The Tourist Board of the City of Novi Vinodolski, in cooperation with the Mountaineering Society Strilež, held a walk along the Fishermen’s Trail on Saturday, October 14. This trail is one of 20 hiking and walking routes that will be included in a new joint map of hiking trails for the Crikvenica–Vinodol Riviera, prepared by the Tourist Boards of Novi Vinodolski, Crikvenica, and the Vinodol Municipality.

The sunny Saturday morning was perfect for outdoor activities, and about 30 hikers spent the last day of the long Indian summer actively exploring the Fishermen’s Trail. The trail attracted not only locals but also residents from neighboring towns and tourists, with walkers coming from Novi Vinodolski, Crikvenica, Rijeka, Opatija, Koprivnica, and Zagreb.

The Fishermen’s Trail is a 5 km circular walk from Klenovica to Smokvica, passing many landmarks that remind visitors of the hard life of fishermen. As fitting, the story of Klenovica and the Fishermen’s Trail begins at the Fisherman and the Sea monument, dedicated to a living fisherman who saved many lives from stormy seas. After exploring Klenovica’s center, the trail leads hikers along a spacious pebble beach to the islet of St. Anton, which today resembles a peninsula thanks to a causeway built by locals. On the islet stands a beautiful lighthouse and the tuna weir, a symbol of the fishermen’s hard life. The tuna weir fishing method was one of the cleverest, specific to the Podvelebit zone and Kvarner area. While the exact origin of these tuna weirs is unclear, some existed during the times of the Zrinski and Frankopan families. Today, tuna fishing is fully modernized and regulated, but near the fishermen’s hut in Klenovica and on the St. Anton islet, two guard posts stand where the old weirs once were. The 20-meter-high tuna weirs have become a recognizable symbol of Klenovica and a reminder of the region’s past and its most important economic activity—fishing.

After visiting the tuna weir and St. Anton islet, the trail continues to Smokvica. The salty sea air, breathtaking views, grand seaside villas, and lush Mediterranean gardens on steep cliffs provided a full sensory experience for hikers, while the scents of golden elderberry and hawthorn tickled their senses.

“I’m glad the trail attracted visitors and showed them some of the beauty we have here. To introduce more hiking and walking trails, another walk is planned for Saturday, October 28. Staying by the sea, the route will start from Duga, pass Mala Draga, and head to the water protection area – the Žrnovnica spring. This is also part of the new map and brochure for the Riviera. The trail is about 8 km long and a bit more demanding than the Fishermen’s Trail, so registration is required due to limited spots at the spring: info@tz-novi-vinodolski.hr, said Tena Peričić, Director of the Tourist Board of Novi Vinodolski.

There is great interest in such activities, and the Tourist Board will continue to develop offerings during the shoulder and off-season. Dear visitors, your only task is to join us on this journey and actively enjoy a day outdoors.