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🌍 Parenzana Cycling Road – The Trail of Health and Friendship

The Parenzana Cycling Road is one of the most scenic and historically rich cycling routes in Southern Europe. Spanning approximately 123 kilometers, it follows the path of the old Parenzana narrow-gauge railway, which once connected Trieste in Italy to Poreč (formerly Parenzo) in Croatia, crossing through Slovenia along the way. Today, the route is a symbol of cross-border cooperation between these three countries and is also known as the “Route of Health and Friendship.”

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🚂 A Bit of History

The Parenzana railway operated from 1902 to 1935, primarily transporting wine, olive oil, salt, fruits, vegetables, and passengers between Istrian towns and the Adriatic coast. Though short-lived, it was a lifeline for the region’s economy. After its closure, the tracks were dismantled, and for decades the route was forgotten.

In the early 2000s, the Parenzana was reborn — not as a railway, but as a cycling and hiking path. Through EU-funded projects and regional cooperation, the trail was restored, marked, and promoted as a sustainable tourism gem.

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🚴 The Route: From Trieste to Poreč

The Parenzana passes through three countries:

1. 🇮🇹 Italy (Trieste to Muggia)

The journey begins in Trieste, a charming port city on the Adriatic. Cyclists make their way to Muggia, the last Italian town before the Slovenian border, passing by views of the Gulf of Trieste.

2. 🇸🇮 Slovenia (Muggia to Sečovlje)

In Slovenia, the Parenzana is beautifully maintained. It winds through Koper, Izola, and Piran, with sections of the trail running along the coast and through renovated tunnels. Notable highlights include:

• The Valeta Tunnel near Izola
• Spectacular views of the Adriatic
• Easy detours to charming coastal towns

3. 🇭🇷 Croatia (Sečovlje to Poreč)

After crossing into Croatia near Sečovlje, the trail enters Istria, the heart of Croatian wine country. This portion of the trail is hillier, taking you through:

• The medieval hilltop town of Motovun
• Vineyards, olive groves, and rural farmland
• Viaducts and tunnels preserved from the railway days

The journey ends in Poreč, a historic town known for its UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica and stunning coastline.

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🏞️ Scenery and Terrain

• Landscape: Coastal cliffs, salt pans, rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns
• Surface: A mix of asphalt and compacted gravel
• Difficulty: Moderate — mostly gentle gradients due to the original railway grade
• Best for: Touring bikes, gravel bikes, or e-bikes

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🛏️ Cyclist-Friendly Amenities

• The route is well-marked with Parenzana signs.
• Many accommodations offer bike storage and repair kits.
• Cafés and wine cellars dot the route — perfect for rest stops.
• Bike rental and guided tours are available in most major towns.

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🗓️ Best Time to Ride

• Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) are ideal for pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and vibrant landscapes.
• Summer can be hot and crowded along the coast, but it’s still doable with good planning and hydration.

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🧳 Tips for Cyclists

• Bring lights for tunnels — while some are lit, others can be dark.
• Carry plenty of water, especially in the Croatian section where distances between villages can be longer.
• Border crossings are smooth within the Schengen zone (as of 2023, Croatia has joined Schengen).

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🧭 Key Towns Along the Route

Country	Towns/Cities on the Route
Italy	Trieste, Muggia
Slovenia	Koper, Izola, Portorož, Sečovlje
Croatia	Buje, Grožnjan, Livade, Motovun, Vižinada, Poreč

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🌟 Why Ride the Parenzana?

• Combines natural beauty with cultural heritage
• Connects three countries in one trip
• Ideal for families, recreational cyclists, and adventurers
• Safe, peaceful, and filled with Istrian charm

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