A snow-covered path winds through leafless woodland as sunlight shines between the trees in Croatia.

Istria

Učka Nature Park

Mountain nature park between Istria and Kvarner, with forest trails, Vojak peak and huge views over the Kvarner Gulf.

Region

Istria

Best time to visit

May–October; snow in winter

Ideal trip length

Half a day

Main highlights

Vojak peak, forest trails, views over Kvarner

Učka is the mountain range that rises between Istria and the Kvarner coast above Opatija. Its highest peak, Vojak, reaches about 1,400 m and has a stone lookout tower with views over the Kvarner Gulf and its islands.

Why visit

Most of the mountain is a nature park with beech forest, meadows and marked hiking and cycling trails. In summer it is a cool escape from the coast; in winter, snow often brings families up for sledging and walks.

You can drive close to the top, so even a short visit gives you the views. Walkers can climb up from the coast near Opatija or Lovran.

Getting there and around

Roads lead up to Učka from the Istrian side and from Opatija. The Učka tunnel on the main Rijeka–Istria motorway passes under the mountain but does not give access to the park.

Day trips

Nearby destinations

  • Boats in Fažana harbour below colourful waterfront houses and a church bell tower.

    Istria

    Fažana

    Fishing town near Pula and the boat port for Brijuni National Park, famous for sardines.

  • A cobbled lane winds between stone houses and flower-filled planters in Hum, Istria.

    Istria

    Hum

    Often called the smallest town in the world: a walled hilltop village in inland Istria.

  • Aerial view of Novigrad old town on its peninsula, Istria, Croatia

    Istria

    Novigrad

    Small walled fishing town on a peninsula on the west coast of Istria.

  • Colourful facades of Rovinj old town houses above the sea, Istria, Croatia

    Istria

    Rovinj

    A car-free old town on a former island, the church of St Euphemia and the Golden…

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive to the top of Učka?

A road leads to just below Vojak peak; the last part is a short walk.

Is there snow on Učka?

Often in winter, which makes it a favourite spot for sledging in the region.

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