Cycling through Istria and the islands of Krk and Rab offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and active vacationing. The rolling Istrian landscape, rich with vineyards and medieval hilltop towns, is perfect for exploration on two wheels. The island of Krk impresses with its diverse trails – from forest gravel paths to coastal panoramic routes – while Rab, known for its greenery and sandy coves, offers peaceful and scenic rides along the sea. The combination of Mediterranean atmosphere, local cuisine, and cycling adventures makes this region an ideal choice for an active getaway.

SCHEDULE BY DAY:

1st Day – Arrival in Poreč

Check in at a well-equipped hotel with excellent amenities.

2nd Day – ISTRIA: PARENZANA OLD RAILWAY BIKE TOUR

Start point: Livade
Length: 50km
Elevation: 600m
Surface: Gravel, trail, asphalt
Fitness level: 1-3 (beginner – recreational)

Parenzana was a former railway line that connected Poreč and Trieste, operating from 1902 to 1935. Today, the Parenzana route runs through the territory of three countries: Italy – 13 km, Slovenia – 32 km, and Croatia – 78 km.

The Croatian section of the Parenzana winds through beautiful valleys, alongside green hills, and close to medieval towns, through vineyards and olive groves, offering new perspectives on Istrian landscapes after its renovation. The uniqueness of Parenzana is also reflected in its tunnels and viaducts—true masterpieces of the infrastructure architecture of the time.

Our cycling train starts in Livade and ascends steadily towards the small Istrian town of Grožnjan, which holds significant cultural importance, not only in Croatia but also internationally. In early May, its streets transform into an artistic hive when numerous music academies, dance, and drama workshops open. After a refreshment break, we visit the town of Vižinada and then head to Motovun, which boasts 26 protected cultural monuments, placing this medieval town on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.

The Parenzana route is marked by recognizable yellow signs that provide information about the historical viaducts, tunnels, and railway stations along the way.

3rd Day – POREČ: KAMPANILO BIKE TOUR

Start point: at Valamar hotel
Length: 55km
Elevation: 650m
Surface: Gravel, trail, road
Fitness level: 2-3 (amateur – recreational)

This dynamic but not overly challenging trail takes us from Poreč to the foothills of the Mirna Valley near Kaštelir and back to Poreč along the coast. The surface, consisting mostly of dirt roads and single trails, guarantees enjoyment for all mountain biking enthusiasts. The trail winds through vineyards, olive groves, and areas of natural Mediterranean vegetation, offering the best experience of this part of the peninsula.

As we ride, we reach the Vrbanovica picnic area, where there is a monument to the fallen soldiers of World War II, as well as a paragliding take-off point that offers a fantastic view of the Mirna Valley, the surrounding hills, and the Adriatic coast. On our return, we descend to the Lanterna Peninsula and continue along the coast back to Poreč. Before reaching Červar Porat, we pass by the significant site of the ancient Villa Rustica, where amphorae were once produced and exported.

4th Day – ISTRA PREMANTURA: ROCKY BIKE TOUR

Start point: Premantura
Length: 40km
Elevation: 500m
Surface: Road, gravel, trails
Fitness level: 2-3 (amateur – recreational)

Just south of Pula, near the village of Premantura, lies Cape Kamenjak, one of the most beautiful capes in Croatia, located at the very southern tip of Istria. The entire area is interwoven with cycling and walking trails that create a true labyrinth, and one of its unique features is the educational dinosaur trail, where you can find and see fossilized footprints imprinted in the rock.

Kamenjak is known for its dramatic rocky coastline, which is incredibly diverse, making it impossible not to be captivated by the various rock formations and layers above and within the sea. This cycling tour will certainly leave an impression, as you’ll enjoy the easy trails interspersed with various rocky terrains while taking in the stunning views of the turquoise sea.

5th Day – ISLAND KRK: FROM NORTH TO SOUTH

Start Point: Omišalj – Immortelle farm
Transfer Time: 2h30min
Length: 50km
Elevation: 500m
Surface: Gravel, trails
Fitness level: 2-3 (amateur – recreational)

One of the easier tours on the beautiful island of Krk. After a 20-minute drive from the hotel to the northern point of the island, we start our drive past the Smilja plantation, where a presentation on this very useful and medicinal plant that grows on the island can be arranged. The path leads us along a flat trail 4 km long to the Biserujka cave, where you can also see the inside of the cave. We continue on the macadam track through beautiful meadows where you can see cows and horses grazing. Leaving this fairy-tale nature, we arrive at the fishing village of Njivice, from where we continue driving along the sea along the Eden road all the way to Malinska and then along the sea all the way to Porat. The route leads us to a larger cross in this area and beyond, which is adorned with a beautiful true story about belief. We continue along the macadam paths through the forests until we reach the abandoned ruins of the castle, which in history were used by nobles as summer houses and to supervise tenants in the fields. After a few kilometers, we reach the hotel where our ride ends.

6th Day – ISLAND KRK: OLIVE AND WINE BIKE TOUR

Start Point: BIKE Centar Krk
Length: 45km
Elevation: 700m
Surface: Trails, gravel, asphalt
Fitness level: 2-3 (amateur – recreational)

We start from Krk, taking the macadam path surrounded by olive trees overlooking the island Košlljun and Marina Punat. We arrive in the small town Kornić where a visit to the ETNO museum is available. We will then continue through the central part of the island to the Vrbnik vineyards – the origin of the famous Vrbnička žlahtina. We recommend wine tasting at the famous winemaker, Katunar. After a short break, we will continue with our ride, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy the TRI KRIŽA ride with a beautiful view of the town Punat and the sea. After arriving in Punat, we will continue our ride along the sea all the way to Krk.

7th Day – ISLAND RAB: BIKE TOUR HAPPY ISLAND

Start Point: at Bike Centar Krk
Transfer Time: 90min
Length: 70km
Elevation: 1400m
Surface: Gravel, trails
Fitness level: 2-3 (amateur – recreational)

Going to Rab on the 1h15-minutes ferry ride is a real pleasure. When you get off the ferry, you can choose the beautiful trails that are available around the island. Creating a tour is a real pleasure because you can feel the fine sand under the tires up to the steep stone climbs with wonderful views of the wonderful blue Adriatic Sea. We will travel through the Kalifront coniferous forest to the magnificent town of Rab, through which you can feel that the history of the place was turbulent. Leaving Rab, we will take the Premužić path, which offers a wonderful view of Rajska beach, along which we will of course take a ride.

8th Day – Transport to the airport

Organized transport to the airport if necessary.