Hiking
Malinska
CAMINO KRK – day 3: Malinska – Omišalj
Walking along the Paradise Trail in search of the ancient remains
Karakteristike
The third section of the pilgrimage route continues with a 19-kilometre-long hike from downtown Malinska to the quaint town of Omišalj in the northern part of the island of Krk. It takes pride in its impressive cultural and historical heritage, still capturing the spirit of old times on every corner. A seaside promenade rightfully dubbed the Paradise Trail will take you to Kijac Cove. Upon reaching Njivice, make sure to visit the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the ancient times, the area known as Poje was home to a rustic villa, a large farming estate on which an early Christian church was later built. Take a refreshment break in Njivice and check out the statue of a fisherman with a net on its seaside promenade, honouring this old tradition.
The route continues through picturesque coves and peaceful forests to the Mohorov site, with the remains of another late Antiquity dwelling. The Byzantine gold coins of Emperor Theodosius II were found there during archaeological excavations. If you decide to walk this trail in early spring, numerous cyclamens will treat you to their beautiful intense scent. Experience what it is like to walk through the forest of downy oak and white hornbeam trees further north, towards Sepen Cove. The trail will take you to the sea and the Mirine site, where you will find remnants of an early Christian basilica and the Roman town of Fulfinum. The foundations of a temple, a basilica and commercial buildings unearthed in this area, right by the shore, point to the fact that this area was first inhabited in the 1st century. After taking a break at Mirine, a forest path will take you to an elevated site above Pesja Cove, where the remains of the Fortičina fortress lie. The position of this medieval castle granted it an important strategic role for centuries.
Continuing further on, you will reach Omišalj, a town on an 85-metre-high cliff with charming cobblestone streets and rich cultural and historical legacy. There you will be drawn to the picturesque Church of St Helen and the Romanesque Parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
