Županići: Cycling Routes and Nature

When planning a trip to Županići, it is worth considering two different scales: cycling route 443 explicitly passes through Županići, while several walking trails lie within the wider municipal area. Reški kol pond is close to the village and can be reached from a cycling route. This lets you choose between a specifically described cycling loop, a natural spot by the water and trails with geological, historical or culinary themes.

Cycling routes connected to the village

Cycling route 443, Stazom Svetog Martin / Baronova staza, forms a loop from Sveti Martin through Ružići, Županići, Stepančići, Santalezi, Cere, Markoci, Golji, Snašići, Turini and Paradiž, before returning to Sveti Martin. The 27-kilometre route is rated as moderately difficult; 20 kilometres are on asphalt and 7 kilometres on gravel. The estimated cycling time is 3 hours and 30 minutes. The loop, surface, difficulty level and estimated duration provide a concrete basis for fitting the ride into your day's plans.

Cycling route 403 Liburnia leads to Liburna, a nature reserve for indigenous animals where you can see friendly donkeys. Reški kol pond lies near Županići and can be visited from the cycling route. Fish and frogs find a habitat in the pond, while plants in the surrounding area attract butterflies.

Walking trails in the wider destination of the Municipality of Sveta Nedelja

The 7.3-kilometre Šumberske Dine walking trail passes through an area of marl dunes. It connects natural phenomena, local family businesses and unspoiled nature; geology and history are also among the trail's themes. Check the current trail conditions before setting out.

The Kalića i Bukalete walking trail connects Istrian vineyards, ponds that are important for freshwater habitats and traditional Istrian cuisine. Boksitna Pruga follows the route of a former bauxite railway used during the mining era in Labinština. The route also offers the opportunity to visit Farma Drijade by prior arrangement and see the animals there. The options have clear thematic differences: Šumberske Dine combines dunes and nature, Kalića i Bukalete brings together vineyard landscapes and cuisine, and Boksitna Pruga combines a historic railway line with a pre-arranged visit to see animals.

Cuisine and culture

In Sveti Martin, Agroturism Pineta offers dishes and products from the Radićanin family farm. These include honey, homemade juices and jams. This is a specific culinary connection to Sveti Martin, while the walking trails described above are in the area of the Municipality of Sveta Nedelja.

Josip Belušić was born on 12 March 1847 in Županići, near Labin. He invented the velocimeter, an electric device that recorded vehicle speed, driving and stopping time, the number of passengers, and the times they boarded and alighted.

Nearby Park skulptura Dubrova lies outside Županići. It is next to Stancija Dubrova, which features the Baroque Franković-Lazzarini Palace. The park includes 68 sculptures, Bijela cesta (White Road), with 16 sections measuring 25 metres each, the Dolac amphitheatre and an information centre. The park is open to visitors year-round, 24 hours a day; admission is free. Group tours can be arranged in advance. Check the arrangements before your arrival.

Discover more destinations: Mali Turini, Vrecari, Markoci, Sumber, Mali Golji, Paradiz, Jurazini, Strmac.

For the wider travel overview: Municipality of Sveta Nedelja.