Lašići brings together two clear themes for planning a trip: cycling routes linked to the former Parenzana railway and a long wine-growing tradition. The Vižinada cycling route (101) passes through the village, crosses the main road there, and then continues towards Staniši and the road to Ferenci. After crossing near Lašići, the route reaches a section of the Parenzana, the former narrow-gauge railway that has been converted into cycling and walking trails.
Cycling Routes and the Parenzana
The Parenzana is signposted. Bridges and viaducts have safety railings, tunnels are lit, and other features along the route explain its history. Thus, in addition to being a cycling and walking trail, it also has a historical connection to its former use as a narrow-gauge railway.
The 24 km-long Route 101 connects with several other routes and has five designated photo points. Another option is the 30 km-long cycling route Staza dobrih okusa i doživljaja (102). It follows the former Parenzana railway towards Lašići and links wine, olive oil and agritourism areas with cultural and historical sites. The route lengths and different connections provide specific points of reference for comparing the routes before setting out.
There are specialist bicycle repair shops and bicycle rental services along the Parenzana; some rental agencies also offer bicycle transport. These services are described along the route and may be a useful consideration when planning a trip on the Parenzana.
Wine Tradition in Lašići
At Pilato in Lašići, the family’s tradition of growing grapes and making wine spans more than four generations. Pilato cultivates around 20 hectares of vineyards. White grape varieties predominate, in a ratio of 70:30; the range includes around ten wine labels. Olive oil is also part of the estate’s own product range. Together, these details give a concrete picture of local wine and olive oil production.
In the wider destination of Općina Vižinada
Vižinada is situated on a hill on the southern edge of the Mirna River valley. From there, there are sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, vineyards and olive groves. This is a regional landscape feature, distinct from the specific cycling and wine-growing facts about Lašići.
Several historical details can be discovered in the centre of Vižinada: a stone relief of the Lion of St Mark, dating from the 15th century, is preserved in the main square. The lapidarium next to the bell tower contains five Roman inscriptions. The cistern in the square was completed in 1782 to a design by Simone Battistella, an architect from Rovinj, and built from local limestone. Cultural events are also held at the cistern.
The churches also tell stories of different eras. St Barnabas Church stands in the centre of Vižinada; its frescoes were discovered when the building was used to store props during the filming of the war film “Kelley’s Heroes”. The frescoes depict a Christological cycle, including scenes of the Nativity, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.
The destination offers trails with a variety of features. The scenic trail The Trail of Scenic Views begins at the southern entrance to Vižinada, near the 13th-century Church of St John the Baptist. After 3.7 km, the trail reaches the small church of St Vital, dating from the 12th century, by its cemetery. The 6.9 km-long trail SRCE VIŽINADE 504 passes through Bajkini, Vranje Selo and Crklada in the southwest of the municipality. The circular route PRSTEN SVETOG TOME 503 climbs to Sv. Tome, 299 m above sea level, and offers views of hills, hamlets, chapels, the Mirna Valley and the sea. There is a choice of trails leading to a historic building, passing through several named places, or reaching a viewpoint.
Culinary traditions and events are also part of the character of Općina Vižinada. The Čakavian poetry festival Verši na šterni has been held annually since 1993 on the second Saturday in June at the Baroque Battistella cistern in Vižinada. Slatka Istra takes place every year on 14 August in the centre of Vižinada and preserves the tradition of nine authentic local pastries. These include fritula, kroštula, cukerančići, pandešpanj, povetica and pinca. If you would like to plan your trip around a festival, check the dates for the relevant year.
Discover more destinations: Vizinada, Markovići, Crklada, Filipi, Staniši, Bajkini, Vrbani, Baldaši.
Go to the wider travel overview: Općina Vižinada.
