Travel Blog
Recipe of joy
----------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North East of Italy: family-friendly cycling routes
(for adults and children)
Cycle trails - Enjoying the leisure of moving at a slower pace
Different types of bike trails that are suitable for adults and children:
Published on August 4, 2024
In a world where we spend more time indoors at home or in the office, the summer brings a longing to be outside and go cycling.
Italy and the countries nearby have fantastic bike paths that occasionally cross borders, providing enjoyable outings for the entire family.
Whether you're at the base of the stunning Dolomites, in the mountains, in the countryside, or along the coast, there's truly something for everyone.
A time for grown-ups to admire the beauty of the scenery and for kids to explore a variety of activities in a new world.
Whether you're going on a quick day trip or embarking on a multi-day adventure, biking through these captivating sceneries lets you make cherished memories and rekindle the joy of traveling at a leisurely pace, savoring each moment.
The bike becomes a way to bring together various generations, sharing moments of happiness and exploration.
NEWSLETTER
Sign up and stay informed about the newest travel inspiration
EMAIL:
tripandchipsblog@gmail.com
Social Media
Travel from Dobbiaco to Lienz in Austria
From Dobbiaco (BZ) train station, grab your mountain bike and follow the obvious signs leading to the bike path that will guide you from Dobbiaco to Lienz.
You'll ride on a fully paved bike path with a gentle downhill slope throughout, surrounded by a stunning scenery.
The path meanders through Pusteria Valley in lush valleys where you can hear the bells of grazing cows, along the Drava River, one of the tributaries of the Danube, and through charming Alpine villages.
During your journey, you can take breaks to enjoy the breathtaking sights of the Dolomites, and if you're fortunate, you may even catch a glimpse of some wildlife like deer or eagles.
The beautiful scenery along the Dobbiaco Lienz
Along the way, there are various spots to stop for refreshments and try local delicacies like speck, mountain cheese, and other traditional Tyrolean dishes.
The trail has clear signs and multiple picnic spots, perfect for a peaceful break in nature or enjoying a packed lunch.
Make a pit stop at the Loacker factory to try out some delicious wafer treats, then head over to the Wichtelpark adventure park close to the village of Sillian. It features the longest slide in Austria, high-altitude tree routes, a climbing gym, and plenty of slides and swings for the kids to enjoy.
Make sure to stop for your last break at the Draupark playground as you approach Lienz.
When you're in Lienz, stay overnight at one of the many hotels in the center to explore the historic area filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can also check out the Bruck Castle from 1200, which hosts a fascinating museum, or just wander around its cobblestone streets, soaking in the friendly and vibrant vibe.
This bike path is ideal for families, cycling fans, and nature enthusiasts, providing a memorable journey through some of the most stunning Alpine areas in Italy and Austria.
Here I'm stopping by the Loacker factory
Dobbiaco - Lienz: Practical Info and Helpful Tips
Difficulty level: medium
Start: Dobbiaco train station
If you come by car, it's simple to locate free parking on site.
Bike type: can be a racing bike or a mountain bike (the route is all on asphalt).
Signs: there are trail signs and directions to follow throughout
I suggest always going in the direction of Lienz rather than the other way around to go with the main flow of cyclists, especially when it's busy, to prevent any potential accidents.
Travel time: around 3 hours without stops
Distance: 49 km
Mountain bike rental: €20 per day (available near the beginning of the trail)
Cost of train ticket for the return from Lienz: €10 and you can bring your bike with you.
You can buy the ticket straight from the station in Lienz at the self-service machines.
Just so you know, the train goes all the way to San Candido. You can then hop on a bike and head to Dobbiaco (about 1/2 hour ride).
Accomodation: stay in the heart of Lienz. The price for a room for two adults + 1 child in a 3-star hotel is around €150 - €200
2 - ALPE ADRIA CYCLE ROUTE - from TARVISIO to KRANJSKA GORA (SLO)
The valley where Kranjska Gora can be found
This section of the bike path is a part of the Alpe Adria cycle route, a 24 km stretch that goes from the border town of Tarvisio to the Slovenian ski center of Kranjska Gora along a former railway line.
Surrounded by stunning scenery, the path winds through thick forests, goes over charming bridges, and follows clear streams, providing cyclists of any age with a special and refreshing adventure.
Along the path consisting of gentle slopes and inclines, you can take breaks to appreciate the untouched nature, have a picnic, or just savor the peace of the area.
In the summer, cyclists of all ages and skill levels frequent the route. In winter, when the landscape is covered in snow, the trail becomes a haven for cross-country ski enthusiasts.
One morning, you reach the ski resort of Kranjska Gora. You can enjoy lunch at the different restaurants there before heading back to Tarvisio along the same route.
