The medieval remains of Dvigrad give the Municipality of Kanfanar a distinctive historical character. The town was abandoned in the 17th century; today, its remains form a well-preserved medieval fortified town, surrounded by two rings of walls. Its location also helps orient visitors: the Municipality of Kanfanar lies in the heart of the Istrian peninsula, where green and blue Istria meet.
Churches and archaeological traces
The parish church of St. Silvester in the village of Kanfanar was built in 1696. The church contains a stone pulpit from the 13th century, which came from Dvigrad. The connection between the two places therefore stretches from the medieval ruins to a specific piece of the church’s furnishings.
Near Kanfanar stands the Church of St. Agatha, an early Romanesque building. Its wall paintings are dated to the second half of the 11th century. The archaeological traces also span different periods: Kašteljir near Kanfanar is a prehistoric site beneath a former hillfort. Near Sošići lies the Maklavun tumulus, believed to be 3,500 to 4,000 years old.
Cycling trails, climbing and landscape
Visitors can explore the natural and cultural heritage of the municipality along its cycling trails. The Captain Morgan and the Ghost Town cycling trail is 23.8 kilometres long and of moderate difficulty. It starts and ends in Kanfanar, passing through the Limska Draga valley and Dvigrad. Check the route before setting out, as trail conditions may change.
The municipality has two attractive areas for sport climbing. Near the remains of Dvigrad is a climbing area with 63 routes; this number may change as the area develops or access is managed. The Dvigrad Trek has Ultra, Challenger and Light categories. For details about a current edition, check the relevant information separately.
In the broader landscape of Istria County, Limska Draga is the fertile extension of the winding Lim Bay that reaches inland and stretches as far as the centre of Istria. In the Kanfanar area, the Limski Kanal is protected as a significant landscape area and a special marine reserve. Along the coast of Lim Bay, shellfish and oysters are considered the restaurants’ most important specialities.
Festivals and local traditions
Jakovlja is a traditional festival in Kanfanar, held on the last weekend in July. Visitors can watch the public weighing of Istrian oxen and traditional ploughing with oxen. Check the specific dates for the year if you plan to use them for your trip.
At Fužijada 2025, women from Kanfanar demonstrated the entire process of making homemade fuži. If you would like to see such a demonstration, check the programme for a future edition.
Getting there and finding your way
Kanfanar railway station is located in the village of Kanfanar, within the municipality. If you are considering travelling by train, check the current timetable and services in advance.
Discover more destinations: Kanfanar, Sosici, Bubani, Dubravci, Kurili, Matohanci, Ladići, Putini, Burići, Barat, Mrgani, Okreti, Žuntići, Marići, Červari.
For the broader travel overview: Istria County.
