Istria: radial tour

Colorful variety on antique pavement

Discover the charm of the largest peninsula on the northern Adriatic on this radial tour. Enjoy the sun-drenched climate, wonderful bike routes, highly interesting places and the culinary diversity of Istria. The starting point for your discoveries is the award-winning coastal town of Porec with its excellent beaches that promise bathing fun for young and old. Marvel at the Euphrasian Basilica, it is one of the most valuable cultural monuments in Istria, built on the foundation of an earlier three-nave basilica. The basilica was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997! Most of the old town of Porec is still today of old fortress walls from the 15-18. Century surrounded. The old town lives within the walls with many restaurants, cafes, the imposing main square and an attractive pedestrian zone. Most of your bike routes run on almost traffic-free back roads in the hinterland or along the wonderful coast. Discover the small artist town of Grožnjan, with only 160 inhabitants, with more than 30 galleries and studios, the picturesque old town of Rovinji, Pula with its Roman amphitheater and the romantic town of Motovun, enthroned on a 280 m high hill. Stroll through the narrow streets paved with old stone slabs, past the many specialty shops (olive oil, truffles, wine) to the lively old town. Take a boat trip from Pula to the 14 small Brijuni islands, which are all under nature protection, or use the fantastic bathing opportunities in the crystal clear sea water.

1. day Porec arrival

We would like to recommend an early arrival to the hotel in Porec. This gives you enough time to visit the Euphrasian Basilica (6th century), which is well worth seeing and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. You should definitely not miss this individual tour.

2. day Porec round trip, approx 35 km

After a hearty breakfast, start your first tour of discovery through the beautiful hinterland of Porec. You cycle along the rugged coast with its wonderful rocky beaches to the seaside resort of Santa Marina di Vabriga and to Vabriga itself. This region around Tar and Vabriga is known for its olive trees and for the oil obtained from them, which is known throughout Europe. Now leave the coast and cycle inland to the beautiful historic town of Visnjan. Take a break and visit the Chapel of St. Anthony the Abbot (build in the 15th century). The interior is decorated with frescoes and writings. You roll comfortably through the city gate, to the main square. Pay attention to the St. Mark's Lion from 1517, which is attached above the gate. After a worthwhile break, you cycle back to Porec.

3. day To the fjord-like Limski Canal, approx. 40 km

Look forward to today's bike route to the famous fjord-like Limski Canal with its shimmering blue water. The name of the canal is derived from Roman times, because at that time the Limes separated the regions of Porec and Pula here. Due to the high oxygen content and the low salt content, many fish and mussel farms have sprung up along the banks of the Limski Canal. If you love fish and / or mussels, you should try them in one of the local restaurants, because excellent dishes are offered here. Today the entire area around the Lim Bay is a protected nature reserve. You cycle comfortably through the interior of the country back to Porec on wonderful paths.

4. day Artist village Grožnjan and Novigrad, approx. 55 km

You start the day with a short transfer and quickly reach the artists' village Grožnjan, which was first mentioned in 1102. Today Grožnjan is a meeting place for musicians from all over the world. There are well over 30 galleries and studios of painters and sculptors to visit here. In addition to the vernissages, the small town also hosts numerous music events, such as the international jazz festival "Jazz is back" and the summer academy Jeunesses Musicales. A visit to the city is probably best at these times, as you are accompanied by the sounds of stringed instruments and piano pieces as you stroll through the old alleys. Marvel at the historic center, the squares decorated with flowers, the former Venetian residence opposite the church, the old city gates and the historic city wall. With fantastic views you then roll from Grožnjan (228 m) through a varied hilly landscape downhill to the Adriatic coast. Roll along the beautiful coast to the resort of Novigrad. Look forward to this small medieval town, which is still surrounded by a fortress wall today. The entire old town center lies on a headland that was only connected to the mainland in the 18th century. Enjoy the many small cafes, bars and restaurants with their culinary delicacies while strolling along the waterfront and through the fascinating old town. On the way back, make a stop at the remarkable stalactite cave Jama Baredine. Marvel at the five imposing halls with their fascinating stalactite formations before you cycle back to the hotel.

