The Baška–Zarok–Batomalj–Pod Lipicu educational trail is six kilometres long and takes about two and a half hours on foot. It showcases local ethnological heritage and the biodiversity of endemic flora and fauna. A prominent landscape feature is the Vela Rika watercourse: it is considered the only permanently flowing watercourse on the Adriatic islands. Its upper reaches have waterfalls and mills. The trail therefore combines a clear time frame with nature and cultural themes.

Hiking trails with different planning options

Another network of marked trails is the Pastirske staze. They connect Batomalj with Punat, Draga Bašćanska, Stara Baška, Jurandvor, and Baška. From Stara Baška, two starting points lead towards Batomalj. This makes it possible to distinguish the educational trail’s specific time frame from a network that connects several places. When planning, you can either use the approximate walking time or the connected destinations as your guide.

The wider destination of Općina Baška

In the wider destination of Općina Baška, eleven officially marked trails start in Baška, Jurandvor, Zarok, and Draga Bašćanska. They range from a two-hour walk along the river to a full-day crossing of the Moon Plateau.

One natural attraction in Općina Baška is the Kuntrep ornithological reserve. It lies within the municipality of Baška and stretches for ten kilometres along the coast, from Cape Glavine to Mala Luka Bay. It is accessible only on foot or by boat. Check the current rules of the protected area before your visit.

In the wider destination of Općina Baška, fixed religious dates are also part of the annual calendar. Every year on 15 August, pilgrims carry a statue of the Virgin Mary up the steps above Batomalj by candlelight. On 13 December, the feast day of Saint Lucia, a small loaf called hlipčić is still thrown from the bell tower in Jurandvor. If you are planning to travel specifically for one of these customs, check the latest event dates in advance.

Shrines and historical heritage

The Church of Our Lady of Gorica lies right next to Batomalj. Built in 1415, it is considered one of Croatia’s oldest Marian shrines. The church can be reached by road or via 237 steps. The history of the shrine also includes the 1425 Statute of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Gorica, the oldest Croatian brotherhood statute written in Glagolitic script.

The Church of St Nicholas in Batomalj dates from 1676. It contains a painting believed to date from the 13th century and associated with an earlier church. Its ruins are at Sveti Miluka, south of the settlement.

The Lipica mrgar as a traditional structure

The restored Lipica mrgar is one of Baška’s renowned mrgari. It is a multi-compartment sheepfold with a flower-shaped layout, used to separate sheep belonging to different owners. The Lipica mrgar is considered a stone flower of fragile beauty.

Discover more destinations: Stara Baska, Jurandvor, Baska, Draga Bašćanska.

Return to the wider travel overview: Općina Baška.