Truffle hunting
Istria truffles are a culinary winner that is hard to resist. Since the truffles are discovered in Motovun Forest some 80 years ago, it has continued to be a culinary “hit” of north-western Istria. Gourmets rush by the thousands to Istria’s konobas to experience its superb taste. Popular belief in its aphrodisiacal effect bolsters the magical cult of the truffle. Immediately after harvesting, the fresh truffle is either directly used as a food ingredient, or it is being processed in order to produce high quality products such as a variety of spreads, cheeses, oils, sweets, etc.
If you want to experience truffle-hunting and find your own truffle, we can arrange you a truffle-hunt. Your kind and friendly hosts, will tell you the story of truffles and together with them you will set off on a truffle-hunt. After hunt demonstration, you can taste various delicacies.
Cycling
From the north to the south, from the east to the west coast of Istria, there are plenty of marked bike trails spreading around like spider’s web, several of which pass close to Kosovija. Why not going for a ride, chancing upon lone, quaint churches and chapels, medieval towns atop hills, homey roadside inns and hidden villages. Discover Istria on bike!
Recommendation:
Hiking
Istria offers hundreds of kilometers of marked walking and hiking trails. Generally, they are not very demanding and can be practiced all year round. .The more demanding ones lead towards the mountain chain of Učka, with its picturesque villages, pastures and shady forests, at the height of 500 to 1400 m above sea level. There, you can find three climbers’ chalets -Ucka, Korita and Zbevnica. The crown of all hiking trails is the highest peak of Istria- Učka – from where you can enjoy in one of the most beautiful views of the region, with Istria from one side and the Kvarner Bay with its islands from the other. Sometimes, with very clear sky, the outlines of Venice can be seen in the distance.
Recommendation:
Free climbing
One of the most famous and most beautiful climbing sites in Croatia , the canyon of Vranjska Draga below the slopes of Mt. Ucka , is only13 km away from our house. It is a must for every rock-climbing enthusiast. This unique site has some 50 climbing routes. Amazing spired rocks with the most attractive cliff – a-100-metre-high Great Tower , are natural phenomena that will surely impress everyone. Istria is rich in rock, offering so far nine climbing sites with great diversity, giving everyone the opportunity to find a route for their level of expertise. These attractive climbing areas have bolted routes ensuring maximum safety and comfort for the climbers, enabling beginners, as well as experts.
Recommendation:
Horse riding
Nature and adventure enthusiasts will certainly passionately ride and discover the beauties of Istria – on horse. There are several horse centres and ranches in the region and we are lucky to have some of them in our neighbourhood. They will arrange horse riding school as well as organize various itineraries and trekking excursions in the area, to suit both beginners and more experienced riders.
Recommendation:
Free flying
Due to excellent climatic conditions there is hardly a day when paragliding is not practiced in Istria... The five locations - Kaštelir near Novigrad - excellent for beginners, Raspadalica (not suitable for beginners), Brgud on Mt Učka, Žbevnica and the very peak Mt Ucka, are suitable also for hang-gliding, this still undiscovered extreme sport in Istria. All starting positions are located in such a way that one can, regardless of the wind, take off from any of those within a diameter of 30 kilometers.
Recommendation:
Caving adventures
Meet the mystical world of nature which has been developing for thousands of years far away from daylight and the human eye. With experienced speleo instructors, you can get to know the underworld, which will not leave you unmoved. For trained speleologist the printed guides are available with relevant information, maps and equipment, while organized tours are more suitable for those with no experience in speology.