Jurdani offers two distinct themes to explore when planning a trip: cycling on Route 118 and specific cultural connections to the area. The route details and historical examples can help you choose the focus of your stay.

Cycling on Route 118

Route 118, “Saka noć ima svoju moć,” is a 32-kilometre circular route that starts and ends in Permani and passes through Jurdani between Principi and Mučići. It is rated as moderately difficult and suitable for trekking bikes. This rating provides a guide for choosing a ride; difficulty and surface conditions can change. So check the route and conditions before setting out.

Jurdani has a Matulji Aqua Oasis drinking-water and refill station for people hiking, cycling and passing through, supporting outdoor activities. Availability on site can change; if you are relying on the station, check before your outing.

Cultural connections to the area

The “Ususret trećem tisućljeću” cross in Jurdani is a work by sculptor Ljubo de Karina. Letnja Ivanja also has a specific historical connection to the area: the programme for its 19th edition began on 24 June 2016 with a prayer at a cross and a medallion dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.

The Rukavačkeh zvončari procession returns through Jurdani before continuing to Jušići and Rukavac. Jurdani is also part of the history of transport as one of the stops on the Pivka–Rijeka railway branch, built in 1873.

More routes and culture in the wider destination of Općina Matulji

The wider destination of Općina Matulji has a network of 150 kilometres of cycling and hiking trails, including ten circular routes. Two routes offer different distances and elevation profiles: the 15-kilometre Bike-and-Hike Route 119, “Od Golopusta do sup Šije,” has 240 metres of elevation gain and starts in the centre of Vele Mune. Route 113, “Mune i Žejane,” is a 37.5-kilometre circular route with a total elevation gain of 590 metres. It starts in Jušići and runs mostly on asphalt. Distance, elevation gain and surface provide specific points of comparison when choosing a route.

Carnival is another regional cultural theme: in Općina Matulji, it takes place in January and February, with the Zvončari Festival as its main event. The Zvončari are traditional carnival figures whose origins date back more than 500 years. The Zvončarska Smotra traditionally takes place in Matulji on Shrove Saturday. At its 29th edition, 14 groups of Zvončari paraded through Matulji. Dates for individual programmes vary.

Accommodation and planning

Check the conditions for each route before hiking or cycling. If you plan to attend the carnival, check the dates for the specific programme.

Discover more destinations: Zvoneće, Mučići, Veli Brgud, Male Mune, Zaluki, Šapjane, Mihotići, Rupa.

For the wider travel overview: Općina Matulji.