Perini: Hiking the Path of Water and discovering culture in nearby Sveti Lovreč

Perini is part of the 11.2 km Path of Water circular trail. The route follows roads, forest paths, and gravel tracks through the Sveti Lovreč area, reaches Perini, and then continues towards Sveti Lovreč. The stated distance refers to the entire circular route, not just the section near Perini. For planning your trip, the changing trail surfaces and following the marked sections are important points to keep in mind.

Hiking and navigation

The section between leaving Perini and entering the eastern part of Sveti Lovreč is considered the most challenging part. Good navigation is needed there to follow the hiking trail markers. When planning your tour, you can treat this section as a key point for navigation and pay attention to the markers.

At the Rulja spring, the access path branches off the main road shortly before Heraki; a narrow forest path leads to the spring. From Orbani, hiking signs point towards the Purinka spring. Check the signposts or markers on site before following these directions. The two navigation points are clearly distinct: for Rulja, the key point is the turn-off from the main road before Heraki; for Purinka, it is the signposting from Orbani.

Springs and water spots

Ponds and pools line the route to the Purinka spring. These natural water spots may be seasonal. The Puč spring is the next point of interest in the direction of Vošteni. The Puč spring in Vošteni is considered the best-known natural water spot in the Općina Sveti Lovreč. The water spots can therefore be distinguished by their respective route connections: Rulja is by the turn-off before Heraki, Purinka is signposted from Orbani, and Puč is connected to the route towards Vošteni.

Local products along the Put vode

The route along the Put vode passes local wineries and agrotourism establishments, where day-trippers can sample local products. Which businesses take part may change. Check in advance which stops are relevant to your trip planning. This will help you decide whether a tasting, in addition to the hike, suits your interests.

Cultural history in the Općina Sveti Lovreč

Sveti Lovreč is considered one of the best-preserved medieval fortified towns in Istria. Its surviving features include fortifications, towers, and town gates; most of the visible fortifications date from the Venetian period. The fortified ensemble includes the Funtanela Tower, a triangular tower, and a bell tower that once served as a defensive tower. The town walls were extended and developed in the 14th century, when Sveti Lovreč was the seat of the captains.

The three-nave Basilica of St Martin in the nearby area also offers its own historical connection: it dates from the first half of the 11th century. St Martin’s Church has one of the oldest surviving fresco ensembles in Istria, including recently restored frescoes in the north and south apses. It is also home to the oldest organ in Istria. Petar Nakić (Pietro Nacchini) built it in 1735; it was restored in 2013. The cultural history of Sveti Lovreč thus brings together different periods and historical remains—from medieval walls and church art to an instrument from the 18th century.

Discover more destinations: Orbani, Flengi, Knapići, Medaki, Marasi, Selina, Kruncici, Stranići Kod Lovreča.

For the overall travel overview: Općina Sveti Lovreč.