Bijele Zemlje: Routes and History

Bijele Zemlje lies in hilly terrain that slopes down towards the Mirna Valley. Routes for travel have crossed the area since ancient times, including a Roman imperial road. For planning purposes, the activities described can be distinguished by type and distance: a moderately difficult 31.3-kilometre cycling tour and the 2-kilometre walk from Ponte Porton to Baštija. There are also historical points of interest at Baštija and Sv. Ivan. If you are looking for a hotel, you can take the excursions you plan to make during your stay into account when choosing a location.

Cycling and Climbing

The official Istria Bike Trail 211 North–Northwest runs through Ponte Porton, which is within the settlement of Bijele Zemlje. A moderately difficult 31.3-kilometre cycling tour leads from Buje through Krasica, Bijele Zemlje and Ponte Porton into the Mirna Valley. After the initial climb, the section through Bijele Zemlje is mostly downhill towards the river. The route continues to the Mirna, follows the river to kilometre 18.6, and then climbs towards Nova Vas and Brtonigla. On the return to Buje, it follows the main Novigrad–Buje and Umag–Buje roads before a side road leads into the centre of Buje.

At 31.3 kilometres, this cycling tour is considerably longer than the 2-kilometre walk to Baštija; the “moderate difficulty” rating applies to the cycling tour. Check the route and current road conditions before setting out. At Ponte Porton, climbers meet informally in the area of a planned climbing site; improvements there are planned for 2026–2027.

Walking to Baštija

The Ponte Porton–Baštija walk is 2 kilometres long. It starts at a car park beside a food and drink establishment in Ponte Porton and follows a road downstream along the right bank of the Mirna. After 1.5 kilometres, the path reaches the single-nave Church of St Mary of Baštija. As access may change, check the details before your visit.

The church was built in the 14th century and restored in 1610 and 2000. Historically, it was an important meeting place for sailors and local residents. The former port of Grožnjan is said to have been located in Baštija; in the Middle Ages and early modern period, the settlement was an important place for loading and unloading goods. The church and the history of Baštija add a cultural and historical perspective to the route description.

Sv. Ivan and Finding Accommodation

An archaeological site is designated at Sv. Ivan; as of October 2024, there was also a children’s playground there, although this may change. The Church of St John the Baptist near Sv. Ivan is designated as a sacred building. These archaeological and religious points of interest add further themes to your travel planning alongside Baštija’s architectural history.

Ponte Porton is home to Konoba Ponte Porton, a food and drink establishment. If you plan to stop there, check the current operating details in advance. Bijele Zemlje has 28 accommodation beds listed.

Discover more destinations: Kostanjica, Groznjan, Martinčići

Return to the main travel overview: Općina Grožnjan.