The 24-kilometer Vižinada (101) cycling route heads toward Vrbani and Nardući after approximately five kilometers from Vižinada, continuing to the Vrbanovica viewpoint and five designated photo spots. A guide can be arranged through the tourist information center. Those wishing to book a hotel in Vrbani can continue their accommodation search afterward.
Cycling Routes
The Vižinada (101) connects with several other routes and runs along a paved road through Bajkini, Vranje Selo, Markovići, Ćuki, and Brdo. Markets, restaurants, and accommodations are available along the route in Vižinada and Kaštelir. From Ferenci, the Vižinada (101) reaches the former narrow-gauge railway line Parenzana and continues toward Vižinada. Around a dozen historic churches and chapels are also located along the route.
The Bajkini–Nardući–Vrbani–Klis road was reconstructed along a 2,118-meter section and designed for motor vehicles and pedestrians. In nearby Vižinada, the 6.9-kilometer Srce Vižinade 504 route runs through Bajkini, Vranje Selo, and Crklada. It includes visits to local winemakers and olive growers with product tastings.
Landscape
In the wider Istrian region, the restored Parenzana is a sports and recreational route along the historic railway line connecting Poreč and Trieste. In the broader Istrian surroundings, it passes through valleys, green hills, vineyards, and olive groves toward medieval towns.
In nearby Vižinada, the Staza Pogleda 501 crosses the former Parenzana railway line and continues through fields, vineyards, and olive groves. The highest point of this route is 353 meters above sea level.
Culture and History
In nearby Vižinada, the Church of “St. Mary at Božje Polje” has been an important pilgrimage site since at least the Middle Ages. Fontik, also known as Kuća Lav, is the oldest surviving secular public building in the municipality and was built in the 15th century. The Church of St. Barnabas is described as a Romanesque church with a double apse, built in the 12th or 13th century and considered the largest church of its type in Istria.
The Maraston Visitor Center in Vižinada presents the area’s cultural heritage through folk tales, historical facts, and contemporary tourist interpretation. At the Verši na šterni festival, held there regularly since 1993 on the second Saturday in June, new, previously unpublished Čakavian poems are presented and preserved in a specifically named collection.
Regional Products
The area around Vižinada is promoted for Istrian wine, pršut, and olive oil, as well as hiking and cycling routes and historical heritage. Lavanda Oklen is listed as lavender fields at Vrbani 3. OPG Oklen in Vrbani has been presented as a lavender producer offering products such as sachets and essential oil. The business produces lavender oil by distilling fresh lavender flowers, dries lavender for filling sachets, and produces extra virgin olive oil by cold pressing.
Slatka Istra presents traditional Istrian cakes based on old recipes and includes tastings of local wines. In nearby Vižinada, the event takes place every year on August 14 in the town center.
Events
The Parenzana Marathon covers 46.7 kilometers and includes a hike of approximately ten kilometers. The Parenzana recreational marathon is held annually in mid-September in nearby Vižinada. Viva Vino has five refreshment stations and partially follows the former Parenzana railway line.
Other destinations in this selection include Lašići, Vizinada, Mekiši Kod Vižinade, Bajkini, Ferenci, Žudetići, Crklada, and Jadruhi.
