Coastal Croatia: Pula to Porec Cycling

Name: Coastal Croatia: Pula to Porec Cycling
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (3 reviews)

Expert Local Guides

Award Winning Adventures

Nature First Adventures

Support Local Communities

8 Days from

£ 1,399

£ 1,749

4.7/5 from

Cycling

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity :

Cycling

Activity Level :

2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

Group Size :

Ages :

13+

Trip Code :

C07IS

Cycle along Croatia's spectacular Istrian Peninsula

Istria, often referred to as Croatia’s Tuscany, is simply idyllic for a week-long cycling holiday. This self-guided route gives you the freedom to explore the area's treasure trove of antiquities at your own pace. The amphitheatre in Pula and the Unesco sites of Rovinj and Porec give a distinctly cultural edge to this relaxed cycling itinerary. The hotels offer local charm, all close to the seafront so you can enjoy the atmosphere of the harbours and sunsets over the sea.

Highlights

Explore the Istrian Peninsula
Discover Roman architecture
Superb swimming opportunities
Luxurious accommodation

Key Information

7 nights hotel to hotel accommodation in a mix of 3 star and 4 star hotels
6 days cycling (including 4 optional days)
E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)
60% quiet tarmac roads, 40% coastal tracks
Gentle cycling perfect for occasional cyclists
Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs

Countries visited: Croatia

What's Included

All breakfasts
Luggage transfers
Route notes and maps
High Quality Bikes

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request -compulsory supplement)
Visas or vaccinations
Arrival & departure transfers (available on request)
Tourist taxes to be paid locally: 9.45€/trip

6 Days of Cycling

Pace:

Leisurely: 10-13km/6-8miles an hour

Terrain:

Low altitude; 60% tarmac, 40% coastal tracks

Day 2

20 km / 12.4 miles

Day 3

33 km / 20.5 miles

Day 4

38 km / 23.6 miles

Day 5

12 km / 7.5 miles

Day 6

42 km / 26.1 miles

Day 7

30 km / 18.6 miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

TRIP

C07IS - Coastal Croatia: Pula to Porec Cycling

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Include Flights

Fazana Porec

Start Fazana. Relax on the hotel terrace and explore the village. You will have the bike briefing in the evening. Please ensure that you take your route notes with you to the briefing.
Premium Hotel

Today you can enjoy a gentle warm up ride to Pula. The ride is short so you can spend a good period of time here exploring the town. Pula has a long history and was brought to particular significance by the Emperor Augustus. Undoubtedly the most well-known site of the town is the amphitheatre, which was built during the reign of Emperor Vespasian. It was the 6th largest of its kind and is now use to stage film festivals and summer operas. The narrow streets of Pula offer a lovely place to enjoy a relaxing wander, with ancient monuments littered throughout the town, plenty of boutique shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants and of course the pretty harbour. You could spend all day here; alternatively, you could catch a boat to the Brijuni National Park – this was Tito’s private island archipelago. With Roman villas, Byzantine villages, Tito’s personal zoo and even his 1950s Cadillac make for an interesting visit.

Premium Hotel

Distance covered: 12mi (20km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Pedal inland through lemons, pines and olive groves to Istria’s ancient capital of Vodnjan, a compact village full of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. The St. Blaise cathedral is known for having the tallest tower in Istria (63m) and is host to an array of bizarre relics. You can pick up some picnic supplies, then head north for lunch amid stone beehive style huts – kazuna – near the 8th century church of Sta Foska. You will then return along the coast passing the remains of Roman baths on the shore. Spend the evening back in Fazana where you can enjoy a sunset stroll along the harbour.

Optional shorter route: cycle approx. 20km.

