The official Cycling Route 464 passes through Lazarici; along this section, you can see landscaped flower gardens. The village’s historical heritage also offers a cultural point of interest: Ivan Fonović-Zlatela, a traditional maker and player of the Istrian sopela, was born here. In Lazarici, rural scenery and a craft connected with music stand side by side.
Cycling on Route 464
This moderately difficult loop is 26 kilometres long and runs from Kršan through Lazarici, Potpićan, Zankovci, Zatka Čepić and Kloštar. You can allow around three hours for the circuit. The route surface includes both asphalt and macadam. The approximate duration can help you plan your day; also check the route’s technical conditions before setting out.
Along the section in Lazarici, travellers can see the landscaped flower gardens. Further along the route, the scenery changes to old stone houses, vineyards, cultivated fields and rural villages; the route continues towards Čepić Field. This means the gardens in the village offer a different view from the varied rural scenery along the longer route.
Ivan Fonović-Zlatela and the Sopela
Ivan Fonović-Zlatela was born in Lazarici in 1868. He was a traditional maker and player of the Istrian sopela, became known for his high-quality instruments, and taught others how to make and play them. His story brings together instrument making, musical practice and the passing on of a craft. It adds a distinct cultural connection to the village alongside the cycling route’s focus on the landscape.
The wider destination of Općina Kršan
Učka Nature Park lies in the hilly part of the Municipality of Kršan. Its habitats are home to numerous endemic, endangered and protected plant and animal species. In Šušnjevica, the Ekomuzej “Vlaški puti” comprises an interpretation centre, a media library and themed walking trails through the nature park. These trails are connected with the lives and activities of the local community. Nature and local cultural interpretation offer further themes across the wider destination of Općina Kršan.
The coast of the wider destination of Općina Kršan offers a different kind of scenery: the municipality has almost 13 kilometres of preserved coastline. It is steep and rocky, with wild beaches set in coastal inlets. This is very different from the gardens, fields and villages along Cycling Route 464.
History and events in 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, on an old route linking ancient Histria and Liburnia; it was first mentioned in writing in 1102. Plomin lies below Sisol at the entrance to inner Istria and was built on the foundations of the ancient Roman town of Flanona. The Church of Sv. Jurja Starog in Plomin houses the oldest known Glagolitic inscription, the Plomin inscription.
A seasonal highlight in Plomin is the endemic plant “Istarski zvončić”: in late May and early June, it briefly adorns house façades, the church, walls and baladure. The samoniklog bilja festival takes place every year in Kršan. Workshops cover natural cosmetics, tea, tinctures, oils, fragrances and dishes made with wild plants; exhibitors showcase plant-based products, while chefs prepare dishes using wild plants. If you would like to include the festival in your stay, check the event dates.
Discover more destinations: Purgarija Čepić, Kozljak, Zatka Čepić, Vozilici, Krsan, Kostrčani, Veljaki, Potpićan.
Go to the wider travel overview: Općina Kršan.
