Istria, a beautiful peninsula mainly in Croatia, is an outstanding destination for cycling enthusiasts. Istrians have made an effort to turn practically every path through olive groves, along rivers and streams, along meadows and forests into a marked bicycle path.
Of course, there are also road trails on more minor roads, but the greatest pleasure is provided by trekking unpaved trails. We had the opportunity to spend three cycling days near Rovinj, more precisely, Bale. Camp Mon Perin was our base because several trails pass through it or are nearby.
Day one: biking around Bale (252)
On the first day, we took an easy 23-kilometer-long path that mostly leads on unpaved roads between the Mon Perin camp and the small town of Bale, located on a hill about 5 km from the sea.
Gpx tracks can be downloaded here: https://www.strava.com/activities/12782447876https://www.strava.com/activities/12782447876
It only took us over an hour with a stop and a short town tour. Perfect for warming up!
Day two: Rovinj Vistrum (203)
Rovinj Vistrum is an unpaved path that mostly passes through olive groves between Rovinj and Bale. It is about 26 kilometers long, and we covered it in a little over two hours with breaks to admire the surroundings.
You can download Gpx tracks here: https://www.strava.com/activities/12788616225
The most beautiful part is undoubtedly the Golden Forest at the entrance to Rovinj, where we stopped and rested by the sea. The scenes are incredible, especially when there are no tourists, and everything looks harmonious, imbued with green and blue peace.
Day three: Rovinj triangle – Lim Channel – Štrika Ferata
On the third day, we decided to drive to the Lim channel. We chose the path called the Rovinj Triangle, which passes by Bale. However, that trail is entirely intended for road cyclists, so we knew we would modify it.
To begin with, we followed it from Bal towards Kanfanar and then turned to the village of Rovinj. There, we left the “Rovinj triangle” and headed towards the viewpoint on the steep banks of the Lim Channel.
On the way back, we crossed the newly opened path called Štrika Ferata, which follows the old railway line from Rovinj to Kanfanar. There are no more tracks because they are covered with gravel and earth, and Štrika Ferata takes you straight from one town to another almost without turning. We joined her somewhere in the middle and drove to Rovinj. There are exciting places on the way that are worth seeing.
After Rovinj, we decided to return to the Rovinj Triangle and often drive to Bale, and then to the base in Mon Perin. Gpx of our route can be seen and downloaded here: https://www.strava.com/activities/12804960139
All in all, we covered about 56 kilometers in a little less than three hours on the bike.
Our three-day cycling adventure around Bale has ended, but we will return for more! The Istrian landscape is magical and worth visiting many times. With a bike and a pair of willing legs, it is a paradise for Soul Athletes!
About the Author: Adrian
