Hotel in Trieste or Muggia












Cycling along the Adriatic Coast
8 days / 7 nights
|
Starting point
Trieste
Finish point
Pula
Season
From March to November
Fitness level
4/5


Starting point
Trieste
Finish point
Pula
Season
From March to November
Fitness level
4/5
Highlights
- Cycle along the scenic coast of Italy, Slovenia, and Croatian Istria
- Follow the famous Parenzana cycling path, biking along the former railway
- Visit lovely coastal towns like Trieste, Piran, Rovinj, and Pula
- Discover the diversity of the Northern Adriatic coast region on an E-bike
- An all-year holiday, enjoyable throughout most of the year
Itinerary of the trip
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What’s included in the price?
Self-guided
NOT INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
This self-guided cycling holiday is a unique opportunity to discover the picturesque coast of the northern Adriatic Sea — From Italy to Slovenia and then Croatia. Cycling in this Mediterranean climate is available almost throughout the whole year. It is especially enjoyable in the early spring or late autumn when it becomes too cold to bike in Alpine Slovenia, while here there are no crowds and temperatures perfect. When the temperatures get higher in summer, the sea is always inviting for a swim, although the beaches are usually more crowded.
The cycling along the coast is mostly flat and leisurely, allowing you to enjoy the sights and attractions on the way more. The route starts in Italy and takes you along the relatively short but sweet Slovenian coast. After enjoying the scenery of the cute towns on the way, your path soon takes you over the border to Croatia.
The famous Parenzana cycling path along the former railway leads you from Trieste to Poreč. Switching between well-maintained cycling paths, gravel tracks, and roads with light traffic offers an easy and enjoyable ride. When you’re not cycling along with the sea breeze of the Istrian coast, you’ll be zooming through tunnels and over bridges between many rustic villages inside the peninsula. More down south, you’ll stop at Rovinj, one of the most romantic coastal towns in Europe. Jour journey will end in the ancient city of Pula, the cultural capital of Istria, where you’ll have an extra day to explore its surroundings.
This is a self-guided cycling holiday, meaning it’s designed for those that want that little bit of extra freedom and autonomy compared to guided holidays. We prepare your itinerary and the directions, but you are the one in charge of each day on this journey. Our full 24/7 support will be there whenever you need help on the way. The route for this holiday is not too hilly in the first place, but you’ll still be using electric bikes, making this tour suitable for everyone’s level of fitness.
What are you waiting for? Check out the itinerary and see what awaits you if you book this self-guided cycling journey along the Adriatic coast.
Top Places You’ll See
From natural wonders to authentic local culture, the route is packed with memorable sights—these are our absolute favorites.

Piran
Piran is a coastal gem on the Adriatic, known for its Venetian heritage and narrow medieval streets. The main square, Tartini Square, is named after the famous violinist Giuseppe Tartini, who was born here. Climb the old city walls for panoramic views of the red-roofed town and the sea, or visit St. George’s Church, which overlooks the harbor from a bluff.

Parenzana Route
The Parenzana Route follows the path of a former narrow-gauge railway that once linked Trieste with Poreč. Today, 123 kilometers of the line have been converted into a cycling trail that winds through tunnels, over bridges, and across rolling hills in Slovenia, Italy, and Croatia. Signs along the way recall the railway’s history and make the ride both scenic and educational.

Grožnjan
Perched on a hilltop in Croatia’s Istrian peninsula, Grožnjan is renowned as the “town of artists.” Its medieval stone lanes are packed with more than twenty galleries and studios, and music festivals fill the narrow streets each summer. With panoramic views over vineyards and olive groves, Grožnjan blends history, art, and a relaxed Mediterranean charm that makes it a favorite stop for culture lovers and cyclists crossing the border from Slovenia.

Motovun
Just a short ride away, Motovun rises dramatically above the Mirna River valley and is famed for its intact medieval walls and sweeping views across central Istria. The town is at the heart of Croatia’s truffle region, offering everything from simple truffle tastings to fine dining. Its cobbled streets, Venetian architecture, and surrounding forests make Motovun both a culinary hotspot and one of the most atmospheric hill towns in the region.

