We’ve long known that the surroundings of Labin are a phenomenal place for cycling, and it wasn’t easy to decide which direction to take – because whichever way you go, it’s interesting and attractive. But there is one area that holds an almost mythical status among cyclists and hikers, called Skitača. We waited for the right moment to take you there.
Destination
Istria, our largest peninsula, will sooner or later host at least five Epic Rides. Because within a relatively small area, so much charm, warmth, and so many scents, colors, and flavors rightfully place Istria on the pedestal as one of the most beautiful regions in Croatia.
And when we talk about the diversity of Istria, the term Labinština tells quite a different story compared to the western side of the peninsula. This is the part of Istria where the land dramatically drops into the Adriatic Sea, and unlike the dense green forests and mostly earthy terrain we’re used to in Istria, here we find a landscape much more similar to the Kvarner and even Dalmatian islands.
The town of Labin itself enchants at first sight with its charm. Built on a hilltop offering fantastic views and landscapes, its colorful houses along steep, stepped streets captivate with traditional Mediterranean architecture.
We have long known that the surroundings of Labin are a phenomenal place for cycling, and it wasn’t easy to decide which direction to take—because wherever you go, it’s interesting and attractive. But there is one place that holds an almost mythical status among cyclists and hikers, called Skitača. We’ve been waiting for the right moment to take you there.
And here it is. Welcome to Istria. Welcome to Epic Rides Labin.
Route
Labinština is full of outstanding cycling locations. The Skitača area is actually a small peninsula (on the larger peninsula of Istria), named after a tiny village at its very tip. And the hamlet of Skitača itself got its name from wanderers (skitnice) who used to roam the area. And that’s exactly where we’ll be roaming on our bikes.
The start is at the foot of the town of Labin, and after a few kilometers through typical Istrian villages, we reach the first climb. Luckily, the start is already at 291 meters above sea level, so the climb doesn’t begin from zero.
After about 10 km, we’ve reached what we could call the “plateau” of this peninsula, where it will be clear what we meant earlier in the text—but you still might not be convinced you’re in Istria. Along the center of the peninsula runs a beautiful, well-smoothed gravel road, a paradise for gravel bikes and for anyone who loves the crunch of gravel under fast-rolling tires.
Then, at one point, on a small crest, a WOW view opens up! In the distance, Učka and Rijeka, to the left Cres and behind it the Velebit mountains, straight ahead the endless sea, and to the right Cape Kamenjak with views reaching all the way to the other side of Istria. The locals say, “from there, after a bura wind, you can see Venice.” Maybe the earth really is flat.
In the village of Skitača, there is the feed zone, followed by a descent to the gentler and more populated side of this peninsula, riding through charming landscapes, villages, and with views of old stone houses alongside new holiday villas that are springing up here too—though still far fewer than in the already popular coastal destinations.
45 kilometers and 710 meters of climbing—a brilliant story to kick off another Epic Rides season. The start and finish are right next to the old town of Labin, and the cuisine and wine (yes, food and wine!) here are pure Istria—meaning phenomenal.
NOTE: The Epic Rides route is carefully designed, always taking into account that it never exceeds 50 km and 1,000 m of total elevation gain. Also, there are no technically demanding sections, and if they cannot be avoided due to the terrain, they are short, can be walked, and are additionally marked along the route.
Meeting point: Labin
Start time: 10:30
The start is at the foot of the town of Labin, and after a few kilometers through typical Istrian villages, we reach the first climb. Luckily, the start is already at 291 meters above sea level, so the climb doesn’t begin from zero.
After about 10 km, we’ve reached what we could call the “plateau” of this peninsula, where it will be clear what we meant earlier in the text—but you still might not be convinced you’re in Istria. Along the center of the peninsula runs a beautiful, well-smoothed gravel road, a paradise for gravel bikes and for anyone who loves the crunch of gravel under fast-rolling tires.
Then, at one point, on a small crest, a WOW view opens up! In the distance, Učka and Rijeka, to the left Cres and behind it the Velebit mountains, straight ahead the endless sea, and to the right Cape Kamenjak with views reaching all the way to the other side of Istria. The locals say, “from there, after a bura wind, you can see Venice.” Maybe the earth really is flat.
In the village of Skitača, there is the feed zone, followed by a descent to the gentler and more populated side of this peninsula, riding through charming landscapes, villages, and with views of old stone houses alongside new holiday villas that are springing up here too—though still far fewer than in the already popular coastal destinations.
45 kilometers and 710 meters of climbing—a brilliant story to kick off another Epic Rides season. The start and finish are right next to the old town of Labin, and the cuisine and wine (yes, food and wine!) here are pure Istria—meaning phenomenal.
NOTE: The Epic Rides route is carefully designed, always taking into account that it never exceeds 50 km and 1,000 m of total elevation gain. Also, there are no technically demanding sections, and if they cannot be avoided due to the terrain, they are short, can be walked, and are additionally marked along the route.
Meeting point: Labin
Start time: 10:30
EPIC RIDES
Distance: 44.5 km
Ascent: 710 m
Offroad: 46 %
SHORT
Distance: 36.9 km
Ascent: 580 m
Offroad: 39 %
Accomodation
In cooperation with our long-standing partner of Adria Bike cycling events – Valamar Hotels & Resorts, a special accommodation offer at promotional prices is available for participants of EPIC RIDES Labin / Istria.
Valamar Sanfior Hotel & Casa 4*, Rabac
Valamar Sanfior Hotel & Casa 4* is located in a prime position in Rabac, right by the sea and only 5 km from Labin, making it the ideal choice for a spring weekend in Istria. Promotional prices are valid for accommodation bookings for the period 28 – 30.03.2025 (minimum stay: 1 night) with the promo code EPIC.
Prices are valid for EPIC RIDES participants and accompanying persons. Reservations and advance payment are required. BOOK your spot on time!
Info email: reservations@valamar.com
Info phone: +385 52 465 000
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