5. day To the medieval town of Motovun, approx. 45 km

After a short transfer, the first stop along today's Motovun route, a formerly important strategic point for the Venetians, is impregnable on the top of a steep hill. The medieval city can be completely circumnavigated and offers wonderful views of the surrounding hilly landscape, the sea and the Mirna valley. After a worthwhile visit, get on your bikes and cycle past numerous wineries to Vizinada, a historical place that was first mentioned in 1177. Take a break in Vizinada, because the place is known for its architecture and the beautiful mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Classicist styles. A typical draw well with baroque column fragments adorns the main square. You then cycle back to Porec through the wine-growing region.

6. day Rovinj, the pearl of Istria, approx. 55 km

Today's bike stage takes you to Rovinj, one of the most beautiful cities in Istria. Surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, the towering bell tower of the Euphemia Church, which stands on the highest place in Rovinj, greets you from afar. The pulsating promenade and the romantic old town form the center of Rovinj. A stroll through this picturesque city is like traveling back in time through the Venetian era. Stroll across Marsala Tita Square, marvel at the maze of narrow streets and winding houses and enjoy a cappuccino in one of the many cafes or restaurants. If you want, you can take a short detour (approx. 1.5 km) to the rocky beaches of Zlatni rt (Golden Cape), a peninsula protruding into the sea, before the organized return transfer takes you back to Porec in the afternoon.

7. day Pula and the Brijuni islands, approx 40 km

After a short transfer to Kanfanar, you will cycle through extensive forests today. In the small fishing village of Fazana, you have the opportunity to take one of the many boats on an excursion to the Brijuni Islands. This rather small group of islands consists of a total of twelve smaller and two larger islands, with the main island of Veli Brijun serving as the summer residence of the Yugoslav state founder, Tito. Today the islands are national park and are home to an unprecedented biodiversity, but only Veli Brijun is open to the public. Even if you don't take a boat tour, the sight of this group of islands is a pleasure. In addition, Pula, the largest and oldest city in Istria with an eventful history, beckons. It is best known for the ancient sights such as the amphitheater. The second largest arena of the Roman Empire was built here in 2 BC. Built until 14 AD. Today it is the sixth largest amphitheater in the world. Stroll through the old town and marvel at the numerous sights. Small boutiques line up, invite you to stroll and stroll. Enjoy the Mediterranean flair of Pula before the transfer back to Porec in the evening.

8. day Porec departure

Your joyable bike tour in Istria ends after the breakfast.

Worth knowing about the Istria Star Bike Tour

Below you will find specific information about the Star Bike Tour in Istria. If you have any further questions about this trip, simply give us a call: Tel.: 0049 (0)6421 - 886890.

Arrival by plane

Trieste/Ronchi dei Legionari airport or alternatively Pula airport. There are good bus connections from Pula center to Porec.

You can research and book flight offers, for example, at www.opodo.com, www.skyscanner.de or www.swoodoo.com.

Flight offers Skyscanner

Flight offers Kayak

Parking in the hotel

Parking is available at the start hotel. A reservation is not possible. Payment is made on site.

Nature of the route

The route is slightly hilly in large parts. Some of the climbs are longer, but never steep. There are longer unpaved sections, especially in the hinterland, but they are easy to ride with a touring bike. You only come into contact with heavier traffic at the city entrances and exits. Otherwise the route mostly runs along traffic-free side roads in the Istrian hinterland or along the coast. The cycle tour is suitable for children aged 14 and over.

Available rental bikes

21-speed women's and men's bikes are available. Electric bikes can also be booked (unisex model, 500 watt battery, sufficient for up to 100 km). The rental bikes are equipped with a waterproof saddle bag, a handlebar bag and a speedometer.

Extra costs that are not included in the tour price

Any city tax that may be incurred is not part of the tour price and is therefore payable locally at the hotel.

7-day hotline service

If the bicycle chain has broken, flooding makes it impossible to continue your journey or other nasty surprises await you: we are available for you 7 days a week and will organize help as quickly as possible.

Passport and visa requirements, health regulations

For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.

Corona travel information:
Before booking your trip, please inform yourself about the measures in place to contain the Corona pandemic.

An up-to-date overview of applicable measures and travel and safety advice regarding Covid-19 for all countries in the EU and Switzerland can be found here:
https://reopen.europa.eu/en/

You can also find more information on our website at:
Corona virus and holiday planning

Travel insurance

The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.

Porec

Porec is situated on a narrow peninsula protected by the small offshore island of Sveti Nikola/San Nicolo (St. Nikolai). Together with neighboring and partly incorporated municipalities, it forms the largest and most diverse tourist center in Istria.
Discover the cultural sights of Porec, such as the Euphrasia Basilica (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and be enchanted by the flair of the city. After a visit to a restaurant, the best way to end the day is at one of the many cultural events or to explore the city's nightlife.

