Cycling around Opatija!
Kvarner region has a surface of 3582 km2 which makes it 6,3% of the entire surface of the Republic of Croatia. And on this surface there are more than 1300 km of marked cycling paths in the Kvarner region. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy beautiful rides along the shores or mountain paths, along well-kept or „wild“ routes, alone or in organized groups with a guide.
Cycling
|
|
 |
Conditions for cycling are ideal most of the time, and you can cross highland, islands and shores in a single day. Choose a path or paths that suit you the best or combine the wonderful feeling of cycling with the wind in your hair during sailing across the Adriatic.
|
Departures in:
|
 |
Some of the paths you can choose from:
Kvarner (coast & islands)
This interesting itinerary takes you bicycling through the old towns and fortresses in the territory of Liburnia, i.e. the environs of Opatija.
We depart from the old Kastav Grad at 365 m above sea level and turn right toward Belice (0.7 km), where we continue straight toward Matulji (2.6 km).
We pass through the center of Matulji and at 3.0 km we turn left toward Mihotici, through which we continue straight toward Francici (4.3 km) and begin our ascent via Bregi (6.4 km) and Zatka (8.3 km) to Veprinac (10.0 km Ñ 561 m above sea level).
In Veprinac at 10.3 km, we turn left and come to the old town, where there is a beautiful view of the Bay of Kvarner. We descend back to the main road and at 10.7 km turn left in the direction of Poljane (12.0 km) and Icici (19.2 km). In Icici, we turn right in the direction of Ika (20.0 km). We arrive in Lovran (21.0 km), and in the center of town we can turn right and tour the old city.
We return to the main road and continue riding along the sea until we reach the beautiful beach at Medveja (24.4 km). We can easily ascend toward Kraj (27.0 km), after which we descend to Moscenicka Draga (30.0 km), where we turn right in the direction of Moscenice (32.5 km Ñ 160 m above sea level).
In Moscenice, we can visit an old olive press and the ethnographic museum, and then continue toward Sveta Jelena (35.5 km, 320 m above sea level), from where we begin to descend through Golovik (37.0 km) and Martina (38.6 km) to Brsec (40.0 km, where our itinerary ends.
 |
LOCATION: Kastav
DEPARTURE: Kastav 360 m/n/m
GOAL: Kastav 360 m/n/m
LENGTH: 16,3 km
ALTITUDE DIFERENTIAL: 140 m
HIGHEST POINT: 460 m
ACCESSIBILITY BY BICYCLE: TOTAL
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE (GREEN)
TIME NEEDED: 1,30 hours |
From the center of Matulji, we take the old road toward Ucka, where after passing through Franicici, we turn right toward Lisina.
We pass by Rukavac and at 4.5 km start riding on a macadam road. On the descent toward Lisina, we pass by old Italian barracks, and at 9.7 km we arrive at the top of the hill.
After 1 km, we arrive at a crossroads and turn right toward a mountain chalet, an ideal place for a break and something to eat. From the chalet, we descend straight toward Skrapna. At 12.1 km, we turn right, following the signs, and at 13.0 km we arrive in Skrapna.
It is worthwhile stopping at the old rock, where we have a beautiful view of the hinterland of Opatija. Immediately upon leaving Škrapna, we turn right and take the old road to Kriva.
We turn left, pass through Zdemer, and at 16.0 km turn right toward Kuæeli. Immediately at the entrance to the village, we turn right and make a steep descent on an asphalt road toward Rukavac.
From the center of Rukavac, we continue straight toward Mihotici, where we return to the old road going to Ucka, which we take to return to the center of Matulji.
 |
LOCATION: Lisina
DEPARTURE: Matulji, 200 m above sea level
GOAL: Matulji, 200 m above sea level
LENGTH: 21.5 km
ALTITUDE DIFERENTIAL: 510 m
HIGHEST POINT: 710 m
ACCESSIBILITY BY BICYCLE: TOTAL
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE (BLUE)
TIME NEEDED: 2 hours |
In Lovran, we depart from in front of the Hotel Excelsior, in the direction of Medveja (3.0 km).
We starting climbing at Kraj (6.0 km) and descend at Moscenicka Draga (8.0 km), where we leave the main road and climb uphill toward Moscenice (11.0 km) and Sveta Jelena (14.2 km).
At the bend, we turn right and at 16.0 km arrive at the end of the asphalt road. We continue through a forest of chestnut trees.
