Smolici: Holiday Apartments and Houses

Astronomy

The Tičan site of the Višnjan Observatory is located on Tičan Hill, three kilometres north of Višnjan. It is surrounded by parkland and forest and is a destination for people interested in stars and science, as well as for school trips.

Group visits to the observatory are possible throughout the year by prior arrangement. The “Astro Night” programme includes lectures on astronomy, a dome tour, possible observations with amateur telescopes, and a laser-guided tour of the constellations.

Those who choose Smolici for their own trip may wish to rent a holiday apartment.

Culture and Trails

The Church of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Višnjan features frescoes from 1550 as well as Glagolitic graffiti dating from 1500 to 1550.

The Zvjezdana staza begins in the centre of Višnjan, passes along forest paths, through vineyards and surrounding villages to Tićan, and returns through the Istrian landscape.

The Staza venecijanskog lava begins at Antun Korlević Square, passes through the old town of Višnjan beneath the Venetian Lion Arch to old Barat and back again. The route is 4.5 km long and takes 2.5 hours.

Cycling Route and Landscape

The Aminess Maestral–Smolici–Novigrad road cycling route is considered a route without demanding climbs. It crosses cultivated Istrian countryside and allows cyclists to stop and taste locally grown crops.

Culinary Experiences

In the Višnjan area, local hosts open their homes and estates to share Istrian traditions, flavours, aromas and ways of life with visitors. Visitors can also visit the wine cellars and tasting rooms of local producers.

Local family farms offer, among other things, olive oil, honey and other indigenous delicacies.

Nature and Views

The Višnjan area includes vineyards, olive groves, Boškarin grazing land, species-rich forests, pits, sinkholes and other underground formations.

The Sovina staza leads to the renovated Vena viewpoint. From there, there are views of olive groves, vineyards and the sea, as well as, in clear weather, the Julian Alps and the Dolomites.

Hiking

Smolici is named as a village on the 11.08 km-long Kvešti–Anžići–Rapavel hiking trail.

Other places: Majkusi, Ženodraga, Pršurići, Farini, Sinožići, Benčani, Radovani, Fabci

For the higher-level travel overview: Općina Višnjan.