In Sistiana we can visit the Hotel Eden recommend: The rooms may seem a bit sterile at first glance, but the reception at the hotel was very warm and the breakfast buffet very varied and delicious. This is probably not least due to the fact that the hotel also operates a restaurant on the first floor, which is dedicated to upscale cuisine.

The rooms of the 3-star hotel are clean and well-kept, the bathrooms almost like new. A special accent is created by the eye-catching bedside lamps and the wallpaper, which is either striped lengthwise or checkered, depending on the room. Only the location on the main road may be a disadvantage. If you like to sleep with an open window at night and get a room facing the main road, you might want to leave the window closed and turn the air conditioning up a bit. The air conditioning works perfectly in the Hotel Eden.

The end of stage 2 is in the rural part of the Karst, which is quite sparsely populated. Overnight accommodations are available in one of the two villages located about 3 km from each other Sales (Slovenian: Salež) or Sgonico (Zgonik) to find. Both towns are located in Italy, but the Slovenian influence is unmistakable and audible here.

On our hike we decided to spend the night in one of the three apartments of the B&B Sgonico decided: The apartments, each with two floors, are located next to each other by a swimming pool with a wooden terrace and are surrounded by a large, very well-kept garden. Breakfast is brought by the owners in the morning at the agreed time, so you can have breakfast on your own terrace. Coffee and tea can be prepared in the apartment itself.

For those who would like to spend the night on a farm, the Agriturismo Bajta Fattoria Carsica in Sales might be interesting. Stage 2 is then shortened by about 3 km (stage 3 is extended accordingly).

Tip: In any case, the planning should take into account that Sales and Sgonico are really very rural. There are no supermarkets or other shopping facilities there and only a few restaurants. Therefore, it is useful to inquire in advance about the opening hours of local restaurants. In Sales and Sgonico there are the following restaurants (as of July 2018):

• The Trattoria Gostilna Gustin in Sgonico is a well-attended restaurant with a large terrace. It is open Monday and Tuesday unfortunately only for lunch and Wednesday not at all.
• The Agriturismo Bajta Fattoria Carsica in Sales (see accommodation option above) offers warm cuisine from Thursday to Sunday with many products from own production.
• With any luck, one of the four Osmize open in Sales or Sgonico (See also Info about the osmize typical of Trieste).

The nearest shopping opportunity along the hike described here is in Repen, in hiking direction about 5 km from Sgonico. Here is located with the Hotel Krizman also another overnight accommodation in the rural karst area. However, stage 2 is then extended accordingly by 5 km.

In Opicina - the destination of stage 3 - we can enjoy the Hotel Valeria recommend: Only recently renovated, this hotel impresses with its excellent breakfast and the wonderful roof terrace, where you can relax in the evening sun and end your day of hiking. The quality of the breakfast is no coincidence: The Valeria is probably best described as a Restaurant with attached hotel (and not vice versa).

As today's stage destination we have chosen Lokev. In this small Slovenian town there are several restaurants, stores and accommodation.

We have chosen in Lokev for the somewhat more luxurious Casa Krasna Guest House decided. A good choice: We particularly remember the very warm welcome, the delicious breakfast and not least the small welcome snack including a guided tour of the historic cellar.

A cheaper alternative is the B&B Mitel Yha at the eastern end of Lokev.