For this year's Easter holidays we explored Istria. As always, we stayed in our apartment in Ravni . It is a studio apartment for four people, which has everything you need for a comfortable vacation: a fully equipped kitchen, a large refrigerator and freezer, air conditioning, a washing machine and dishwasher, a TV, an outdoor kitchen and a barbecue. It is located about 800 m from the sea and has a beautiful view of the sea and the island of Cres. The beach in Ravni is pebbly, concrete and rocky (with little natural shade, so we recommend that you bring an umbrella with you on hot days or retreat to the shade of the apartment during the day). The sea is exceptionally clean, and there is also free parking next to the beach. If anyone is interested in renting , you can contact Godina Adrijana ( 031 505 779 or adrijana.godina@hotmail.com ) for more information.
1. Walk to the secluded Skvaranska beach
On Easter Saturday we went for a walk to Skvaranska beach. The path to get there leads along the coast, right past the main beach in Ravni and then through a shady grove. The path is well-trodden and visible. In half an hour of slow walking with the children, you first reach the lighthouse and then continue to the secluded cove of Skvaranska . It is located below the village of the same name. The bay is truly beautiful – clear water, shelter, white pebbles and complete peace. In the pre-season we had the beach to ourselves.
Access is a bit more challenging at the end – the last part of the trail involves some rock climbing, so we recommend good shoes and some caution. But the effort is rewarded with a beautiful corner of nature. Watch the reels with instructions from the walk - here.
2. Charming Svetvinčenat, the Feštinsko kraljevost cave and the Hauser trail
The next day we went into the interior of Istria. First we visited the town of Svetvinčenat , where the medieval Morosini-Grimani castle is located . This fortress is the most beautifully fortified in all of Istria. The place is extremely charming. The castle was closed at the time of our visit, but the outside view and a drink on the square were a pleasant break.
We continued our journey towards the Feštinsko kraljestvo cave , which is a real family attraction. In front of the cave there is a large, well-maintained children's playground with wooden figures of cartoon characters and animals. The cave is open by appointment, and the entrance fee is €10 per person. Inside, a rich world of stalactites awaits you - stalactites, curtains and beautiful underground spaces. It is open by appointment.
In the afternoon we walked along the path of Stjepan Hauser , the famous cellist from the duo 2Cellos, who comes from these places. We parked here and went down the wide macadam road towards the sea. Below is the Rakalj harbor , where an abandoned ship is stranded in the sea - a real attraction for children! Along the coast there is also a shady beach with a bar and a grassy area, where we enjoyed a drink and rest.
This part of the route is also part of the Camino Južna Istria route . We returned along the same route.
3. Sentona's Trail: Hike from Labin to Rabac – Hidden Waterfalls and Gorges
The third trip was a real hiking gem. We walked from Labin to Rabac , along a marked trail that starts here . The path descends all the time and is approximately 2.4 km long. It is suitable for all ages.
The trail leads through the forest, along the river and past beautiful waterfalls, pools and rock formations. There was a lot of water at the time of our visit (April), which made the trip even more picturesque. The last part of the trail goes through a mini gorge, which leads all the way to the blue pool just above the Rabac campsite.
Although the trail is poorly marked, it is extremely well-trodden and very popular with hikers.
Ravni is a quiet village and can be a great starting point for all the excursions described above - or simply for a relaxing break by the sea.