Natural water springs in Istria remained hidden gems, a mystical memory from the ancient times, They are located way off the beaten tourist paths and represent perfect spots to practice grounding/earthing, to connect with the sacred place and to enjoy the health benefits of the enchanting forest.

Charles Dickens
Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past

Raw water will heal you, decalcify your pineal gland, and boost your joy for life. Istria’s diverse metamorphic and geological history results in several underground sources where pure and great tasting water springs.

Discover the  most hidden natural water springs in Istria that remained undiscovered sights:

1. Water spring Momjan

natural water springs in Istria - Waterspring Momjan
Photo credit: Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past

A magical hidden gem, located near the village of Momjan in Buje Municipality. Momjan is a place of prehistoric past, most known for the Momjan castle. It is presently dilapidated and ivy-grown and can hardly evoke the power and wealth of the life that characterized it.

Place: Momjan (Buje). Coordinates: 45.44153 N – 13.71276 E.

 2. Water spring on Sentona’s trail

Waterspring on Sentona's trail - natural water springs Istria
Photo credit: Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past

Sentona was a goddess and the patroness of travelers in the 1st and 2nd century AD. “Sentona’s trail” is the hiking path from the Labin old town to the Rabac bay. The trail has numerous brooks and rapids crossed by seven bridges creating an elvish experience. 

Waterspring on Sentona's trail - natural water springs Istria
Photo credit: Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past

Among numerous walking paths on the Labin and Rabac area, the Sentona’s trail is one of the most beautiful. On photos is the part of the trail along the river Pećine with limestone barriers. At the end of this trail is the Negri cave, a mysterious cave, which interior hides the clear water spring. The legend says that a skeleton of a giant three times the size of a normal man was found in this cave.

Place: Labin – Rabac. Coordinates: Start: 45.08727 N – 14.13641 E  to Negri cave 45.08831 N -14.13468 E.

Waterspring on Sentona's trail - natural water springs Istria
Photo credit: Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past

Where to find secluded countryside escape near Sentona’s trail?

Family-friendly secluded Villa Vlastelini Istria

Family-friendly Villa Vlastelini is located on the eastern Istrian coast, near the thousand-year-old town of Labin, on a fenced 20 000 m² secluded estate. You can fully indulge in a relaxing contact-free vacation, surrounded by barns with domestic animals, organic garden and orchard, tennis court, and open fireplace with grill.

3. Deep blue Water spring Zahej

Natural water springs Istria Oprtalj prtalj
Photo: Istria.hr

Located in the healing forest near the village of Zrenj in Oprtaljone of the most picturesque towns of northern Istria, that remained a hidden gem. Taking a stroll up and down the streets is like stepping back in time or stepping into a vintage film set.

This idyllic Istrian medieval town recalls medieval towns in Tuscany and today the area around Oprtalj is famous for a truffle hunt.  

You can follow the hiking trail from water spring Zahej to the bridge over the streams Tamujak and Mlaka. On the way, you can also observe the mysteries of the ancient settlement

Place: Zrenj (Oprtalj). Coordinates: Starting point: 45.40981 N -13.86729 E, Bridge: 45.41416 N -13.86802 E. Ancient settlement (position 45.41162 N – 13.86959 E).

4. Water spring Oil mill Barkonela near the medieval town Završje

Natural water springs Istria near Završje
Photo: Završje old town Source: Istria-culture.com

A quiet water spring is located at the old oil mill near the picturesque Završjethe charming medieval town, nested on a 240-meter high cliff rising above the Mirna Valley. It has always been a town of farmers who worked the fields and grew olives and fruits.

When walking up and down the streets of Završje, looking at the beauty of the buildings, you can fully imagine the past glory of this placePlace: Near Završje (Grožnjan municipality). Coordinates: 45.37599 N -13.77152 E.

5. Prehistoric settlement and water spring Kašteljir

Waterspring Kašteljer - natural water springs Istria
Photo credit: Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past

Water spring Kašteljer is located in Central Istria in the municipality Kanfanar. It is located next to the semi-cave that served as a natural sanctuary for the hunters and gatherers since the prehistorical times.  The fruitful valley with water spring made this area convenient for living.

The settlement originated from the Bronze Age and the oldest archaeological finds (some pieces of pots) had been found here. In the past, the location of Kašteljir was of interest because it was situated on the road of strategic importance, which led through the Lim Valley, from the sea (Lim Channel), towards the inland of Istria.

Place: Kanfanar. Coordinates: water spring Kašteljer. 45.13424 N – 13.84097 E.

Where to find a romantic eco stay near Kašteljir?

 Glamping Istria Croatia - Robinson glamping Freedom

Robinson glamping Freedom is located in the very heart of Istria. It is an ideal place for couples looking for a peaceful and romantic staycation in nature, far away from the city. You can choose between a treehouse or a glamping tent.

6. Secluded water spring in Čiritež village

Waterspring Čiritez - natural water springs Istria
Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past

This forgotten water spring is located in Čiritež village in Buzet municipality. In the town of Buzet, you can feel the charm of its centennial architecture and experience the impressive view from north Istria’s hilltops.

Place: Čiritež (Buzet municipality). Coordinates: 45.40057 N – 14.00181 E; 45.40023 N – 14.01790 E.

7. Water spring Badavca near Karojba village

Karojba village in Istria
Karojba village, Source: central-istria.com

Water spring Badavca is located in Karojba village.  In the vicinity of the spring is the mystical »sun clock« and historical monuments written in an old Croatian letter called Glagoljica, with the names of the places in the surrounding, and one strong message: “That they are all united in peace”.  

Natural water springs in Istria _Waterspring Badavča 1a
Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past

This is a popular place for bohemian poets and writers, truly a perfect spot to sit down, relax in nature, and return to one’s senses. Place: Near Karojba village. Coordinates: 45.27476 N – 13.79866 E.

Where to find a peaceful and healthy staycation near the water spring Badavca?

 eco Villa Gašparini Istria

Eco Villa Gašparini is located in a small village of Cerion, 1,5 kilometer from the water spring Badavča. It’s ideal for families searching for a relaxed and secluded setting in a rural ambiance. Iconic Renault 4 is available to guests to explore the Istrian countryside and make awesome Instagram photos.

Cover Photo: Sentona’s trail. Source: Istria Culture