Bila Vlaka: Nature and sport in a regional context

Nature and agricultural suitability

The planning area of Bila Vlaka lies entirely within the Natura 2000 bird protection area HR1000024 Ravni kotari. Bila Vlaka is also designated as a location suitable for fruit growing. This brings together a specific connection to a protected area and the prospect of agricultural use.

Sporting events from 2025

For the XCM Kolovez 2025, announced for 25 May 2025, a circular route 20 kilometres long with 380 metres of elevation gain per lap was planned in the Budak–Stankovci–Bila Vlaka area. The planned route included gravel sections, narrow singletrack trails, technical descents, and short, intense climbs. These details describe both the length of the lap and several specific features of its planned profile.

The one-day edition of the “Bila Vlaka 2025” futsal tournament was played on the pitch near Perićini hrasta. The two examples represent different sporting formats: a planned off-road route with details on distance and elevation gain, and a one-day tournament at a named venue.

In the wider destination of the Municipality of Stankovci

The southwestern boundary of the Municipality of Stankovci runs along the shore of Vransko jezero. The shoreline section belonging to the municipality is listed as 8.85 kilometres long. The part of Vransko jezero Nature Park within the municipality is protected under Croatia’s Nature Protection Act. In addition, the Natura 2000 site HR2001361 “Ravni kotari” is located in the Municipality of Stankovci; the European pond turtle is one of its target species. The codes distinguish the Natura 2000 designations: HR1000024 refers to the bird protection area, while HR2001361 refers to the site for which the pond turtle is a target species.

Transport links also relate to the municipal level: the A1 motorway runs along the northern edge of the municipality. The D27 state road connects Gračac, Zaton Obrovački, and Benkovac with Stankovci and Šibenik. County road Ž 6067 connects Bulić with Stankovci. These details place the transport routes in the context of the Municipality of Stankovci.

Historical heritage of the Municipality of Stankovci

In Velim, the remains of the hilltop castle form a rectangular fortification with remnants of two towers, one older and one later. The castle was destroyed and burned down in 1684. In Stankovci lies the prehistoric hillfort of Ogradak, which usually served for observation or defence. During the Venetian–Ottoman wars, a signal tower was built in Budak as part of a whole chain of fortifications.

Archaeological and religious heritage also contributes to the region’s history. Near the Širitovac and Velištak wells in Velim is a settlement from the early Neolithic period. The Church of Sv. Ivana in Banjevci is an architecturally and historically significant medieval building. The Church of Sv. Petra in Morpolača is associated with the 12th century. Together, these examples span prehistoric settlements, fortifications, and medieval church architecture.

Discover more destinations: Banjevci, Stankovci.

Return to the wider travel overview: Municipality of Stankovci.