The official cycling route 464, “Overlooking Fields and Vineyards,” passes through Zatka Čepić. The village is located in Čepićko polje, whose history and agricultural setting offer further points to consider when planning your trip. If you are looking for accommodation, you can first weigh up whether the cycling route, the rural surroundings, or other themes in the wider destination of Općina Kršan should shape your stay.
The plain, its history and regional produce
Zatka Čepić lies in the lowland landscape of Čepićko polje in the municipality of Kršan. The landscape is also shaped by a profound historical change: Lake Čepić was drained in 1932. This created about 1,500 hectares of new arable land. The approximate area gives an idea of the scale of this transformation and provides a historical backdrop to today’s lowland area.
The agricultural setting includes family farms in Čepićko polje that produce milk, various types of cheese and other dairy products. The Sirana Zlata in Čepić polje also produces a wide range of products, including Škripavac, hard and semi-hard cheeses, truffle cheese, grated cheese, curd and yoghurt products. These products offer a tangible insight into the regional dairy production that is part of the character of the polje.
Cycling and excursions around Zatka Čepić
Cycling route 464 is 26 km long and passes through the village. This distance can serve as a concrete guide when planning your day. Check the route conditions before setting out, as they can change regardless of the published distance.
An excursion described in 2022 starts at the junction of the D500 and the unclassified road to Zatka Čepić, and heads towards Čepić. One excursion route leaves Zatka Čepić in the direction of Purgarija Čepić and then continues to Lanišće. On a tour through Zatka Čepić, the hamlet of Šegavci is next to a lavender field. An excursion route also passes two chapels at successive junctions before leaving the village. Lavender cultivation and access to the field may vary seasonally; take this into account when planning. It is worth checking local conditions before setting out for the junction on the D500 described here.
Church history in the surrounding area
In Lanišće, the single-nave Church of St. Just stands in the cemetery; it dates from the 13th century. A tombstone with a Glagolitic inscription, preserved there, comes from the former Church of Our Lady of the Lake. The stone connects the history of St. Just with an earlier church building and offers a tangible insight into the religious heritage of the surrounding area.
Other highlights in the wider destination of Općina Kršan
The wider destination of Općina Kršan encompasses other landscape and cultural themes. The Učka Nature Park is located in the hilly part of the municipality. Its habitats are home to numerous endemic, endangered and protected plant and animal species. In Šušnjevica, the “Vlaški puti” Ecomuseum includes an interpretation centre, a media library and themed walking trails through Učka Nature Park, connected with the life and activities of the local community.
The annual Festival of Wild Plants in Kršan is another distinct regional highlight. Workshops cover topics such as natural cosmetics, tea, tinctures, oils and fragrances, as well as dishes made from wild plants. Exhibitors showcase plant-based products, while chefs prepare and present dishes made from wild plants. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for your chosen travel year.
Discover more destinations: Purgarija Čepić, Veljaki, Plomin, Kostrčani, Plomin Luka, Šušnjevica, Krsan, Potpićan
Go to the wider travel overview: Općina Kršan.
