Goli

Goli is the highest point of the Labin peninsula, a 536-metre hill within the municipality of Grad Labin in eastern Istria, Croatia. It draws hikers and viewpoint hunters rather than mass tourism, which keeps the landscape around it wild and largely untouched.

Where is Goli and how do you get there?

The hill rises above the eastern side of the Labin peninsula, close to the abandoned hamlet of Skitača. Together with three neighbouring summits — Oštri (531 m), Brdo (475 m) and Orlić (470 m) — it forms a natural ring sheltering the small depression where Skitača sits, protected from the bora wind. The approach follows local roads east of Labin; the final stretch is best done on foot or by mountain bike along trail PP 706, which passes right below the Goli summit, next to the deserted settlement of Šikuli.

What can you see at the top?

The summit carries a modern weather station equipped with a dual-polarisation Doppler radar, one of only three such installations on the Croatian Adriatic coast, used to track storms and weather patterns across the region. A representative of the World Meteorological Organisation once visited the site, underlining its importance for regional climate monitoring. The antenna towers are visible from a distance and serve as a landmark for hikers approaching from the valley.

The real reward, though, is the view. From the ridge around the peak you can see Rabac, Mount Učka, the Bay of Rijeka, and the islands of Cres and Lošinj. On clear days the outline of the Italian coast becomes visible, and in winter, when the air is sharpest, the snow-capped Velebit range appears on the horizon.

The abandoned village of Skitača below

Just beneath Goli lies Skitača, a former village that once counted around 300 residents and today is home to only a handful. It was founded around the 15th century and grew steadily until the Second World War, after which large-scale emigration emptied it out. The small Church of Saint Lucy, built in the early 17th century, still stands, along with a nearby spring that local tradition credits with healing properties. The site attracts walkers interested in the quieter, depopulated corners of Istria's history.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for the hike, with mild temperatures and good visibility. Summer heat can make the ascent tougher, although the open ridge and altitude bring some relief. Winter, on clear days, rewards visitors with the longest sightlines of the year, but the exposed ridge can be windy, so pack accordingly.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Goli? The summit reaches 536 metres above sea level, making it the highest point of the Labin peninsula.

Can you enter the weather station on the summit? No, it is an active piece of critical infrastructure — visitors view it from the outside, alongside the surrounding scenery.

Which trail leads to Goli? Hiking trail PP 706 runs beneath the summit, passing through the former settlement of Šikuli.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The abandoned village of Skitača with its Church of Saint Lucy, plus the neighbouring peaks of Oštri, Brdo and Orlić, which together form a scenic amphitheatre of hills.