The 6.9-kilometre-long “SRCE VIŽINADE 504” hiking trail passes through Crklada—a specific starting point for a stay focused on hiking, wine and local history. Another route passes through fields, vineyards and olive groves near Crklada. Historical sights in Vižinada itself are part of the wider destination of Općina Vižinada.
Hiking and Cycling
“SRCE VIŽINADE 504” passes through Bajkini, Vranje Selo and Crklada in the southwest of Općina Vižinada. The route includes visits to local winegrowers and olive growers, with tastings of their products. Participating businesses may change; check which stops are currently included before visiting. This makes it possible to combine sections of the hike with insights into wine and olive products.
The nearby “Staza Pogleda 501” trail has a different focus: it passes through fertile fields, vineyards and olive groves before reaching the road near Crklada. From the road in the Crklada and Grubići area, views extend over gentle hills planted with vines and young olive trees. Before reaching the road, the trail crosses the former narrow-gauge Parenzana railway. Check current trail conditions before hiking.
Within the wider destination of Općina Vižinada, “Staza Pogleda 501” also leads to the Sabadin Viaduct, known as Veli most. The structure is 64 metres long and 20 metres high. A separate regional cycling option is the restored 123-kilometre Parenzana route, which recreational cyclists can start from in Vižinada. A hiking trail associated with Crklada and a longer cycling route starting in Vižinada are therefore distinct options for planning a visit.
Wine and Local Produce
Vina Mandić produces a semi-dry rosé made from 100% Cabernet franc, associated with vineyards in Crklada, Vižinada. The product profile may change with future vintages. Along with the tastings offered by local winegrowers and olive growers on the “SRCE VIŽINADE 504” trail, the wine provides a specific connection to the agricultural landscape. Which producers participate in the route may change.
Culture in Crklada and Općina Vižinada
A Gothic chapel dedicated to Saint Anne stands near Crklada. It was built in the 19th century and commissioned in 1882 as a memorial to Anna de Wagatey. This named building adds to the landscape and wine connections of the hiking trails.
Other historical points of interest are in Vižinada itself, within the wider destination of Općina Vižinada. The Old Fontik, also known as the “Lav” House, dates from the 15th century and is the oldest surviving secular public building in the municipality. A stone relief of the Lion of St Mark from the 15th century has been preserved in the central square. The cistern there was completed in 1782, built from local limestone to a design by Simone Battistella, an architect from Rovinj. The lapidarium next to the bell tower contains five Roman inscriptions.
The history of the Church of St Barnabas in Vižinada is also associated with a notable discovery: its frescoes were found when the church was used to store props during the filming of the war film “Kelly’s Heroes.” The “Verši na šterni” festival of Čakavian poetry has been held regularly since 1993 on the second Saturday in June at the Baroque Battistella cistern. Check the date for your travel dates.
Location and Accommodation
Crklada lies on the D21 state road, the road between Buje and Pula. Apartman Beaković is located at Crklada 37, Vižinada; accommodation details and availability may change. Check both before booking. Ugostiteljski obrt Užanca is at Crklada 3a, 52447 Vižinada; operator details may also change. These addresses provide specific points of reference for planning, while your choice of accommodation depends on your plans and confirmed availability.
Discover more destinations: Staniši, Baldaši, Filipi, Lašići, Vrbani, Markovići, Jadruhi, Bajkini.
Return to the wider travel overview: Općina Vižinada.
