In September 2023, Istra Land’s second edition returns with a new route: join us and unveil 400 km of gravel roads across the Istrian peninsula.
With an average of 300 sunny days a year, Istria is the perfect destination for outdoor adventures – and bikepacking. Let’s be honest: who hasn’t dreamed of leaving for a multi-day ride without packing even the lightest rain jacket? And bringing a swimsuit instead? In Istria, all of this is possible!
Istria is a triangular-shaped peninsula carved in limestone, marl, and clay veins and strategically placed in the turquoise Adriatic Sea. Its small territory offers a breathtaking and complex region ranging from proper mountain ridges to stunning seaside cliffs.
Istria’s sceneries are diverse and fascinating: a bike ride can connect the flourishing forests of Čičarija to the impressive cliffs of Kamenjak in just a couple of hours. Or stop in between and visit the typical Istrian villages, built with white limestone bricks and surrounded by charming vineyards and olive groves.
The inaugural edition has unveiled the wild side of Istria. Riding from sunrise to sundown, we’ve waived the last goodbye to summer and crossed the mountain ridge of Učka Nature Park, the forgotten dirt roads of the central region, and the rocky singletracks of Kamenjak.
The second edition of Istra Land will introduce a new route, following almost all 450 km of the peninsula seashore. In 2023, we’ll ride the smooth gravel roads of southern Istria and the cobbled paving of the coastal villages to discover the two faces of Istria: the rural and the tourist side.
The start is set from Sežana, Slovenia, on September 29th. The first section leads to the bold hills of Čičarija: this region symbolically represents the doorstep of Istria. A long traverse connects Učka Nature Park to the route, and the most challenging part of the route is already behind! We’re off to ride on smooth gravel, and then in a zig-zag of narrow streets in the coastal villages, we finally reach the rocky cliffs on the seaside. The salty tang of the sea and the warm sun will lead to Pula, and further: we’ll make the acquaintance of the domesticated side of Istria. Say hello to bathing establishments, tarmac promenades, restaurants, campsites, and discos! On our way back, we’ll still have time to visit Motovun and Grožnjan, savoring the countryside life and the endless vineyards as we ride on the old Austrian railway tracks leading back to Sežana.
Photo and text credits: Exploro.cc
