In Zvoneće, a specific cycling route, a protected terraced landscape and vibrant festive traditions come together. Route 117 is a 30-kilometre circular cycling route with 560 metres of elevation gain, running through the protected landscape of Zvonejske njivi. It follows the old Žejane–Bukvina–Zvoneća road and continues towards the terraces above Perka. Its length, elevation gain and route give you tangible points of reference when factoring the cycling route into your travel plans.
Terraces, wine growing and Jazz na Njivah
The terraced landscape of Zvonejske njivi covers around 60 hectares and is protected as a cultural monument. Historically, it was a centre of wine growing; in 1994, it was recognised as a cultural monument. The Jazz na Njivah festival also draws on this connection to the landscape: the well-tended fields and vineyards serve as a natural concert stage. The festival has been held on Zvonejske njivi since 2021; in 2026, it reached its sixth edition.
At the festival, OPG Ružić from Zvoneća serves homemade jarbolica. The Lipo j' vino pit! tour offer includes a Jarbola tasting at OPG Jarbola in Zvoneća. Jarbola is a traditionally cultivated indigenous grape variety associated with Zvoneća and protected as a grape variety in the Croatian Littoral subregion. If you are planning to visit for a festival or tasting, check the current dates and offers in advance.
Church, feast days and Zvončari
In the central settlement area stands the single-nave Church of Saint Anthony the Abbot, dating from the 19th century. Two feast days mark distinct points in the annual calendar: Antonja, on 17 January, is Zvoneća’s main celebration and marks the start of carnival and the bell-ringer processions. Antonjica, on 13 June, is the main summer celebration and commemorates Saint Anthony of Padua.
The Zvonejski zvončari are among the local groups included on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. For their traditional procession to Rukavac, they wear flower hats, sailor shirts, white trousers and sheepskins, as well as three bells. On Shrove Tuesday, they also parade through Zvoneća in a less formal procession, wearing different clothing. The annual Mića zvončarska smotra in Zvoneća is organised by Udruga Zvonejski zvončari under the patronage of Općina Matulji. Check the dates of each edition when planning your visit.
Lisina and its trails
The Lisina forest park extends across Zvoneća and Gornji Rukavac and has been protected as a significant landscape since 1998. In Lisina’s wooded karst, the Vodice spring forms a small freshwater habitat. Lisina is also a hub for hiking routes, including Gomila, Vodička Griža and Vodice. This offers different ways to explore the landscape: Route 117 is described as a circular cycling route with a stated length and elevation gain, while the hiking connections are identified by their named crossings. The nature around Lisina and the cultural landscape of the terraces thus add another perspective on Zvoneća alongside its festival and wine-growing themes.
Discover more destinations: Rukavac, Veli Brgud, Jurdani, Mihotići, Šapjane, Rupa, Matulji, Brešca
For the broader travel overview: Općina Matulji.
