Several routes meet in Plovanija, differing considerably in length and character. The Parenzana runs as a cycling route to Poreč; the European long-distance footpath E12 also has its first Croatian section here. Those looking for a shorter outing will find a different scale on the Mulino–Kanegra route. This lets you plan your trip according to whether a longer route, a hiking section or a short loop better suits your plans.
Cycling on the Parenzana and EuroVelo 8
The Parenzana runs 80 kilometres from Plovanija through Buje, Grožnjan, Livade, Motovun and Vižinada to Poreč. It is considered an official, easy route. Its surface consists of 78 kilometres of gravel and 2 kilometres of asphalt. Both the total distance and the predominantly gravel surface are useful points of reference when choosing a section.
One suggested tourist route starts in Kanegra: from there, yellow markers lead towards Buje; the route continues via Kaldanija and Volpija. The Parenzana approaches from the Plovanija border crossing area. This suggested route starting in Kanegra is therefore a separate way to plan your route and should not be confused with the entire 80-kilometre stretch from Plovanija to Poreč.
EuroVelo 8 also offers a longer cycling stage: the Plovanija–Vrsar stage starts at Sečovlje/Plovanija, ends in Vrsar and is 72 kilometres long. It is described as having 840 metres of total ascent and a surface of asphalt and gravel. Immediately after the Plovanija border crossing, EuroVelo 8 turns right off the main road and then climbs gently along the Parenzana. The stage ends in Vrsar, while the Parenzana continues to Poreč—the different destinations may be a factor when choosing a route. Route details may change; check the route before your trip.
Hiking: E12 and the Mulino–Kanegra loop
The first Croatian section of the European long-distance footpath E12 runs from Plovanija to Poreč. E12 enters Croatia at the international Plovanija border crossing and follows the former Parenzana railway to Grožnjan. The route description thus links the footpath to the former railway line. The E12 section and the Parenzana cycling route share a historical connection here, even though they offer different activities and routes.
The Mulino–Kanegra route is considerably shorter: it starts at the Plovanija border crossing, by Casino Mulino, and follows a gravel road alongside the Dragonja River. The route is five kilometres long, takes about 30 minutes and is considered easy and suitable for families. One of its noted features along the way is a viewpoint overlooking the Sečovlje salt pans. Compared with the long stages of the Parenzana and EuroVelo 8, this loop is the compact option; the approximate duration is a guide.
Regional landscape and accommodation search
The wider Buje region is a hilly, rolling landscape of vineyards, olive groves and farmland. It also has oak and pine forests, karst formations and Mediterranean vegetation. This landscape description refers to the wider Buje area and complements the specific route information with a regional perspective.
If you are looking for a hotel in Plovanija, first plan around the outing you want: for the longer cycling routes, consider their different lengths, surfaces and destinations; for a shorter outing, the Mulino–Kanegra route offers a different scale in terms of time and distance. Those interested in hiking can also consider E12 and its connection to the former Parenzana railway.
Discover more destinations: Buroli, Kanegra, Sveta Marija Na Krasu, Baredine, Buje, Kaštel, Krasica, Marusici
Go to the overview of the wider area: Općina Buje.