If you're looking to add some excitement to your day, take a break in Kranjska Gora for a few hours and enjoy a fast ride on the monorail or test your skills in the bike park.
Every season brings unique yet always memorable experiences, establishing this area of Alpe Adria as a must-visit spot for outdoor sports and adventure lovers.
Alpe Adria Cycle Route - from Tarvisio to Kranjska Gora (Slovenia)
Practical Info and Helpful Tips
Difficulty level: low
Departure: from Tarvisio old railway station on Via 25 Maggio 1944.
There's free parking at the station square.
The bike type: racing bike or mountain bike (the route is all on asphalt)
Signs: Follow the signs pointing towards Slovania to the east.
Travel time: It takes approximately 2 hours each way without factoring in stops. Distance: 24 km Mountain bike rental: Available in Tarvisio at Baldan Sport or Rent Bike Tarvisio
Accomodation: Stay in the heart of Tarvisio. The price for a room for two adults + 1 child in a 3-star hotel on the weekend is around €150 - €200.
Slovenia - bike trail from Salcano (Nova Gorica) to Plava
The bike lane on the left bank of the Isonzo river
In a border region between Italy and Slovenia, where the borders practically fade away, you can find the quaint town of Salcano just a short distance from the former border within Slovenian land.
Located on the banks of the stunning Isonzo (Soča in Slovenian) River, known for its vibrant blue water and the striking contrast with the lush greenery of the area, Salcano is a charming town with a bustling vibe centered around the sports center and riverside resort.
You can go kayaking in the fast-flowing river, explore the adventure park, try bungee jumping by leaping from the bridge for the thrill-seekers, or take a ride along the cycle path that goes over a picturesque suspension bridge.
In a border region between Italy and Slovenia, where the borders practically fade away, you can find the quaint town of Salcano just a short distance from the former border within Slovenian land.
Located on the banks of the stunning Isonzo (Soča in Slovenian) River, known for its vibrant blue water and the striking contrast with the lush greenery of the area, Salcano is a charming town with a bustling vibe centered around the sports center and riverside resort.
You can go kayaking in the fast-flowing river, explore the adventure park, try bungee jumping by leaping from the bridge for the thrill-seekers, or take a ride along the cycle path that goes over a picturesque suspension bridge.
try new Experiencies
The trail provides a smooth and uninterrupted path, perfect for adults and kids, always with a river view.
It's an old abandoned railway track that has been converted into a 15 km bike path, featuring sunny sections bordered by karst rock, ample shaded areas, and open spaces with tables and benches perfect for a rest.
When you're in Plava, you have the option to visit the town's sole restaurant serving Slovenian dishes, head back, or, if you're up for it, keep cycling north on the secondary roads that wind through charming villages with stone houses, quaint churches, and old bridges steeped in history, narrating tales of a past era in the Slovenian countryside until you reach Canale (Kanal in Slovenian).
The beauty of these sceneries also relies on us and our actions, and biking through them is a great way to show respect for the environment and connect with nature.
From Salkano to Plava - Practical Info and Helpful Tips
Difficulty level: low
Start: from Salcano (SLO) at the Soča fun park, where you'll find free parking, a bar, and a swimming area.
Bicycle type: a racing bike or a mountain bike (the route is all on asphalt).
Signs: Just follow the signs towards Plava. The cycle path doesn't have any turns, so you can't get lost. It takes about 2 hours each way without stops
Distance: around 15 km each way
Accommodation: you can stay at a 3-star hotel in Salcano for €170 per night for 2 adults and a child, or at a hostel for approximately €110 for 2 adults and a child
In Gorizia province: from AQUILEIA to GRADO
Aquileia's basilica
The Roman ruins in Aquileia
The bike path from the ancient Roman city of Aquileia to Grado goes through green fields, runs along winding canals, and passes by ancient Roman ruins, reminders of a grand history.
While pedaling, you can catch a whiff of the salt in the air, signaling your approach to the coast.
Along the way, there are small rest stops specifically for cyclists with local products like cheeses, cured meats, and wines from the area, providing a delicious and revitalizing break.
The bike path on the Grado Bridge
The path winds gently through a trail bordered by maritime pines and is appropriate for both adults and children.
As you drive by Belvedere village, you'll notice the charming fishermen's houses and the sandbanks (small islands). Then, you'll cross the 5 km bridge that runs through the lagoon, offering a stunning view of the Sanctuary of Barbana, before reaching the Island of the Sun.
In the summer, you can take a boat back to Aquileia by cruising along the Natissa river for about 75 minutes.
If the maritime service is not available, you can use the BiciBus service instead.
