Slovenia and Croatia by bike, discovering Istria

PIRAN

Arrive on your own in Portorose/Piran, Slovenia. Discover your accommodation and enjoy the evening.

From ŠKOFIJE/KOPER to PIRAN 29km 205m

After your welcome, you and your bikes are transferred to Škofije-Koper, the starting point of this stage.

You pedal along a traffic-free asphalt cycle path, the former Parenzana railroad line, which penetrates deep into the Istrian peninsula, linking 33 Istrian towns between Trieste and Porec and now spanning the territory of three states. The trail follows the coast, passing through the towns of Koper, Izola and Piran, where you return for the night.

From PIRAN to GROŽNJAN 38km 428m

Today, the Parenzana runs along the Bay of Piran and through the towns of Portorož and Lucija to the Sečovlje salt flats.
These are the most northerly salt works in the Mediterranean. Salt is traditionally produced using a 700-year-old method that harmonizes man and nature.

You can visit its museum. After crossing the Slovenian-Croatian border, Parenzana climbs along a gravel path where you can enjoy the view over the whole bay, with the saltworks and the Alps in the background. After passing the Savudrija – Salvore railway station, follow the Parenzana train along the road and passing through once-important villages in the Buje region, you arrive at your guesthouse near Grožnjan, the town of artists.

From GROŽNJAN to MOTOVUN 31km 467m

Today, you continue on a gravel surface along the legendary Parenzana road, passing through beautiful rolling countryside and Istrian vineyards. You realize why this road is also known as the “wine railway”.

After passing through several tunnels and over old bridges, you can stop at many fascinating viewpoints, between the medieval town of Buje, Grožnjan and Motovun, before reaching the village of Livade, the world truffle center, where you can taste and buy many truffle products. Opposite Livade, on a hill, lies the town of Motovun, where your hotel is located.

FROM MOTOVUN TO POREČ, VIA THE MIRNA RIVER VALLEY 38km 265m

Overlooking the valley of the Mirna River, lies the most famous and attractive medieval Istrian town of Motovun-Montona. Situated on a hilltop, it is one of the characteristic symbols of inland Istria. The 13th-century Romanesque-Gothic bell tower with crenellated crown, located next to the 17th-century parish church of St. Stephen, dominates the town’s historic center. In the central square stands the Romanesque municipal palace, Istria’s largest secular building of this era, surrounded by numerous other historic buildings. Passing through the tunnel under the town of Motovun, the Parenzana railway line continues on its way to Poreč via the village of Nova Vas, where you can visit the Baredine cave.

Following the path along the vineyards, you reach Poreč. This is a town where you can find material and spiritual evidence of great cultures. Ride along the old town center where you find the Roman forum, magnificent palaces from different historical periods and, to top it all off, the famous Euphrasian Basilica (Euphrasiana).

POREČ, LOOP VIA VRSAR 35km 357m

You cycle along the coast to Vrsar, a romantic fishing village where the famous Casanova stayed twice. Your bike ride continues through the magical Kontija forest, offering panoramic views over the magnificent landscape of the Bay of Lim. You then head inland through small villages to return to Poreč.

From POREČ to ROVINJ 40km 232m

In the morning, a shuttle bus takes you to Kanfanar, a small town above the Lim valley. From here, you ride along a small road to Svetvinčenat, with its grandiose Morosini-Grimani citadel, towers and parish church. Svetvinčenat is one of the finest Venetian creations of the period built in this region, where one of the few witch trials in Istria took place in the 17th century.
Continue pedaling on an asphalt road to Bale, where you can visit the Bembo palace, town square and museum.
You cycle on asphalt and gravel roads to Bale, then back along the coast until you reach Rovinj.
Rovinj, the goal of this excursion, is the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. With its church and bell tower on the hill by the sea, it is highly recognizable from all sides. Also known as Istrian Venice, this old town, which was once an island and was later connected to land, is famous for its traditional boat called a batana.

ROVINJ

End of your stay after breakfast