Parenzana used to be the railroad which connected Poreč and Trieste from 1902 until 1935. It was a fundamental economic link which connected Istria with the world and facilitated the development of the poorest parts of Istrian peninsula of that time by transporting agricultural products of north-west Istria such as wine, fruit, vegetables and grain.

In light of its great potential as well as the importance it had for the entire Istrian peninsula, its revitalisation started in 1996. The first cleared section of the railroad connected Vižinada and Motovun, which was followed by a bike marathon. The project then went on. It was introduced internationally to secure funds for its renovation and clearing.

Today, the route of Parenzana runs through the territory of three countries: in Italy - 13 km, in Slovenia - 32 km and in Croatia - 78 km.

The Croatian section of the Parenzana trail winds through beautiful valleys, passing luscious green hills and medieval towns, through vineyards and along olive groves. Its renovation has opened some new sights over the Istrian landscape. The Parenzana is also special beacuse of its tunnels and viaducts, the master pieces of the architecture of the time.

As the town of Buje was a starting station for the Parenzana trains leaving for Trieste (Italy) and Poreč, the bike routes in Croatia have been established in two directions: the one from Buje towards the Slovenian border and into Slovenia and the other via Grožnjan and Motovun to Vižinada.

There are recognizable yellow signs put up along the Parenzana trail with information on historic viaducts, tunnels and railway stations along the track.

» Presenting Parenzana - the Path of Health and Friendship
» About the Parenzana route
» MTB Parenzana: Istra Bike no. 19