Getting to know Istria on a bicycle

This quote is the best answer to the question: Why Istria and why bicycle? The best way to get to know the Istrian Peninsula is definitely riding a bicycle. Splendid views, beautiful roads, village paths, food at its best and the sense of hospitality from Istrian people. What would you wish more? Now, join me on this 234km long journey on a bicycle.

Istrian roads and streets are waiting for you. And don't forget that bicycle is a very popular mean of transportation here so don't be surprised with the crowd on the bike lane.

Istria is tailored for cyclists. As I wrote in the beginning, Istria has more than 500km of the cycling paths and if we add bike and a bad concept of the accommodation, with exceptional points where you can fix smaller issues on your two-wheeler. Many cyclists choose Istria for their training location. Since Istria became an extremely famous cyclist destination, be aware that there will be a bit overcrowded places. Since there are thousands of spots to see, and hundreds of paths to follow, I will suggest which ten places to visit, and combining them in one tour you will visit most important Istrian cities. Also, you will get to know Istrian coast as inland areas. Opatija – Učka – Mošćenička Draga – Rabac – Medulin – Pula - Fažana – Rovinj – Poreč – Novigrad

My perfect Istria cycling tour will start in Opatija and it will end in Novigrad. So, from east to west, 234 kilometers and a 7 days long journey. Let's start from Opatija and its famous Lungomare promenade. On that road, you will visit Učka nature park and enjoy the shade of its forests. Then, you will paddle from to Učka park to Mošćenička Draga and Rabac while enjoying splendid views over the Kornati Gulf and its islands - Cres and Krk. Later on, while going to the southwest, Medulin will be the perfect checkpoint to rest enjoy the landscape, and taste cheese and wine. To be honest, Medulin is something special, and the picture below can describe it best. It is a combination of wilderness and modernity with amazing synergy of colors (green and blue) and tastes.

Now, after we recharged our batteries we can move to the north. And on the north, Pula with its famous Roman arena and Fažana, that has a ferry connection to Brijuni islands are waiting for us. Don't forget to take a look at Brijuni islands while in Fažana. Last few days should be reserved for Rovinj, Poreč, and Novigrad. Rovinj is a pearl of Istria. It is a beautiful city with amazing architecture and history, that deserves its own story together with its own archipelago. And maybe that's why the photo of Rovinj is on the special place - as a cover of this story. After Rovinj don't just pass by but take a break and take a photo of The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč. Novigrad is our last point. Novigrad citizens will host you as an emperor, Roman emperor, and offer you the best Novigrad wine or liquor.

This is not the end. The story starts here. Ideas are endless so are the route combinations. Istria and bicycle will stay my perfect combination and I hope will become yours.

Important: For your own safety as well as other, please do not forget to follow the traffic rules: wear a safety helmet, ride only on the cycling tracks (if no any, ride on the right edge of the road), if you are in the group, ride one behind the other, respect traffic signs and traffic lights.