Labinci

Labinci is an inland Istrian settlement that has almost merged with neighbouring Kaštelir, around ten kilometres north of Poreč. Vineyards, olive groves and vegetable fields shape the immediate landscape, while the west coast is close enough for regular trips to the sea. Its most important historic traces are two churches: the older Church of St Sunday, preserving frescoes from the first half of the 15th century, and the parish church of St John the Baptist, built in 1736. The latter’s 25-metre bell tower was erected in 1837 using stone from the ruined Benedictine monastery of St Michael. Local food culture centres on wine, olive and pumpkin-seed oils, spirits and produce from family farms; the destination map lists Legovina, Radoš and Cossetto wineries, alongside Žardin, Toni and Konoba Intrade. For swimming, visitors usually head towards Lanterna and Tar Bay, where sandy, pebble, rocky and paved shores offer different settings. Labinci has a bus stop on services linked with Poreč, but a car remains more convenient for combining churches, producers and beaches. Tourist information is available at the local board’s office at Kaštelir 30b.

Labinci and Kaštelir gradually grew towards one another over several centuries and now function almost as a single settlement, although each retains its own name. They stand roughly ten kilometres north of Poreč amid western Istria’s olive groves, vineyards and cultivated fields. Historical accounts describe Labinci as once larger than Kaštelir, with the area governed first through Motovun and later Vižinada. The Italian name Santa Domenica preserves the connection with the old Church of St Sunday, while the parish church of St John the Baptist remains the settlement’s principal religious landmark. Agriculture is still evident in local wine, olive oil, vegetables and spirits, as well as pumpkin-seed oil which the local tourist board describes as the only product of its kind made in Istria.