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The lure of spending vacation cycling through the countryside is discovering hidden locations and having the freedom to set your own pace for visiting locations not on main tourist maps.
Riding a bike in Croatia
Cycling Route Parenzana
In this blog, we`ll be writing about Parenzana. It's a bicycle route that starts in Plovanija near the border between Croatia and Slovenia and ends in Porec.
The whole route follows this path:
- Plovanija,
- Buje,
- Groznjan,
- Livade,
- Motovun,
- Vizinada,
- Porec.
Parenzana bike trail by Petar Milosevic from commons.wikimedia.org
Also, we`ll say a word or two about some of the most beautiful Istrian villas that can be found near its path.
Parenzana Cycling Trail
Parenzana bicycle trail follows the old railway route that connected Trieste and Porec in the early 20th century and offers beautiful scenery along the entire path of the cycling trail. It goes through tunnels as well.
Old Railway route by Perica from commons.wikimedia.org
Along Parenzana, picturesque and unique towns such as Motovun and Vizinada can be seen and visited.
Motovun Istria
Also, you can find lots of family-run taverns and restaurants on this path. You can taste truffles ice cream among other delicacies that Istria offers.
Istrian food and wine
With difficulty marked as "easy", this trail is excellent for beginners and families wanting to spend a vacation together and discover the beautiful nature of the Istrian hinterland.
Istrian hinterland from pixabay.com
This trail is 80 kilometers long and almost all of Parenzana is macadam road excellently marked with signs and info boards.
Family-friendly Parenzana by Cascafico from commons.wikimedia.org
You can start wherever it suits you because there is access to the cycling trail every few kilometers.
Villas in Porec, Istria near Parenzana
Along the Parenzana cycling trail, you can find some of the best Istrian villas. Here we bring you our top villas for a dream vacation in Istria.
Villas for rent that are close to the Parenzana bike route:
- Luxury Villa Titanium (Kastelir),
- Villa Meditation with infinity pool (Vizinada),
- Palazzo di Zara with Pool (Vabriga).
Next, we will briefly describe each villa, list its greatest benefits and the reasons to book it for your luxury vacation near Parenzana.
1. Luxury Villa Titanium in Kastelir
This is a 5-star designer villa for 10 guests. It is filled with amazing glass and mirror details combined with interesting illumination. Just check the photo below and you will see what we mean.
Villa Titanium Kastelir Istria
The interior of the villa is also stylish and modern. Furniture is luxurious and with a fireplace that occupies a central position in the living area.
There are 5 bedrooms in the villa and a terrace with a sea view. There is a place for outdoor dining as well that includes a barbecue.
Villa Titanium - terrace with outdoor dining
2. Villa Meditation with infinity pool in Vizinada
Surrounded by greenery and tucked away in nature, this villa is perfect for relaxation.
Villa Meditation in Vizinada, Istria
Therefore, the best feature of this villa is the outdoor area with a covered lounge area and infinity pool.
Villa Meditation - lounge area
The interior is quite special and tastefully decorated as well. It includes 4 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.
As far as the amenities are concerned, the villa features a pool with an infinity edge, a Sauna, and an indoor hot tub!
Villa Meditation - indoor hot tub
3. Villa Palazzo di Zara in Vabriga
This is a completely different mansion from the first two. It is luxurious like a palace.
Villa Palazzo di Zara Vabriga Istria
Actually, this villa is situated in a luxury resort with several similarly luxurious villas, each with privacy of course. The outdoor area is fenced with greenery and a lovely gazebo in front of the villa is perfect for outdoor dining.
Villa Palazzo di Zara - gazebo for outdoor dining
The interior is equally royal. There are 4 bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms.
As we already mentioned this villa is within a luxury resort. Thus, you can book numerous additional VIP services such as private chef, transfer rental, or spa treatments.
Cycling Route Medulin Riviera
As its name suggests, the starting point is the town of Medulin and for the most part, it follows the shoreline of Medulin Bay.
The town of Medulin from pixabay.com
It is a 51,5 kilometers long route comprised of 41,5 kilometers of macadam and 10 kilometers of asphalt road.
The difficulty level is medium so it is suitable for almost all bicycling lovers. Just make sure you take lots of stops for rest and rehydration.
Sights on the Medulin Cycling Route
At the very beginning of this bicycle route, you will come across the church of St. Agnes, the only church in the whole of Istria with two bell towers.
Church of St. Agnes, Medulin
Vinkuran
The route will take you further to the small fishing village of Vinkuran which is most famous for its stone quarry, Cave Romane. Stone for the famous Amphitheater in Pula was extracted from this quarry.
