Perini lies along the 11.2-kilometre Path of Water loop trail. The route follows roads, forest paths and gravel tracks through the Sveti Lovreč area, reaches Perini and continues towards Sveti Lovreč. This gives the trip a clear focus on hiking and water sources. The cultural history of the wider destination, the Municipality of Sveti Lovreč, offers a distinct focus of its own.

Hiking on the Path of Water

The Put vode loop trail (Path of Water, Istra Trails No. 720) is 11.2 kilometres long and runs through the municipality of Sveti Lovreč. The route alternates between roads, forest paths and gravel tracks. It reaches Perini and then continues towards Sveti Lovreč. Both the total distance and the varying surfaces are relevant when planning your trip: consider how much time you want to allow for the loop and breaks, rather than looking at the distance in isolation.

The section between leaving Perini and entering the eastern part of Sveti Lovreč requires particular attention. It is considered the most challenging part of the route, as good navigation is needed to follow the footpath markers. The challenge here lies in navigating by the markers; keep an eye on them along this section.

Springs and route options

Rulja Spring is the first point of interest on the Path of Water. Shortly before Heraki, the access route branches off from the main road; a narrow forest path leads to the spring. Look out for local trail signs there. On the route towards Vošteni, Puč Spring is the next point of interest. It is in Vošteni and is considered the best-known natural water source in the municipality of Sveti Lovreč.

From Orbani, footpath signs point towards Purinka Spring along a gravel track. Ponds and pools accompany the route to the spring; natural water sources may be seasonal. Check the markers on site before setting out. This helps you decide when planning whether to focus on the path to Rulja, the section towards Vošteni, or the signposted route from Orbani to Purinka.

Local products along the route

The Put vode also passes local wineries and agritourism establishments where visitors can sample local products. Which businesses take part may change. If you want to plan a tasting in advance, check which options are currently available. This way, you can factor hiking and a possible tasting into your day’s plans while treating them as separate activities.

Culture in the wider destination of the Municipality of Sveti Lovreč

The town of the same name is considered one of the best-preserved medieval fortified towns in Istria. Surviving features include fortifications, towers and town gates; most of the visible fortifications date from the Venetian period. The town walls were extended and reinforced in the 14th century, when Sveti Lovreč was the seat of the captains. The fortified complex includes the Funtanela Tower, a nearby triangular tower, and a bell tower that formerly served as a defensive tower. The town’s circular shape dates back to a prehistoric hillfort on the hill.

Sacred art near Perini also offers a distinct historical perspective. The three-aisled Basilica of St Martin dates from the first half of the 11th century. St Martin’s Church has the oldest organ in Istria: created by Petar Nakić (Pietro Nacchini) in 1735, it was restored in 2013. The church also contains one of the oldest surviving fresco ensembles in Istria, including recently restored frescoes in the north and south apses.

Your trip can therefore bring together two distinct themes: the hiking trails and water sources around Perini, and the history of fortifications and sacred art in the wider destination of the Municipality of Sveti Lovreč. When choosing your accommodation and planning your days, you can decide whether to focus on a hike, regional culture, or a combination of both.

Discover more destinations: Orbani, Stranići Kod Lovreča, Selina, Bralići, Kloštar, Heraki, Sveti Lovrec, Gradina

Go to the wider travel overview: Municipality of Sveti Lovreč.