Šmrika: Hiking, Karting and Regional History

There are several ways to plan a stay in Šmrika: marked circular trails, Kartodrom Bura, visits to Farma Magaraca, and regional history and cuisine. The two hiking trails are especially easy to compare by length and route.

On foot: comparing two circular trails

The marked circular trail “Along the Paths of our Nonas” is 10.7 kilometres long. From Kraljevica, it follows the waterfront promenade to Bakarac, then passes through Šmrika and Banj before returning to Kraljevica. The route is considered easy and suitable for all age groups.

“Our Landscape” is also a marked circular trail; it is 11 kilometres long. The route passes through woodland and along the sea, and goes via Nova Kraljevica Castle, Banj, Šmrika, Črišnjeva, Uvala Scott and Kraljevica. It is also considered easy. The two trails are similar in length; the routes described differ mainly in that the first includes the waterfront promenade, while the second passes through woodland and along the sea.

Karting and visits to the donkey farm

Kartodrom Bura is an indoor go-kart track in Šmrika. The track is also described as suitable for supermoto, mini-moto, scooters and small formula cars. It is 822 metres long; at the start line it is 8 metres wide, and in the inner section it is 7 metres wide. The dimensions may change after renovations, so check the track information before travelling.

Farma Magaraca offers family visits with donkeys, including petting or riding donkeys and an educational programme. Educational visits about animals, the Šmrika area and local traditions are also available for kindergartens and school groups. Groups may need to arrange their visit in advance. As arrangements may change, check the current programme before visiting.

Historical connections

The section of the “Tracing Frankopan Footsteps” trail towards Šmrika and Križišće connects with the historic Karolina caravan road. Archaeological finds also link the area to its past: Šmrika Cave is one of the surrounding sites where Bronze Age artefacts have been found; these include a stone hammer. The Karolina represents a historic route, while the stone hammer is a specific archaeological find. Together, the two connections show different aspects of the local past: a caravan road and evidence from the Bronze Age.

Local produce and cuisine

OPG Lucić in Šmrika offers its own locally produced donkey’s milk; availability may vary. A modern dessert variation is based on a traditional recipe from Šmrika. Almond shells were used to prepare tea; dried figs were sometimes added for a fuller flavour.

Discover more destinations: Križišće, Kraljevica, Bakarac.

Return to the main travel overview: Općina Kraljevica.