Towns on hilltops, some of the most renowned winemakers and olive growers, as many restaurants, taverns, and inns as your heart desires, a magical inland full of forests, fields, lively and less lively villages, with the sea just a few kilometers away. Everything that makes Istria – Istria.
Destination
In some imaginary book called “Why I Love Croatia”, Istria would probably have one of the largest and most fascinating chapters. Because “Krasna zemljo, Istro mila” (“Beautiful land, beloved Istria”), as the locals lovingly call it, is a piece of Croatia that unites sea and forests, villages and towns, food and wine, modern and traditional.
So, if we keep imagining, let’s picture this: a friend asks you to show them as much of Istria as possible – but only in one day.
Where would you take them so they can experience it all in a single day?
Buje and Bujština.
Hilltop towns, some of the most renowned winemakers and olive oil producers, as many restaurants, taverns, and osterias as your heart desires, a magical inland landscape of forests, fields, lively and sleepy villages, and the sea just a few kilometers away. Everything that makes Istria – Istria.
So yes, let’s go to Buje. And let’s do it by bike!
The date for this Istrian adventure is no imaginary tale – it’s real: 12.09.2026.
No need for more words – save the date, book your stay, secure your entry, and we’ll see you in Buje!
Route
Bujština offers so many roads, trails, and options that designing an Epic Rides route here was truly a fun challenge.
After starting from the historic core of the old town of Buje, the first 12 kilometers will take you along the Parenzana (the former narrow-gauge railway that once connected Trieste and Poreč, now transformed into a pedestrian and cycling path). Along the way, you’ll pass through tunnels and discover the beautiful town of Grožnjan, where you can hop off the route for a short stroll through this Istrian gem. From there, the climb continues towards Završje, followed by open meadows and forest trails.
After the feed zone at around the 24 km mark, the route leads you deeper into the forest, towards the Slovenian border. In the middle of the woods, you’ll suddenly find yourself in the abandoned village of Vrnjak, a “ghost town” that once had about 100 residents but is now completely deserted.
Following the longest climb of the route, you’ll be rewarded with a long descent along the ridge of the hill, right by the Slovenian border. The first section runs on asphalt, while the second half offers smooth gravel paths. Here, the views open up across the Adriatic Sea, the Istrian interior all the way to Učka, with Trieste lying just across the horizon.
The descent ends directly in front of the Kozlović winery, after which a climb awaits you into Momjan and then Sveti Mauro.
Just a few more kilometers and the final ascent brings you back to Buje.
51 km of pure Istrian pleasure.
Technical details of the route:
The trail is not technically demanding. There are two slightly tougher but short climbs. Descents and gravel sections are beautiful and mostly well-maintained. Luckily, we’ve managed to avoid main roads almost entirely, riding them only briefly when leaving and re-entering Buje.
Gravel riders will be delighted. At just over 50 km and nearly 1,000 meters of elevation gain, this is not to be underestimated. A true full-blooded Epic Rides rout, perfect for that well-deserved beer and a deck chair at the finish line.
NOTE: Each Epic Rides route is carefully designed to ensure it never exceeds 50 km and 1,000 m of elevation gain (combined). There are no technically demanding sections; if unavoidable due to terrain, they are short, walkable, and additionally marked on the route.
Meeting point: BUJE
Start time: 10:30
*The organizer reserves the right to change the event program and schedule.
After starting from the historic core of the old town of Buje, the first 12 kilometers will take you along the Parenzana (the former narrow-gauge railway that once connected Trieste and Poreč, now transformed into a pedestrian and cycling path). Along the way, you’ll pass through tunnels and discover the beautiful town of Grožnjan, where you can hop off the route for a short stroll through this Istrian gem. From there, the climb continues towards Završje, followed by open meadows and forest trails.
After the feed zone at around the 24 km mark, the route leads you deeper into the forest, towards the Slovenian border. In the middle of the woods, you’ll suddenly find yourself in the abandoned village of Vrnjak, a “ghost town” that once had about 100 residents but is now completely deserted.
Following the longest climb of the route, you’ll be rewarded with a long descent along the ridge of the hill, right by the Slovenian border. The first section runs on asphalt, while the second half offers smooth gravel paths. Here, the views open up across the Adriatic Sea, the Istrian interior all the way to Učka, with Trieste lying just across the horizon.
The descent ends directly in front of the Kozlović winery, after which a climb awaits you into Momjan and then Sveti Mauro.
Just a few more kilometers and the final ascent brings you back to Buje.
51 km of pure Istrian pleasure.
Technical details of the route:
The trail is not technically demanding. There are two slightly tougher but short climbs. Descents and gravel sections are beautiful and mostly well-maintained. Luckily, we’ve managed to avoid main roads almost entirely, riding them only briefly when leaving and re-entering Buje.
Gravel riders will be delighted. At just over 50 km and nearly 1,000 meters of elevation gain, this is not to be underestimated. A true full-blooded Epic Rides rout, perfect for that well-deserved beer and a deck chair at the finish line.
NOTE: Each Epic Rides route is carefully designed to ensure it never exceeds 50 km and 1,000 m of elevation gain (combined). There are no technically demanding sections; if unavoidable due to terrain, they are short, walkable, and additionally marked on the route.
Meeting point: BUJE
Start time: 10:30
*The organizer reserves the right to change the event program and schedule.
EPIC RIDES
Distance: 51.1 km
Ascent: 980 m
Offroad: 51 %
SHORT
Distance: 31.8 km
Ascent: 510 m
Offroad: 51 %
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