Sporting activities

Cycling

The most beautiful cycling trails on the Coast

There are numerous marked and unmarked cycling routes of varying difficulty along the Slovenian coast. You can go on a trip along beautiful, well-maintained, asphalted bicycle paths or, for those who are more daring, there are also bicycle paths that lead along macadam and forest roads, with ascents and descents with various degrees of challenge along the way.

Possibility of bicycle rental at Hotel Histrion
Well-kept trails
Various levels of difficulty

Cycling trails

An undemanding cycling route for excursionists and recreational cyclists

The most famous trail is the well-maintained, well-marked, varied, fairly undemanding cycling route between Izola and Sečovlje, which is part of the famous Parenzana walking and cycling route, suitable for all cycling enthusiasts: recreational cyclists, young families, and also the elderly. We set off from Izola, at the intersection of Leninova and Prešernova, in the direction of the hills, where we quickly see a sign for the aforementioned cycling route. We continue towards Strunjan. We cycle towards Portorož, through the illuminated Šalet tunnel, and then follow the cycling signs and continue past olive groves and vineyards in the direction of Portorož, all the way to Dobrava and on to Strunjan. Further on, we get to the 550-metre-long, illuminated Valeta tunnel, at the end of which we reach the descent towards Lucija. We can continue the route past Seča, where we cross the main road and continue the route past Parecag all the way to Sečovlje.

Moderately demanding cycling route around Tinjan

Families with older children, young athletes, and recreational cyclists can also embark on a moderately demanding tour around the village of Tinjan, which is full of ups and downs. The tour around Tinjan takes about two to three hours, but of course we can also make several stops to see the many local attractions and sights, or for a snack or rest. The route starts in Koper and takes us past the port of Luka Koper towards Ankaran. From there we continue to Debeli Rtič, where at the end of the descent we reach a macadam road.

Next is a steep ascent to the village of Moka, where we turn left towards the village of Barizoni. We continue the slight climb towards the church of St. Bridget, then right towards the village of Hrvatini. At the junction for Jelarji, we head downhill and cycle along the Trieste-Koper expressway where, for a short time, we also join the Parenzana cycling route, which takes us to Italy. For part of the route we cycle through Italian towns, starting with Rabuiese and heading past the industrial zone where we cycle along the edge of the road through Noghereda to Crociata, and then return back to Slovenia.

We cycle through Mlinarji and Kantinara to Osp. Here we can afford a short stop and rest. The continuation of the route has us taking on another climb through Gabrovica near Črni kal, followed by a descent to Rižana. After about two kilometres, we turn left and continue along the Rižana river, where we rejoin the Parenzana cycling route. In Bertoki, we cross the bypass and continue past Bertoška Bonifika to the roundabout at Luka Koper, from where we then return to the starting point in Koper.

An interesting adventure across the Izola hinterland for physically fit cyclists

The scenic cycling tour through the Izola hinterland is 53.9 km long and leads from the Izola autocamp, via the Belvedere, and along the top of the Roneka cliff, from where it descends to Strunjan. From Strunjan, the route follows the main road right next to the Strunjan salt pans to Salinera and up the slope to Beli Križ. The ascent is about 2.5 km long, and is followed by another descent to Bernardin. The route then continues along the main road to Portorož, where we join a bicycle trail. The route continues through Lucija to the village of Malija, and from there to an easier slope towards Korte, where a colourful view of the vineyards and the surrounding areas opens up. The cycling adventure continues in the direction of Šmarje and slowly descends towards Dragonja, from where it climbs again towards Sv. Peter and Nova vas nad Dragonjo. This is followed by a descent through Šmarje and the continuation of the route through Gažon, along the Markovec road to Semedela. At the end, we have one last climb towards Markovec, from where we descend again to Izola, where we return to the starting point.

Through the valley of the river Dragonja in top physical condition

Another more challenging cycling route spanning 43.12 km takes us across the main road onto macadam paths along the Dragonja River. This tour is suitable only for very physically fit cyclists. The tour starts in Seča and quickly connects to the famous Parenzana cycling route. We cycle to Sečovlje, where we turn left before the Dragonja border crossing. The route is very busy, so it’s recommended to be cautious during this section.

We continue our journey through Dragonja to the village of Križišče and further through the village of Mačujek, along the Dragonja River valley. We then cycle along a macadam road past vineyards where, despite the slight climb, we can relax and enjoy the peace and beauty of the surrounding nature. This is followed by a longer climb towards Babiči, then through Pomjan, where the route flattens out again and leads to the village of Šmarje, from where there is a descent to the roundabout of the main road leading to Koper. At the roundabout, we turn left up the slope towards Gažon and continue towards Šared. We continue past Malija and through Korte, which is the largest settlement in the Izola hinterland. We turn left at the intersection and go down the narrow road to Pacug, and from there back to Seča, where we started our cycling adventure.

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