Istria by bike: Vrsar, Hotel Pineta

Outline programme:

Day 1 – we leave Slovakia early in the morning, arrival in the afternoon and accommodation around 14:00, free programme. Dinner.

Days 2 to 7

– Vrsar, Funtana, Bijela Uvala, Poreč, Kukci, Tar, Novigrad, and back via Labinci, Poreč, Vrsar. (This route runs along the west coast of Istria towards the north, on a quiet side road with an asphalt surface, then continues towards Tar over a small bridge on the Mirna river to Novigrad. The advantage of the route is that we will see beautiful views of the sea, historic small towns and gentle climbs.) Route 55 km, ascent 150 m, 100% asphalt.

– Central Istria – a loop around the Lim Channel and the inner part of the Lim Channel. Vrsar, Sv. Lovreč, Kanfanar, Žminj, Vrsar. 52 km, ascent 680 m, 100% asphalt, perfect road quality. The route leads from Vrsar, climbs gently on an asphalt road above the Lim Channel to the historic town of Sv. Lovreč, where we take a coffee break, continues via Kringa to Tinjan and then in a loop via Baderne and the coast back to the town of Vrsar. Excellent asphalt quality, minimal traffic, beautiful scenery of rural Istria.

– The Great Wine Road of Istria – Vrsar, Višnjan, Vižinada, Karojba, Sv. Lovreč, Vrsar. The route is 68 km long, with 850 m of climbing and 100% asphalt, and runs along a local road from Vrsar via Poreč, Kosinožići, Višnjan, Vižinada, Karojba, the Motovun bridge, Baderna and Sv. Lovreč to Vrsar. Everyone who loves road cycling with more climbing will get their money's worth, with wine tasting in Višnjan and Vižinada. A beautiful route with hilly panoramas, ideal for a fitness ride on a road bike.

– Southern circular cycle route – Vrsar, Kloštar, Kanfanar, Bale, Vodnjan, 65 km, ascent 600 m, 100% asphalt. Route Vodnjan, Kloštar, Brajkovići, Kanfanar, Sv. Vincent, Krmed, Šorići, Vrsar. This southern circular cycle route is a fantastic alternative for those who want to experience the real, authentic interior of Istria. Unlike the previous routes, which followed the coast, this one takes you deeper inland, full of stone towns, olive groves and vineyards. At 65 km with 600 m of ascent it is a sportier profile, but thanks to the 100% asphalt surface the route is fast, flowing and ideal for road and gravel bikes.

– Medulin/Premantura – Vrsar, bus transfer to Premantura and return to Vrsar, 59 km, 390 m. This is a wonderful one-way route across the whole of western Istria, leading you from the wild southern tip of the peninsula to the romantic fishing town of Vrsar. Thanks to the combination of 59 km and a favourable ascent of 390 m it is a relaxed ride in terms of profile, mostly downhill or flat, apart from two shorter climbs.

– Vrsar – Kloštar – Rovinjsko Selo – Rovinj – Vrsar, 58 km, ascent 527 m. This loop in the south-western part of Istria is a great cycling route that combines coastal panoramas with the peaceful interior and iconic historic towns. At 58 km and 527 m of ascent it is a moderately demanding route that a recreational cyclist can complete in roughly 3 to 4 hours of pure riding time.

Day 8 – breakfast, loading the bikes and return to Slovakia. Arrival in the evening hours.

Istria – a paradise for lovers of cycling and beautiful nature. Discover the charm of Istria, a picturesque peninsula in the north of the Adriatic Sea that enchants with turquoise water, romantic coastal towns, green hills and the scent of Mediterranean nature. This area of Croatia offers a unique combination of relaxing by the sea, historic monuments, traditional gastronomy and active movement. Istria is made for cyclists.

One of the most popular routes is also the former railway line Parenzana, which today serves as an attractive cycle route leading through tunnels, viaducts and the Istrian landscape.

The Parenzana was a narrow-gauge railway that connected Trieste with Poreč across Istria.

It operated from 1902 to 1935.

The name probably comes from the Italian word “Parenzo”, the historical name for Poreč. The name itself therefore has no deeper meaning beyond the connection with the place where it ended.

It became a symbol of the region's history and today it is a popular cycling and hiking route. Whether you long for relaxed rides by the sea, sporting challenges or getting to know the local culture from the saddle of a bike, Istria will offer you an unforgettable experience. It is a place where an active holiday naturally combines with relaxation, sun and a genuine Mediterranean atmosphere.