If you are one of those people who prefer to discover new sceneries by means of a bicycle, than you there are about sixty traced cycle tracks for you to discover. Moreover there are many untraced tracks. Together they cover the entire peninsula like a spider web with a total length of almost 2.600 km. As much as 70% of these are mountain bike tracks, many picturesque unpaved country lanes and forest paths, whereas the rest is made of paved roads.

There is a great variety of tracks and everybody can find the ones that fits them best. But we have to warn you, in spite of the fact that the differences in heights is usually not that enormous, some of the slopes are extremely steep. Please do not overestimate yourself and read the map carefully.

click on photo to enlarge

But if you make the right choice, than you will be able to enjoy the wonders of Istria in perhaps the most optimal way. During a more recreational ride, you may for example drive along the coastline, through woods and small mediaeval towns. Or else face the challenge of climbing up to 1.100 m above sea level on the hills of the Cicarija, an area with breathtaking views.

Finally many road cyclists and hikers, amateur or professional, like biking or hiking around and challenging the climb to the many hilltop towns. Since most tops are only at a few hundred meters high, this is a challenge that, with a little training, is possible for most, young and old. It is truly a great feeling to finally reach such a medieval town and enjoy a drink after having done "it".

From our holiday houses in Balini or Oprtalj you have direct access to several fantastic tracks, that lead you along wine and olive fields, gentle valleys, to breathtaking heights along the Mirna valley. From Oprtalj one of these tracks brings you to Groznjan, another to Zrenj, both offering great sceneries. You can also choose to "dive" into the Mirna valley and discover the valley. For other suggestions we would like to refer to a book with maps of a large number of these tracks. This book is available in our holiday houses. If needed, we can help you to rent bicycles.

A completely different, but as fantastic alternative, is to use a motorbike for cruising around in Istria. The rural winding roads crossing this magnificent region with little traffic are a true motorbike paradise. This way of driving allows you also to smell the great variety of aromas that each region has to offer. Weather conditions are almost ideal from April till October. Many roads have been upgraded and received a new surface. But be careful, where the old asphalt is still present, you have to take your curves very carefully.