Istrian Coastal Tour

Individual arrival at the starting hotel in Trieste, the former Habsburg city with many sights.

After just a few kilometers, it's time to say goodbye to Italy today. In Slovenia, you cycle mainly on cycle paths through well-known seaside resorts such as Koper and Izola to Piran or Portorož, a spa town on the Slovenian Riviera. For the short version, you can take the boat from Trieste to Muggia (on your own) and then cycle along the coast. The slightly longer version of this stage leads through the “Val Rosandra” valley in the hinterland and from Muggia also along the coast.

Cycle past the salt marshes of Sečovlje, where sea salt is extracted by natural evaporation on huge areas and cross the border into Croatia. The route continues through the Croatian part of Istria, the largest peninsula in the Adriatic, in slightly hilly terrain to Umag, whose old town was built on the remains of a Roman settlement. In the evening, enjoy a tour of the medieval town with its narrow, winding streets and beautiful town tower.

From Umag you cycle through slightly hilly terrain to Novigrad or Cittanova. This small medieval town surrounded by a crenellated fortress wall lies at the mouth of the Mirna. Continue to Poreč, the most important coastal town on the west coast of Istria. The Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see.

You are spoiled for choice: either an exciting day of sightseeing by boat on the Brijuni Islands or the Limski Canal, a day of rest by the sea or an exploratory trip into the hinterland of Porec. The Brijuni Islands consist of a total of twelve smaller and two larger islands, with the main island of Veli Brijun serving as the summer residence of the Yugoslavian state founder Tito. Today, the islands are a national park and only Veli Brijun is open to the public. A boat trip to the fjord-like Limski Canal with its shimmering blue water is also an inviting option. With a bit of luck, you might spot some dolphins during the boat trip. Today, the Limski Channel is a nature reserve and mussel and oyster farms have been established on the banks of the fjord.

Take a last look back at the picturesque harbor town on the west coast of Istria before continuing towards Rovinj, your destination for today. Rovinj is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea to the west and southwest. The towering bell tower of the Eupehmia church, which stands on the highest square in Rovinj, greets you from afar. If you wish, you can take a short detour to Zlatnirt (also known as the Golden Cape), a peninsula on which there is a protected park.

The last day of your journey of discovery in Istria takes you to Pula on the south-western tip of the Istrian peninsula. Pula is not only the oldest city in Istria, but also its economic and cultural center. End your cycle tour amidst the many ancient sights and the mighty Roman amphitheatre in the center of Pula.