Explore Parenzana Bike Trail: Vižinada to Livade via Motovun

About Parenzana

The Parenzana, nicknamed after Parenzo (today Poreč), was a 760 mm narrow-gauge railway that ran 123 km from Trieste to Poreč, with 9 tunnels, 11 bridges and 6 viaducts.. It was constructed under the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and opened in 1902, while its service ended in 1935. It connected coastal ports with Istria’s interior,  for passengers and local goods: salt, olive oil, wine, and stone. Today, it has been reborn as the cross-border Parenzana cycling and hiking trail, connecting stations, tunnels, and viaducts as heritage landmarks.

Rolling out from Vižinada-crunchy gravel, golden leaves, and the Parenzana’s gentle railway-grade curve.

The fact that the Parenzana, the Route of Health and Friendship nowadays passes through three countries – 13 kilometres in Italy, 32 in Slovenia and 78 in Croatia – only contributes to its symbolism of friendship and recreation for all types of visitors.

Starting Point of the Parenzana Bike Trail – Bike Center Poreč

Our little group met at Bike Center Poreč, which sits at the start or “Zero station” of the Parenzana near the old town of Poreč, making it a natural start for this trail ride. In the bike centre, you can rent a quality bike, including e-bikes, guided rides, and bike and passenger transfers. So it was logical to organise a shuttle to Vižinada and a pickup from Livade, where the planned route finished. After we tested the e-bikes and tried the helmets, we could all get into the van and head to Vizinada. 

About the Route: Vižinada to Livade via Motovun

Trailhead in Vižinada—map check, bikes off the van, and onto the Parenzana.

The day was nice and sunny since early morning, and we were looking forward to an exciting day outdoors. We prepared some drinks and sandwiches and were ready to start our little adventure outdoors.  The route we chose was ideal for beginner and intermediate-level riders, with mild climbs and descents. The route was approximately 20 kilometres long, with a surface combination of gravel and asphalt.

First Part of the Route: from Vižinada to Motovun

A tribute to the narrow-gauge trains that once ran between Trieste and Poreč; even the old km marker survives.

Vižinada’s terraces and vineyards were really nice and welcoming, so after paying a visit to the train maquette in Vižinada that reminds all visitors of the old Parenzana station,  and how important it was in the past, we soon started our route. We enjoyed the ride through quiet stretches where you hear only tyres and birds singing, having a look at olive groves and vineyards, before we reached one of the most interesting points of this route: the bridge viaduct of Sabadine. We made a stop at this viaduct since we wanted to take a little break, and you can guess – some nice pictures.

Crossing the Sabadine (Veli most) viaduct between Vižinada and Motovun -the classic rail-trail panorama.

The Sabadine viaduct, also known as Veli most, is located 3 kilometres from Vižinada. It is a stone railway viaduct on the Parenzana between Vižinada and Rakotule (Karojba). It crosses the Sabadin stream, and it is 64 metres long and 20 metres high.

Then we continued towards Motovun, while we enjoyed the ride through untouched nature and could feel the breeze on our faces. But before reaching Motovun, we had another little break on the Rakotule stop with a beautiful view of Motovun hilltop town in the distance. Before we took a group photo, we also had our snacks, so we felt completely ready to continue our journey.

Team photo on the Parenzana-paused beneath Motovun before the easy roll down to Livade.

Second Part of the Route: from Motovun to Livade

Easy-rolling forest stretch of the old railway grade toward Motovun – quiet, shaded, and gently downhill to Livade.

We all know Motovun is a beautiful little hilltop town, but this time we decided to continue our way to Livade, where we finished our route. We only had a quick coffee break at the base of Motovun, but then continued our way to Livade. We enjoyed the easy roll down toward truffle country, the breeze, and the stunning landscape of the Mirna valley, one of the most beautiful in central Istria, which also offers a lot of possibilities for photography. 

The Parenzana trail between Motovun and Livade is popular with walkers and cyclists, and we also met some of them on our way.

Welcome to Livade – the truffle heart of Istria, where rides end and white-truffle lore begins.

We arrived in Livade village – Istria’s truffle centre, with smiles on our faces. It was the perfect finish to the Parenzana: we could leave the bikes against the wall and explore the Zigante Tartufi shop and restaurant. Besides having a look at the replica of Giancarlo Zigante’s record 1.31 kg white truffle found here in 1999, we could choose among fresh seasonal truffles, truffle oils and balsamics, tartufata (mushroom–truffle spread), truffle pâtés, truffle cheese, Istrian sausage with truffles, etc.

The pick up was organised in Livade, so after we loaded our e-bikes, we could comfortably relax and enjoy our ride towards the Poreč Bike Centre in Poreč, where every cyclist finds a trail that most suits them during each season of the year.

Black truffles on the scales in Livade – the earthy perfume hits you the moment you walk in.

Practical Guide for a Parenzana Bike Trail

It was a comfortable half-day excursion, with moderate climbing, suitable for all recreational riders. It is important to wear a helmet, some water, and cash or a card for a drink or a brunch. You don’t have to worry; the markings on the trail are frequent, but of course, the offline map can help. 

Be sure you make time for a coffee break in Motovun or Livade, or even a snack with truffles – you will not regret it!