The Istrian peninsula, with its picturesque coastline and magical interior, represents an ideal backdrop for all lovers of active holidays, especially cycling. Its undulating paths, olive groves, vineyards, and medieval towns invite exploration, and when the rich eno-gastronomic offer is added, the experience becomes complete. Precisely such an experience, a combination of recreation and pure hedonism, is offered through a unique event that has been attracting numerous enthusiasts for years.

Spring cycling-gastronomic adventure in the heart of Istria

A surreal experience for recreational cyclists, enriched with top Istrian specialties, opens its doors again. This is the sixteenth edition of the popular Weekend Bike & Gourmet Tour event, which will be held on May 17 and 18, 2025. This carefully designed two-day program will take participants through some of the most beautiful landscapes of Rovinj, Bale, Svetvinčenat, and Kanfanar, offering them the opportunity to discover hidden natural beauties on two wheels and taste the authentic flavors of Istrian cuisine, from seafood delicacies to specialties from the interior, accompanied by indispensable top-quality olive oils and wines.

This event, traditionally held in spring and autumn, is intended for all those who enjoy a lighter bike ride, regardless of whether they use a mountain (MTB), gravel, or electric bike. The organizers have ensured that the trails are adapted for recreational cyclists older than 14 years, and the entire experience is led by professional guides and escorts, with logistical support provided by a support vehicle.

Mare Trail: Scents and tastes of the sea

The first day of the adventure, Saturday, May 17, 2025, is reserved for the "Mare" trail. The gathering and start are scheduled for 10:00 AM at the spacious parking lot of the Eden Hotel Sports Center in charming Rovinj. Ahead of the cyclists is a 59-kilometer route, with a total ascent of 560 meters, which will take them through breathtaking landscapes. The journey begins from the Eden Hotel, through the center of Rovinj, and then continues towards the legendary Štrika Ferata, a former railway line converted into a picturesque cycling and pedestrian path. This is followed by a viewpoint overlooking the Lim Bay, then the picturesque villages of Žuntići, Sorići, and Golas. The route then leads via Pizanovac to picturesque Bale, where participants will be able to feel a touch of history and tradition. After Bale, the trail passes by the famous Stancija Meneghetti, Fort Forno, and the localities of Colone and San Polo. Before returning towards Rovinj, cyclists will pass by an old cistern, through the areas of Veštar and Polari, Cuvi Bay, and the magnificent Zlatni Rt forest park, to finally return to the starting point at the Eden Hotel. Along this route, at specially selected gourmet points, participants will have the opportunity to taste top seafood delicacies, fresh seafood, and other specialties characteristic of the coastal part of Istria, complemented by a glass of local wine or a drop of award-winning olive oil. This part of the tour is called "Istrian Brunch" and "Istrian Picnic," promising a true gastronomic journey.

Monti Trail: Discovering the secrets of the Istrian hinterland

The second day, Sunday, May 18, 2025, takes participants into the interior of the peninsula on the "Monti" trail. The start is scheduled for 10:00 AM from the parking lot in the very heart of Kanfanar. This trail, 54 kilometers long and with an altitude difference of 620 meters, offers a completely different, but equally enchanting experience. From Kanfanar, the route heads towards Pinkolica, Ladići, and Korenići, leading cyclists through green landscapes and peaceful villages. One of the most significant points on the trail is Dvigrad, the impressive ruins of a medieval town abandoned due to plague and wars, whose walls still tell ancient stories. The trail then passes by an old quarry, through Krmed, to Sveti Petar u Šumi, known for its Pauline monastery. Krančići and Raponji follow, before arriving in charming Svetvinčenat, a Renaissance town with the imposing Morosini-Grimani castle. On the way back to Kanfanar, cyclists will pass through Bričanci and Maružine, and again along a section of Štrika Ferata, witnessing the rich cultural and natural heritage of this area. The gourmet points on the Monti trail will be dedicated to the delicacies of the Istrian hinterland – expect truffle dishes, local cheeses, prosciutto, traditional pasta such as fuži and pljukanci, and other specialties that will warm the soul and body. Of course, there will be no shortage of a suitable drop of Istrian wine and a tasting of top-quality olive oils here either. The experience is also designed through the concept of "Istrian Brunch" and "Istrian Picnic." Many visitors who decide to stay in Svetvinčenat or Kanfanar will have the opportunity to explore the beauties of these regions more deeply.

Practical information for participants

The Weekend Bike & Gourmet Tour is intended for recreational cyclists older than 14 years. Although the trails are designed for MTB bikes, they are also suitable for riding gravel and e-bikes, which opens up the possibility of participation to a wider range of nature and gastronomy lovers. The registration fee for the two-day cycling experience (Saturday and Sunday) is 90.00 EUR per person. If you decide to participate for only one day (Saturday or Sunday), the price of the one-day program is 55.00 EUR. The registration fee includes meals and drinks at the gourmet points (Istrian Brunch and Istrian Picnic) according to the program, expert guidance during the ride with a professional guide and escorts, a support vehicle for technical support, and a commemorative gift as a souvenir of this unforgettable adventure.

Registration and payment of the registration fee are made on the day of the event itself. For the Mare trail, registrations are open on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at the Eden Hotel Sports Center in Rovinj. For the Monti trail, registrations will be accepted on Sunday, May 18, 2025, also from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, in the center of Kanfanar. Payment can be made in cash or by credit card.

For all those who do not have their own bicycle or do not want to transport it, the technical partner of the event offers rental services for quality standard and electric bicycles. It is also possible to organize the transfer of bicycles to the starting point of each stage (Rovinj and Kanfanar). Those interested in renting or transferring bicycles can contact the partner via e-mail: bicikletabike@gmail.com or by phone: +385 (0)99 692 4749. It is important to note that bicycle and transfer reservations must be made no later than May 13, 2025. Payment for the rental service is possible in advance via bank transfer or in cash on the day of the event.

Participant safety is a top priority, therefore wearing a protective helmet is mandatory throughout the entire ride. All participants ride at their own risk. In case of unfavorable weather conditions, the organizer reserves the right to postpone the event to the next available date. Information about a possible postponement will be published on the event's websites and social media channels at least three days before the planned event.

Organizers and additional information

This top-notch cyclotourism and gastronomic event is the result of successful cooperation between the tourist boards of the involved towns and municipalities: the Tourist Board of the City of Rovinj-Rovigno, the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Bale, the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Svetvinčenat, and the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Kanfanar. In addition to them, the Rovinj-Rovigno Association of Craftsmen and the Maistra Hospitality Group, which is also an important partner for accommodation capacities, participate in the organization.

For any additional information about the cycling experience itself, you can contact us via e-mail at: outdoor@maistra.hr or by calling the phone number: +385 (0)98 36 46 89. If you need information about accommodation options in Rovinj, Bale or the surrounding area, contact: hello@maistra.hr or +385 (0)52 800 250, and find more details on their official website www.maistra.com.

Istria has long been recognized as a destination that offers much more than sun and sea. Its interior hides numerous gems, and cyclotourism combined with authentic gastronomy represents one of the most attractive ways to get to know it. The Weekend Bike & Gourmet Tour positions Rovinj and central Istria as a premium destination for cyclotourists and true hedonists, offering an unforgettable experience that combines physical activity, enjoying nature, and supreme gastronomic delights. Therefore, prepare your bicycles, open all your senses, and join this unique spring adventure where every view and every bite is an experience to remember.