Croatia's Istrian Peninsula

Italy’s neighbor to the East, Croatia offers idyllic cycling through a medieval landscape of castles and vineyards, all with a beautiful view of the Adriatic Sea. Trieste, located at the head of the Gulf of Trieste, has been influenced by its location at the crossroads of Germanic, Latin and Slavic cultures. In the 19th century, it was the most important port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the union to Italy after WWI. Istria was part of the province of Trieste until WWII. It is the largest Croatian peninsula and is considered the most popular new destination by the Croatian National Tourist Board. It is a magnificent landmass that has been etched away over the years by the Adriatic Sea, which has sprinkled its jagged coastline with a thousand lagoons and islands. The hilly interior, along with mountainous terrain to the northeast, is replete with rich forests.

In addition to the historical landmarks, including medieval villages and fantastic Byzantine cathedrals, the natural beauty of the Northern Adriatic Coast is astounding. Bright blue waters line a coast littered with architectural wonders, against a backdrop of deep green, truffle-filled forests. The terrain on this peninsula’s coast is perfect for the cyclist who wants to combine slightly rolling and hilly terrain with images of Croatia’s history and unspoiled beauty. This bike tour in Croatia is not to be missed.