The path of health and friendship is the right choice for all who wants to step into history of the ancient cities, get acquainted with the natural resources of the Istrian coast and meet with the beauty of the hilly countryside. The path runs along the former narrow gauge railway Parenzana, also called Porečanka. The railway connected Trieste and Poreč and has become a symbor of friednship between Slovenian, Italian and Croatian municipalities.

Parenzana leads through old towns and villages, by the sea and between vineyards and olive groves. It is directed through short illuminated and decorated tunnels crossed the valleys and climbs through the hills. The path has many visitors and tourist, with intention of a sport participation, recreation or just for relaxation. It is suitable for anyone, as it has a series of resting places, when you can relax, get interesting informations or visit part of railway history.

CYCLING ROUTE TRIESTE – POREČ

In total the route Parenzana is 138 kilometers long and travel partly on paved roads and partly on macadam roads. In total we drive 1350 meters of altitude, which are done relatively on gentle slopes. However, due to the lenght and all climbing over the route, it is more suitable for best ready cyclists. Route can be divided into several smaller parts and can be driven in more days. Undoubtedly, the ride along the route of former narrow gauge railway is very interesting and full of attractions, which can be read on the boards along the way. Route passes through larger villages and cities, which once accounted for rail stops. First stop of Pernzana was station St. Andrew in Trieste, but cycling route starts today in municipality of Muggia. Bikeways point Mathitech Bike Center in Trieste is the starting point. At least the initial part of the route towards Croatia follows the route of the former narrow gauge railway. Once you cross border between Slovenia and Croatia, we continue to Savudrija cape and from there back to the border crossing. But from here we asacend to the first village Kaldania, from here to Poreč we actually go on the route of former narrow gauge railway Parenzana.

PRESENTATION OF PART OF CYCLING ROUTE BETWEEN IZOLA AND SEČOVLJE, SLOVENIA

We tap into cycling route in Izola, at the crossroads of Leninov and Prešeren street and go towards humps in the hinterland and soon we notice a cycle route. We turn right in direction towards Strunjan in Portorož. Marks guide us usually on divers and unpretentious way. Soon we come across and illuminated tunnel Salet (214 meters). Among vineyards and olive groves we follow cycling marks, in direction towards Portorož, passing Dobrava, Strunjan up to 550 meters long and also illuminated tunnel Valeta. We descend through Lucija towards Forma Viva, with a slight ascent. We continue through Seča and Parecaga to Sečovlje. From here we proceed towards Croatia.

Tunnel Lucan, 544 meters long

Podvozna (Under-drive) street, part of the route in Portorož

Senčna (Shadow) street, part of the route in Portorož

WE GET TO KNOW …

Lucan tunnel under construction – Portorož side

On the route we will meet art, history and nature. Since not all can be covered, we will mention only the main attractions of the route. With its 123 kilometers is the longest narrow gauge railway, built in times of Austro-Hungary monarchy. Emperor Franc Jožef was strongly promoting its construction to Poreč, where his cousn lived and also due to transport of agricultural products, mostly wine and olive oil. After decades of efforts, Austrian government approved the construction. In year 1901 they started to work and on 1st April 1902, first section was opened, from Trieste to Buje. The same year was opened the remaining part of the route with daily rides of different trains.

Originally the first station was in Trieste, St. Andrew, opened in year 1887. With the construction and opening of the railway Jesenice – Trieste in year 1906, the station moved north and became the todays Campo Marzia. Due to difficult terrain in northwestern Istria, it was necessary to build number of curves and ups and downs, which let to increased costs and reduced the maximum speed to 25-30 km/h. Between the years 1903 and 1906, was on the line driving also a passanger train with a steam engine. After WWI, Istira was connected to Italy, which took over the management of the track. In year 1921, due to increased passanger and freight traffic, they build 6 new locomotives. Due to the crisis in 30’s, they closed the entire line in year 1935.

Map of path of health and friendship, Slovenia route On the map, you can see the route of path of health and friendship, when passing through Slovenia. To view the map in full size, just click on the image on the left or on the link to open it in another window. [_See the map_]

Map of path of health and friendship, Trieste – Poreč route On the map, you can see the route of path of health and friendship, the entire route from Triest to Poreč. To view the map in full size, just click on the image on the left or on the link to open it in another window. [_See the map_]

Portorož Portorož is an urban settlement on the northern shore of the bay of Piran in municipality Piran. The city developed into a leeward position below the steep flysch ridge. The harbor is protected from the north wind. Portorož is extremely touristic place, a popular place to relax, entertain and also work. [_Read more_]