cycling in Motovun, Croatia
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Cycle The Parenzana Trail Via Italy, Slovenia & Croatia
It's easy to think the Parenzana Trail was purpose-built for cyclists to explore the Istrian Peninsula. However, the trail is a former narrow gauge railway line that originally connected 33 Istrian towns between Porec (Croatia) and Trieste (Italy), via Slovenia. The Parenzana name is derived from Parenzo, the Italian name for Porec.
Nowadays the Parenzana Trail is a great way to explore the fascinating towns of the Istrian Peninsula by bike. You'll cycle past olive groves and vineyards on your way to the ancient Roman town of Porec on the stunning Croatian coast. Along the way there is time to appreciate the unique culture and culinary delights in each country.
Below are some of the highlights and attractions to be experienced while cycling the Parenzana Trail.
Highlights of the Parenzana Trail
Trieste
Once the only seaport of the Hapsburg Empire, Trieste has a lot to offer in the way of attractions such as Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia which has the widest opening to the seafront of any Italian square.
Secovlje Salt Flats
The Parenzana trail leads you along the Piran Bay through Portorož and Lucija towns to the saltworks of Secovlje. The Secovlje salt flats are the northernmost salt flats of the Mediterranean. The salt is produced in the traditional way, based on a 700 year old method that harmonizes man and nature, and you can stop to visit the museum.
The variety of scenery, activities and nature of the Parenzana Trail made this our best cycle tour to date. T. Whelan, New Zealand
Livade
Livade is known as the truffle centre of Istria. If you're a truffle aficionado you may want to visit in October, which is when Livade holds its month-long truffle festival. The fair offers a wide range of white and black truffles found directly in their natural habitat, the forest. Esteemed chefs turn this precious tuber into superb dishes that capture the attention of gourmets with their specific intoxicating taste.
The Wine Railway
Passing through magnificent rolling landscapes and lively Istrian vineyards, it will become obvious why the Parenzana Trail was also known as the Wine Railway. After passing through several tunnels and over old bridges, you can stop and admire the fascinating viewpoints between the medieval towns of Buje, Grožnjan and Motovun. Grožnjan is an interesting artist town, where you can stop and stroll through its galleries.
Motovun
Motovun is one of Istria's most charming medieval hilltop towns. Its Romanesque-Gothic bell tower with a crenulated crown from the 13th century, stands next to the Parish Church of St Stephen, dating from the 17th century, and dominates the town's historic core. In the central square is the Romanesque Municipal Palace, the largest secular building in Istria of that period surrounded by many other historic buildings.
Porec
Porec is a town full of culture and history. Riding through the old city centre you will find the Roman Forum, magnificent palaces from different historical periods, and to top it all, the famous Euphrasian Basilica (Euphrasiana).
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