Gravel Explorer: Coastal Croatia

Welcome to the enchanting town of Rovinj, a former island transformed by Venetian land reclamation in 1763. Spend your day exploring the town's labyrinthine cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and the majestic bell tower of the Euphemia Church. Wander around picturesque squares and take a leisurely stroll beside Rovinj's beautiful fishing port. In the afternoon, we will gather for a bike fitting and test ride before enjoying a delightful dinner together in this charming seaside town.

Embark on our inaugural ride along the stunning Istrian coast, looping back into the interior. Pedal through the charming medieval town of Bale, where you can explore the old town and wander around its narrow, cobbled streets within the fortified city walls. The road surface is a mix of 60% gravel and 40% paved, covering a distance of 39 km (24 mi).

Today's ride takes us east and then west around the stunning Lim Bay, a submerged river valley stretching deep into the Istrian Peninsula. Our route bisects several small towns and hilltop settlements, including the ruins of Dvigrad. We will end our day on the coast in the bustling town of Vrsar. The road surface is 42% gravel and 58% paved, covering a distance of 45 km (28 mi).

Ride north along the coast to the beautiful town of Poreč. Take time to explore the old town, including the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring gem-studded mosaics. In the afternoon, we will weave our way along part of the Parenzana trail on our way to the medieval hilltop town of Motovun, the region's truffle capital. The road surface is 45% gravel and 55% paved, covering a distance of 55 km (34 mi).

Today's ride offers a perfect sampling of the cultural richness of Istria's interior, featuring rolling hills, medieval villages, and olive groves. First, cycle to Groznjan, a small renaissance town known as the 'City of Artists,' where almost every house entrance has a small gallery or art studio. The next stop is the medieval village of Momjan, famous for its Muscat. Tonight, we sleep in a small agriturismo (farm stay) near the Croatian-Slovenian border. The road surface is 28% gravel and 72% paved, covering a distance of 45 km (28 mi).

Begin the morning warming up your legs in Croatia, then make your first border crossing of the day into Slovenia. Follow a cycling path along a stunning section of the coast to Sečovlje Saltpans Natural Park, the largest wetland on the coast, famous for its salt production. Continue on the bike path through the beautiful seaside towns of Piran, Izola, and Koper, and then cross into our third country of the day, Italy, to reach Trieste. This port town sits on the coast of the enchanting Adriatic Sea and is a tiny slice of Italy almost entirely surrounded by Slovenia. The road surface is 16% gravel and 83% paved, covering a distance of 61 km (38 mi).