Premium Hotel

Distance covered: 21mi (33km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Head north through walnut, plum, almond and fig trees. A steady ascent brings you to Bale, known as Castrum Vallis by the Romans who built a castle here to protect their salt trade. It is then downhill to the sea and a sinuous coastal path under umbrella pine, bay-hopping for 8km by crystal seas. Rovinj is your charming destination, known as the Venice of Istria. The central basilica is surrounded by narrow marbled alleyways that by night are lit by the candles of the dining tables which spill out onto the streets. The bustling harbour offers a great atmosphere and you can also explore the museum, housed in a baroque mansion called Califfi Palace where artwork, sculpture, jewellery collections and ceramics are displayed.

Premium Hotel

Distance covered: 24mi (38km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is free to explore Rovinj – lose yourself in the boutiques and art galleries or find a nice swimming cove. It is even possible to catch the ferry to Venice for the day. If you fancy getting back on the bikes, you can enjoy a lazy northern loop passing ruined churches, olive groves and oxblood coloured soils tilled by rusty tractors. Return to Rovinj to enjoy a swim and the evening atmosphere. After sunset some bars put cushions on the rocks so you can watch the underwater lights shimmer as the fishing boats return for the night.

Optional Ride approx. 12km.
Premium Hotel

Distance covered: 7mi (12km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Take sun-dappled back roads inland to the head of the Lim Fjord – an impressive wooded valley and today’s challenge. You will begin by freewheeling down to the base before ascending 2km to a fantastic panoramic viewpoint on the other side. You can enjoy lunch in one of the many grill restaurants en route, then head back to the sea to meet the coast 10km south of Porec. You can then follow the water to your hotel near the harbour.

Premium Hotel

Distance covered: 26mi (42km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Porec is most famous for its 300AD UNESCO heritage Basilica of Euphrasius with magnificent golden frescoes and intricate mosaics. The Basilica is right in the heart of Porec, just off the main street, it is very easy to find with the sparkling golden mosaic which sits above the entrance. You can visit it as you leave Porec today before heading north along the shore. The seaside tracks that you follow pass a Roman amphora factory and follow clear bays and headlands for 10km. You will then head inland to visit the giant Jama Baredine limestone cave before returning to Porec for your last evening. There are many waterfront restaurants, as well as some hidden treasures tucked away in the town.

Premium Hotel

Distance covered: 19mi (30km)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast if you have pre-booked a transfer we will take you to Pula airport in time for your flight.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

Croatia

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Croatia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/croatia
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/croatia
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Croatia.html

Vaccination

Croatia

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts included.

Croatian food is an amalgamation of flavours and influence, from inland to coastal and from former rulers from Italy and Austria. On the coast pasta, risotto and pizza dishes frequent the menus - a favourite is cuttlefish risotto where the rice is dyed black by the fish ink. In Istria they fish a lot of shellfish and crustaceans, so oysters, crab and prawns feature in many dishes. Sardines are also one of the mainstays of the local diet and are usually served grilled and drizzled with lemon juice on a bed of crunchy salad.
Pork and lamb are by far the most popular meats, and you will also find lots of cured meats, usually served with olives. Desserts are often quite heavy and sticky, but there also tends to be a good display of ice-cream on offer thanks to the Italian influence.

Weather

Croatia boasts one of the sunniest climates in Europe, and some regions are notoriously free from rain. We travel throughout the season, so you should expect some variation depending on when you travel. In the late spring and early autumn dates the temperatures will be cooler, ranging from the high-teens to mid-twenties (Celsius) during the day and dropping to the mid-teens at night, enough to want a jumper. In late August and early September there is also more chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and at night time, but these are generally intense and short lived. In the summer temperatures can be high, particularly in July and August where they can reach the mid to high 30s.

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

Cycling Conditions
Classification: Self-Guided
Average daily distance: 30km (19 miles)
No. of days cycling: 6 (including 4 optional rides)
Terrain and route: The suggested cycling is mainly on gently undulating and flat terrain with one more challenging day but still perfect for occasional cyclists.
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you need.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Families
Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. As a guide we have suggested that 12 yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities.

