Učka adventures

Istria. One of my favorite peninsulas. Land of wine, cheese, amazing beaches and mountains. Istria as a peninsula is divided between Croatia, Slovenia and Italy but also Istria is one of the counties in Croatia. When we speak about adventures Istria also can offer a lot. Let’s just list hang-gliding, paragliding, hiking… Also Hum, the smallest city in the world, is located very near Učka Mountain. So your Istrian adventure can start on Učka Mountain and then continue to Hum and finish on Brijuni safari. It’s just a small part of what Istria can offer you.

Let’s start with some numbers: Učka Mountain area is 160 km2, highest peak is Vojak – 1.400 m, 1999 is the year when Nature Park Učka Mountain is officially proclaimed. Učka Nature Park is just 25 km far from Opatija, 32 km from Rijeka and 190 km from Zagreb, capital city. According to official datum, Učka Nature Park is home for more than 1300 different flora species. When speaking of fauna what is the most interesting are falcons and vultures – precious species to be seen.

Učka trail map

Učka Mountain is laying down towards the sea and Kvarner bay so for all those who like hiking every view on the sea and islands will be gift. Hiking Učka trail takes place every year and you can choose between 3 trails/races: Green - 42km, Blue - 31km, Perun - 16km. But, Učka Mountain is even better is if you are flying fan. Učka Mountain is known for paragliding and hang-gliding. On the top of the mountain there are various take-off ramps for both paragliding and hang-gliding. So, this is a mountain full of wanders and adventures and place where you can chill but also wake up your senses and import some more adrenaline in your body. Still I am not brave enough to try hang-gliding but those views and sense of freedom makes me to do it. If I decide Učka Nature Park will be the option definitely. Učka Nature Park was a host-mountain for national and international competitions. Seeing this video you will definitely wish to have this beautiful bird-view on Kvarner islands, Učka Mountain and Istrian peninsula.

How to get there: Učka Nature Park is very easy approachable buy bus or car. It’s very close to cities like Rijeka and Opatija and those cities are well-connected with the rest of Croatian cities. Buses from Opatija run two times a day (for the timetable always check park’s web-page). And if you are coming from Rijeka – you should catch bus 32 and enjoy only 50 min. long ride. Rijeka airport is also close (on the nearby island Krk). By car you will go through Učka tunnel and leave it on the Veprinac exit.

PS. A beautiful sunset for the end:

Učka Mountain

76X8+R6 Liganj, Croatia