318 – Bike route Orhideja
All cyclists who love true untouched nature will surely be delighted by the Orchid trail since you will be surrounded by beautiful nature all the way through. Your ride towards the protected landscape of Kamenjak will start at the parking lot at the entrance to Premantura, The area of the Premantura peninsula, or more precisely Cape Kamenjak, is a botanical treasure trove with numerous plant species. Along the trail or in its immediate vicinity there are various additional amenities that can complete your ride and make the tour of Lower Kamenjak even more interesting.
First, the gravel path will lead you to the educational-recreational dinosaur path with life-size sculptures of these miraculous creatures. Those more curious will stop at the information boards that tell stories about the former inhabitants of this area. Another interesting attraction on this trail is the Istrian Farm. It is a place where many domestic animals roam freely – sheep, cows, donkeys, chickens, and where you can enjoy typical Istrian dishes and drinks.
As you ride your bike, you will go past the beaches and sea cliffs, all the while enjoying the breathtaking view of the open sea. You’ll also see the island of Fenoliga, known for the remains of dinosaur footprints and in the distance you’ll see the lighthouse of Porer, situated on a rocky cliff.
During the summer months, in almost every cove you’ll find a beach bar where you can take some refreshment and relax, and we definitely recommend stopping by the Safari Bar – a real attraction, but also a great example of how a facility can fit perfectly into nature, leaving it almost intact, and yet provide interesting content.
The view of the Medulin Archipelago and its islands will accompany you on your way back along the east side of Kamenjak, all the way to the starting point – the parking lot at the entrance to Premantura. But before you reach the end of the trail, you’ll find yourself in Premantura – a former fishing village with an interesting Church of St. Lawrence. In the centre you can visit the House of Nature, where natural, geological, cultural and historical heritage of Kamenjak, the southernmost part of the Istrian peninsula, is presented in an interesting, educational and interactive way. While riding along the Orchid trail you’re experiencing precisely this part of Istria, which offers a glimpse of the real Mediterranean.
Kamenjak is always beautiful but, according to many, the Orchid bike trail is especially beautiful and attractive during autumn and spring, when there are no summer crowds and you’re surrounded by beautiful colours of numerous native plants and the scent of the sea.
