Via Apsyrtides
STAGE 6
MARTINŠĆICA - USTRINE
STAGE 6
MARTINŠĆICA - USTRINE
EASY
Martinšćica is situated at the most protected part of a long pebble bay. The village developed from a shepherds’ dwelling of Sv. Martin (St. Martin), gradually spread around the 15th-century third order Franciscan monastery (still active today) and the 17th century Sforza castle, only to expand rapidly into the most important settlement on the north-west coast of Cres following the completion of the dock at the end of the 19th century and the inclusion in the regular Rijeka-Cres steamship line. An important role in the development of this area played the father and son Andrija Linardić, owners of a distillery that produced world-renowned sage and immortelle essential oil from 1903 to 1947. The story of their incredible entrepreneurial journey is showcased in the recently-opened small museum.
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9.5 km
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360 m
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HIGHEST POINT: 185 m
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LOWEST POINT : 0 m
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DIFFICULTY: 4/10
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DURATION: 4 h
DIFFICULTY
LANDSCAPE
ENDURANCE
EXPERIENCE
SV. KRSTIPUL (Kristofor) (St. Christopher)
At the hilltop north of Miholašćica still stands proud the large Bronze Age hillfort surrounded by massive dry stone walls, rumored to be the place of worship of the first inhabitants in the area. Around the year 1200, the hillfort provided the foundations for the Romanesque church dedicated to St. Christopher. It was renovated in the 15th century to a design characteristic of the island – new walls were built on the inner sides of the longitudinal walls, with a pointed Gothic vault rising above them, narrowing the already narrow space of the church to just 3 m.
STIVAN
Today’s village of Stivan developed with the expansion of the village Sv. Ivan (St. John) (Gornje Selo), built in the upper part of the sprawling valley ending in the bay of Marašćica, towards the lower and older villages of Sv. Luka (St. Luke) (Donje Selo) and Sv. Vid (St. Vitus) (Suviški). At the end of the 18th century, the Parish Church of St. John was built, featuring a detached bell tower, which is today separated from the church by a road. Here, Priest Dinko Muškardin, the long-time pastor of Stivan and an avid beekeeper, laid the foundations of modern beekeeping in Croatia through his innovative work.
GRADIŠKA
The abandoned village was built on the site of an ancient villa rustica, of which today parts of the wall (used as part of the path), remains of floor heating and a collapsed tank, have been preserved. The Romanesque Church of St. Martin, thoroughly reconstructed in the 17th century, has served as the parish church not just for the people of Gradiška, but also those from the nearby Pizine and Ustrine. Even after the new parish church was built in 1887 in Ustrine, it was still used for burial up until the 1960s. The view of the sea seen from here gives the feeling of eternity.
SHARE THIS TRAIL
• 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: Stivan next to the church, Hrasta, Ustrine (next to the road)
• Shop: Martinšćica – open until 12.00 (Cresanka)
• Caffe bar: Most cafes are closed during the winter, but you can have coffee in Konoba Feral in Martinšćica
• Restaurant: All restaurants in Martinšćica, Miholašćica and Stivan are open exclusively during the summer season, except Konoba Feral in Martinšćica
• 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
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.
Ustrine
Take the D100 state road and at the intersection turn for the road leading to Ustrine. Park your vehicle at the entrance to the village and begin your hike.
COORDINATES:
Martinšćica
DD 44.81299, 14.36268
UTM 449606.30, 4962373.84, 33T
DMS 44° 48′ 46.764″, 14° 21′ 45.648″
Ustrine
DD 44.74471, 14.40486
UTM 452886.03, 4954763.81, 33T
DMS 44° 44′ 40.956″, 14° 24′ 17.496″
