New cycling route to connect Italy, Slovenia, Croatia

Cyclists can now pedal from the Italian Alps straight to Croatia's seaside after officials cut the ribbon on a 300-kilometre trail that threads Italy, Slovenia and Croatia, doubles as a hiking path, and even offers free summer shuttles.

The Alpine-Mediterranean Cycling Route begins in Italy's Venzone, crosses western Slovenia, and ends in the Croatian coastal town of Opatija, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

The aim was to link the three countries from the Alps to the Kvarner Gulf via the regions Posočje, Goriška, Kras and Brkini. The route allows cycling enthusiasts to get immersed in nature and provides an insight into the history of the cross-border area and a taste of local culinary specialities.

"Projects like this are good ... they are not just made to last a few years but for a long time," said Janez Capuder, a Cohesion and Regional Development Ministry representative.

The route features six stages, which are suitable for different levels of cycling ability. Professional cycling guides needed three days to finish it.

The free shuttle service for bikes will be in place from 22 June to 14 September. Cyclists can use it on the sections linking Cividale del Friuli and Ajdovščina, and Vipava Valley and Predmeja.

The cross-border service will operate four times a day on Sundays (two departures in each direction), while the Vipava Valley-Predmeja service will run twice a day on Thursdays and Sundays.

Those interested in exploring the new route may also use bike rental services as well as e-bike charging stations in some areas.

The route has been developed as part of the cross-border project Inter Bike III under the Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia programme and cost €750,000, of which €600,000 was in EU funds.