Učka Nature Park and Vela draga
Located in one of the northernmost spots of the Mediterranean area, Mount Učka visually dominates the Istrian peninsula and the Bay of Kvarner. The Nature Park covers an area of 160 km2.
To experience one of the most stunning panoramas in this part of Europe, climb the highest peak of Učka - Vojak (1401 m). Stone observation tower that also includes an information point of the Učka Nature Park was built there. It offers a breath-taking panoramic view of the Istrian peninsula, northern Adriatic islands, mountains in the Gorski kotar region, and all the way to Venice and the Alps.
Učka is the only place in the world where you can take a photograph of the Učka (Tommasini) bellflower, and one of the last European sites where you can watch griffon vultures or golden eagles. Apart enjoying good vibrations, here you can also taste sweet local dishes made of chestnuts, asparagus and other specialities of the healthy traditional cuisine.
Unofficial center of the Učka Nature Park is the Poklon Pass (922 m) where an information point of the Učka Nature Park is located. There you can rent an e-bike or experience mountain - biking through picturesque bike trails of Učka and Ćićarija. Also, visitors can experience the Plas educational trail, Land art circular trail on Ćićarija, the Vela draga educational trail located on canyon of the same name and the Brgudac -Korita trail in Ćićarija, as well as numerous hiking routes, paths and Slap nature trail in Lovranska Draga.
Vela draga below Učka
Vela or Vranjska draga, the vast valley at the foot of Učka's north-western slopes is a geomorphological monument of nature. It is well known to mountaineers and nature lovers, although it still remains distant and unknown to many. Its eastern edges precipitate below the viaduct at the very entrance to Učka Tunnel, from where it meanders through Draga canyon down towards Boljun field. Draga is dominated by high and sheer rocks, where two towers šoplja and čoplja stand out, thus creating a unique and characteristic karst phenomenon in Istria.
Information:
Entrance tickets: free entrance
Opening hours: non-stop
Contacts:
Učka Nature Park Public Institution
Javna ustanova Park prirode Učka
Liganj 42, HR-51415 Lovran
Office: Poklon 8, Vela Učka
T: +385 (0)51 770 100, info@pp-ucka.hr
www.pp-ucka.hr
