Via Apsyrtides

STAGE 5
VALUN - MARTINŠĆICA

STAGE 5

VALUN - MARTINŠĆICA

HARD

The north-west part of Cres, isolated from the rest of the island by tall hills and Vrana Lake, and inaccessible from the sea, has managed to retain a primordial essence in its villages that have remained unchanged over the centuries, built next to fertile valleys surrounded by pastures or old forests along Vrana Lake. Especially impressive is the site of the village of Lubenice – a narrow ridge of a 378 m high cliff plummeting almost vertically towards the beautiful pebble beach. Lubenice is still reachable only by a narrow road used for centuries by labourers and shepherds, today long gone. Nowhere is the silence as loud as in Lubenice during the winter. By contrast, the summers are lively, and you don’t want to miss the obligatory sunset photos.

  • 14.6 km
  • 670 m
  • HIGHEST POINT: 466 m
  • LOWEST POINT : 0 m
  • DIFFICULTY: 7/10
  • DURATION: 4 h
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VIA APSYRTIDES - STAGE 5
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DIFFICULTY

7/10

LANDSCAPE

9/10

ENDURANCE

8/10

EXPERIENCE

10/10

LUBENICE

The Romans called it Hibernitia (“wintery, cold”) as the weather can be cold even in the summer when the wind picks up, and every once in a while it even snows. Throughout the Middle Ages, Lubenice was an important fortified settlement, the seat of an independent commune which included the major part of central Cres, as testified by the many churches, remains of walls with two town gates and tall stone houses built upon living rock. The high ground at the edge of the village (telescope!) offers a magnificent view of Kvarner, all the way to the tip of Istria and the island Unije.

HELM

At the highest peak (483 m), west of Vrana Lake, you can still see the large ancient hillfort, one of several around the lake. Until the construction of the water supply system in the 1950s and restricting the access to the lake, the local villagers would come here to catch the various freshwater fish species living in the lake. It is said that in these days the northern pike swimming in its waters die of old age. There are no more eels, once numerous, which the locals used to use for keeping the wells clean. The lake is still one of the clearest in the world, and the water is particularly clean.

VIDOVIĆI

The village situated on a plateau of a steep slope, rising above Martinšćica, was developed from a shepherds’ dwelling managed for many generations by the estate managers (locally known as “bravar”) from the Vidovići family line. In 1927, the village numbered as many as 150 inhabitants, living in 27 houses, and today there are only two permanent residents. Access to drinking water had been a big problem for the locals until the construction of wells in the 19th century, as the only pool of water had to be shared with the cattle. The harmonious folk architecture has been well preserved, and the sprawling view of Istria, Lošinj and the surrounding islets at 280 m above sea level will surely take your breath away.

Ivan
Ivan@ivan
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Great walk. Beautiful island and well marked trails. Highly recommended.
Anna
Anna@anna
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Me and my family walked the whole route twice on our vacation. That says a lot!
John
John @johnny
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Lovely scenery. Cave Čampari was the highlight of the walk. Headlamps are a must!
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• Via Apsyrtides trail system is intended for experienced mountain climbers and recreationists. The trails provide a basic level of walkability, without additional measures of safety and protection. Use these trails at your own risk!
• Rugged landscape and climatic conditions of the island can be challenging. Assess your fitness level well and wear appropriate footwear and clothing!
• Water availability in some villages is limited. Carry enough water with you!
• Your responsibility is to follow the laws and regulations of the Republic of Croatia related to nature protection, accommodation and respect for other people’s property.
• Leave only footprints, take only memories! Dispose of garbage in the villages, in designated areas. Do not collect wild plants and do not disturb animals you come across! Keep the gates closed behind you!
• You are in an area of high wildfire risk. Lighting open fires is strictly forbidden!

• Water: You will find the nearest drinking water on the square in Lubenice 
• Shop: Grocery store in Martinšćica – open until 12.00 
• Caffe bar: Most cafes are closed during the winter, but you can have coffee at Konoba Feral 
• Restaurant: Restaurant Sidro in Martinšćica is closed in winter, while Konoba Feral is open all year round. The restaurant and café in Lubenice are open during the summer season. 
• Pharmacy: Nearest in the town of Cres 
• Doctor: Nearest in the town of Cres 
• ATM: Martinšćica 

SAFETY INFORMATION
Mind the strong Bura wind, especially in winter and pay attention to:

  • ticks
  • scorpions
  • wild animals (wild boar)
  • heat

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

  • GPS
  • water
  • waterfilter
  • mobile phone
  • headlamp

Valun 
Take the D100 state road and at the intersection turn for the road leading to Valun, park your vehicle at one of the public parking lots in the village and begin your hike. 
 
Martinšćica 
Take the D100 state road and at the intersection turn for the road leading to Martinšćica, park your vehicle at the public parking lot in the village and begin your hike. 
 
COORDINATES:

Valun 
DD 44.90362, 14.35793 
UTM 449310.29, 4972444.39, 33T 
DMS 44° 57′ 36.936″, 14° 24′ 28.512″ 
 
Martinšćica 
DD 44.81299, 14.36268 
UTM 449606.30, 4962373.84, 33T 
DMS 44° 48′ 46.764″, 14° 21′ 45.648″