Discover Jurdani: Cycling Route 118 and Cultural History

Jurdani is particularly easy to explore when planning a trip through Cycling Route 118 and its local cultural history. If you are planning a hotel stay focused on cycling or culture, you can use specific landmarks as a guide: the course of a circular route, a water refill point, and memorials and historic connections to festivals and railways. A separate section covers additional route information for the wider destination of Općina Matulji.

Cycling Route 118 through Jurdani

Cycling Route 118, “Saka noć ima svoju moć,” is a 32-kilometre circular route that starts and ends in Permani. Between Principi and Mučići, the route passes through Jurdani. Keep the two place names distinct when planning your route: Jurdani lies along the way, while Permani is the start and finish point.

The route is rated as moderate and suitable for trekking bikes. Check the route and conditions before setting out, as both may change. The distance, difficulty and bike type each offer a different way to assess the ride.

A Matulji Aqua Oasis water refill point in Jurdani supports hikers, cyclists and passers-by enjoying outdoor activities: you can drink water there and refill your containers. If you plan to use the point during your trip, check that it is available before setting out.

Cultural history and historic connections

The “Ususret trećem tisućljeću” cross in Jurdani is a work by sculptor Ljubo de Karina. Letnja Ivanja also has a specific historical connection: the 19th edition of the festival in Jurdani began on 24 June 2016 with a prayer at a cross and a medallion honouring Saint John the Baptist.

On the return journey, the procession of the Rukavačkeh zvončari passes through Jurdani before continuing to Jušići and Rukavac. The town’s railway history is another point of interest: Jurdani was one of the stations on the Pivka–Rijeka branch line, built in 1873.

More tours and traditions in Općina Matulji

The wider destination of Općina Matulji has a 150-kilometre network of cycling and hiking trails, including ten circular routes. To compare route lengths and elevation gains: the 15-kilometre Bike-and-Hike Route 119, “Od Golopusta do sup Šije,” has an elevation gain of 240 metres and starts in the centre of Vele Mune. Route 113, “Mune i Žejane,” is a 37.5-kilometre circular route with a total elevation gain of 590 metres; it starts in Jušići and runs mostly on asphalt. Compared with the 32-kilometre Route 118 through Jurdani, these offer a shorter and a longer route option. Check trail markings and conditions before setting out.

The carnival in Matulji is also part of the wider destination of Općina Matulji. It takes place in January and February, with the Zvončari Festival as its main event. The Zvončari are traditional carnival figures whose origins date back more than 500 years. The Zvončarska Smotra is traditionally held in Matulji on Carnival Saturday. Individual event dates may vary, so it is advisable to check the dates for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Rukavac, Brešca, Matulji, Zaluki, Pasjak, Veli Brgud, Male Mune, Mučići.

Back to the wider travel guide: Općina Matulji.