Hrboki: Hiking, Cycling and History

In Hrboki, hiking and cycling routes shape travel plans: one circular route heads towards Raša Bay, signposts point to springs and canals of the Raša River, and a cycling section offers views of Vojak on Učka. The history of the former Church of St John the Baptist adds another point of interest. The different route paths and landmarks help you decide what to focus on during a tour.

Hiking and Cycling Routes in Hrboki

The Putem izvora circular route leads from Hrboki towards Raša Bay, via Puntera, and back to Hrboki. Information boards and signposts point towards the springs and canals of the Raša River. This makes it possible to identify the route both by its place names and by its marked water features.

The “Along the Sources” route is designated for hiking and cycling. It leads from Hrboki via Pisak and Puntera back to Hrboki; signposts name the springs of Čažun. Local signage and trail conditions can change, so check both on site.

Trail 631 passes through Rebići towards Hrboki; it also includes a macadam section alongside pine forests in the direction of Puntera. As trail conditions can change, check the route on site. This information complements the circular routes with a trail where Rebići and the direction of Puntera serve as important landmarks.

The Pula–Labin section of the cycling route offers views of Učka’s peak, Vojak, near Hrboki. For cyclists, this named peak is a specific landscape feature along the route section. Alongside the circular routes, you can also choose a cycling route with a clearly identified viewpoint.

The Former Church and Its History

The former Church of St John the Baptist stood on a hill near Hrboki and was built in the 14th or 15th century. It no longer exists. Historical church services included observances on 24 June, 29 August and the third day of Christmas. These recorded dates offer a glimpse into the religious tradition associated with the church.

Hiking and Culture in the Wider Destination of Općina Barban

The wider destination of Općina Barban has other named routes with different distance specifications. The “Tepla stran–Puntera–Blaz” route is designated for hiking, trekking, horse riding and mountain hiking. The one-way distance is 7.25 km; the round trip is listed as 14.5 km. “Putem gljiva” starts and ends in Draguzeti and is 7 km long. For this route, the distance refers to a loop, while for “Tepla stran–Puntera–Blaz,” the one-way and round-trip distances are listed separately. For a meaningful comparison, check whether a listed distance refers to one way or both directions. Before setting out, check local trail conditions and, for “Putem gljiva,” seasonal conditions as well.

Barban’s cultural history also adds to this regional picture. The Church of St James the Apostle in Barban contains the only surviving fresco cycle in Istria depicting the legend of St James. Trka na prstenac was added to Croatia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Register on 4 April 2016. Barbanski kolač is a traditional cake from the Barban area: it is round, has a hole in the middle and was historically associated with weddings.

Discover more destinations: Kožljani, Balići Ii, Prhati, Bicici, Melnica, Vadreš, Želiski, Petehi

For the overview of the wider destination: Općina Barban.