Jušići: Cycling Routes and Local History

Jušići combines local history with a strong connection to cycling: the circular “Saka noć ima svoju moć” route passes through the village, while a second circular route starts in the centre of Jušići. The wider Municipality of Matulji also has a carnival tradition. When planning your trip, it is worth considering which routes directly involve Jušići and which experiences belong to the wider municipal area.

Jušići: Location and Local History

Jušići lies on the D8 state road between Rupa and Matulji. The village consists of several groups of hamlets, including Vlahov Breg. These settlement groups date back to the early modern period. Jušići became more significant in the 19th century, after the settlement came to lie on the main routes in this part of Istria. Thus, the early modern hamlet groups sit alongside a later chapter in the history of transport. Jušići is also home to the Crkvica Gospe od Zdravlja.

Cycling: Comparing Two Circular Routes

The 32-kilometre “Saka noć ima svoju moć” circular route (Route 118) starts and ends in Permani and passes through Jušići. It is considered suitable for mountain or trekking bikes. Another option is the 37.5-kilometre “Mune i Žejane” circular route (Route 113), which has a total elevation gain of 590 metres, starts in the centre of Jušići and runs mostly on asphalt.

The key details distinguish the tours in practical ways: Route 118 is shorter and lists mountain and trekking bikes as suitable types; Route 113 provides information on elevation gain and surface and starts in the village centre.

The wider area of the Municipality of Matulji has a 150-kilometre network of cycling and hiking trails, including ten circular routes. Trail markings and conditions may change, so check the latest information before setting out. Matuljicious Bike & Taste also forms part of this regional offering: the seasonal programme combines interpretive cycling with landscapes, cultural heritage, local specialities and tastings at producers’ premises. Participation details may change, so it is advisable to check the information for the relevant date.

Carnival and Regional Traditions

Carnival takes place in the Municipality of Matulji in January and February, with the Zvončari Festival as its main event. Zvončari are traditional carnival figures whose origins date back more than 500 years. In Jušići itself, the 2026 carnival programme scheduled a children’s Reduta with live music at Dom Jušići on 11 February; a dance was planned there for 16 February, Pusni Monday. These are specific programme events from 2026.

Hiking in the Municipality of Matulji

Another place to visit in the wider destination of the Municipality of Matulji is Lisina, a largely forested protected landscape in the Ćićarija hills, adjoining Učka Nature Park. A hiking trail follows the scenic ridge of 1,037-metre Crni vrh. It begins southwest of the mountain hut on Lisina. If you are planning this hike, check the current trail conditions before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Male Mune, Zaluki, Jurdani, Matulji, Mučići, Šapjane, Pasjak, Rupa

Go to the wider travel overview: Municipality of Matulji.