Touring Istria, the Adriatic peninsula
Croatia by bike, a sunny tour along the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic
© Ivan Šardi - CNTB
Highlights
Poreč and its Euphrasian basilica
The seaside resort of Umag
A rich cultural and historical heritage from the Roman Empire
The charming villages of the Istrian hinterland
Pula, its beaches and remarkable sites
Rovinj and its small port
Cycling the Istrian peninsula in Croatia
Discover Istria by bike, Croatia's hidden gem, where history, nature and culture meet to create a unique experience. This enchanting peninsula, bathed by the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic, welcomes you with picturesque towns such as Pula, Rovinj and Poreč. This enchanting destination offers bike travelers a memorable experience, combining relaxation, outdoor adventures and cultural discoveries.
Welcome to Croatia, at the start of a week’s cycling tour. The 6 stages on offer allow you to cycle around the Istrian peninsula. In the saddle, enjoy a route focused on the sea and the beaches that dot Croatia’s indented coastline. The coast is beautiful and the waters of the Adriatic Sea are warm and turquoise. During your touring days, enjoy charming stops at the beach, where you can combine the joys of cycling with those of relaxing in the sun, napping on the warm sand and swimming.
Cycle along the small, undulating roads of the Istrian peninsula. They wind their way between the many Roman remains that bear witness to the region’s rich trade and commerce in the early years of our era. Built in the 1st century under the reign of Augustus, Pula’s amphitheater is admirably well preserved. Another treasure, the Euphrasian basilica in Poreč, is emblematic of Istria. Built in the Byzantine style, the basilica has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The town of Rovinj invites you to stroll through its Venetian-influenced cobbled streets.
During your cycling adventure, discover Istria’s generous and gourmet cuisine, featuring truffles, olive oil and the delights of the sea. Savor these gustatory delights in konobas, traditional Croatian inns, while sampling award-winning local wines.
In a welcoming atmosphere, cycle to a destination where history and modernity blend harmoniously. The Istrian peninsula is a jewel of Europe and the Adriatic for cycling enthusiasts.
Fit From POREČ to BUJE 72km 724m 
Today, follow the coastline past magnificent bays offering breathtaking panoramic views, through lush vineyards and olive groves. After a few kilometers, you reach the small village of Višnjan, home to one of the world’s largest astronomical observatories. Then, passing through the Mirna river delta and Novigrad, you reach Umag, a seaside town with a rich historical heritage. Your itinerary continues towards Savudrija, Istria’s most northerly point, marking the end of your day in the Buje region.
From BUJE to BUZET 54km 845m
On the way to Buzet, you pass through Grožnjan, a typical medieval Istrian town perched on a hilltop along the right bank of the Mirna River. It boasts century-old walls, a Renaissance loggia dating from 1585 and the superb Baroque church of St. Vitus and Modesto. Take time to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the city, where almost every street leads to an art studio or gallery, and every window echoes to the sound of different musical genres, from classical to jazz. It’s easy to see why Grožnjan is nicknamed “the city of artists”. Your route continues to Šterna, situated on a plateau intersected by waterways, and on to Oprtalj, where you discover magnificent Venetian palaces and covered passageways. The town also offers a unique view of the Istrian peninsula. Your day ends in Buzet, nicknamed the town of truffles because of the surrounding forests rich in this precious mushroom.
From BUZET to LABIN 67km 1204m
A sporty climb takes you to Prodani, and then your path leads you to one of Istria’s most attractive and picturesque medieval towns, Draguć. Only a century ago, this town was a silkworm farm. Today, it is almost completely deserted. However, its memorable natural position and the exceptional beauty of its stone architecture, modest palaces, ramparts and old houses make Draguć a striking medieval town. Numerous domestic and foreign films and series have been shot here, including “The 3 Musketeers”. You then reach Pazin, renowned as the commercial, cultural and educational center of all central Istria. Its spectacular position above an abyssal karst cave is unique, as is its medieval castle overlooking a 130-meter-deep chasm. From Pazin, you pass through Gračišće, an absolute pearl of the Istrian hinterland giving the impression of being lost in a remote corner of Venice. The route continues through Kršan, a former feudal estate, before reaching Labin.
