Cycling
Krk
Through the paths of the seven villages
The story about the Krk prosciutto and the western part of the island, known as Šotovento (’under the wind’)
Karakteristike
This eye-catching trail follows the roads of the western part of Krk, where the island is at its most verdant. Šotovento is derived from the Italian name for the island's natural shelter from the wind. This leeward side is dotted with pastures, dense forests and olive groves, which makes it a perfect destination for cyclists.
The trail offers two alternative routes and cyclists may choose either, depending on their stamina. The longer section starts in the city of Krk, which it connects with seven more picturesque settlements with preserved original layouts that are typical of the island. Starting in Krk, outside the sports centre, it cuts through Slavko Nikolić and Stjepan Radić Streets towards the city exit and links up with the state road D102, following it until turning towards the village of Kosići, which is dominated by the Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel. As you cycle surrounded by dense greenery, you will reach the next settlement – Bajčići, through which the route meanders gently, following the scattered rolling urban landscape to the junction with the state road D104, which bypasses Nenadići and Žgaljići on the way to an intersection where cyclists can decide whether they want to continue their adventure westward by making a full circle or head eastbound and return to Krk. Those who decide to continue exploring Šotovento will first visit the village of Linardići, which is believed to have been established in the 15th century. The Parish Church of St. Fosca, which was built in the late 19th century after the reconstructing the older Chapel of St. Anthony the Hermit, is located in the centre of the village. The road leads from Linardići to the adjacent settlement of Milohnići, which boasts the Church of Our Lady of Health, characterised by a simple facade with a bell-gable, which was erected in the early 20th century. Cyclists will then head for the village of Brzac, where they will pass another place of worship, the Chapel of St. Peter, which was built in the late 17th century.
After leaving this small village, your endurance will be rewarded with a stretch nestled amid greenery, cultivated agricultural areas, alluring olive groves and dry stone walls (”gromače”), which will lead the cyclists down towards the bay and port of Vela Jana. Have a well-deserved rest among the anchored boats, halfway through the trail, by taking in the pleasant sea air and enjoying the view of the Srednja Vrata channel and the western coast of the neighbouring Cres Island. The return to Krk begins by going up to Linardići, followed by some light cycling through the verdant areas above Pinezići and Skrbčići all the way to Vrh, where the House of Krk Prosciutto offers the opportunity to try the first Croatian product registered at the EU level. (Krk prosciutto is a preserved cured meat product made from pork leg, without bones, dry-brined with sea salt and spices, air-dried without smoking and subjected to drying and ageing for at least a year. Its distinctiveness stems from the skill of the producer, who exclusively uses traditional recipes during production.) The route then leads through the nearby Salatići to the Kimpi field, where you will pass the eponymous pond, which abounds in wetland plants (sedges and water lilies), and is the abode, resting place and nesting ground of various water bird species. The pond was once used to irrigate the surrounding fields and water cattle. Before arriving at the destination and entering Krk, you can come across a stone wall near the Plodine shopping centre, which was initially considered a remnant of the forgotten Church of St. Peter, first attested in the first half of the 14th century, but based on the architecture, it has been dated to an older period (perhaps Late Antiquity).
Highlights:
– Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel, Kosići
– Parish Church of St. Fosca, Linardići
– Church of Our Lady of Health, Milohnići
– Chapel of St. Peter, Brzac
– olive groves
– House of Krk Prosciutto, Vrh
– Kimpi field and pond
– wall remains near the Plodine shopping centre, Krk