TRIP

C07IS - Coastal Croatia: Pula to Porec Cycling

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Hotels

We use 3 and 4-star hotels throughout, enjoying excellent locations and some spectacular coastal views. A highlight is the Villa Tuttorotto in Rovinj, one street back from the waterfront. This is a little 7 bedroom townhouse, squirreled away down a back alley, with a delightfully personal atmosphere. All the hotels are well located and all rooms have en suite facilities.

All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory single room supplement (please see dates and prices on the website).

TRIP

C07IS - Coastal Croatia: Pula to Porec Cycling

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

sue strang

Reviewed September 2015

Great intro to Istria

The accommodation on the trip was first class, small family run hotels with excellent staff in very good locations.

The bikes were very good and well equipped. Istria is a lovely place. The food was very good, particularly the seafood, as you’d expect. The wine was also very good too.

I was a little disappointed by the cycling, I think if you are a regular cyclist on British roads it won’t faze you, but I’m used to quiet road and cycle path cycling. About 1/2 the trip is on roads, some of which are quiet, but others have fast traffic and are quite busy. I managed it, but it did mean some of it wasn’t as relaxing as I thought it would be. Others doing the same trip, who were more used to road cycling, thought the traffic was fine, so don’t let that put you off.

The scenery around Porec , and the final day’s cycling was lovely, and on paths and quiet roads. Other days were more mixed, with the towns rather than the cycling being the highlight.

Most Inspirational Moment

Rovinj was beautiful.

Suggestions

To sum it up, the cycling wasn't quite what I was expecting (that is more roads with traffic) but the routes are well planned, the accommodation was fantastic and the trip gives you a great insight into a lovely part of the world, with great food and wine, quaint hill villages as well as lovely secluded spots for swimming. We enjoyed visiting Istria a lot and cycling was a great way to see it.

James Barlow

Reviewed August 2014

Cycling in Istria

This week-long self-guided cycling trip was excellent. Cycling through olive groves, along rocky shores and sampling tasty local food. Typical distances were 30K a day suggested, but there is great scope for extending (or shortening) routes to suit yourself. Directions were generally good, and accommodation was excellent along the way in very friendly hotels in Fazana (especially!) Rovinj and Porec.

Most Inspirational Moment

Admiring the beautiful old town of Rovinj from the bell tower

Thoughts on Group Leader

N/A - self guided

Advice for Potential Travellers

A detour to Motovun was beautiful but a challenging cycle. Bring insect repellent for the countryside cycles.

Jeremy Slater

Reviewed July 2014

Coastal Croatia by Bike

Fantastic holiday. Arrangements, schedule and hotels were first class.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving in Fazana at night - could not believe we were staying in such a beautiful location

Thoughts on Group Leader

self guided

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this holiday you will not be disappointed

Suggestions

Rovinj and Porec are stunning holiday destinations. Hotels in all 3 locations were excellent - we were so well looked after.

Read All Reviews

Saturday Saturday

04 May 2024 04 May 2024

Saturday Saturday

11 May 2024 11 May 2024

Availability On Request Only 4 spaces left!

Adult Price From £ 1,497 £ 1,847 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

11 May 2024 11 May 2024

Saturday Saturday

18 May 2024 18 May 2024

Availability On Request

Adult Price From £ 1,399 £ 1,749 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

18 May 2024 18 May 2024

Saturday Saturday

25 May 2024 25 May 2024

Availability On Request

Adult Price From £ 1,439 £ 1,789 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

25 May 2024 25 May 2024

Saturday Saturday

01 Jun 2024 01 Jun 2024

Availability Guaranteed (On Request)

Adult Price From £ 1,439 £ 1,789 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

01 Jun 2024 01 Jun 2024

Saturday Saturday

08 Jun 2024 08 Jun 2024

Availability On Request

Adult Price From £ 1,679 £ 2,029 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

