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.
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
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.
-
- Photo credit: Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past
-
- Photo credit: Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past
2. Water spring on Sentona’s trail
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.
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.
Where to find secluded countryside escape near Sentona’s trail?
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
Located in the healing forest near the village of Zrenj in Oprtalj – one 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.
-
- Photo credit: Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past
-
- Photo credit: Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past
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).
-
- Photo credit: Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past
-
- Photo credit: Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past
4. Water spring Oil mill Barkonela near the medieval town Završje
A quiet water spring is located at the old oil mill near the picturesque Završje – the 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 place. Place: Near Završje (Grožnjan municipality). Coordinates: 45.37599 N -13.77152 E.
-
- Photo credit: Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past
-
- Photo credit: Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past
5. Prehistoric settlement and water spring Kašteljir
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.
-
- Photo credit: Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past
-
- Photo credit: Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past
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.
-
- Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past
-
- Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past
Where to find a romantic eco stay near Kašteljir?
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
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
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”.
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.
-
- Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past
-
- Jan Sonnemans – photographic excursions from the present and the past
Where to find a peaceful and healthy staycation near the water spring Badavca?
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
Countryside Luxury Villa Vlastelini – Green House in Labin, Općina Labin, Istria County, HR 
Robinson Accommodation Freedom – Green Camping in Žminj, Općina Žminj, Istria County, HR 
Holiday home Villa Gasparini – Green House in Cerion, Općina Višnjan, Istria County, HR 
