The journey
121 EMJ – Istria & Kvarner Loop is a three-stage paved-road circuit from Rijeka around Istria and back through the northern highlands. The route changes character repeatedly: the Kvarner Riviera through Opatija and Lovran gives way to the exposed eastern coast, Pula’s Roman heritage, the western-Istria harbour towns, vineyard country around Grožnjan and Motovun, then quieter karst roads through Buzet and Ćićarija.
The definitive GPX measures about 421 km / 262 mi. Its Stage distances—140, 158 and 122 km—are intentionally compact because this route is built around time off the bike as much as time on it. Rovinj, Poreč, Pula and Motovun all reward proper visits, while the northern section is better ridden with concentration than with a mileage target. Roads are predominantly paved, with narrower local lanes and occasional rougher surfaces inland.
Stage 3 briefly enters Starod, Slovenia before returning to Croatia, so carry normal travel and vehicle documentation. May–June and September–early October are the preferred windows: midsummer can be hot and congested on the coast, while strong bora-type winds and heavy rain can affect exposed Kvarner roads. Check live Croatian and Slovenian road information shortly before riding.
Route at a glance
Rijeka → Opatija → Lovran → Medveja → Mošćenička Draga → Plomin Luka → Labin → Raša → Barban → Marčana → Medulin → Pula
Pula → Fažana → Bale → Rovinj → Kanfanar → Sveti Lovreč → Vrsar → Poreč → Novigrad → Buje → Umag → Buje → Grožnjan → Vižinada → Motovun
Motovun → Buzet → Roč → Hum → Lanišće → Vele Mune → Starod Slovenia → Rupa → Klana → Kastav → Rijeka