Cycling Istria's Wine Roads

Buje is a charming hilltop town located 10 kms inland from the Adriatic coast. The first three nights of the trip are spent here. Take some time to visit the 16th century Baroque church, wander through the old city, and enjoy views over the surrounding landscape dominated by olive groves and vineyards.

*Please note that you can opt to take a transfer from Pula Airport direct to your hotel in Buje (where an evening presentation will be offered). This transfer is at a supplement; please contact us for details.

Leaving Buje the bike ride will start with an easy downhill ride to the coast. On the northernmost point of the Istrian Peninsula, visit Savudrija, one of the oldest lighthouses in the Adriatic, built in 1818. Continue south along the trail to the small town of Umag, which was founded by a Roman nobleman who decided to make it his summer residence. Explore the city walls and fortifications and wander the streets with their Venetian houses and Baroque buildings. On the way back to Buje perhaps visit a wine cellar and have the opportunity to sample the local Muscat wine. 

Ascent/Descent: 332m/332m

Leaving the Buje area, follow the trail through the quint village of Kršete before arriving in the small town of Brtonigla, which has churches and a monastery dating from the 15^th century. This area produces some of the best wine and olive oil in Istria. Cycling by the endless vineyards to reach Novigrad on the coast. This charming town is less famous than its neighbours and so is a hidden gem of the Adriatic coast. Whilst here there’s the opportunity to see how olive oil is produced and of course sample some. Cycle through peaceful coastal villages before heading back inland through Buroli village with its traditional Istrian houses.  The road back towards Buje passes through many vineyards.

Ascent/Descent: 267m/267m

Passing by Buje this morning there’s the option to visit the old town with its artistic buildings, churches, and museum. Leaving Buje pedalling towards the medieval hilltop village of Grožnjan, which overlooks the River Mirna below. Known as the "The town of artists" almost every door leads to art studios or galleries along the cobbled lanes and alleys, and the sound of musicians rehearsing fills the air. Perhaps visit the Baroque St. Vitus and Modesto’s Church built in 1770. Continue to Oprtajl, with its narrow streets, and covered passages. Cycling downhill take in the views over the Mirna River enroute to Livade, the truffle centre of Istria. Take the chance to visit the speciality truffle shop before heading on to the photogenic hilltop town of Motovun, perched high above the Mirna River Valley.

Ascent/Descent: 621m/517m

For those wanting to push themselves today there is a longer cycling option available. This route would be: 46 kms / 29 mi, Ascent/Descent: 693 m/574 m.

Today’s cycling route travels from inland Istria back to the coast. Follow the road towards Visnjan passing its famed astronomical observatory. Continue to the town of Visnjan. From this higher vantage point on a clear day, it’s possible to get a first glimpse of Porec in the distance and take in the view over the Istrian coastline. Visit one of Visnjan’s many wine cellars and sample the local Malvasia wine. Visit the villages of Tar and Nova Vas. The latter is well known for a cave which it is possible to explore. Pass through a few more villages on this scenic route before reaching the coastal town of Porec. Explore the Old Town and enjoy a refreshing drink and meal in one of the many bars and restaurants.

Ascent/Descent: 324m/443m

From Porec the trail starts with a visit to the 6th century Euphrasius Basilica – the most valuable cultural monument in Porec. Continue to the village of Bacva, the highest point on today’s trip. Sample some traditional Istrian dishes in the local restaurant for lunch. The trail goes through the southern villages, before reaching the coastal town of Vrsar. With a commanding view of the coast, it was natural for Vrsar to become a defended fortress. Only parts of the fortification system, built in the 12th century, have been preserved, but the fortress-castle once used as a summer residence by the Porec bishops, is well worth a look. After Vrsar the trail passes Funtana fishing village, and Zelena and Plava Laguna villages on the way back to Porec.

Ascent/Descent: 306m/306m

This morning there’s the choice of cycling or taking a transfer to the small town of Kanfanar above the Lim Valley. If taking the cycling route, then it’s possible to stop and visit the abandoned medieval town of Dvigrad. Leaving Kanfanar, on the flattest ride of the trip, passing inland villages with traditional Istrian tool-houses (kažun) enroute to Bale. Visit the Kastel Bembo, the city square and the museum within the towns paved streets. From Bale the route passes the prehistoric hill town of Monkodonja, which was inhabited around 1800-1200BC. Continuing to the final destination, the colourful fishing port of Rovinj. Rovinj was originally an island, but the channel that once separated it from the mainland was filled in to form this picturesque coastal town. Wander the narrow streets of the old town and explore the many historic attractions such as the Baroque Church of St. Euphemia. Soak up the magic and charm of Rovinj and dine on fresh fish accompanied by a glass of the local Malvasia wine.

Ascent/Descent: 585m/562m

There are two cycling routes to choose from today, one of which is slightly shorter but on busier roads and the other is a longer but more scenic route. Please note that the longer route isn't suitable for road bikes as some sections are on gravel. The above distances are based on the longer route option.

Shorter Road Bike Route (suitable for any bike types): 66 kms / 41 mi, Ascent/Descent: 553 m/549 m

After breakfast take a bus to Pula Airport for onward travel. If you have pre-booked a transfer, it will arrive at the accommodation and transfer to the airport. If departing from Trieste Airport then pre-booking a transfer is recommended, as this is harder to reach via public transport.