Municipality of Kršan: Nature, Coast and Cultural Heritage

Učka Nature Park lies in the hilly part of the Municipality of Kršan. Its habitats are home to numerous endemic, endangered and protected plant and animal species. The area also has almost 13 kilometres of preserved coastline: it is steep and rocky, with wild beaches in coastal inlets. Nature, coastal landscapes and cultural heritage offer different perspectives on the Municipality of Kršan.

Natural landscapes and seasonal highlights

Učka Nature Park lies in the hilly part of the municipality; its habitats are characterised by a great variety of protected and endangered plant and animal species. The coast has a different character: rocky cliffs and wild beaches in the inlets shape the landscape. The beaches are therefore a distinctive feature of the coastline, while the nature park draws attention to the area’s biodiversity.

A seasonal natural highlight awaits you in Plomin: for a short time in late May and early June, the endemic Istarski zvončić plant adorns house façades, the church, walls and baladure. If you would like to see it in bloom, plan your trip for this period.

Local history and notable buildings

Stari grad Kršan is a fortified town and one of the best-preserved castles in Istria. It was first mentioned in the 13th century. Well-preserved town gates form the entrance; inside the fortification walls stands the 17th-century Church of Saint Anthony the Abbot. Kožljak Castle lies on the southern slopes of Učka, along an old road that connected ancient Histria and Liburnia. Its first written mention dates to 1102. The approach to the castle leads up stairs carved into the bedrock; below it stands the Romanesque Church of Saint Adrian. These first mentions mark two distinct points in time: Kožljak is first mentioned in writing in 1102, while Stari grad Kršan is first mentioned in the 13th century.

Plomin also combines a striking location with a long history: it lies below Sisol, at the entrance to central Istria, and was built on the foundations of the ancient Histrian and Roman town of Flanona. The Church of Sv. Jurja Starog houses the oldest known Glagolitic inscription, the Plomin inscription. In Plomin, local history and a tangible record of the Glagolitic script come together.

Experiences that bring together community, history and nature

The “Vlaški puti” Ecomuseum in Šušnjevica comprises an interpretation centre, a media library and themed walking trails through Učka Nature Park. The trails are connected with the life and activities of the local community. In Plomin, the Plominsko otkriće puzzle activity takes you through historic streets and to centuries-old buildings within the former town walls. Check current availability before your visit. The Virtualna avantura grofice Tonetti includes a virtual tour of Plomin’s past in four languages.

Traditions and events

Kršan hosts the Festival samoniklog bilja every year. The workshops cover making natural cosmetics, tea, tinctures, oils and fragrances, as well as preparing dishes from wild plants. At the festival, exhibitors showcase their plant-based products, while chefs prepare and present dishes made from wild plants. The topics range from processing native plants to using them in cooking.

Dani istarskog zvončića features discussion groups, exhibitions, singing and music. Kršonski pir is a folk performance of a wedding custom characteristic of Kršan and its surroundings, presented in nine scenes. Both are examples of different forms of cultural expression: events featuring discussion, exhibitions and music sit alongside a staged performance of a local tradition.

Discover more destinations

Šušnjevica, Purgarija Čepić, Zagorje, Potpićan, Kostrčani, Veljaki, Plomin Luka, Vozilici, Krsan, Plomin, Kozljak, Lazarici, Zatka Čepić, Blaškovići.

For the overarching travel guide: Istria County.