Krk – Sv. Juraj – Picik – Skrbčići – Brusići – Kapovci – Kosići – Kaštel and Kimpi – Krk (western hinterland of the city of Krk)

Taking into account the terrain configuration and its total length, this intermediate MTB trail stretches through the western hinterland of the city of Krk, which is the most verdant area of the island.

It starts in the centre of the island, specifically the sports centre, and ascends towards the villages of Šotovento, winding around Vrh and Salatići. Šotovento derives from the Italian name for the island’s natural shelter from the wind, while in the narrower sense, it refers to the area around St. Fosca, and more broadly the entire western part of the island. But let's get back to the start and the initial stage, which will first take the cyclists along paths through ancient olive groves that offer a gorgeous view of the neighbouring islands of Plavnik, Cres and Rab, and lead them to Dvori Sv. Jurja agritourism – a complex overlooking St. George Bay, where you can take a break and try a plethora of local specialities in tranquil surroundings.

Before that, the route ties in with Bok od Brozića Street, which meanders beneath the village of Vrh, the placid home of the KuSshh plantation, where aromatic plants and herbs, olives and fruit are grown, harvested and processedAfter some well-earned rest, outdoor enthusiasts will ride through verdant scenery and pass by the Picik ecohouse, another quiet complex, all the way to three villages of Šotovento (out of a total of 13): Skrbčići, Brusići and Kapovci.

These places, despite the burgeoning tourism development, have managed to preserve their original layout with rows of compact houses lining the village roads. The oldest ones were built from stone, usually with a storeroom and tavern on the ground floor and living quarters on the first floor. The Church of St. Francis with a distinct facade and bell-gable, which dates back to the early 17th century and was renovated and reconsecrated in the middle of the last century, is located in Škrbčići. After passing through the greenest and most densely forested part of the trail below Lake Ponikve, the route will take you to the village of Kosići, whence you can reach the fields of Kaštel and Kimpi. The former is dominated by the so-called Salatići Castle, an imposing stone edifice that looms over the landscape, and that is assumed to have been the property of Krk noblemen. Kimpi pond abounds in wetland plants (sedges and water lilies) and is the abode, resting place and nesting ground of various water bird species. The pond was once used to irrigate the surrounding fields and water cattle. While cycling through the aforementioned agricultural conglomerates, you can also come across the stone remains of the Chapel of St. Anastasia before finishing the trail.

Highlights:

– olive groves

– dry stone wall architecture – “gromače”

– KuSshh plantation, Vrh

– Dvori Sv. Jurja agritourism

– Church of St. Francis, Skrbčići

– Salatići Castle

– remains of the Chapel of St. Anastasia

– Kimpi pond