08 Jun 2024 08 Jun 2024

Saturday Saturday

15 Jun 2024 15 Jun 2024

Availability On Request

Adult Price From £ 1,679 £ 2,029 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

15 Jun 2024 15 Jun 2024

Saturday Saturday

22 Jun 2024 22 Jun 2024

Availability Guaranteed (On Request)

Adult Price From £ 1,679 £ 2,029 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

22 Jun 2024 22 Jun 2024

Saturday Saturday

29 Jun 2024 29 Jun 2024

Availability Guaranteed (On Request)

Adult Price From £ 1,679 £ 2,029 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

29 Jun 2024 29 Jun 2024

Saturday Saturday

06 Jul 2024 06 Jul 2024

Availability On Request

Adult Price From £ 1,779 £ 2,129 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

06 Jul 2024 06 Jul 2024

Saturday Saturday

13 Jul 2024 13 Jul 2024

Availability On Request

Adult Price From £ 1,869 £ 2,219 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

13 Jul 2024 13 Jul 2024

Saturday Saturday

20 Jul 2024 20 Jul 2024

Availability On Request

Adult Price From £ 1,869 £ 2,219 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

20 Jul 2024 20 Jul 2024

Saturday Saturday

27 Jul 2024 27 Jul 2024

Availability On Request

Adult Price From £ 1,869 £ 2,219 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

27 Jul 2024 27 Jul 2024

Saturday Saturday

03 Aug 2024 03 Aug 2024

Availability On Request

Adult Price From £ 1,869 £ 2,219 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

03 Aug 2024 03 Aug 2024

Saturday Saturday

10 Aug 2024 10 Aug 2024

Availability On Request

Adult Price From £ 1,869 £ 2,219 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

10 Aug 2024 10 Aug 2024

Saturday Saturday

17 Aug 2024 17 Aug 2024

Availability On Request

Adult Price From £ 1,869 £ 2,219 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

17 Aug 2024 17 Aug 2024

Saturday Saturday

24 Aug 2024 24 Aug 2024

Availability On Request

Adult Price From £ 1,869 £ 2,219 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

24 Aug 2024 24 Aug 2024

Saturday Saturday

31 Aug 2024 31 Aug 2024

Availability On Request

Adult Price From £ 1,869 £ 2,219 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

31 Aug 2024 31 Aug 2024

Saturday Saturday

07 Sep 2024 07 Sep 2024

Availability Guaranteed (On Request)

Adult Price From £ 1,759 £ 2,109 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

07 Sep 2024 07 Sep 2024

Saturday Saturday

14 Sep 2024 14 Sep 2024

Availability On Request

Adult Price From £ 1,759 £ 2,109 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

14 Sep 2024 14 Sep 2024

Saturday Saturday

21 Sep 2024 21 Sep 2024

Availability On Request

Adult Price From £ 1,759 £ 2,109 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

21 Sep 2024 21 Sep 2024

Saturday Saturday

28 Sep 2024 28 Sep 2024

Availability On Request

Adult Price From £ 1,759 £ 2,109 Book with 25% deposit

Optional Single Supplement +£ 194
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Call us anytime 02039931459

Send us a message Contact Now

The Adventure Begins Here

Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus' experts.

Coastal Croatia: Pula to Porec Cycling

4.7/5 from

8 Days from

£ 1,399

£ 1,749

Coastal Croatia: Pula to Porec Cycling

Cycle along Croatia's spectacular Istrian Peninsula

6 Days of Cycling

Responsible Travel

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Itinerary

Fazana Porec

Essential Info

Visa

Croatia

Vaccination

Croatia

Eating and Drinking

Weather

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Hotels

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

Great intro to Istria

Most Inspirational Moment

Suggestions

Cycling in Istria

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Coastal Croatia by Bike

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Would you like to include flights with your booking?

Looking to set your own pace on your next adventure?

The Adventure Begins Here

Coastal Croatia: Pula to Porec Cycling