Experience the charms of Istria by bike, cycling through stunning landscapes, hidden medieval towns, the legendary Parenzana, wine regions, and cultural landmarks. Embark on a unique cycling tour that lets you enjoy nature, history, art, and tradition—all from the comfort of one hotel in Poreč. HIGHLIGHTS: Ride along the Parenzana, Visit viewpoints, Explore the observatory, Discover prehistoric remains in Mrgani
Experience the charms of Istria by bike, cycling through stunning landscapes, hidden medieval towns, the legendary Parenzana, wine regions, and cultural landmarks. Embark on a unique cycling tour that lets you enjoy nature, history, art, and tradition—all from the comfort of one hotel in Poreč.
This cycling tour through Istria blends history, nature, and culture in a way that encourages relaxation and exploration. Starting in Savudrija, home to the oldest lighthouse on the Adriatic, you’ll ride the legendary Parenzana, passing charming medieval towns, vineyards, olive groves, and tunnels, all the way to Poreč, where you’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica. Discover Višnjan, with its observatory ranked among the top five in the world, and enjoy cycling through the Lim Bay, passing the ruins of Dvigrad, a mysterious town filled with legends of pirate treasure. You’ll reach Rovinj by cycling along a former railway track now converted into a bike trail, where you’ll immerse yourself in the Mediterranean atmosphere and historic buildings. The tour concludes with a ride to Vrsar and Kontija, enjoying the breathtaking natural landscapes, before returning to Poreč.
For the classic tour you’ll mainly stay in small, locally-run, guesthouses and 3 star hotels, which reflect the character of the area.
If you choose a premium tour you will be staying at 4* boutique style hotels.
Arrival in Istria. Orientation meeting with Fiore representative at 7pm at the hotel reception area where we will provide you with the package including hotel vouchers, bicycle with all equipment, maps and a road book. Overnight in Poreč.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: BO Hotel Palazzo 4* or Martis Forum Heritage Hotel 4* in Poreč or similar
In the morning you will take a shuttle to Grožnjan, typical Istrian medieval town sprout high on top of a hill along the right coast of the river Mirna. If you just occasionally pass along its streets in which almost every door leads to art studios or galleries, and which windows from every direction echoes the sounds of different music genres, from classical to jazz, you’ll understand why Grožnjan is known as "The town of artists". From here you will ride on the legendary route of the Parenzana, the former narrow-gauge railway line which penetrates deeply into the Istrian peninsula connecting 33 Istrian towns between Poreč and Trieste, which today are located on the territory of even three states. Passing through magnificent rolling landscapes and lively Istrian vineyards, it will become obvious why it was also known as the wine railroad. After passing through its several tunnels, over old bridges you can stop on many fascinating viewpoints between the charming medieval town of Grožnjan and Vižinada before reaching Poreč. Once in Poreč, visit the famous Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stroll along the seafront promenade. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the old town. Overnight in Poreč.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: BO Hotel Palazzo 4* or Martis Forum Heritage Hotel 4* in Poreč or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 61 km / 38 mi
Surface: paved 52,8 km, unpaved 8,2 km
Elevation: +555m / -836 m, +1820 ft / -2742ft
The ride along this trail is particularly pleasant because you're riding along the coastline with beautiful bays where you can enjoy the breath-taking Mediterranean landscape with green vineyards and olive groves and taste home-made food, wine, brandy and honey produced in this area. Continuing along the trail, you will reach Višnjan, a little place that vaunts an astronomical observatory ranked among the 5 most important observatories in the world. If you have found here your guiding star, or if you have refreshed yourself with a glass of excellent home-made wine we can continue our ride towards Poreč where our adventure has, actually, began.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: BO Hotel Palazzo 4* or Martis Forum Heritage Hotel 4* in Poreč or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 53 km / 33 miles
Surface: paved 27,4 km, unpaved 25,6 km
Elevation: +539 m / -540 m, +1768 ft / -1771 ft
Start your ride through small villages and Lim bay, passing by the the ruins of the medieval town Dvigrad. Just to stir your imagination – you are now in an area where many legends and mysteries based on historical events still live on: that of Dvigrad devastated by the plague because of an ancient curse, of the buried treasure of Captain Morgan's pirates near the village named after him (Mrgani), of the cave where the remains of the primitive man were found and where, as legend has it, St Romuald used to live as a hermit in the Middle Ages. From Kanfanar you will take an old railway called “Štrika ferata” converted into a traffic free gravel bike path finishing in Rovinj. Called also little Venice, Rovinj is a typical Mediterranean seaside resort which will seduce you with its extraordinary beauty. In the dense tissue of the old city centre there are numerous magnificent palaces from different historical periods and today most of them host a gallery or an art studio. If you follow numerous chimneys of Rovinj and narrow meandering streets you will come in front of the baroque church of St Eufemia, the greatest monument in the city from which you can admire a magnificent view of the Mediterranean almost in your hand palm. In afternoon shuttle back to Poreč for overnight.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: BO Hotel Palazzo 4* or Martis Forum Heritage Hotel 4* in Poreč or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 57 km / 38 miles
Surface: paved 27,6 km, unpaved 29,6 km
Elevation: +732 m / -713m, +2401 ft / -2339 ft
Cycling from Poreč to Vrsar offers a scenic ride through the beautiful Istrian landscape, blending coastal views, charming towns, and natural attractions. Follow the well-marked cycling path along the coast, enjoying views of crystal clear sea, beaches and small bays you will reach Vrsar. Vrsar is a beautiful fisherman town preched on a hill, offering stunning views on the coast and islands. Take time ti visit the old town, St. Martin's church, or relax at the marina. Vrsar is known for its artistically significant history and its connection to the famous Italian adventurer who came back event two times. Head toward the Kontija Forest, a lush green area ideal for nature lovers. The forest is protected, rich in Mediterranean flora, and offers shaded paths perfect for cycling. In Kontija, there are several viewpoints where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Lim Bay and its surroundings. Passing by the old Benedictine abbey at Kloštar and then heading inland through vineyards and small villages back to Poreč. Overnight in Poreč.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: BO Hotel Palazzo 4* or Martis Forum Heritage Hotel 4* in Poreč or similar
Distance: 60 km / 38 miles
Surface: paved 39,4 km, unpaved 20,6 km
Elevation: +593 m / -593 m, +1945 ft / 1945 ft
After breakfast transfer on your own.
Here you can find tracks and accommodation.
Do you love cycling adventures? Or perhaps you prefer hiking? Unsure how to combine your passion with an unforgettable trip? Fiore Tours is here for you! Tell us what you love – spectacular views, fragrant vineyards, secluded trails, or cultural gems? We take care of everything – from accommodation and transfers to guides and the best places to relax and enjoy local specialties.
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