April the 8th, 2026 – The mighty Učka mountain separates Istria from the rest of Croatia, and offers stunning views of the surrounding Adriatic, all the way to the Italian coast.
As Putni kofer/Ivana Vasarevic writes, along the fabulous Opatija Riviera stretches the mighty Učka, the highest mountain on the Istrian peninsula. In this massif, near Rijeka, is the Učka Nature Park, which was declared a protected area back in 1999.
a coastal giant in biokovo’s shadow
The proximity of the sea favours a highly specific climate and the lush vegetation that adorns the mountain all the way to its peak areas. Učka, which separates Istria from the rest of Croatia, is full of remarkable locations that every lover of untouched nature should visit at least once in their life.
First comes Vojak, which, at 1401 metres tall, is the highest peak on Učka, as well as on the entire Istrian peninsula. Its summit is bare and grassy, dotted with rocks and steep slopes, and a 10-metre-high stone observation tower proudly stands on top of it. Also known as the Vojak Tower, it is a symbol of the entire Nature Park, as well as its wider area.
a view that stretches all the way to italy
It was built by mountaineers back in 1911. During World War I, soldiers used it as an observation post from which they monitored important maritime routes. The tower was renovated in 2004, and today it houses an information centre and souvenir shop, remaining a very popular viewpoint for all who visit.
There are 30 steps leading to the terrace of the Vojak Tower, and the view from it is more than spectacular: in good weather, from this point you can see Istria, the Bay of Rijeka, the northern Adriatic, Gorski Kotar, Velebit and even the Gulf of Trieste, the Julian Alps and the Dolomites, as if they were all sitting right in the palm of your hand.
As part of the Učka Nature Park since 2023, “The Hatched Egg in the Nest”, a unique attraction that is actually two in one: a mountain shelter and a bird observatory can be viewed. It is located in a clearing near the Kremenjak peak, which lies at an altitude of 847 metres, and was designed by architect Ivan Juretić.
The “Hatched egg in a nest” spans an area of about 12 square metres and can accommodate four to six people. There are also stairs leading to a platform on the “roof”, where a bird observatory awaits you. The shelter is powered by solar energy and is “wrapped” in a nest made from a steel structure and blackthorn branches.
a deserted, ancient village taken over by nature
The best-kept secret of Učka is the abandoned shepherd village of Petrebišća, located at an altitude of about 700 to 750 metres above sea level. It can be reached by the mythical-historical Trebišća-Perun trail, as well as by a route starting from Mošćenička Draga and the hamlet of Potoki. It’s a group of small, low stone shelters and dry-stone terraces, silent but proud reminders of times gone by.
Part of this old village is now covered with forest vegetation as nature has taken over, but fortunately, some buildings have been partially restored thanks to dry-stone construction workshops. This village is a typical example of a former summer settlement.
People used to seasonally move their livestock, following the rhythm of nature. In the summer, they would go to mountain glades and pastures, and before winter they would descend towards the coast. Petrebišća never had a permanent population, and lost its temporary inhabitants during the 20th century, mostly due to industrialisation, urbanisation, and changes in general lifestyle.
the poklon pass…
Our next stop lies in the very heart of the Učka Nature Park: the Poklon Pass, which connects the Učka and Ćićarija mountain ranges. It is located at an altitude of 922 metres and offers a wonderful view of the Kvarner Bay. It was named after an act of popular piety. Namely, believers from Istria once travelled to the Trsat sanctuary of the Virgin Mary in Rijeka over this pass.
When they reached it, they would pay homage to the votive church of Our Lady of Trsat. A cross was also placed on the lookout in memory of this act. It is also important to note that the first mountain hut on Učka was built on Poklon in 1887.
