Istria to the Adriatic

Istria to the Adriatic cycling tour begins in the coastal town of Muggia near Trieste, the only Italian port town in Istria. The town’s architecture is marked by Venetian and Austrian history, while its harbour hosts a modern 500-berth marina. Muggia shows many traces of its Venetian tradition and origin, as demonstrated by the dialect, gastronomic tradition, architecture, and mostly by the main square, which is a true Venetian “campiello”. 

After the overnight in Muggia, it is time to hop on a bike. A scenic ride along the Adriatic coast is characterized by rich Istrian vegetation. Soon after leaving Muggia, the road starts following the old Parenzana railway track and eventually enters Slovenia. After passing through the coastal towns of Koper, Izola and Portorož, the road leads towards the charming town of Piran – the final destination of the day. 

Sitting pretty at the tip of a narrow peninsula, Piran is the most popular site on the Slovenian coast. Its old town, which is one of the best-preserved historical towns in the Adriatic, is a real gem of the Venetian Gothic architecture. It is hard not to fall in love with the town’s atmospheric winding alleyways, sunsets and seafood restaurants.

While cycling to the Slovenian border with Croatia, the tour passes the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, the largest Slovenian salt evaporation pond and one of the few facilities where salt is still produced in a traditional way. The park is also a wetland of international importance and a breeding place for various water birds. If short on time, there is another opportunity of visiting the salt flats when returning to Piran on the last cycling day. 

After crossing the border with Croatia, a slight ascent towards Savudrija is awarded by some stunning views of the surroundings. The highlight of the day is a tiny inland town of Grožnjan. Much like its neighbouring villages, Grožnjan has kept a faithful watch over the Mirna valley for centuries. When Grožnjan was formally declared as the Town of Artists in 1965, many artists and gallerists moved in and began transforming it into an art hub. With some 30 galleries the town has retained this status to this day. But before reaching Grožnjan, there is yet another place that is well worth a visit – the town of Buje. Located atop a hill offering a 360° panorama, the mediaeval town of Buje seems as if it’s guarding the surrounding vineyards and olive groves the region is known for.

The next day starts with a winding panoramic descent towards the Mirna Valley. Cycling over picturesque old railway viaducts, the road eventually crosses the wide valley before ending with a short, but steep ascent in the direction of Motovun, the most famous Istrian medieval town. 

The captivating hilltop settlement is often used as a typical Istrian interior decoration motif. This idyllic town, and the final destination of the day, serves as a venue to many events, the most significant being the International Motovun Film Festival that takes place every year in July. The area is also known for its protected forest, where precious black and white truffles grow in abundance.  

The next day is full of easy cycling across fields rich in fertile red soil, ultimately returning to the beautiful Adriatic coast. After descending from Motovun, the road yet again follows the former Parencana railway. Plenty of easy descents with wonderful views assure for a relaxing, but still very exciting cycling day, the highlight of which is cycling through the vineyards.

The final destination of the day is the town of Poreč, located in the heart of the western coast of Istria. Its major landmark is the 6th century Euphrasian Basilica, which is famous for its gem-studded Byzantine mosaics and has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The almost 2000 years old Poreč is a town of culture, tourism, sport and entertainment. It has been recognized and awarded for the beauty of its public spaces and its cleanliness many times over.

The longest cycling day is full of comfortable touring along the coast. The urban tourist areas are mixed with secluded gravel paths, all running along the picturesque Adriatic coast. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming or beach picnics. 

After passing the pretty town of Novigrad, the road leads to another ancient town – Umag, which presents the westernmost point of Croatia. The history of Umag is particularly interesting. A favourite of the Roman aristocracy, who used it as their summer residence, Umag has preserved parts of the historic walls and defense towers. Here, one can also admire Renaissance and Baroque buildings, the most famous among them being the churches of Saint Peregrine and the Assumption of Virgin Mary.

On the last cycling day of the Istria to the Adriatic tour, the route continues along the Croatian coastline. Fragrant pine forests at Cape Savudrija offer pleasant shade and it is highly recommended to make a few stops on the coast to enjoy the wonderful views and the sea breeze before crossing the border to Slovenia. The last leg of the cycling holiday leads back to Portorož and then Piran, where cycling comes to an end. 

Unlike the first visit to Piran, there is now enough time left to enjoy the impressive atmosphere of the old town. The time is perfect to sip a cup of coffee at the Tartini Square featuring a monument dedicated to the great violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, born in Piran in 1692. The best views can be enjoyed from the Walls of Piran or the St. George’s Parish Church. Taking a dip in the sea before dinner is also a great idea.

The Istria to the Adriatic cycling tour ends with breakfast in Piran. After breakfast, a transfer is organized to the tour starting point in Muggia or to Trieste.