Cycling holidays in Istria

The bike route through the peninsula of Istria is a perfect combination for lovers of sea and history. The route takes you through three countries stretching across the pretty Istria peninsula. Get ready for a the best cycling holidays in Croatia, Slovenia and Italy.

Day 1: ARRIVAL TO TRIESTE

Arrival at Trieste airport and transfer to your hotel in Muggia or Trieste to start your cycling holidays in Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. Free time to explore the city of Trieste and enjoy a cappuccino on Piazza Unitá or visit the beautiful Miramare Castle. For those of you staying in Muggia, there is a municipal transport boat to Trieste. Accommodation in Muggia or Trieste.

Day 2: TRIESTE/MUGGIA – KOPER – PIRAN / PORTOROŽ

Stage distance: approx. 30 km
Breakfast. On your first day of this bike tour, you’ll cross the border with Slovenia riding along the ex-railway route along the Adriatic Sea, passing through the city of Koper and picturesque towns of Piran and Izola. You will love their narrow streets, churches and town squares surrounded by the charming Venetian architecture buildings. Later, visit Portorož – a popular seaside resort town on the Slovenian coast. Accommodation in Piran or Portorož.

Day 3: PIRAN/PORTOROŽ – UMAG

Stage distance: approx. 35 km
After breakfast continue on your cycling tour to the vast Sečovlje salt flats. If you get there early enough, you will be able to see beautiful new day light reflected in the salt plants. From there, you will cross the Croatian border and enter the heart of Istria. Cycling through a slightly steep terrain you will soon reach the city of Umag, an old walled Roman colony full of interesting history. Visit its medieval center with its magnificent tower. Accommodation in Umag.

Day 4: UMAG – NOVIGRAD – POREČ

Stage distance: approx. 45 km
Breakfast. Cycling along the Istrian coast you will reach another medieval walled town – Novigrad (Cittanova), regarded as one of the best gourmet destinations in Istria. Moving further south to another historic gem – the town of Poreč where you can visit the UNSECO-listed Euphrasian Basilica and appreciate a mix of Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque buildings. Accommodation in Poreč.

Cycling holidays in Croatia, Slovenia and Italy are waiting for you!

Day 5: POREČ

Stage distance: 45 km or free day at the beach
Breakfast. Let’s take a day off from cycling and recharge at the Poreč’s fine beach. Alternatively, there are several daily boat trip options from Poreč, the one that we recommend is a tour of Lim Canal – a nature reserve where seashells abound. Those of you who have enough energy, can hop on your bike and visit the interior of the Istrian peninsula. Night in Poreč.

Day 6: POREČ – ROVINJ

Stage distance: approx. 55 km
Breakfast. Today’s itinerary features the jewel of Istria – Rovinj – which remains one of the last true fishing ports of the Adriatic. The bell tower of the Church of Santa Eufemia was built on the highest and most distinctive point of Rovinj and is seen from all points of the town. Furthermore, you can cycle to the so-called Golden Cape (Zlatni rt) – a nearby peninsula protected as a nature reserve. Accommodation in Rovinj.

Day 7: ROVINJ – PULA

Stage distance: 40 km
The last day of your Istrian biking expedition will take you to Pula in the very south of the Istrian peninsula. Along the way you can take a ferry from Fažana to the Brijuni islands – an archipelago of twelve smaller islands and two larger ones. The main island – Veli Brijuni – was used by Yugoslav President Tito as his summer residence. You can still visit his villa and a zoo of exotic animals. Back on the mainland, Pula is the oldest city in Istria, and also its commercial and cultural center. Enjoy your last day of exploring its historic monuments, including the mighty Arena of Pula, one of largest Roman amphitheatres ever built. Accommodation in Pula.

Day 8: PULA – END OF TRIP

Breakfast and transfer to the airport of your choice (Pula, Rijeka, Trieste or other). Hope you enjoyed your cycling holidays in Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. End of trip.