At 17.0 km, we turn right and arrive at a hunters' shooting stand (20.2 km), at which we turn left and take a steep road to the crossing at Bodaj (21.7km Ñ 900 m above sea level).
We continue right in the direction of Mala Ucka. At 22.8 km, we turn right, at 27.7 km we turn right again and at 29.0 km right again. We arrive at Mala Ucka (29.6 km), pass through the village and continue upward on a fire road. At 32.6 km, we arrive at a bend, which is 1,080 m above sea level, and begin a sharp descent in the direction of the Ucka Tunnel (39.3 km).
We pass by the tunnel entrance, to the end of the parking lot (40.0 km), and continue on a macadam road in the direction of Liganj. At 44.0 km, we turn left and arrive at the asphalt Lovran-Lovranska Draga Road (45.5 km).
We turn left, pass through Liganj (48.0 km), and arrive where we started at the Hotel Excelsior (52.0 km).
 |
LOCATION: Ucka
DEPARTURE: Lovran, 20 m above sea level
GOAL: Lovran, 20 m above sea level
LENGTH: 25 km
LATITUDE DIFERENTIAL: 1080 m
HIGHEST POINT: 1080 m
ACCESSIBILITY BY BICYCLE: TOTAL
DIFFICULTY: DIFFICULT (BLACK)
TIME NEEDED: 4 hours, 30 minutes
|
Gorski kotar (highlands)
Gorski kotar provides a large variety of terrain for mountain biking. The paths are combined so that you can decide on your own how much energy you would like to put into pedalling.
We depart from Severin na Kupi toward Litoriæ,which is at a height of about 700 metres. It is an easy uphill slope that goes on for about 5 kilometres.
In Litoric we take a short break and then we continue along an easy downhill slope for about 4 kilometres to Orlove Stijene. Here we take another short break and you have wonderful views over the valley through which the River Kupa runs. Further, we get to Kupa canyon.
From there to our lunch spot in nature leads a straight path. It is about 4-5 kilometres long. From there the river takes us back to Severin na Kupi.
For those who will not get tired of cycling there is a 5 kilometres long riverside road that leads to an old castle that belonged to the famous
Zrinski and Frankopan family near Severin na Kupi. This place brings another beautiful view on the valley and the River Kupa.
LOCATION: Gorski kotar
DEPARTURE: Severin na Kupi, 200 m
GOAL: Severin na Kupi, 200 m
LENGTH: 14 - 19 km
TITUDE DIFERENTIAL: 500 m
HIGHEST POINT: 700 m
ACCESSIBILITY BY BICYCLE: TOTAL
DIFFICULTY: EASY
TIME NEEDED: 4 – 6 hours
Minimal number of participants is 4 and maximal is 10. This route is suitable for cyclers from 14 – 70 years of age. As river Kupa represents a natural border between Croatia and Slovenia, passport or identity card is necessary for this trip. Price is 200kn / 29€ per person and it includes all the necessary equipment, services of an experienced guide and each group will get a couple of CDs with the photos of the trip.
Istria (hills & coast)
The route of this cycle tour takes you along a part of the railway track Parenzana in the interior of Istria. Prenzana rail track and the accompanied buildings are perfectly incorporated in the Istrian landscape of fertile fields and vineyards, hills, forgotten medieval castles, villages and towns.
The tour starts in a small Istrian town Vizinada offering a wonderful view of the river Mirna valley, and the neighboring towns Groznjan and Motovun in the distance.
From Vizinata the tour goes downhill towards Motovun and all the way to Livade. A short break in Livade before final (but mild) ascent to Groznjan.
Grožnjan is a wonderful, picturesque Istrian tour where this 40 km long bicycle tour ends. Along the way you will pass through 6 tunnels and over 7 bridges of Parenzana. This program is available from April – October, and groups from 6 – 30 people can take part in one tour.
All you need are mountain bike, helmet, sportsware and footware, water.
LOCATION: Istria
DEPARTURE: Vizinada, 264 m
GOAL: Groznjan, 288 m
LENGTH: 40 km
TITUDE DIFERENTIAL: 50 m
HIGHEST POINT: 288 m
ACCESSIBILITY BY BICYCLE: TOTAL
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
TIME NEEDED: 4 – 5 hours
ISLAND HOPPING & CYCLING – KVARNER BAY from OPATIJA |
