Cycling in Istria peninsula
Istria is the biggest peninsula in Croatia across the bay from Venice at the head of the Adriatic Sea and between the Gulf of Trieste and Bay of Kvarner. Romans called this region Terra Magica - Magic Land.
Cycling – In Istria are hundreds of kilometres of paths, tracks and roads to walk or cycle. You can choose between walking tours or cycling along the beach, through woodland and meadows, maybe even ascend to the highest mountain in Istria at almost 1400 summit of Ucka Nature park.
Cycling in a relaxed surroundings of Istria peninsula near picturesque fishing village and tourists resort offers real pleasure of recreation for all visitors. Picturesque landscape attract also photographers and painters. In the midle of Istria shaped piece of land you’ll find mountainous plateaux and medieval hilltop towns surrounded by lush vineyards and bountiful olive groves. While in the north Istria’s undulating peninsular, with its white calcareous hills, sweeps down to a turquoise coast. Typical for the southwest of Istria peninsula are the ancient forests and low-lying valleys saturated in a flaming red soil.
Cycling tour
Istria, with about 60 described roads spread on more than 1000 kilometers.
Many of the roads are mountain roads, and forest roads that demand good shape and skill in own drive riding.
Bike roads are divided in 10 laps from Rovinj to Rabac. Although simple at the beginning, the roads are more and more demanded as we go to the eastern coast, which means that you need good shape. In the central part of Istria visitors have an opportunity to see numerous old medieval small towns with belfries and with some taverns for refreshment.
Typical cycling tour on holiday
A typical cycling day starts in the morning especially in the summer season. We may begin our first tour visiting tourists resorts and villages betven Umag town and Savudria peninsula.
First route: In the morning you undertake a round trip to the Savudrija peninsula, the northernmost point of Istria. In favourable weather conditions you have an amazing view as far as Slovenia, Italy and even the Alps. On the way back to the ship, there are plenty of opportunities for a refreshing dip in the sea. In the afternoon you bike along quiet roads beside the sea from Umag to Novigrad. There you find the impressive crenellated city wall as well as the 7th century Pelagius Basilica. Around the pretty harbour you find many cafes and bars, where you can end of the day.
Second route
In the morning you will cycle to Novigrad nearby the coast. Novigrad Umag, ca. 25 or 45 km
Through the backcountry you will cycle all the way to Umag, where you can see the remains of the city walls and the charming old town.
Requirements
The bike routes require a basic level of fitness, which you should have acquired by occasional or daily cycling.
The routes reach a maximal height of 200 m. The daily routes of 30 km (18 mi.) on average, cover hilly terrain and can be completed without time constraints.
You can, however, also choose to skip a bike-tour and spend the time sunbathing on the ship instead. The roads are mostly asphalted and there is little traffic outside of holiday periods