Trans Croatia: Istria Mountain Bike Tour

Before your two-wheeled journey officially begins, an overnight is organized in the Slovenian coastal town, Piran. An introductory meeting is held to present the tour’s details.

Plan ample time to discover this charming area, filled with Venetian architecture, picturesque streets, and beautiful beaches. In the evening, this medieval town grown on salt turns into a timeless sensational romance.  The tradition of salt panning, deeply ingrained in the area, blends with the captivating narratives of the town’s narrow streets and the charming sights of the Slovenian Mediterranean coast.

You’ll kick off your biking expedition with a leisurely warm-up ride along the breathtaking Slovenian coast. As you pedal through Portorož, the salty sea air will invigorate your senses and put a spring in your step. But the fun doesn’t stop there! You’ll continue on a flat, smooth cycling path through the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, where people still harvest salt using 700-year-old methods. Its quality is famous and cherished all over the world, so be sure to bring some back for your foodie friends at home.

Crossing the Dragonja river will lead you towards the Croatian border, where the terrain becomes more rugged and your Trans Croatia cycling tour truly begins. You’ll tackle the challenging climb out of the Dragonja valley before taking on the winding trails of the Parenzana cycling path. But don’t get too comfortable – there will be plenty of cross-country detours and diversions waiting to test your mountain biking skills. 

Need a break? As you approach the charming town of Grožnjan, make sure to take a moment and treat yourself to a refreshing Servolo beer. But don’t overdo it – you’ve got some epic mountain bike trails waiting for you in Grožnjan, and you’ll want to be at the top of your game to tackle them. So take a break to rest, hydrate, and fuel up, and then get ready to hit the trails with renewed energy. Cheers!

After you’ve had enough of the MTB trails, continue on the Parenzana trail to reach Motovun. The iconic medieval town serves as the setting for many memorable events, including the esteemed International Motovun Film Festival. But this idyllic spot has even more to offer – it’s home to a protected forest that’s brimming with precious black and white truffles. Whether you’re soaking up the culture at a local festival or hunting for that elusive truffle, Motovun is sure to be the perfect end to a memorable day.

Today’s adventure takes you on a thrilling ride to the stunning Adriatic coast. The route takes you through the picturesque Istrian countryside, with a mix of gravel and dirt trails, as well as some scenic flat stretches. You’ll weave your way through rolling vineyards and olive groves, tackling some challenging climbs and descents along the way. 

The highlight of the day comes as you approach Lim Bay, where you’ll enjoy a thrilling mountain bike descent down to the depths of the “fjord”. Take in the heart-stirring beauty of this protected area, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by a sea of evergreens. This peaceful and picturesque setting is the perfect place to take a moment and reenergize. 

From there, it’s a steep gravel climb to the other side of the canal, followed by a scenic and rugged ride to the charming coastal town of Rovinj. Prepare to be wowed by one of the most photogenic towns in the Mediterranean, a place of protected natural beauty. A visit to the Church of St. Euphemia is a must-do while you’re here. This stunning architectural masterpiece was completed in 1736 and offers panoramic views from the top of its bell tower. From this vantage point, you can take in the stunning vistas of Rovinj’s rooftops and the nearby islands. Don’t forget your camera – this is one spot you won’t want to miss!

Say goodbye to Rovinj as we ride out of town along the panoramic coastal cycling paths. After your seaside journey, get ready for a thrilling detour inland through the adorable towns of Bale and Vodnjan to Fažana. The route takes you through the secluded Istrian countryside, with plenty of up-and-down single trail sections and dirt roads to keep you on your toes. 

If you’re looking for a more relaxed option, you can stay along the stunning Adriatic coast and take in the sea air as you go. The route alternates between coastal paths and dirt tracks and takes you through campsites on concrete paths. This easygoing ride is perfect for those who want to take in the sights and sounds of the coast at a leisurely pace on this Croatia bike tour.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to take in some stunning ocean views, make sure to detour to Fort Forno on your way to Barbariga cape. This castle, built during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, not only offers stunning panoramic views, but also a variety of entertaining cultural shows and plays for those who love to learn and be entertained at the same time. 

After a day filled with exciting activities, you’ll have some spare time to enjoy. Why not make the most of it and visit the stunning Brijuni National Park? Brijuni was a tropical paradise that Yugoslavia’s leader Josip Broz Tito couldn’t resist! He made it one of his own private oases and invited all the who’s who of the world to come and enjoy its beauty. Imagine rubbing shoulders with the likes of Sophia Loren, Richard Burton, Liz Taylor, and Gina Lollobrigida – all of whom were regular guests during the golden years of 1954-1980!

You’ll rest your bikes in the charming fishing town of Fažana. Its center is breathtakingly beautiful, with a pretty little harbor, colorful townhouses, and excellent restaurants that contribute to the unique vacation flair. Fažana is sure to charm and delight you with its picturesque setting.

The next leg of the journey takes you through the rugged terrain of Štinjan, with a steep ascent over the coastal hills and a descent into the deep Bay of Pula. Along the way, you’ll pass by abandoned areas and military installations, adding a touch of adventure and mystery to your ride.  

Cycling to the center of Pula offers a beautiful ride, with charming cafes and shops lining the streets. As you make your way to the heart of the city, you’ll find yourself surrounded by historic buildings and monuments. But the real highlight of the journey is the famous Arena in Pula. 