Amphitheater in Pula
Nowadays, because of its excellent acoustic features, it is used as a stage for summer concerts. Also, during summer art colony for sculptors is organized in the quarry.
Sandy Bay
Next on the repertoire of this amazing route is Pjescana Uvala (Sandy Bay) where you can rest and refresh in one of many restaurants and bars or take a swim in the crystal blue sea.
Pjescana uvala from Commons.wikimedia.org by nikola_pu
Park Forest Soline
Park Forest Soline is the ideal place to take refuge from the sun and take an educational trail that tells this protected forest's story. Cycling further a magnificent view of the whole Medulin archipelago is revealed.
Porer Lighthouse Commons.wikimedia.org by m.prinke
Following this route, you will come across untouched nature, possibly a deer or two, Lots of hidden bays, and mesmerizing views over the Porer lighthouse and Fenoliga island.
Premantura and Pomer
Intoxicated with spectacular views and fascinating nature do not forget to stop by Premantura and Pomer, two small villages inhabited since the bronze age.
Even old Romans preferred this location so they built their villas and thermal baths which ruins can be observed even today in Archeological Park Vizula.
Pomer, Commons.wikimedia.org, Clemens Stockner
Slowly we are coming to the end of our exciting route. We hope you have enjoyed it and plan to experience it in person.
Villas near Medulin
To complete the amazing experience of this part of Istria, check out some villas near the bicycle route that are ideal starting points for your south Istrian bicycle adventure.
Villas for rent that are close to the Parenzana bike route:
1. Villa Artemis in Pula
Villa Artemis is a modern 5-star villa for 8 guests with 4 bedrooms.
It is situated on an enclosed property and it includes a Mediterranean garden. The surrounding area is large which is great if you are looking for privacy on your vacation.
The outdoors also includes a heated, infinity pool and alfresco lounge corner.
Villa Artemis - rooftop Jacuzzi with a view
The interior of the villa is modern. It is a three-floor mansion with a rooftop terrace where you will find a Jacuzzi for relaxation with a view of greenery. There is even a sea view!
Villa Artemis - summer kitchen with a wine cellar
Other amenities include a summer house with a barbecue, fitness, and a wine cellar.
2. Villa Costanea in Medulin
This is a luxury villa with a great sea view.
Furthermore, it is a pet-friendly villa if you plan to arrive to your vacation with your pet. Outdoor you will find a large garden and a barbecue.
The interior is stylish and includes 4 bedrooms all with an en-suite bathroom.
As far as the amenities are concerned there is also a fitness room, sauna, and an outdoor Jacuzzi with an amazing view.
Villa Costanea - Romantic Jacuzzi
3. Villa Grandiosa in Pula
Our final choice for this blog is another modern villa in Pula. It is luxurious and it includes a pool with a heating option.
This villa can be booked together with its neighboring Villa Graziosa if you plan to arrive in a larger group. Actually, these two villas share a tennis and basketball court if you like to practice sports on your vacation.
Villa Grandiosa - tennis and basketball court
There is also a billiard, and table soccer for your entertainment.
The modern interior has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The living area includes a fireplace for cozy evenings even outside the main season.
Interior of the Villa Grandiosa
Regarding its surroundings, this villa is situated in a quiet suburb, but it is still near Pula. The estate is fenced and spacious.
Other amenities of this villa are a hot sauna and a summer kitchen with a dining area.
Restaurant Recommendations in Medulin
We gave you activities, sights, and where to stay during your luxury vacation in Medulin. However, you need one more thing to complete your holiday - where to eat.
Salt & Pepper Restaurant
This is the place where Balkan cuisine meets the Mediterranean. Their specialty is barbecue, from meat steaks to burgers and fish dishes.
Balkan Burger at Salt & Pepper Restaurant
Make sure to book in advance if you plan to eat there.
Restaurant Malin
Malin means windmill and it is named after this symbol of Medulin.
They use local and seasonal ingredients and traditional Istrian cuisine recipes, adding a modern twist to the meals.
Their sommelier, who worked in a Michelin-star restaurant before being one of the owners of this restaurant, will help you with the wines and pair them with the dishes you eat.
The location of the restaurant is central and you can book online.
Calamari at Restaurant Malin Medulin
We hope you liked our blog about the Parenzana and Medulin Riviera cycling routes in Istria.
If you want to explore more of Istria, check out our blogs Culinary Trip to Istria in Spring and Culinary Experience in Istria - Seafood.
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