Route: Krk – Kimpi and Kaštel fields – Kosići – Vrh – Krk

This dynamic, 14.6 km long trail stretches across the western hinterland of the city of Krk, hiding plenty of surprises along the way. Starting in Krk, this route passes through the agricultural conglomerates of Kimpi and Kaštel, as well as the settlements of Kosići and Vrh. In addition to marvelling at the vistas shaped by the diverse scenery, cultural landmarks and agricultural areas, especially the revitalised olive groves, hikers also have the option of tasting authentic local specialities, particularly Krk prosciutto.

– This dynamic, 14.6 km long trail has plenty of surprises in store, such as sundry landscapes and the eye-catching vistas of cultivated agricultural areas, especially the revitalised olive groves that serve as the trail’s leitmotif, as well as fascinating centrepieces of cultural heritage. The northbound route starts in Krk, more precisely Josip Pupačić Street overlooking the sports centre (football pitch) and first skirts round the Kimpi pond, then passes through the agricultural conglomerates of Kimpi and Kaštel, a fertile area where local producers grow their food crops. Hidden within the Kimpi and Kaštel fields are two cultural landmarks: the remains of the Chapel of St Anastasia and Salatići Castle. Both aforementioned sites are situated west of the village of Salatići close to the cycling trail. Vegetation obscures the stone remains of the Chapel of St Anastasia, which was first attested in the first half of the 14th century and is associated with the abandoned settlement of Brajde (or Brajdar), while the next archaeological specimen is the so-called Salatići Castle, an impressive stone edifice almost entirely draped in ivy, which is assumed to have been the country home of a Krk noble family. While passing through the villages of Kosići and Vrh, which are connected by Busilak Street and dominated by the monumental Parish Church of St Michael the Archangel, recreationists can sample 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. As you indulge in the local cuisine there, you can also learn many facts about the production process and all the distinctions of this award-winning Krk delicacy bearing a protected designation of origin. Upon exiting the village of Vrh, while following the Bok od Brozića Street, you can notice, and perhaps even sense, the KuSshh eco-plantation crops, where aromatic plants and herbs, olives and fruit trees are grown and processed. In the last section en route to Krk, as the view extends towards the sea and the adjacent islands, your hike continues through the ancient olive groves interspersed with carefully erected dry stone walls (“gromače”). You can take a break from the hours-long walk at Dvori Sv. Jurja agritourism, another must-visit gastro hub famous for its local ingredients. Traversing the final stretches of this trail is especially appealing in autumn, when precious fruits are harvested to make Krk olive oil, which boasts a protected designation of origin. Due to the mainland’s influence on the Mediterranean climate conditions, it is distinguished by a high level of oleic acid and polyphenol that preserve the oil from spoiling, while imbuing it with freshness and a distinct aroma as well as myriad beneficial features. While walking on this trail, you can learn numerous interesting facts about Krk olive oil, since it mostly overlaps with the educational trail Following the Paths of Golden Drops of Krk’s Treasure, which is marked with information boards.

Highlights:

– Kimpi pond

– remains of the Chapel of St Anastasia

– Salatići Castle

– Parish Church of St Michael the Archangel, Kosići

– House of Krk Prosciutto, Vrh

– KuSshh eco-plantation, Vrh

– Dvori Sv. Jurja agritourism

– dry stone wall architecture – “gromače”