Lazarici: Cycling and the Istrian Sopela Tradition

Lazarici combines an official cycling route with rural scenery and a distinctive musical tradition. Route 464 passes through the village; Ivan Fonović-Zlatela, a traditional maker and player of the Istrian sopela, was also born here. If you are looking for a hotel in Lazarici, these themes can help you decide whether you are mainly planning a bike ride or are also interested in regional cultural heritage. The wider destination of Općina Kršan offers additional nature and cultural attractions.

Cycling Route 464: Length and surface

The official route is a 26 km, moderately difficult loop starting in Kršan. It runs through Lazarici, Potpićan, Zankovci, Zatka Čepić and Kloštar. The route is listed as taking approximately three hours; its surface combines asphalt and gravel. Taken together, the distance, approximate duration, difficulty rating and surface provide useful points of reference for fitting the ride into your travel plans. Check the technical conditions before setting off.

Scenery along the way

On the section in Lazarici, cyclists can see landscaped flower gardens. The rest of the route passes through rural scenery with old stone houses, vineyards, cultivated fields and villages on the way towards Čepić Field. The gardens are part of the local scenery along the route, while the cultural landscapes mentioned are spread across the wider route. The scenery changes with the seasons, so take the time of your visit into account when setting your expectations for the gardens.

Ivan Fonović-Zlatela and the sopela

Ivan Fonović-Zlatela was born in Lazarici in 1868. He was a traditional maker and player of the Istrian sopela, became known for the high quality of his instruments and taught both instrument-making and playing. The sopela tradition is therefore not just a general cultural theme of the region, but is also connected to a specific person from Lazarici. For travellers interested in music and craft traditions as well as cycling, his biography offers a second way to discover the village.

In the wider destination of Općina Kršan

The Nature Park Učka lies in the hilly part of the Općina Kršan area. Its habitats are home to numerous endemic, endangered and protected plant and animal species. The Ekomuzej “Vlaški puti” in Šušnjevica is also part of this wider destination. It includes an interpretation centre, a media library and themed walking trails through the nature park, connected with the lives and activities of the local community. In the regional context, nature habitats and community-focused themed trails complement the cycling experience.

In the wider destination of Općina Kršan, the Festival samoniklog bilja takes place in Kršan every year. Its workshops cover natural cosmetics, tea, tinctures, oils and fragrances, as well as dishes made with wild plants; exhibitors also present plant-based products, while chefs prepare and showcase dishes featuring wild plants. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the event dates for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Šušnjevica, Plomin, Zagorje, Purgarija Čepić, Zatka Čepić, Blaškovići, Potpićan, Krsan.

View the wider travel guide: Općina Kršan.