AMCR-06_IlirskaBistrica-Opatija

The final (or first) stage of the Alpina Mediterranean Cycle Route — which begins in Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, continues through the Julian Alps and the Dinaric Mountains of Slovenia, and winds its way along river valleys and through karst landscapes — ends (or begins) in the renowned Croatian seaside town of Opatija.
Before reaching this destination, however, there is still plenty of outstanding cycling ahead, with the route starting (or finishing) in Ilirska Bistrica.

In Ilirska Bistrica itself, you will discover castle remains, museums, excellent local restaurants, and a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing.

Heading south from Ilirska Bistrica, this approximately 46-kilometre-long route offers a varied yet relatively gentle ride, following quiet asphalt roads and shorter unpaved sections.
Along the way, you will pass settlements and villages such as Jasen, Vrbovo, Jablanica, and Zabiče, while the route follows the course of the Reka River.

As the route moves away from the river, it turns west towards the villages of Sušak and Novokračine, which lie approximately three kilometres north of the Croatian border.
Shortly afterwards, just beyond the halfway point, the Alpina Mediterranean Cycle Route heads south and crosses the national border.

On the other side, a new series of picturesque villages and hamlets awaits you. Lipa (home to the “Lipa Remembers” Memorial Centre), Škalnica, and Breza follow one another along a gently descending section with a few gravel stretches, before the route turns west again — directly above the final descent towards the coast.

As you descend towards the sea, take time for a short but highly recommended detour to the Lisina, a protected forest area, and to the fields of “Zvonejske njivi” in the village of Zvoneća – “a picturesque example of land cultivation, now protected as a monument of culture, human labour and perseverance”. Nearby, you can also visit the interesting and well-preserved World War II-era bunker at Jurdani.

The trail then leads you to the area of the beautiful municipality of Matulji known as the “Gateway to the Opatija Riviera”. From here you can continue east to the town of Rijeka or westwards – as the Alpina Mediterranean does – towards Opatija.

When the Adriatic Sea opens up in front of you, you’ll have a steep and pleasant descent to Opatija, considered by many to be one of the cradles of 19th-century tourism. There, you’ll be greeted by magnificent views, cafés, restaurants and villas – a real nostalgic glimpse of another time.

For the perfect finishing touch, take a long, leisurely stroll along the famous 10-kilometre seafront promenade Lungomare which connects the coastal towns of Volosko and Lovran. Take a moment to really relive all you have achieved on your adventure along the Alpina Mediterranean cycle route.