The hidden treasures of the Učka mountain

Next to the very coast of the northern Adriatic, alongside the Riviera of Opatija, the scenery is dominated by the massive and magnificent mountain of Učka. Due to its proximity to the sea, this majestic mountain is characterised by a climate favourable for its unique flora and fauna, and Vojak, its highest peak, is adorned by a tower with one of the most striking views in Croatia, according to its many visitors. This article provides an overview of some specific features of the Učka mountain and its environs which might make you decide on this majestic natural phenomenon as your next destination for relaxation and recreation.
Učka Nature Park
The Učka Nature Park is an area of 160 km2 consisting of the Učka mountain and a part of the Ćićarija mountain, and ithas been established as a nature park in 1999. The Park offers an array of activities for those who prefer a more active vacation (for example, hiking, biking, free climbing and similar activities), but also for those who like their vacations to have a more relaxed pace. In fact, the Učka Nature Park has several trails suitable for light walks on which one can enjoy the soft sylvan shades and take in the stunning scenery, and some of those trails also include educational content. One of such trails is the Land Art Trail “Stražica-Sapaćica” adorned with 20 land art pieces by artist Boris Pecigoš. Walk the trail, bask in the sun and fresh air, and let your eye wander over the scenery in search for interesting interventions into nature that make one think about the relationship between humans and nature. At the trail entrance, there are boarding houses and restaurants where you can stop for refreshments after your afternoon spent in the nature.
In addition to the marked trails where you can explore the Učka Nature Park on your own, you can also take a guided tour, such as, for example, a tour that includes spending the day with one of the rangers that guard the Park. The exact trails of this tour depend on the park monitoring activities the ranger must perform, which makes this a truly unique experience. You can also decide on taking a half-day tour of the Park in an off-road vehicle, and find out about its natural and cultural characteristics and about their protection and preservation.
Area surrounding Učka
If you should suddenly wish, after your active day spent in nature, to relax by the sea and enjoy some culinary delicacies, there is nothing to stop you as you are only half an hour by car away from the lovely, secluded towns and villages on the Riviera of Opatija. For example, you could visit Mošćenićka Draga, a picturesque historic town with a lovely beach and many delicious dishes on offer. We would recommend the local delicacy – the Kvarner shrimp, and if you visit in the spring, you should try dishes made from wild asparagus.
You could also visit Ika – a charming little fishing town with a distinctive architecture, where you can take a break from your daily routine. Walk the lovely narrow streets, take a swim at one of the town’s pebble beaches, and complete the experience in one of the town’s restaurants where you can enjoy the local dishes and wine. The town is situated on the famous promenade Lungomare, which means that you can literally walk to it from Opatija, for example.
In the end, what can you do but take the plunge and set out to explore this magnificent crown jewel?