Porat brings together a strong cultural and historical focus with two routes that start here: the Franciscan Monastery of St Mary Magdalene is notable for its religious architecture and collections; on foot or by mountain bike, the routes described here lead into oak forests and olive-growing countryside. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether the monastery’s history, a shorter walk or an MTB route is your priority.
The monastery complex and its historic role as a harbour
The Franciscan Monastery of St Mary Magdalene in Porat is registered as a cultural monument. The Church of St Mary Magdalene within the complex was built in the mid-16th century. A museum in the basement preserves artworks and household items that illustrate the historic life of the Third Order of St Francis. Here, church architecture and the history of a religious community come together in one place.
In the monastery courtyard, a lapidarium displays Croatian Glagolitic stone monuments, including the Baška Tablet and the Valun Tablet. These stone monuments complement the church with examples of writing and stonework. In the wider destination of Općina Malinska-Dubašnica, the current design of the monastery’s outdoor grounds in Porat, with its cloister and central fountain, dates from the 17th century.
Porat’s historic identity is also linked to a protected harbour that served as a shelter for ships. This maritime connection adds to the monastery’s architectural and collection history. The wider area’s earlier history is also part of the picture: a Liburnian hillfort has been preserved near Porat, in the Dubašnica area.
Hiking trail or MTB route
For a walk, H114 – Cesta maslina starts in Porat and is a three-kilometre circular hiking trail. It passes through dense oak forests and along dry-stone walls enclosing olive groves. The route also offers a glimpse into Dubašnia’s centuries-old olive-growing tradition. The distance is a clear starting point when choosing a route by length.
For mountain biking, there is B413 – Srce Dubašnice. The 18-kilometre route starts and ends in Porat; its elevation gain is listed as 240 metres. It runs through oak forest and between the dry-stone walls surrounding olive groves. Both routes therefore take in oak landscapes and olive groves, but differ considerably in length and mode of travel.
The figures make it easy to compare the routes when planning ahead: H114 is a three-kilometre circular walk, while B413 is an MTB route covering 18 kilometres with 240 metres of elevation gain.
Culture and routes in Općina Malinska-Dubašnica
The wider destination of Općina Malinska-Dubašnica has other cultural and historical points of interest. The Old Cemetery of St Apollinar marks the site of Dubašnica’s original parish church. Its bell tower was built in 1618 and remains a symbol of Dubašnica. Within the region’s broader cultural context, this site is a distinct point of reference alongside the monastery in Porat.
The hiking and running options in Općina Malinska-Dubašnica also provide a wider context, with 50 kilometres of trails. The Mihojski puti hiking trail connects history, natural landscapes and the cultural heritage of the island of Krk. These regional features complement the specific choices in Porat, where the H114 circular hiking trail and B413 MTB route begin.
If you are considering Porat as a place to stay, its cultural heritage and routes can help guide your search: the monastery complex and its collections are the main attractions for those interested in the monastery’s history, while H114 and B413 start in Porat for those looking to get active. If you would like to consider other cultural and landscape attractions, you can also include the offerings of Općina Malinska-Dubašnica in your trip planning.
Discover more destinations: Turčić, Sveti Vid-Miholjice, Milovcici, Sveti Anton, Kremenići, Radići, Strilčići, Vantacici.
View the wider destination: Općina Malinska-Dubašnica.
