Kostrčani is located within the Općina Kršan. A marked circular walking route passes through the settlement and offers a practical starting point for planning a stay. For a broader look at nature and culture, it is also worth exploring the wider destination of Općina Kršan.
Walk the circular route
The marked circular walking route is 11.1 kilometres long, rated as moderately difficult, and takes about two hours. Within Kostrčani, it heads west along a paved surface; it then continues towards Gračišće on a dirt track. The distance, difficulty level, and approximate duration offer different points of reference for planning your day. Check the route markers and trail conditions before setting out, as they may change.
The route makes walking a practical option to consider when choosing Kostrčani as a destination. The described paved section is within the settlement; after that, the route continues along a dirt track. The two-hour estimate refers to the circular route, not just the section through the settlement.
Landscapes in the wider destination of Općina Kršan
The landscape of Općina Kršan encompasses Čepićko polje and the lowlands of the upper Raša and Boljunčica rivers. It also includes foothills and the Ćićarija mountain massif. This combination creates a varied landscape of lowlands and hills across the municipality, providing a regional setting for exploration.
The Nature Park Učka is located in the hilly part of the Općina Kršan. Its habitats are home to numerous endemic, endangered, and protected plant and animal species. The coastline is also part of the municipality’s landscape: the Općina Kršan has almost 13 kilometres of unspoilt coastline. Wild beaches lie in inlets along the steep, rocky shore. Together, these details illustrate the range of landscapes in the wider destination without attributing the nature park or coastal features to Kostrčani.
History and architecture of the Općina Kršan
Stari grad Kršan is a fortified town and one of the best-preserved Istrian castles. It was first mentioned in the 13th century. Kožljak Castle lies on the southern slopes of Učka, along an ancient road that connected ancient Histria and Liburnia; it was first mentioned in written sources in 1102. These are two distinct historical reference points: the first mention of Stari grad in the 13th century and that of Kožljak in 1102.
The Church of Saint Anthony the Abbot stands within the fortification walls of Stari grad Kršan and dates from the 17th century. Below Kožljak Castle lies the Romanesque Church of Saint Adrian. The steps to Kožljak Castle are cut into the natural rock. In Plomin, the Church of Sv. Jurja Starog houses the Plomin Inscription, the oldest known Glagolitic inscription.
Plomin lies below Sisol, at the entrance to inland Istria, and was built on the foundations of the ancient Histrian-Roman town of Flanona. A puzzle activity, Plominsko otkriće, leads through historic lanes and past centuries-old buildings within the former town walls. Check in advance whether the activity is available.
Culture, nature, and seasonal highlights
The Ekomuzej “Vlaški puti” in Šušnjevica includes an interpretation centre, a media library, and themed walking trails through the Nature Park Učka. The trails are connected with the life and activities of the local community. Istro-Romanian is listed as intangible cultural heritage in Croatia.
The Festival samoniklog bilja is held every year in Kršan. Its workshops cover topics including natural cosmetics, tea, tinctures, oils and fragrances, as well as dishes made with wild plants. Exhibitors showcase plant-based products; chefs prepare and present dishes made from wild plants. The festival thus combines practical topics relating to wild plants with their use in cooking.
Other cultural events also offer insights into the Općina Kršan. The Dani istarskog zvončića programme includes panel discussions, exhibitions, singing, and music. Kršonski pir presents a wedding custom characteristic of Kršan and its surroundings as a folk performance in nine scenes. In Plomin, the endemic Istarski zvončić briefly adorns house façades, the church, walls, and baladure in late May and early June.
Discover more destinations: Plomin Luka, Krsan, Zagorje, Kozljak, Plomin, Purgarija Čepić, Potpićan, Blaškovići.
See the wider travel overview: Općina Kršan.
