PARENZANA
TOUR DESCRIPTION
THE PARENZANA BICYCLE ROUTE
The route is signposted D-8 (in Italy and Slovenia) or P (in Croatia).
Multi-language boards (in Croatian, Italian, English, and Slovenian), saying Parenzana, the Route of Health and Friendship, are also dotted along the whole route, making it easy to know where to go.
The recreational path the Parenzana Bicycle Route runs on is not only intended for cyclists but also walkers and hikers, as well as tourists.
These usually only visit the more popular parts, such as Trieste, Koper, The Sečovlje Salt Fields, Grožnjan, Livade, Motovun, Vižinada, and Poreč.
Parenzana near Savudrija, Croatia
PLANNING YOUR TOUR
The route takes 6 days (linear route) or 9 days (circular route) to finish.
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1 arrival day
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4 cycling days
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3 additional cycling days - if instead of a linear route you opt for the circular route
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1 departure day
The distances cycled per day range between 15 and 40 km (9-25 miles).
This gives you plenty of time for frequent stops at sights and attractions. It allows you to try out other activities as well, or to just go for a dip in the sea.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
START THE TOUR IN TRIESTE
The tour starts in Trieste, where you can take time to walk around the city and visit its most famous sights.
TAKE THE BOAT TO MUGGIA
After exploring the multicultural and historically important port, take a boat to Muggia (Italy), which lies across the bay from Trieste.
START CYCLING NEAR MUGGIA
Near Muggia, find the start of the marked Parenzana Bicycle Route and head towards Slovenia.
WHAT YOU WILL FIND ALONG THE ROUTE
As with the former railway track, the bicycle route runs through 8 (mostly lit) tunnels as well as across 11 bridges and 6 viaducts.
It leads you through seaside and inland Istrian towns and villages, among olive groves and vineyards, and through forests and valleys,
There are rest stops and viewing platforms along the way.
You can learn about the life along the former railway line by having a look at the multi-language information boards, or you can visit the 3 museums dedicated to the Parenzana Route: in Trieste (Italy), in Izola (Slovenia), and in Livade near Motovun (Croatia).
Apart from cycling, there are plenty of natural and cultural attractions as well as other activities awaiting you along the way.
THE END OF THE PARENZANA ROUTE
You reach Poreč (Croatia) after 123 km (76 miles) and 986 m of elevation gain (3,235 ft).
You can return to Trieste on the sea or by another means of transport.
Muggia (Italy)
START THE TOUR IN TRIESTE
BUT ONLY START CYCLING IN MUGGIA
Although this tour starts in Trieste, there is no bicycle path going outside the city except for very busy roads.
To avoid heavy traffic, take a more scenic route instead:
a boat ride across the bay.
By boat, you reach Muggia, an Italian village south of Trieste.
This is where the signposted and dedicated Parenzana Bicycle Route actually starts.
Viaducts and bridges along the Parenzana
PARENZANA
THE CIRCULAR ROUTE
POREČ TO SAVUDRIJA (CROATIA)
On your way to Savudrija, explore the enchanting seaside towns of Novigrad and Umag before you choose among a plethora of accommodation options right by the Adriatic sea.
THE DRAGONJA VALLEY (SLOVENIA)
As you leave Croatia and cycle back into Slovenia, you follow the River Dragonja before reaching Koper, where you can explore the port city on foot.
KOPER TO TRIESTE
To return to the starting point, cycle along the Slovenian coast to Muggia, and take the boat across the bay back to Trieste.
WHAT YOU WILL FIND ALONG THE ROUTE
As you cycle along the Adriatic coast, you can explore the charming cobbled seaside towns and take advantage of numerous beaches.
In the Dragonja Valley, you cycle along vineyards and orchards, with the River Dragonja next to you if you want a quick refresment.
THE END OF THE CIRCULAR ROUTE
You reach Trieste after 97 km (61 miles) and 585 m of elevation gain (1,919 ft).
The entire route (Trieste - Poreč - Trieste) is therefore 220 km long (137 miles), with the elevation gain of 1,571 m (5,154 ft).
The Adriatic Sea
Dragonja Valley