From LABIN to PULA 53km 560m
This day takes you first to Raša, Istria’s first modern mining town. Your route then takes you through picturesque villages in the Istrian hinterland, before reaching Pula. This enchanting city, Istria’s largest, is full of remarkable Roman sites and remains to discover.
From PULA to ROVINJ 61km 591m
Your route takes you along the coast towards Rovinj. You explore the mysterious world of the Bale region, which boasts the glorious Soardo-Bembo castle dating from the Gothic and Renaissance periods. Bale emerged from the ancient Roman castrum (military fortification) along the Via Flava, the ancient Roman road linking Trieste to Pula. You then pass through Svetvinčenat, with its imposing Morosini-Grimani citadel, towers, parish church and municipal loggia. Savičenta represents one of the finest Venetian creations of this period in the region. The end of your itinerary takes you to Rovinj.
From ROVINJ to POREČ 60km 787m
On this bike jouney, you discover a marsh, rare birds, a cursed town, buried pirate treasure, a creek, a cave with a primitive man and a hermit, and an ancient solar observatory. Your route takes you through Kanfanar to the ruins of the medieval town of Dvigrad. You’re now in a region steeped in legends and mysteries, all based on historical events: the city of Dvigrad ravaged by plague due to an ancient curse, the hidden treasure of Captain Morgan’s pirates near the village that bears his name (Mrgani), and the legend of the cave where traces of primitive man were discovered. Let your imagination run wild! Following the coastline, you arrive in Vrsar, a romantic fishing village where the famous Casanova stayed on several occasions, and then on to Poreč.
POREČ
End of your stay in Croatia after breakfast.
Have a safe trip back!
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1150€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1460€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a Double room
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Application fee
- City taxes
- The trip itineraries available on the following supports:
- The APP with GPS navigation for your mobile phone
- Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting in english with our local team at the beginning of the trip to do a bikefitting and receive your travel documents.
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Personnal expenses
A “homemade” tour by a local partner specializing in Croatia:
- Routes chosen with the Abicyclette team for their tourist & cycling interests, fully marked and removed from trafic
- Accommodation chosen for the quality of their welcome, atmosphere, services and gastronomy
- A great flexibility of organization that adapts to your needs and desires: you leave on the date of your choice! We check the availability of accommodation to ensure your departure.
Assistance close at hand :
- Luggage transfer service
- Local telephone assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Telephone assistance 7 days a week from 8:30am to 8pm from the ABICYCLETTE VOYAGES team
Simple route tracking:
- A printed and digital roadbook in English with all the useful addresses, tourist information, maps and a description of the route.
- A mobile application with day-by-day route tracking
And also:
- Comfortable bike rentals, ideal for this itinerary along the Adriatic coast.
- The option to subscribe to a cancellation & multi-risk insurance covering you in case of problems or the unexpected
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Touring Bike
Supplied equipment per bike
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Sport E-bike
Supplied equipment per bike
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Gravel bike
Supplied equipment per bike
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Road Bike
Supplied equipment per bike
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Getting here
Departure city : POREČ
Coming by car
- at 15h from PARIS
- at 16h from AMSTERDAM
- at 6h from MILAN
Coming by plane
- Pula airport
- Aéroport de Rijeka
- Trieste airport
Arrival city : POREČ
Coming by car
- at 15h from PARIS
- at 16h from AMSTERDAM
- at 6h from MILAN
Coming by plane
- Pula airport
- Aéroport de Rijeka
- Trieste airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
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| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 8 days and 7 nights
Level Fit
Departure date From March 1st to November 30th
Destination Croatia
See detailed prices
Personalized service Choose your starting date
Indicated price is "starting from", per person and based on 2 participants in a double room | You would like an early departure (within 8 days), contact us to assess the feasibility of your project
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Expert
Leisure
Easy
POREČ
Start your stay in Poreč. This picturesque port town is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, well-preserved architecture and beautiful beaches. Don’t miss the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its magnificent mosaics.
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.