Učka Nature Park
Učka Nature Park spreads over 160 km2 of protected nature in the area of Učka and Ćićarija. It is known for its special geological features (Croatian geomorphological nature monument - Vela draga canyon and more than 200 speleological sites), rich in good quality drinking water, with exceptional biological diversity (more than 1,300 plant species including 40 orchid species and the stenoendemic Učka bellflower - Campanula tommasiniana, especially valuable beech forest, about 170 bird species, 253 species of butterflies, various amphibians, reptiles, smaller and larger mammals and stenoendemic insect - Croatodirus bozicevici and various other endemic species) as well as rich cultural heritage. The highest peak of Učka, Vojak (1401 m), offers a magnificent 360° view of the entire Istrian peninsula and the northern Adriatic islands, Velebit and peaks of Gorski kotar and, in the distance, of the Alps and the Italian coast.
The park is criss-crossed with numerous trails, of which 7 are formed into educational paths: Plas educational path under the top ridge, scenic art route in Ćićarija, geological trail of Vela draga, Trebišća-Perun historical trail, Brgudac-Korita trail, Malik’s trail and the waterfall promenade in Lovranska Draga). The two waterfalls, the one in Lovranska Draga and the Rečina waterfall on the stream of Banina, are of a torrential type. The park also has cycling infrastructure consisting of a total of 8 picturesque trails of varying difficulty levels on Učka and Ćićarija. In the past there were numerous herds of sheep and goats all over Učka and Ćićarija, today there are some 600 sheep owned by the Maliki family in Mala Učka, who produce ecologically certified products, as well as several smaller herds on the slopes of Učka in the Istrian County.
Učka Nature Park offers numerous recreation opportunities, including walking, hiking, cycling, with the option of renting one of the 10 electric bikes owned by the park, rock climbing and free climbing along 60 climbing routes in Vela draga, paragliding and hang-gliding as well as other forms of recreation.
