The historic town of Pula on the Istrian peninsula is an excellent starting point for your motorcycle trip along the Croatian coast. It is also a great stopover before heading home. The Roman influences can be seen everywhere in the city. Remains of Roman culture point to a time long gone, when gladiator fights in the arena of Pula provided diversion. Besides the gigantic amphitheater, Pula also has many ancient city gates, a beautiful main square (forum) with a temple, the huge fortress Kastell and other ancient buildings. If you want to take it a little easier, the beaches in and around Pula are a good choice.

At night, Croatia's oldest city has a wealth of restaurants and bars where you can end your motorcycle tour in comfort. A special highlight are the cranes in Pula's port Uljanik, which become the attraction of the city every evening. The "glowing giants" shine every hour on the hour in the middle of the darkness.

The "Nice of Croatia" on the edge of Istria likes to flaunt its countless villas and exotic gardens. They have their beginning in the 19th century, when the rich and beautiful recovered in Opatija from the hardships in the cold north. The botanical garden of the former spa deserves special attention, which presents more than 150 different plant species on more than 3.6 hectares of land. Those who want to stroll along the sea as in the 19th century have the opportunity to do so on the Lungo Mare - a 12km long promenade along the shore. It leads past numerous sights of the city.

The state road D66 (direction Pula) leads through Opatija, which offers a unique experience for motorcyclists. The "Croatian Route 66" runs along the coast of Istria for a long time and surprises with a variety of landscapes, levels of difficulty and views. Many curves, the untamed sea, jagged rocks and wide green areas give an idea of what the word "freedom" really means. Our opinion: the D66 is a motorcyclist's paradise and suitable for all motorcyclists along the coast!

Even from a distance, the stone lighthouse of Cape Savudrija welcomes its visitors. The harbor town is lined with numerous rocky beaches with wonderfully clear water. A distinctive place of the area are the landing stages of the fishermen, who use the beach for their scaffolding. For divers, there is even the possibility of discovering a Roman harbor underwater. Savudrija is a tranquil place where you can feel and enjoy the peace.

Porec is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Basilica of Euphrasius was built as early as between the 3rd and 6th centuries. The city was significantly influenced by the Romans and still exudes the special flair today: narrow streets with cobblestones and streets with Roman-sounding names such as the main street Decumanus lead to the ancient buildings and squares of the former capital of Istria. Especially recommended is a visit to the old city walls and towers, as well as the former Diet with its richly decorated rooms and exhibitions.

Many surrounding beaches have been awarded the blue flag and are therefore ideal for swimming and relaxing.

Not far from Porec is the Baledine Cave. The stalactite formations of the huge cave with its five halls provide a welcome contrast to city sightseeing and beach visits. The cave is home to the rare cave olms, which can be seen here.

Via Premantura, the southernmost town in Istria, you reach the Kamenjak Nature Park. Motorcyclists are off-road from here (for a small entrance fee of about 20 kuna). The roads consist of a gravel and crushed stone subsoil - a challenging driving situation for both man and motorcycle.

Windsurfing, cycling, paintball, rowing and hiking are also available at the southern tip of Istria, or you can simply enjoy the untouched nature. This place is rightly protected: besides exploring the breathtaking views of stony pebble beaches with turquoise waters and steep rocky cliffs, you have the opportunity to discover more than 20 species of orchids and fossilized dinosaur footprints. If it ever gets too hot, a cooling break under the dense pines of the Mediterranean forests is a good idea.

The many sea bays and beach bars invite you to linger and give everyone the ultimate vacation feeling.

Above the Mirna Valley, the former fortress of Motovun is enthroned on a rather steep hill. The fortification was built as early as the 11th century, but still offers a magnificent view of the Istrian region when the weather is nice. To experience Motovun in its full beauty and diversity, you can stroll through the old alley Stefania Beletica or Gradisol. Since the alley leads past churches and specialty stores to the old town, you will have the opportunity to discover all aspects of Motovun. The old town gates are also still very well preserved. The biggest white truffle in the world so far was found in the Motovun forest, and many truffle farmers are located around Motovun. In September, a big truffle festival is held in the town. Motovun is also known for its international film festival, which takes place every year at the end of July. Films are shown everywhere in Motovun at this time. The whole town is then filled with people, who then even spend the night outside in tents on the hill to be able to be part of the event.

To get to Motovun by motorcycle, you can expect a rather demanding route up to the town gate, which leads through the Motovun forest and up the hill.

In Pazin you will be greeted by one of the best preserved fortresses in Istria. Next to it, under steep rocky cliffs, lies the Pazin Cave, whose surroundings are definitely worth a visit. Through a ravine below the fortress you have access to an educational trail about the Pazin Cave. Even Jules Verne could not help but mention the magnificent castle complex and its surroundings in one of his novels.

In addition to the cave and the castle, Pazin also offers a refreshing alternative to the Croatian beaches: at the Zarecki krov waterfall, the clear waters of the popular bathing spot are a welcome place to cool off during the warm summer days.

Pazin is surrounded by winding roads and dreamy little villages, which make the motorcycle ride to the center of Istria wonderfully entertaining.