. On this guided tour, you will discover the history and life along the former railway line Parenzana on the section from Portorož to Grožnjan, while enjoying views of the Croatian Istria an d the Sečovlje salt pans.
- Electric biking Slovenian Istra
- Istra Electric biking
- Slovenian Istra with electric bikes
- Electric biking Parenzana
| Included |
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|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Hours |
| Bring along | Suitable clothing for cyclingThe minimum height of the participant is 150 cmMaximum weight of the participant is 120 kgThe ability to ride a bike is necessary |
| Participants | Tour takes place from 4 to 8 participants |
| Important information | Tour takes place from 4 to 8 participants |
Venue
Obala 55, Portorož, Slovenija
Offered by
All Year eBiking Tours & eBike Slovenia to rent & buy
Further information
Parenzana is a former narrow-gauge railway that used to connect Trieste and Poreč and has today been transformed into a beautiful cycling route. You can ride the entire trail, approximately 123 km, or explore it in sections. On this guided tour, you will discover the history and life along the former railway line on the section from Portorož to Grožnjan, while enjoying views of the Croatian Istria and the Sečovlje salt pans.From Portorož, we will follow the Parenzana across Forma Viva and along the ridge of the Seča peninsula to the entrance of the Sečovlje salt pans, then continue along the pans to Sečovlje and further towards the Croatian border. There, the Parenzana turns right along the Dragonja River, and we begin the ascent towards Kanegra, where the route bends back towards Buje. Between Kanegra and Buje, about 15 km of beautiful, well-maintained gravel trail awaits us. From Buje to Grožnjan, the Parenzana gradually ascends; just before Grožnjan we pass through a short tunnel, and upon exiting it, a view opens up towards the highest point on the Parenzana – Grožnjan.After a short visit to Grožnjan and its wonderful views of the Mirna Valley, Motovun and the Adriatic Sea, we will enjoy lunch in a traditional local tavern, nestled among the stone Istrian houses. Once we have refreshed and regained our energy, we will set off back towards Portorož. The return route leads through the Istrian countryside, along well-maintained gravel paths through pine forests – about 20 km of peace and the feeling that time in Istria has momentarily stopped.
1. Portorož, Mažinin Wine Bar – starting point
Participants gather at Mažinin Wine Bar in Portorož. Here you receive basic information about the tour, the daily schedule and safety instructions. A short introduction to the story of Parenzana follows – the former narrow-gauge railway that is today a popular cycling trail.
2. Presentation of the tour
We present the entire route from Portorož to Grožnjan and back, which places we will visit, where the stops will be and the approximate timing of each part of the tour.
3. Instructions for e-bikes
We explain how the eBikes work: how to choose the assistance level, how to brake correctly and what to pay attention to when riding in a group. We also do a short test ride so you can get used to the bike. Important: the ability to ride a bicycle independently is required.
4. Through Portorož
From the center of Portorož, we ride through the town, passing hotel areas and the seaside promenade. This section provides a relaxed start to the tour and helps you get used to riding in a line.
5. Past the Sečovlje Salt Pans
The route leads towards Seča and further along the edge of the Sečovlje salt pans. You will enjoy views of the salt fields, where salt is still produced in a traditional way. We will make a short stop for views and photos.
6. Parenzana
Near Sečovlje, we join the route of the former Parenzana railway. We ride along the old line, now a cycling trail, through peaceful countryside, vineyards, and olive groves, towards the Croatian border and further into Istria.
7. Kanegra, Buje, Grožnjan – Lunch
Via Kanegra and Buje, we climb along a well-maintained gravel road towards Grožnjan. In Grožnjan, a picturesque Istrian artists’ town, we stop for lunch featuring traditional Istrian dishes in a local tavern. If desired, you can take a short walk through the stone streets and enjoy the views of the Mirna Valley and Motovun.
8. Well-Maintained Istrian Gravel Roads
Part of the tour runs along well-maintained gravel roads in the Istrian inland. Riding through pine forests, vineyards, and small hamlets offers peace, quiet, and a sense of authentic Istria, away from the main roads.
9. Parenzana – The Route of Health and Friendship
On the way back, we rejoin the Parenzana. This former railway, now transformed into the Route of Health and Friendship, symbolically connects Slovenia, Italy, and Croatia and offers a safe and varied cycling experience.
10. Wine & Food Tasting
After the cycling part of the tour, we conclude with a relaxed finish, featuring a tasting of local wines and Istrian snacks. As we enjoy a glass of wine, we share our impressions of the day and take time to relax and socialize in a pleasant Mediterranean setting.