Pula
Pula, at the southern tip of Croatia’s Istrian peninsula, is known for its Roman heritage. The highlight is the well-preserved Roman amphitheater, built in the 1st century and still used for concerts and events today. The city also features Roman temples, medieval fortresses, and a busy port that reflects its long history as a crossroads of Mediterranean cultures.
Our Bikes
To ensure the best possible experience on your cycling adventure, we offer top-quality bikes for rent. Our fleet features the latest models, meticulously maintained for both performance and comfort.
To match each rider with the right equipment, our team will also assist you in selecting the most suitable bike based on your physical profile, personal preferences, and the technical requirements of the tour.
Each bike rental includes:
✔ Transport of the bike to and from the tour start/end point
✔ Helmet for safety
✔ Phone holder mounted on the handlebars
✔ Basic tool kit for on-the-go adjustments
Willier Garda
Or similar
Type: Road bike
Best for: Endurance road rides, long-distance cycling, and performance-focused recreational riders
The Wilier Garda combines a lightweight carbon frame and carbon wheels for the perfect balance of comfort, speed, and reliability. With internal cable routing, endurance geometry, and clearance for tires up to 32 mm, it’s ideal for smooth and efficient long-distance riding with a sleek, modern look.
Specialized Diverge E5
Or similar
Type: Gravel bike
Best for: Gravel roads, scenic trails, and adventure touring
The Diverge bike is built for comfortable, easy exploration on gravel roads, scenic trails, or new adventure routes. Its stable design and wide tires make it smooth on both paved and rough paths, giving you the confidence to explore freely. Equipped with versatile gears, it handles hills and flat terrain effortlessly, adapting to any landscape. With mounts for bags and racks, you can pack everything you need for a day trip or longer getaway. Ideal for discovering hidden paths or quiet roads, the Diverge is a reliable, comfortable companion for any journey.
Scott Aspect E-Ride
Or similar
Type: E-bike
Best for: Leisurely rides, light trails, and everyday cycling on mixed-terrain
The Scott Aspect eRide combines comfort with intuitive handling, perfect for leisurely rides on mixed terrains. Its durable frame, paired with a front suspension fork, provides a smooth experience on uneven paths. Powered by a robust motor, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking a hassle-free e-bike adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating






Just back from enjoying a long weekend cycling in Slovenia, the company arranged transfers to and from the airport, hotels, bikes, bike routes, including what to see and where, and even transportation of bags between hotels. The only thing we needed to worry about was where to eat; the whole trip was painless, and I would highly recommend them.


Wow! What an awesome tour! We did a self-guided cycling tour on gravel bikes and it could not have been more enjoyable! Such a beautiful country and such an intimate travel experience. We biked through mountain valleys, over mountain passes, along rivers, through small villages, through wooded hills, through vineyards, and along the Adriatic coast. Kudos to everyone that put this trip together! The hotel accommodations were perfect and the bikes we rented were high quality! Thank you!


The trip was seamlessly organised.The accomodation was outstanding. The cycles were challenging and very satisfying to complete. The support was very good. The only criticism would be that on a few sections you are required to ride thru tunnels which are pitch black and very disorienting. Better bike lighting would have been helpful.


From the very beginning, the Cycling Holidays Austria team have been amazing. They provided a flexible service that met our specific needs and journey itinerary, which a good number of other providers would not entertain. The speed of reply was excellent and the use of the Trip Plans and Cycle with GPS apps just made our journey so easy. The quality of the rental bikes was excellent and they easily met the demands of the cycle track. Overall, excellent friendly service that we will definitely use again next year as we plan our continued trip along the stunning Danube River. Huge thanks to the team.


Wow! What an awesome tour! We did a self-guided cycling tour on gravel bikes and it could not have been more enjoyable! Such a beautiful country and such an intimate travel experience. We biked through mountain valleys, over mountain passes, along rivers, through small villages, through wooded hills, through vineyards, and along the Adriatic coast. Kudos to everyone that put this trip together! The hotel accommodations were perfect and the bikes we rented were high quality! Thank you!


Just back from enjoying a long weekend cycling in Slovenia, the company arranged transfers to and from the airport, hotels, bikes, bike routes, including what to see and where, and even transportation of bags between hotels. The only thing we needed to worry about was where to eat; the whole trip was painless, and I would highly recommend them.


The trip was seamlessly organised.The accomodation was outstanding. The cycles were challenging and very satisfying to complete. The support was very good. The only criticism would be that on a few sections you are required to ride thru tunnels which are pitch black and very disorienting. Better bike lighting would have been helpful.


From the very beginning, the Cycling Holidays Austria team have been amazing. They provided a flexible service that met our specific needs and journey itinerary, which a good number of other providers would not entertain. The speed of reply was excellent and the use of the Trip Plans and Cycle with GPS apps just made our journey so easy. The quality of the rental bikes was excellent and they easily met the demands of the cycle track. Overall, excellent friendly service that we will definitely use again next year as we plan our continued trip along the stunning Danube River. Huge thanks to the team.


All available guidance options
Join a Group
If you are a solo cyclist who wants to spend a fun holiday cycling, look no further. We’re going to find you a group of up to 8 like-minded biking enthusiasts and take care of all the other tour details. The cycling tour will be led by our guide, who’ll make sure everything runs smoothly, so you’re able to enjoy as much cycling as possible.
Private Guided Group
The private guided bike tour is for those who want to enjoy their cycling holidays at their own pace, enjoying the flexibility of a small private group and not stressing about the details of everyday planning. The guide will be fully at your disposal to make this experience as personalized as possible, maximizing the enjoyment during and after the tour.
Self-guided
Those who like good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday. It offers complete freedom, multiple detour opportunities, and exploration at your own pace without having to adapt to a group.
Hassle-Free
We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy carefree walking holidays.
Trusted by many
We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.
Handpicked Adventures
Only the best hut to hut hikes in Europe, cherry-picked by our local team with an in-depth knowledge of the region.
Unbeatable support
Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.