Best Cycling Routes
in Slovenia

Slovenia is one of those hidden gems where not many know about its unmatched beauty, but all who visit return singing its praises. It’s little shock then that you can find some of the best cycling routes in Slovenia. Pedal past Alpine peaks that soar above the horizon, hiding mysterious valleys where vineyards thrive beside glacial lakes. Lying in the north of the Adriatic, the climate is wonderfully temperate and filled with long sunny days – perfect for a cycling holiday in Slovenia. Read on to discover the best cycling routes in Slovenia.

Istria

In the south of Slovenia you’ll find the Istrian Peninsula. Shared between Croatia, Italy and Slovenia, there is a fantastic mix of cultures and architecture that gives the region a unique feel. It’s also where some of the best cycling routes in Slovenia are. Filled with Roman ruins and cobblestoned towns, cycling here is leisurely and indulgent, thanks to the world-class hotels and restaurants.

A gem of the Adriatic, Istria showcases the very best of all the surrounding cultures. Italian cuisine, Croatian architecture and Slovenian wine can all be found in this beautiful region. A cycling holiday here is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the Istrian way of life. Here are some of our favourite routes:

Sezanna to Portorose

On the Slovenian side of the peninsula, the Karstic Plateau comprises most of the region. This gorgeous landscape is wonderful to cycle in and features a famous stud farm you can visit. The Lipica stud farm is home to beautiful white horses straight out of the pages of a fairytale.

Another amazing stop on this route is to the beautiful Italian town of Trieste. Lying at the very east of the country, the coastal town has long been a crossroads of culture and this shows in the gorgeous architecture. After leaving Trieste, the final point of call on this route is Portorose, known as one of the Adriatic’s most vibrant seaside towns. All these exciting stops is what makes this one of the best cycle routes in Slovenia.

Porec to Rovinj

In Istria, there are natural Fjords known as Lim Channels. These channels create beautiful vistas where the calm Adriatic rushes inland, surrounded by rocky cliffs. Cycling past these ‘Fjords’ is a breathtaking sight, and definitely a photo-worthy opportunity. On the cycle route from Porec to Rovinj, you’ll have the chance to see one of these channels as you pedal past.

Rovinj is what truly makes this one of the best cycle routes in Slovenia. This impossibly picturesque town is known for its church that lies above sprawling old town, surrounded on three sides by the turquoise Adriatic. This town is one of our favourites to cycle towards, as you can see the amazing headland appearing on the horizon. Take a stroll through the medieval streets, browsing in artisan shops and maybe indulging yourself in one of the traditional restaurants.

Rovinj to Pula

Pula, the largest town on the Istrian Peninsula has so much to see and explore. Home to an amazing Roman amphitheatre, it’s easy to lose yourself amongst the history here. It’s also the destination for one of the best cycle routes in Slovenia and Croatia.

Starting off in Rovinj, the gorgeous countryside and coastal charms instantly greet you. Wonderfully diverse, the landscape changes between secluded beaches and dramatic cliffs offering idyllic views. Pedal peacefully through the Istrian Peninsula, where the cycling is as leisurely as the lifestyle here.

Julian Alps

In the northwest of Slovenia lies the easternmost peaks of the Alps, the Julian Alps. These soaring mountains cradle beautiful valleys and feed crystal clear lakes. The mountains have a wonderful effect on the climate, shielding the region from extreme weather and creating a temperate paradise.

One of the reasons you’ll find the best cycle routes in Slovenia here is of course Lake Bled. An impossibly picturesque location, you’ll recognise the lake before you eve realise it’s Bled thanks to its fame. However, the sprawling vineyards and authentic culture of the Julian Alps cannot be rated more highly, along with the peaceful pedalling. Here are some of our favourite routes:

Bled to Bojinjska Bistrica

Lake Bled is an Alpine pearl, and features a fantastic cycle path along its shoreline. Allowing you to gaze at the fabled island in its centre from every angle, experience true bliss when pedalling here. Leaving the lake, follow the Sava River which winds its way southwest. A brand-new cycle path was created along this river, allowing for leisurely and scenic cycling.

The route’s final destination is Bohinjska Bistrica, where a delightful boutique hotel awaits you. The inviting swimming pool is definitely an appropriate award for an exciting day of cycling.

Goriska Brda

The west of Slovenia enjoys bountiful sunshine and excellent winemaking soil. This has lead to miles of verdant vineyards that gives the region the nickname of ‘Slovenian Tuscany’. Pedalling through this landscape is one of our favourite ways to explore it, where rolling hills and charming towns offer unmatched views.

What makes a bike ride here one of the best cycle routes in Slovenia is the unique and delicious wine. Most of the wine that the country makes doesn’t leave its borders, meaning every sip is a new and sumptuous experience. Stop off in one of the countless wineries and enjoy a glass of crisp, usually white, wine.

Laghi di Fusine

Lake Bled may be the most famous of Slovenia’s lakes, but there are many grottos, ponds and bodies of water found in the Julian Alps that rival Bled’s beauty. One such is Laghi di Fusine. Turquoise and perfectly still, the soaring peaks of the mountains that cradle it are reflected on its surface like a mirror, creating a jawdropping view when you first cycle here.

One of our favourite parts of the route to Laghi di Fusine is that it’s completely traffic free, thanks to the Alpe Adria cycling path. Once a former railway, it’s now one of the best cycling routes in Slovenia, taking you through the winding peaks and fairytale valleys the region is known for.

For more information on the best cycling routes in Slovenia, call our cycle experts today on 020 7471 7760.