Free Climbing
Istria offers so far nine climbing sites: Zlatni rt near Rovinj, Lim Bay, Dvigrad, Istarske toplice, Raspadalica above Buzet, Vranjska draga near the Učka tunnel, near Pazin, Mošćenička Draga, Vintijan near Pula and Rabac. Nine ascents on the so-called short rocks, 20-30 m high, have 270 equipped ascents. Istrian rocks, full of various obstacles, are demanding both for top athletes and beginners. Apart from the beautiful intact nature more and more prized by free climbers, the rocks mostly face the south, enabling climbers to wear short sleeves even in colder weather.
Zlatni rt (Golden Cape)
One of the most beautiful and largest protected park forests in the Mediterranean, also known as the international meeting place of free climbers. On the cliffs rising from the very seaside there are some 80 rock-climbing routes, mostly easier and suitable for beginners. There is also an organized climbing school under the guidance of professional instructors. Together with Paklenica National Park, Zlatni rt (Golden Cape) is the most famous rock-climbing site in Croatia with an Outdoor centre organized at the entrance.
Istarske toplice
In the vicinity of the medieval city Motovun, along the Mirna River, rise tall rock barriers of which the most attractive ones are located above the very thermal spa 'Istarske toplice'. There are 13 different climbing routes, measuring 22 to 90 meters.
Raspadalica
Rising high above Buzet, on the slopes of Ćićarija, lies Raspadalica, the centre of extreme sports. On the cliff at Raspadalica there are some 30 climbing routes, measuring 8 to 30 metres in height.
Lim Bay
The deep valley Limska drage which starts near Pazin, ends at the seacoast north of Rovinj. At the end of this 12-kilometre-long bay known as Lim Bay stand the very impressive cliffs rising high above the very sea. This popular rock-climbing site has some 60 climbing routes up to 25 metres in height where you can climb all year round.
Dvigrad
In the vicinity of the remains of Dvigrad, one of the most famous Istrian medieval towns that lies in the inner part of Limska draga, which was abandoned in the 17th century, is a rock-climbing site with 63 climbing routes. The most difficult and challenging route known as Malvasia was only climbed by the famed Italian climber Manolo–Maurizio Zanolla at the beginning of the 1990s.
Vranjska draga
Below the slopes of Mt. Učka, in the north-eastern part of Istria, lies the canyon Vranjska draga with the most amazing spired rocks, a must for every rock-climbing enthusiast. This unique site has some 50 climbing routes. The most attractive and amazing cliff is the 100-metre-high Great Tower (Veliki toranj) – natural phenomenon that will surely impress even those who are not so enthusiastic about rock-climbing.
