Zatka Čepić in Čepićko polje

Zatka Čepić lies in the lowland landscape of Čepićko polje in the Municipality of Kršan. The village combines a rural landscape setting with an officially designated cycling route, paths with named landmarks, and historical traces in the surrounding area. For planning, it helps to consider these topics separately: the cycling route is described by a specific total length, excursions by sequences of places and waymarks, while the area’s history also includes the former landscape of Lake Čepić. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to this area, this can help you decide whether cycling, cultural history, or the rural character should be your main focus.

Cycling and excursion routes

The official cycling trail 464, “Overlooking Fields and Vineyards,” passes through Zatka Čepić and is 26 km long. The published distance gives a specific figure for route planning; trail conditions can change independently of this length. So check the current situation before setting out. An excursion route towards Čepić, described in 2022, starts where the unclassified road to Zatka Čepić meets the D500. You should also check local conditions at this intersection in advance.

An excursion described in 2022 leads from Zatka Čepić towards Purgarija Čepić and continues to Lanišće. A route description published in 2022 locates two chapels at successive intersections before the described route leaves Zatka Čepić. An excursion through Zatka Čepić passes the hamlet of Šegavci, beside which there is a lavender field. Cultivation and access to the field may vary seasonally; check the current situation if you include this stop in your plans. The cycling route and these sequences of places provide different kinds of guidance: one gives a designated total distance, the other named sections and waymarks.

Landscape and history

Nearby Lake Čepić was drained in 1932. This created around 1,500 hectares of new farmland. The drainage is part of the history of today’s lowland landscape of Čepićko polje and connects the village’s setting with a specific change to its surroundings.

The single-nave Church of St. Justus, dating from the 13th century, stands in Lanišće. It preserves a tombstone with a Glagolitic inscription that came from the former Church of Our Lady of the Lake. The building’s design, its dating, and the origin of the inscription give the nearby village a cultural and historical focus: the history encompasses both the age of the church building and the origin of a specific inscribed artifact.

Agricultural products in Čepićko polje

Family farms in Čepićko polje produce milk, various kinds of cheese, and other dairy products. The Sirana Zlata dairy in Čepić polje makes škripavac, hard and semi-hard cheeses, truffle cheese, grated cheese, cottage cheese, and yogurt products. The area’s agricultural character thus ranges from broad production on family farms to a specifically named dairy making a variety of products. These products add an agricultural dimension to the picture of the landscape.

More to explore in the Municipality of Kršan

The wider destination of the Municipality of Kršan includes other distinct landscape and cultural themes. The Učka Nature Park lies in the hilly part of the municipality; its habitats are home to numerous endemic, endangered, and protected plant and animal species. The “Vlaški puti” Ecomuseum in Šušnjevica includes an interpretation centre, a media library, and themed walking trails through the nature park, connected with the life and activities of the local community.

The history of the fortified town of Stari grad Kršan is also part of the Municipality of Kršan. It was first mentioned in the 13th century and is among the best-preserved castles in Istria. Kožljak Castle lies on the southern slopes of Učka, along the old route that connected ancient Histria and Liburnia; it was first mentioned in writing in 1102. These places and features are regional additions, not characteristics of Zatka Čepić itself.

Discover more destinations: Vozilici, Blaškovići, Kozljak, Zagorje, Krsan, Lazarici, Potpićan, Kostrčani.

For the broader travel overview: Municipality of Kršan.