This place is truly a sight to behold, it’s been so well-preserved that you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time. And the best part is, they offer guided tours, giving you all the juicy details about the history of the place. But what’s a visit to an ancient arena without feeling like a gladiator? We know we’re not the only ones who dreamed of standing in the middle of an arena, ready to battle it out for glory and honor. Well, now’s your chance to unleash your inner Russell Crowe and live out that fantasy, at least for a day. 

Keep riding through the city and suburbs, and then head to a scenic mountain biking route to Cape Kamenjak. Here you’ll get to enjoy 20 km of endless, spine-tingling MTB trails by the ocean, marvel at the sight of all the beautiful cliffs (and people jumping off of them), and of course, cool down your muscles by jumping in the sea. The Kamenjak National Park is a nature reserve that is home to a variety of wildlife and plants. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by bike, and there are several hiking trails that lead to impressive views of the coast.

End the ride by crossing a narrow embankment via Uvala Ribnjak to Pomer and finish the day in Medulin. This charming town attracts with its sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. One of the main attractions in Medulin is the Bijeca Sand Beach, a long stretch of white sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Today you’ll tackle some of the most secluded parts of the cycling route. After the initial ride through the urban part of Medulin and the campsites,  you’ll leave the bustling areas behind and get ready to get a little dirt on your bike. You’ll be cycling on winding, unpaved roads, and trails that will take you right up to the edge of the Istrian peninsula’s beautiful and secluded eastern coast. 

After 15 km of cycling the coastal roads and paths,  you’ll come across a fun and challenging uphill trail that leads back towards the northern part of Istria. But don’t worry, the climb won’t last long. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a thrilling descent on a gravel road heading towards the sea and then another uphill climb to the village of Kavran. 

The scenic trails and tracks of the coastal hinterland come into their own again, spiced up with an even more scenic mountain bike downhill all the way to the western shore of the Gulf of Raša. The walls of Raška Bay are steep and inaccessible, covered with rare Mediterranean vegetation that adds to the pleasant ambiance of the small Istrian town of Raša Riviera. 

Another initially steep climb is followed by an interweaving of paths high above Raša Bay until the end of the stage in Puntera (a small village near Barbano, above the mouth of the Raša River in the Adriatic Sea).

And you’re off! The day begins with a thrilling (and sometimes challenging) mountain bike descent into Raša valley. If you feel like this could be too much for you, you can take a detour on less difficult dirt roads.

On the other side of Raška Bay, the first part of the drive is along the crest, past partially abandoned mining complexes, and then up an increasingly scenic plateau to the village of Skitača. From there, one of the most picturesque sections of the route begins: an infinite interplay of simple, flowing mountain biking trails that stretch for about 10 km, almost to Labin, before ending with a final 3 km challenging trail descent that leads right to Rabac’s Adriatic shore.

If the stage seems too brief for your taste, why not explore the thrilling trails of the Rabac Bike Center in the afternoon? These off-road adventures are sure to add an exciting new dimension to your biking trip.  

When you’re ready to finish the day, take a stroll along the turquoise-blue picture-book beaches of Rabac or a charming walk through the small city center. Rabac’s fishing harbor is truly a sight to behold, not only is it the most picturesque part of the village, but it’s also the village’s most famous attraction. The pastel-colored townhouses are something special and add to the charm of the harbor, especially when paired with the stunning turquoise sea and the gentle rocking of the boats, it’s a postcard perfect scene.

This morning you will set off on the most epic and royal part of this biking trip, with the longest climb and the most beautiful descent of the tour. 

Start your day with a scenic climb from Rabac to the charming village of Ripenda Kosi, push yourself further by climbing Standar Hill, and then reward yourself with a thrilling and lengthy trail descent that winds its way down to the picturesque Port of Plomin nestled within a secluded bay. 

As you make your way down, the majestic peak of Vojak (Učka Nature Park), the highest point of today’s royal stage, comes into view on the horizon, a glimpse of the challenges yet to come. From the Plomin hinterland, you’ll continue cycling through a network of dirt and gravel paths at the base of the majestic Učka mountain range. Then gear up for a challenging, prolonged dirt climb up the “Pijana Pruga” (Drunken trail) leading to the quaint hamlet of Mala Učka, nestled beneath the towering peak of Učka. 

A challenging 15 km climb, but rewarded with far-reaching views across Istria to the Adriatic Sea and, on the other side, far into Kvarner Bay, across the islands of Cres, Krk, Pag … all the way to the high ridges of Velebit in the background. 

The journey concludes with a thrilling and lengthy descent of almost 15 km and 1.000 vertical meters, that will take you directly to the sandy beaches of Moščenićka Draga with a charming view of the island of Cres.

At the point where the majestic Mount Učka meets the sea, Mošćenička Draga emerges as the perfect blend of land and sea, offering the best of both worlds. For those seeking a more secluded experience, the coastal promenade offers plenty of hidden gems, where you can soak up the sun and take in the sea. If you prefer a more action-packed day, the city offers a variety of activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking, and events like fish festivals, and traditional sailing regattas.

Your cycling holiday ends with breakfast at Moščenićka Draga and a transfer back to Piran.