Hills and coast shape two distinct natural landscapes in the Municipality of Kršan. The hilly part of the municipal area is home to Učka Nature Park. Its habitats include numerous endemic, endangered and protected plant and animal species. Along the coast, Kršan has almost 13 kilometres of unspoilt coastline. It is steep and rocky, with wild beaches in coastal inlets. The park’s habitats and the striking coastal landscape thus sit side by side as distinct facets of the same municipality.
Nature and Local Ways of Life
In Šušnjevica, the “Vlaški puti” Ecomuseum includes an interpretation centre, a media library and themed walking trails through Učka Nature Park. The trails are connected to the life and activities of the local community. Here, nature and local life are therefore more than two topics brought together: the trails themselves reflect the community’s connection to the area. Those interested in this connection can explore it through the themed trails, as well as at the ecomuseum’s centre and media library.
A particularly brief seasonal natural highlight can be found in Plomin: the endemic Istarski zvončić briefly adorns house façades, the church, walls and baladure there. Its blooming period is limited to a short window: late May and early June. This floral display offers a different kind of discovery from the habitats of the nature park or the stretches of coastline: here, the focus is on a plant and the features of the place it temporarily adorns.
Plomin: Historical Layers and Discoveries
Plomin lies below Sisol at the entrance to inner Istria and was built on the foundations of the ancient Histrian and Roman city of Flanona. The Church of Sv. Jurja Starog also bears witness to a long history: it houses the oldest known Glagolitic inscription, the Plomin Inscription. History can also be explored as an activity in Plomin. Plominsko otkriće is a puzzle activity that leads through historic lanes and to centuries-old buildings within the former town walls. Check whether it is currently available before making plans. Virtualna avantura grofice Tonetti is designed as a virtual tour through Plomin’s past in four languages; check its current availability too.
A brief seasonal comparison adds another dimension to this historical perspective: while Plominsko otkriće turns the lanes and buildings into the setting for a puzzle activity, the Istarski zvončić temporarily adorns façades, walls, the church and baladure in late May and early June. One is a discovery activity; the other is a natural highlight with a clearly limited seasonal window.
Fortified Towns and Churches
Stari grad Kršan is a fortified town and one of the best-preserved Istrian castles. It was first mentioned in the 13th century. Visitors enter Stari grad through well-preserved town gates. Inside the fortification walls stands the 17th-century Church of St Anthony the Abbot. The gates and the church give the historic site different defining features: the former belong to the fortifications, while the latter stands within their walls.
Kožljak Castle stands on the southern slopes of Učka, beside an old road that linked ancient Histria and Liburnia. The castle was first mentioned in writing in 1102. It is reached by steps carved into the natural rock. Below the castle is the Romanesque Church of St Adrian. Its location, the historic road and the rock-hewn access make Kožljak a different historical highlight from the fortified Stari grad Kršan with its town gates.
Traditions and Events
The Festival of Wild Plants takes place every year in Kršan. Its workshops cover the making of natural cosmetics, tea, tinctures, oils and fragrances, as well as preparing dishes with wild plants. At the festival, exhibitors showcase plant-based products, while chefs prepare and present dishes made with wild plants. The workshops and presentations have different focuses: some explore how plants are processed, while others show how they are used in cooking. Check the specific event dates before planning your trip around the festival.
The Days of the Istrian Bluebell feature discussion panels and exhibitions, as well as singing and music. Another cultural highlight is the Kršonski pir: this folkloric performance presents a wedding custom characteristic of Kršan and the surrounding area in nine scenes. Together, these formats offer different ways to engage with local themes—through discussions and exhibitions, music and singing, or a staged portrayal of tradition.
Discover more destinations: Krsan, Plomin, Vozilici, Kozljak, Lazarici, Blaškovići, Šušnjevica, Plomin Luka, Potpićan, Kostrčani, Veljaki, Purgarija Čepić, Zagorje, Zatka Čepić.
For the overview of the wider region: Istria County.
