Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Trail · Izola, Obalno-kraška
Parenzana
The former narrow-gauge railway between Trieste and Poreč, decommissioned in 1935 and converted into a cycling and walking route. On the Slovenian coast it passes through Izola and tunnels all the way to Portorož.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Parenzana
The Parenzana was a narrow-gauge railway that operated from 1902 to 1935 between Trieste and Poreč (Parenzo in Italian), in Croatia, crossing Istria for about 120 km. It carried passengers, wine, olive oil and salt, and was decommissioned when roads and trucks made it unprofitable.
The old trackbed became a cycling and walking path, waymarked in the three countries, called in Slovenia the Health and Friendship Trail (pot zdravja in prijateljstva). Because the trains climbed slowly, the gradients are gentle, and the route features bridges, viaducts and tunnels.
On the Slovenian section, the Parenzana leaves Koper, passes Izola near the sea, and continues to Portorož and Lucija. Between Izola and Portorož the path goes through tunnels, including the Valeta tunnel, about 550 meters long, which links Strunjan to Portorož. From the higher stretch, among vineyards and olive trees, you can see the gulf and the Strunjan nature reserve.
There are bike rentals in the coastal towns, and the section between Izola and Portorož fits into a morning. The tunnels are lit, but it’s a good idea to bring a light.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours by bike for the stretch between Izola and Portorož and back.
Best time
In spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild. In summer, set out early to avoid heat on the exposed stretches.
How to get there
In Izola, the path passes close to the center and the waterfront, with signs indicating the Parenzana. You can also start in Koper or in Portorož.
Tip
Rent a bike in Izola, ride to Portorož through the tunnels and return along the waterfront, or take the bus with your bike if the service allows.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parenzana
What is the Parenzana?
An old railway between Trieste and Poreč, decommissioned in 1935, now a cycling and walking trail.
Is the Parenzana hard to cycle?
No. The gradients are gentle because the route follows the railway alignment. The stretch between Izola and Portorož has tunnels.
Where can I rent a bike for the Parenzana?
In the coastal towns such as Izola, Koper and Portorož there are rental services in season.