Belavići can be explored along two specific paths: the 631 Barban cycling route and a local legend about King Tomislav. The route passes Belavići before descending toward Blaz Bay. In the surrounding area, it offers views west toward the mountains and east toward Kvarner Bay.
Cycling routes with different profiles
The official 631 Barban route follows the road toward Hreljići and Belavići; from there, it descends on gravel to Blaz Bay. It is classified as difficult. Those comparing cycling routes will find a differently classified option in the 341 Flanatica: Belavići is on its route, which is considered moderate and suitable for e-bikes. These classifications provide a concrete comparison without equating the two routes.
A separate route description, specific to a particular year, concerns the 2024 XCM Rakalj Mountain Bike Marathon. The longer course was 61 kilometres long; its first technical descent toward Blaz Bay led through the forest to the village of Belavići. This information applies to that edition of the marathon, not to a general cycling connection. For planning, it helps to distinguish between the classified routes and this longer race course.
Pilgrimage and legend
The Church of Our Lady of Health in Hreljići serves Belavići. It was built in 1726 and is a Marian pilgrimage site. A procession takes place there every year on the second Sunday in October. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the relevant programme details in advance.
A local legend connects Belavići with the crown and royal insignia of King Tomislav: following a conflict between two ships, they are said to have been hidden in Blaz Bay. Whether the objects actually exist and where they might be is unknown. The themed tour “Mysterious South” also includes Belavići as one of its listed stops; Stop 11 is titled “Crown of the first Croatian king Tomislav”. The legend and the tour title make the story tangible without resolving the open question of what became of the crown.
Traces around Blaz Bay and Rakalj
Blaz Bay is also associated with older forms of water use. Its drinking-water springs were once used by residents of eastern and central Istria. In the 15th century, water-powered mills were built there, where wheat and corn were ground; their walls are still visible. Along the same route, scenic views sit alongside traces of earlier work with water.
Nearby, in Old Rakalj, are the remains of a prehistoric fort, an ancient fort and a medieval castle. The 15th-century Church of St Agnes overlooks Raša Bay and the Kvarner Islands. Cycling routes and the Stjepan Hauser footpath also pass through Rakalj. The birthplace of Mijo Mirković houses a memorial collection about his life and literary work, Istrian heritage and Rakalj’s pottery tradition.
The wider setting: Općina Marčana
Across the wider destination of Općina Marčana, the indented coastline stretches for 36 kilometres from Raša Bay in the north to Budava Bay in the south. The Camino South Istria offers another regional point of reference: the 193-kilometre pilgrimage route runs through the municipality. These details broaden the view of the destination beyond Belavići.
Discover more destinations: Orbanići, Rakalj, Šegotići, Cokuni, Veliki Vareški, Divšići, Kavran, Pavicini.
For the wider travel overview: Općina Marčana.