Longest Route:
If you're still up for cycling, keep going past the port and follow the coastline towards Villaggio Primero on a bike path that runs parallel to the main road.
Keep following the path, turn right onto Via Grado towards Val Cavanata park, and then turn left towards the town of Fossalon near the Cemetery.
You'll ride along country lanes and dirt roads shaded by vegetation, passing through the quiet villages of Fossavecchia, Palazzatto, and Ponte Tiel before reaching Aquileia after a 37-kilometer journey.
From Aquileia to Grado - Practical Info and Helpful Tips
Difficulty level: low
Start: from Aquileia. Park at the Aquileia Nord parking lot, making it easy to access the bike path.
Type of bike: racing bike or mountain bike (the route is entirely on asphalt)
Signs: Just follow the signs to Grado. The cycle path doesn't have any turns, so you can't get lost.
It takes about 1 hour each way without stops. If you take the longer 37 km route, it will be around 3 - 3.5 hours at a leisurely pace.
Distance: roughly 13 km each way
Return: To return from Grado, take the boat from the Torpediere pier. During the summer (early May - late September), there are three daily departures. You'll arrive at Via Dante n. 17 in Aquileia.
You can also hop on the BiciBus leaving from the Grado bus station (check the schedules at: www.tplfvg.it/it/il-viaggio/servizio-bicibus2021/
5 - PARENZANA - from MUGGIA (province of TS) to Poreč (HR)
The town of Muggia's square and small harbor.
The cycle path traces the path and the former stations of the old railway that linked Trieste, a border city, to Poreč, a town on the Croatian coast of Istria.
Ideal for adults and kids aged 8 and above, the path meanders through three states with stunning elevations and descents on paved roads between villages, on dirt trails in rural areas, and along the Adriatic Sea coastline.
The original path began in Trieste, but the initial section is inaccessible. Therefore, the path now begins a few kilometers from the center of Muggia, near the mouth of the Rio Ospo.
The Parenzana trail runs alongside the SICCIOLE SALINE in Slovenia, close to the Croatian border.
From Rio Ospo, we head towards Koper, Izola, Piran, and Portoroz in Slovenia, passing by the distinctive salt flats of Sečovlje, situated close to the Croatian border.
After crossing the border, head towards Savudrija. You can take a break for a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kanegra. Then, keep going and pass through Umag, Cittanova, Brtonigla, Buie, Grisignana, Portole, Livade (where the Parenzana museum is located), Motovun, Vižinada, and finally, follow the smell of the sea to reach the last stop, Parenzo.
Parenzana provides the chance to stop in peaceful villages, each stop being a special experience with stunning views, gentle hills, stone tunnels, old villages, and authentic tastes like homemade bread with exceptional olive oil in Portole or the Motovun truffle.
Grisignana Village
Sight of Motovun hill
On your journey, you'll come across different guesthouses, hostels, and bike hotels tailored for sports lovers, like the ones near Plovanja, Buje (Romantic House), Grožnjan, and Motovun.
Cyclists can explore the culture and history of the region while riding, finding ancient castles, trattorias that greet them warmly, lush vineyards, and stunning views.
The Parenzana isn't just a cycle path; it's a journey into the heart of Istria, where each curve of the path shares a centuries-old tale and every stop invites you to explore and be amazed.
Parenzana - Practical Info and Helpful Tips
Difficulty level: medium to high
Start: RABUIESE location, where the Rio Ospo meets Adria Bike and the Ospo Bridge. Just follow the brown signs leading to Slovenia - FVG 2.
Bike type: mountain bike (with different dirt sections) or gravel
Signs: at the beginning, follow the signs towards Slovenia FVG 2. Then, follow the different signs for Parenzana
Travel time: 2 to 3 days, depending on the speed, breaks, and presence of children.
If you complete it in 2 days, take a break for the night in Grožnjan, which is situated halfway along the route.
Distance: around 123 km (13 km in Italy, 32 km in Slovenia, 78 km in Croatia) - 1,300 meters of total altitude difference.
Accommodation options: stay in Plovanja, Buje, Grisignana, or Motovun at hotels or bike hotels that offer bicycle storage and laundry service.
The cost for one night (2 adults and 1 child) is around €200.00.
How to come back from Porec: you'll see signs showing you how to arrange private transfers to return or you can take the Flixbus bus, where you can label your bike as "special baggage." This bus will get you to Trieste bus station in under 3 hours. The motor ship Delfino Verde runs daily and will transport you from the Bersaglieri Pier in Trieste to Muggia.
Unless if you feel like hopping back on the bike, you can retrace the route in the opposite direction...
Must-have item for your bicycle