Rakalj

Rakalj is an eastern Istrian village in the Municipality of Marčana, set above the indented coast of Raša Bay and closely linked with the ruins of Stari Rakalj nearer the sea. Local heritage includes the parish Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the ruins of St Theodore, a prehistoric burial mound and the birthplace of writer and economist Mijo Mirković, better known as Mate Balota. Stari Rakalj preserves remains of a medieval castle and the 15th-century Church of St Agnes, with views towards Kvarner and Raša Bay. The village is also associated with a pottery tradition in which local clay and quartz were mixed for practical vessels. For walking, the Stjepan Hauser Trail gives a precise route: the section from Kalavojna via Luka Cove to Cape St Mikula is about 3.3 kilometres one way. Small coves and beaches line this coast, including Pedrola and Sv. Mikula, both identified by the local tourism board as pet-friendly.