Markoci is a named stop on the official Trail of Saint Martin / Baron’s Trail. The 27-kilometre cycling route also passes through Sveti Martin, Ružići, Stepančići, Cere, Snašići and Paradiž. For travellers looking for accommodation in Markoci, this gives them a specific focus for their stay: a cycling tour that includes several places and cultural sites.
The cycling route: distance, time and surface
The Trail is listed as taking around 3 hours and 30 minutes to cycle and is rated “moderate”. Of the total 27 kilometres, 20 are on asphalt and 7 on macadam. This information helps you estimate the length of the tour and take the surface into account when planning your own trip. Markoci is named as a stop on the route; the distance, approximate time and difficulty level given refer to the cycling route as a whole.
Cultural sites along the Trail
The cycling route also leads to the Church of the Annunciation in Snašići, built in 1654, and the protected cultural monument complex near Sveti Martin. Its citadel is home to the Pineta agritourism venue. In addition to the places mentioned, the Trail therefore includes specific cultural points of interest: a historic church building and a protected monument complex. If you would like to combine cycling with culture, you can take these stops into account when planning your route.
Other cycling routes in Općina Sveta Nedelja
The wider destination of Općina Sveta Nedelja has three cycling routes that combine natural and cultural heritage with local food and wine. Two are described as circular routes starting in Nedešćina. Route 441, “Staza Plemića i Kalića”, runs through Jurazini, Eržišće, Blaškovići, Radovići, Šumber and Grašići before returning to Nedešćina. Route 442, “Tragom rudara i kamenih skulptura”, runs through Štrmac, Vinež, Tomažići, Cere and Santalezi before returning to its starting point. The different sequences of places provide a practical way to distinguish between the municipal routes. Conditions may change, so check them locally before setting out.
Walking trails and art in the wider destination
Another way to explore Općina Sveta Nedelja is along the 7.3-kilometre Šumberske Dine walking trail. It passes through an area of marl dunes and connects natural features, local family businesses and unspoilt nature. Check trail conditions locally before your walk. At Dubrova Sculpture Park, the International Sculpture Symposium has added to the collection of sculptures made from Istrian stone year after year since 1970; the programme may vary from one edition to another. The Bijela cesta there is a walking trail consisting of 16 sections, each 25 metres long.
Local cuisine and planning your visit
Culinary offerings are also part of the wider destination of Općina Sveta Nedelja. Agroturizam Cerovac in Eržišće serves traditional Istrian dishes, including chicken šugo and beef šugo with seasonal vegetables. At Farma Drijade, visitors can see a variety of animals; advance booking is required to visit the farm. These are two different ways to include food and a farm visit in your travel plans, with a visit to Farma Drijade needing to be arranged in advance.
Choose accommodation to suit your travel plans
When looking for holiday apartments in Markoci, the Trail of Saint Martin is the town’s specific connection to cycling. Consider whether cycling will be the main focus of your stay, or whether you would also like to include walking trails, art sites and local cuisine in the wider destination of Općina Sveta Nedelja.
Discover more destinations: Jurazini, Mali Turini, Vrecari, Paradiz, Mali Golji, Zupanici, Nedescina, Sumber.
Back to the wider travel guide: Općina Sveta Nedelja.