Porec

Porec, Euphrasius Basilik

Undoubtedly, the famous Basilica of Porec is the main attraction that attracts every visitor to the extensive Porec Riviera, at least for a flying visit to the enchanting little town. The Euphrasian Basilica is rightly the pride of the place, with its sumptuous mosaics and decorations captivating onlookers. In addition to the cathedral itself, the spacious basilica complex includes the atrium, the baptistery and the former bishop's palace. The church, built in the 6th century, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as the finest example of Byzantine architecture.

Porec, Euphrasius Basilika

Visnjan

Walking from the Stone Clock in Antun Korlevic Park towards the Old Town of Visnjan, you can experience the spirit of the place's rich historical heritage. Every stone, every corner can tell you something of its past, and every family can tell you at least one legend or true story about the place.

Visnjan

Lim Fjord

Holidaymakers can explore the Lim Fjord, known as "Croatia's most beautiful fjord", in western Istria between the cities of Porec and Rovinj. Even if, strictly speaking, it is not a fjord but a so-called Ria, visitors enjoy the wonderful landscape. With a bit of luck you can see dolphins near the coast, but in any case you can watch the fish and mussel farms. They have grown into a real conglomerate along the 11-kilometre-long Limski Canal due to the prevailing low salt and high hydrogen content in the water. Accordingly, a stop at one of the local fish restaurants is a good idea.

Lim Fjord

Lim Fjord

Groznjan

Groznjan in Croatia is known as the "City of Artists" and is an ideal place for an art-filled day trip, galleries and concerts. Grožnjan in Istria is a medieval small town whose original beauty has been preserved to this day in the old walls, fortresses, churches and monuments. Every year at the beginning of May, the streets and squares of Groznjan are transformed into a real cultural beehive: there are summer music academies for young people, artistic, dance and dramaturgical workshops, workshops for the activation of pensioners under the guidance of well-known specialists and educators, as well as sonorous ones Names from the field of music, visual and dramaturgical art held.

Groznjan

Novigrad

The old town core of Novigrad-Cittanova is located on a small island that was connected to the mainland in the 18th century. The preserved medieval city wall is one of the most interesting symbols of this place. Numerous foreign administrations and cultures - from the Byzantine to the Franconian, German, Venetian, Neapolitan, Austro-Hungarian to the Italian - have also left visible traces in the architecture.

Novigrad

Novigrad

Motovun

The romantic small town of Motovun is enthroned on a 280 m high hill above the valley of Mirna, surrounded by the green hills of the Istrian region. A narrow street paved with old stone slabs takes you past the Church of St. Virgin Mary through the old city gates to the lively old town of Motovun. The large main square is surrounded by old buildings and palaces, the church of Sv. Stjepan and its free-standing bell tower.

Motovun

Rovinj

Picturesque Rovinj is located on the western coast of the Istrian region between Porec and Pula. The idyllic small town is one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia.
The vibrant waterfront and the romantic old town form the center of Rovinj. As you make your way through Marsala Tita Square into the maze of narrow streets and houses of the old town, your journey back in time to the city's Venetian era begins. Passing the sights, cafes and restaurants you reach the town's landmark, the church of Sv. Euphemiah towering over the old town.

Rovinj

Brijuni Inseln

The 36 km² national park includes 14 islands. The largest of the islands, Veli Brijun, has hotel facilities and a large animal enclosure. This island can be visited freely, while the other islands are partly owned and guarded by the state and privately. The luxury area was only accessible to a select few. Here Tito received a large number of leading statesmen and film celebrities such as Willy Brandt, Sophia Loren, Liz Taylor and Ho Chi Minh. Tito loved animals, so many international guests brought him exotic animals such as Indian cattle, tigers, lions, zebras and elephants as gifts, for which he created a safari park, which still exists today. The dark green Cadillac Eldorado, which he received from the American President at the time, Dwight Eisenhower, can still be rented for a short tour today.

Brijuni Inseln

Pula

Pula is the largest and oldest city in Istria and, with its eventful history, is today also the tourist and cultural center of the region. Pula is best known for its old amphitheater, also known as the Pula Arena. The second largest arena in the Roman Empire was used from 2 BC. 14 AD to 14 AD and is the sixth largest of its kind in the world. There are also numerous other sights in Pula that invite you to discover them.

Pula