Zvoneća: Terraces, Tradition and Nature

Zvoneća brings together a protected terraced landscape, local customs and specific cycling and hiking themes. When looking for a hotel, it is worth first considering whether your trip will be shaped more by culture, nature or the timing of an event. The landscape of Zvonejske njivi, the tradition of the Zvonejski zvončari and the trails in Lisina give the area a range of distinct highlights.

Terraced Landscape and Lisina

Zvonejske njivi is a landscape of terraced fields covering around 60 hectares, protected as a cultural monument. The terraces were historically a centre of wine-growing and were recognised as a cultural monument in 1994. In the wider destination of Općina Matulji, the stone terraces were created between the 15th and 17th centuries. Together, the terraces tell a story of the long-standing connection between wine-growing and the landscape.

The Park-šuma Lisina also shapes the area’s nature-related attractions. This forested area stretches across Zvoneća and Gornji Rukavac and has been protected as a significant landscape since 1998. In Lisina’s forested karst, the Vodice spring forms a small freshwater habitat. Those interested in trails will find a junction of hiking routes in Lisina, including Gomila, Vodička Griža and Vodice.

Cycling and Hiking Trails

Route 117 is a 30-kilometre circular route with 560 metres of elevation gain through the protected landscape of Zvonejske njivi. It follows the old Žejane–Bukvina–Zvoneća road and then heads towards the terraces above Perka. The distance and elevation figures indicate the scale of the loop; along the way, the route connects a specific cycling trail with the historic terraced landscape.

In the wider destination of Općina Matulji, a hiking trail also follows the scenic ridge of 1,037-metre Crni vrh, in the protected landscape of Lisina. The trail begins southwest of the mountain lodge on Lisina. The protected Madonna lily (Lilium martagon) also grows there. These local nature attractions complement Zvoneća’s trails and landscape connections, although they are not features of the village itself.

Church, Festivals and Zvončari

The single-nave Church of Saint Anthony the Abbot, dating from the 19th century, stands in the central settlement area. Two recurring festivals bear the name Antonija: Antonja, on 17 January, is Zvoneća’s main festival and marks the start of Carnival and the bell-ringer processions. Antonjica, on 13 June, is the main summer festival and commemorates Saint Anthony of Padua.

The Zvonejski zvončari are among the local groups included on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. On their traditional procession to Rukavac, they wear flower hats, sailor shirts, white trousers and sheepskins, and carry three bells. On Shrove Tuesday, they also hold a less formal procession through Zvoneća in a different costume. The annual Mića zvončarska smotra is organised by Udruga Zvonejski zvončari under the patronage of Općina Matulji. Check the dates before travelling, as future programmes may change.

Jazz na Njivah and Jarbola

At Jazz na Njivah, the well-tended fields and vineyards of Zvonejske njivi provide a natural concert stage. The festival has been held there since 2021; an official announcement in 2026 referred to the sixth edition. At the festival, OPG Ružić from Zvoneća serves local Jarbolica. This offering is part of the festival; check current festival arrangements before travelling.

Jarbola is a traditionally grown indigenous grape variety associated with Zvoneća and protected as a grape variety in the Croatian Littoral subregion. A cycling tour also connects the grape variety with a visit to the area: Lipo j' vino pit! includes a Jarbola tasting at OPG Jarbola in Zvoneća. Check current tour dates before travelling. The two names are easy to distinguish: Jarbola refers to the grape variety, while Jarbolica is the local offering at the jazz festival.

Discover more destinations: Veli Brgud, Matulji, Mučići, Zaluki, Jušići, Jurdani, Rupa, Rukavac

For the wider travel overview: Općina Matulji.