IN Saturday, September 27th , The Labin region will celebrate World Tourism Day in a special way – with a joint climb and socializing on Skitača, a place from which one of the most beautiful views of Kvarner opens. At the initiative of the Administrative Department for Tourism of the Istrian County, this day is dedicated to the beauty of travel, the warmth of Istrian hospitality and the rich cultural heritage of eastern Istria.

Skitača has never been a place you come to by chance. For centuries, only chance travelers have arrived there, and the most persistent and resilient ones have survived. Legend has it that it was once inhabited by vagrants and runaways, and its trademark is a natural spring of water that is believed to restore sight – another reason why Skitača is a special place, shrouded in mysticism and stories that have been passed down for generations. The journey to Skitača is as special as the destination, and at the end, a phenomenal view awaits you wherever you turn. You can reach this special place by car, bike, or on foot, but it is worth taking the journey step by step at least once.

Experience Skitača – hiking Labin – Skitača

The Tourist Board of the City of Labin and the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Raša invite you to celebrate World Tourism Day by hiking. The departure for Skitača is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. from the city cemetery in Labin , and about four hours of easy walking is reason enough to put on your most comfortable sneakers and start this adventure with a cheerful hiking spirit. The road to Skitača is a true experience full of beautiful landscapes: paths that weave between old dry stone walls, macadam roads and forest sections in the shade of Mediterranean vegetation. In some places, the landscape opens up and offers a magical view of the sea and the islands of Kvarner, while towards the very top, rocky glades and grassy plateaus alternate. As you climb, the horizon becomes wider – behind you remains the Labin region, and in front of you are vistas of Cres and Lošinj, Učka, and on clear days the view reaches even as far as Velebit and Italy. Riding a bike or a car is an equally special experience, so it doesn’t matter which way you go – the only important thing is that you are in Skitača between 12:30 and 1:00 PM , when the gathering of all participants is organized.

The journey to Skitača is just the first part of the program of this special day. After the gathering, participants will be welcomed by a real Istrian feast at the mountain lodge – a traditional bean or vegetarian menu, with a drink and a symbolic price of 5 euros. The sweet part of the story consists of homemade kroštule and Labinjonski krafi, and they will be accompanied by wine from OPG Juričić , goat cheeses from OPG Dol , Forto sauces and natural syrups from aromatic herbs from OPG Rori . After enjoying the table, relaxation and fun will follow, and the right atmosphere will be provided by the talented accordionist Endi Miletić . The RKUD ”Rudar” Raša will also perform, performing folk dances in authentic folk costumes, showcasing the wealth of Istrian cultural heritage. If you want to experience Skitača, all you have to do is register via the link – and leave the rest to the Istrian landscape and good company.

Tour of the Labin National Museum and the Blacksmith’s House “Arsia”

In addition to Skitača, you can also visit the Blacksmith’s House “Arsia” in Raša and the Labin National Museum on Saturday. Arsiana d.o.o. invites all those interested to take a look at the Blacksmith’s House “Arsia”, which provides an authentic insight into former mining life through original exhibits, archival footage and a replica of a miner’s apartment. Entrance will be free on the occasion of World Tourism Day.

The Labin Open University invites you to visit the Labin National Museum, located in the old town. There you can get an overview of Labin’s rich history with an attractive 150-meter-long replica of the mine. Tickets will be 50% off (children under 7 years old have free admission).

If you would like to take a peek at Arsi, you can register via this link , and find registration for the Labin National Museum here .

You come to this region, enjoy good company, spectacular views, excellent museums and an event that combines past and present, tourism and peace, culture and nature.