The surrounding area offers many possibilities for hiking. From the new part of Gabrovica, which is about 40 m above sea level, the Karst Plateau beneath Slavnik at an altitude of 450 m can be reached by car in only a few minutes. The starting point of the route to Slavnik – which is, with its 1028 m, the closest thousand-metre mountain to the sea – is 14 km from Gabrovica (Podgorje). In fact, the most important Slovenian long-distance hiking trail (Slovenska planinska transverzala), crosses Slavnik and passes through Osp, and finally terminates by the sea in Ankaran.

The peak of Slavnik, where one can take a break in the well-stocked mountain hut, attracts visitors throughout the year, as it allows for easy access even when covered in snow. It goes without saying that Slavnik is an extremely popular view point, as a single look allows for you to see the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, the Julian and the Carnic Alps, the Gulf of Trieste and the outfall of Soča into the Adriatic, and all the way back to the starting point through Istria, Učka and Snežnik.

To whomever prefers less populated hiking paths, we recommend visiting Golič, Kavčič and Lipnik above Rakitovec. In the late spring, the ridge between Golič and Kavčič turns into a flowering carpet of irises, peonies and daffodils: a perfect spot to sit down and observe the game of the sun and the clouds on the green mountain meadows surrounded by silence. There is a 15-km distance between Gabrovica and Rakitovec.

You can also start your hiking experience by foot directly from Gabrovica. After passing our house, follow the road uphill towards the right for about 50 metres and turn left at the crossroads: the asphalt road will soon come to an end and, from here, a comfortable macadam road will take you through the olive groves towards the main road just before Osp, which you will reach after a 15-minute walk. It continues on the marked hiking path behind the church to the left, and along the border with Italy uphill to Socerb, where the medieval castle offers a magnificent view of the entire Gulf of Trieste. From here you can continue your way on the Karst Plateau to reach the peak of Griža, which descends to the Glinščica Valley on the other side.

Between Črnotiče above Črni Kal and Podpeč, the Karst takes a steep descent over the Karst Edge to reach the fertile valley of the Rižana River. This is the area with numerous marked paths, yet you can also choose to explore the beauty of this area completely independently, as it is fairly easy to find your way around if you continue to follow the edge. As the terrain is quite rough, make sure to wear suitable shoes.

For those adrenaline enthusiasts among you, we recommend the system of short, yet challenging ferratas in the Rose d’Inverno climbing area above Glinščica. It is mandatory to use protection devices and recommended to wear a helmet as well. Access: across the Osp border crossing, then along the main road through Aquilinia (Žavlje) past Bagnoli della Rosandra (Boljunec) and Boršt, where you turn right in the direction of San Lorenzo (Jezero). Before the village, there is a parking area right next to the observation deck high above the Glinščica Valley, whereas the path leading to the climbing area branches off to the left just a few metres before of the parking lot. Gabrovica is 17 km from here. Hikers who are looking for a bit less of a challenge might be interested in the Glinščica Canyon, which can be seen from the route of the former railway line connecting Trieste to the Ljubljana - Pula route. The very attractive path will lead you through the well-preserved viaducts and tunnels high above the wild Glinščica Valley, and is suitable also for families with children and mountain bikers. Leave your car in Boršt and proceed uphill on foot to reach the crossroads of the above described path and then turn right (towards the East). At Draga, the path crosses the state border, and the rocky and steep canyon gradually turns into wooded slopes.