Route: Vrh – Kaštel field – so-called Salatići Castle – Salatići – Vrh

A blend of idyllic nature, cultivated agricultural areas, cultural heritage and renowned cuisine is integrated into this mostly easy circular 7 km long trail that begins and ends in Vrh, while running through the Kaštel field and Salatići and passing by the remnants of the Brajde hamlet and the monumental Salatići castle.

– The wider area of the settlement of Vrh blends idyllic cultivated agricultural areas, cultural heritage and renowned cuisine. Those segments are integrated into this mostly easy circular 7 km long trail, whose only challenging section is the descent after traversing the first half of the trail. The hike begins at the very centre of Vrh, at the intersection of the Busilak and Kod Škole Streets, and continues northward through an urbanised area until it reaches the northernmost point of the trail, which also marks the transition towards nature. Heading northeast, hikers will be drawn to the verdancy as well as the olive groves and other farmed land. Should the hike take place in the summer or early autumn, they can find quick refreshment straight from fig trees, which are a common occurrence along the trails, while branches covered with familiar leaves peer out of the yards, gardens and fields enclosed by “gromače” (dry stone walls). This queen of fruits has been a mainstay of the island since immemorial and historical records show that it was grown in the Mediterranean basin as early as the Prehistoric Age. Due to its valuable nutritional composition and medicinal properties, many myths celebrating the fig tree have survived from Classical antiquity. The trail, which also includes the remnants of the (abandoned) Brajda (or Brajdar) hamlet leads through lush vegetation toward one of the two agricultural conglomerates, namely Kaštel (the trail doesn’t pass through the adjacent conglomerate of Kimpi), which is a fertile area where local producers grow their food crops, which are then available in nearby catering establishments. It was named after a cultural and historical landmark that dominates the area, the so-called Salatići Castle, which is an imposing stone edifice almost entirely draped in ivy. Not much is known about the castle, although it is assumed that it was used by a Krk noble family as their country home. One could use a break beneath the castle walls with a fig or two because the trail continues through the village of Salatići, with the hike resuming in the woods before arriving at the Bok Od Brozića Street, which leads back to the settlement of Vrh on its south side. At the beginning (or end, depending on the direction of arrival) is the home of the eye-catching KuSshh plantations, where aromatic plants and herbs, olives and fruit are grown, harvested and processed. The hike ends upon arrival in Vrh and may be capped off by exploring authentic local specialities, in particular Krk prosciutto – the first Croatian product registered at the EU level, which the Žužić family serves at the House of Krk Prosciutto. (The production of this delicacy is limited exclusively to Krk Island. It 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. The distinctiveness of Krk prosciutto stems from its age-old reputation, as well as the skill and craft of the producer, who exclusively uses traditional recipes during production.)

Highlights:

– abandoned hamlet of Brajde (or Brajdar)

– Kaštel field

– Salatići Castle

– KuSshh plantation, Vrh

– House of Krk Prosciutto, Vrh