Experience the best of the Istrian Peninsular
Self Guided Istria Cycling Holiday
Visit 12th century fortresses and authentic Croatian houses in the country's quaint coastal villages along the Istrian peninsular. #Lovevelo #LoveCycling #Ridefurther
See all reviews
onTrustpilot
Cycling Tour in Istria
What to Expect on This Trip
Join us on a cycling adventure along the Istrian peninsula, a region famous for its wine, its gastronomy and its history. Ride along both the east and west coasts, overlooking the Adriatic, and pass through beautiful landscapes dotted with historic villages and picturesque towns.
Your riding will take you into the heart of sweeping valleys as you pedal beside rivers and through forests, before you once again emerge on to the slopes which produce so much of Istria's wines and olive oils.
Spend time riding through medieval towns such as Grožnjan and Motovun, explore Roman ruins and marvel and the views over the sparkling waters beneath you.
This is a trip that goes from place to place
Your accommodation will be in great hotels, expertly picked for their locations and surroundings.
We have a variety of bikes for you to explore the Istrian peninsular including flat bar hybrid bikes, e-bikes and road bikes.
We will provide you with airport transfers and luggage transfers to take you belongings from hotel to hotel.
As part of your cycling adventure, we will provide you with our curated set of digital routes. Just download to your Garmin or Wahoo, or navigate from your phone.
Arrive & Depart At Any Time
Your Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival
Upon your arrival into Pula airport, you will be taken to Porec where you will stay for the evening. You will be provided with a briefing for the week ahead and be fitted for your bike.
Day 2 - Porec to Buje
72km total distance
Your first ride will be from Porec. Explore this majestic area of grand palaces and historic buildings. Next cycle along the coast on the way to Visnjan, passing through traditional Mediterranean landscapes filled with the fresh scents of olive groves and vineyards. You can stop off and visit one of the world's best observatories en route to Umag. This beautiful old town is your gateway to Buje, your overnight stay.
Day 3 - Buje to Buzet
54km total distance
The first part of your ride will take you to Groznjan, cloaked by its vaulted walls. After a morning's ride through this medieval village, you will soon know why it is named "The town of artists". Explore the renaissance summer house, baroque church and countless art galleries. You then continue on to Sterna and then Oprtal, full of untouched medieval features. It is best known for its view of the peninsula and is considered one of the most beautiful in Istria. Your ride will end today in Buzet, the "City of truffles", named as such as it surrounded by forest full of them.
Day 4 - Buzet to Labin
67km total distance
Fill up at breakfast as you'll need the energy for the morning's steep climb to Prodani. From there, you'll ride to a once thriving town called Draguc which now lies abandoned. Its total isolation offers tranquillity amongst the modest stone buildings and 19th century architecture. You will then head to Gracisce, passing through Pazin, dating back to 938. The entrance to Gracisce is worth a look - a Salomon Mansion combining gothic and renaissance features. You finish the day in Rabac, the "pearl of the Kvarner bay".
Day 5 - Labin to Pula
53km total distance
After starting the day riding through Rasa, a modern riding town, the next stop off point will be "Liburna" a nature reserve, followed by the historic town of Pula. Located on top of seven hills with its own amphitheatre, it's named after an enchantress which legend has it has been casting spells over Istria's biggest town for hundreds of years. Visit the old city and see Sergius' Triumphal Arch before spending the night in Pula.
Day 6 - Pula to Rovinj
61km total distance
You will start the day with a cycle along the coast towards Rovinj and then onto the Bale region. Known for it's Soardo-Bembo castle and parish church, Bale was created by the Roman military. Cycle to Svetvincenta, visit its fort and see the beauty of the Venetian buildings before finishing the day in Rovinj.
Day 7 - Rovinj to Vsar
60km total distance
For your final day, you will be treated to a myriad of sights. From hidden pirate treasures to caves and wild nature, today is one of the best days for riding in Istria. The first part of the ride will take you to Dvigrad, (another) medieval town. Dvigrad was decimated by Europe's plague and so offers a unique insight into one of the darkest periods of civilisation. The area is shrouded in mystery and legend. It is said that Captain Morgan's pirate treasure was hidden nearby and that the remains of a primitive man were found in a cave close by. Your final ride of the week will be to the quiet village of Vrsar where Casanova spent time during his adventures.
Day 8 - Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before departing for your homeward travel.
Make An Enquiry
We are the cycling holiday experts.
Whether you're a keen road cyclist, enjoy riding an e-bike or hybrid bike, or want to get your family more active, we have the perfect cycling holiday for you.
What Our Cyclists Say
In one word. Brilliant! Luke and the team were great. Super communication and very helpful with any questions. A very laid back real person style. Thanks for the great experience, excellent communication and truly brilliant customer service.
Read full reviewTim
I recently went on a wonderful trip with Love Velo to Croatia and I can highly recommend them to others! I have to say cycling is slightly out of my comfort zone. They guided me and supported me through the whole process and planned a very well executed trip with excellent route through Istria countryside. We did not need to worry about a thing.
Read full reviewLara
Booked our first ever cycling holiday to Croatia and surrounding islands through Love Velo and it was one of the best holidays we’ve ever had. Good communication beforehand and everything taken care of from the moment we arrived until we left. Now looking at another trip, this time to Cambodia and Vietnam! Can’t wait!
Read full reviewHelen
Istria through your lens
Join Us on An Istrian Bike Tour
Why us
Why book with Love Velo?
ABTOT protected
Many of our holidays are protected by ABTOT and you can find our bond using membership number 5523.
Trust
Rated 5* on Trustpilot, 10,000+ Cyclists Travel with Us Yearly.
Exclusive Perks
Free Access to Rewards and Discounts on Top Brands like Garmin, Le Col and Oakley.
Easy Payment
Spread Your Tour Cost Interest-Free.
Other Holidays You Might Enjoy
You may also like these trips
FAQs