Heraki and the Way of Water

The Way of Water provides a point of reference for planning a trip to Heraki. The 11.2 km circular hiking trail begins in Sveti Lovreč, initially follows the road towards Heraki, then turns onto a forest path leading to the Rulja spring. This means the starting point of the loop and the section described as heading towards Heraki are at different points along the route. If you are looking for a hotel in Heraki, you can use the hiking trail as a concrete reference when planning your trip.

The Way of Water and its water sites

The Way of Water connects several water sites around Sveti Lovreč. These include the Rulja spring before Heraki, the Purinka spring near Orbani, ponds and pools along the route, and the Puč spring in Vošteni. The route therefore passes several different kinds of water sites rather than focusing on a single spring.

From the Heraki section, the route continues through Lakovići and Orbani, then on to Vošteni and Perini before returning to Sveti Lovreč. The sequence of places helps you navigate the full route and shows how the individual water sites fit into it.

The distance of 11.2 km refers to the circular trail. Check the route conditions before your hike, as they may change.

A broader look at the destination of Općina Sveti Lovreč

In the broader destination of Općina Sveti Lovreč, the circular hiking trail Put vode is known as Istra Trails No. 720. It starts at the restored town spring in the centre of Sveti Lovreč, near Velika vrata, and ends at the same spring. Several water sites in the municipality are part of the route.

The layout of Sveti Lovreč also tells the story of its past: its circular plan dates back to a prehistoric hillfort on the hilltop. In the 14th century, the town walls were extended and reinforced when Sveti Lovreč was the seat of the captains. The fortified complex includes the Funtanela Tower, a nearby triangular tower, and a bell tower that once served as a defensive tower.

Sveti Lovreč is also home to St Martin’s Church. It has the oldest organ in Istria, made by Petar Nakić (Pietro Nacchini) in 1735 and restored in 2013. The church also houses one of the oldest surviving ensembles of frescoes in Istria, including recently restored frescoes in the north and south apses.

Gallery Placa in Sveti Lovreč is an information centre and gallery featuring information about the tourist offerings of Sveti Lovreč and central Istria. As the services offered may change, check their availability before visiting.

Explore more destinations: Selina, Stranići Kod Lovreča, Bralići, Marasi, Knapići, Vošteni, Čehići, Radići

Back to the broader travel overview: Općina Sveti Lovreč.