Discover Kalac: Hiking and Rural Heritage

Kalac is a place to discover. Its character is described as a blend of the past and local tradition with unspoilt nature; the rural heritage complex of Špetrići is part of the village. Alongside this connection to rural heritage, hiking is a practical focus for planning your trip.

Hiking around Kalac

A route description published in 2025 leads from Sveta Jelena to the hamlet of Kalac in about 30 minutes. From there, the hiking route continues via an unmarked shortcut to a marked trail towards Kremenjak. The stated time refers to the walk to Kalac; a further section of the route follows. When planning, therefore, pay attention to the transition from the unmarked shortcut to the marked trail.

The Kremenjak hiking trail is considered technically easy but requires good fitness. It covers more than 500 metres of elevation gain and takes approximately five to six hours to walk. This longer hike demands a different amount of time and physical effort than the roughly half-hour walk from Sveta Jelena to Kalac. The easy technical rating does not mean that fitness is unimportant. The route descriptions date from 2025, and current conditions may vary. Check trail conditions locally before setting out, especially on the unmarked shortcut.

Rural heritage and local character

The Špetrići complex gives rural heritage in Kalac a tangible connection. Together with the described blend of local tradition, the past and nature, it offers a perspective on the village that differs from the hiking trails: the focus here is on its inherited character. The term “rural heritage complex” refers to the complex itself; it does not indicate that private buildings are accessible.

In the wider destination of Općina Mošćenička Draga

Trebišća–Perun is a dedicated hiking and cultural trail in the wider destination of Općina Mošćenička Draga. This historical and mythological trail presents the religious beliefs of the first Slavic settlers in the Kvarner region. It passes through preserved hamlets in the Potoška vala gorge and continues to the 880-metre-high summit of Perun. The gorge above Mošćenička Draga is also associated with the ancient cult of Perun.

Brseč also offers a distinct historical connection in the wider destination: its lanes and passageways retain a medieval character, while most of the town houses were built in the 17th century. An oil mill known as Toš also dates from that century. When considering the dates, it is worth distinguishing between character and construction period: the medieval character of the lanes does not mean that every house is medieval.

For coastal interests, the wider destination of Općina Mošćenička Draga offers different kinds of landscapes. Sipar Beach is several hundred metres long. Sand brought down by the Mošćenička Draga stream contributed to its formation; the pebbles were shaped by sea waves. Senjavac is a naturist beach behind Sv. Ivan Beach. These descriptions distinguish the beaches both by how they formed and by how they are used.

The coastal area of Mošćenička Draga can be explored by diving with local dive clubs. The small harbour there is used by fishing boats and smaller watercraft. The regional setting thus includes both an opportunity to discover the underwater landscape and a harbour whose use is shaped by boats.

Discover more destinations: Brseč, Mošćenička Draga, Donji Kraj, Sveta Jelena, Zagore, Moscenice, Martina, Sveti Petar.

For the wider travel overview: Općina Mošćenička Draga.