Ćićarija Ridge Road
Category 216 km
Distance
820 m
Elevation Gain
5.1%
Average Gradient
12%
Max Gradient
The Ćićarija plateau — a high karst limestone ridge running along Istria's northeastern edge above Trieste — offers some of the most dramatic riding in the northern Adriatic. The road from Buzet climbs 820m over 16km on a surface that transitions between smooth modern tarmac and sections of rougher road through tiny Slovenian-border villages. The ridge top at approximately 900m carries almost no traffic and offers extraordinary views simultaneously east across the Kvarner islands and west across the Trieste Gulf toward Italy. The gravel options off the main road on the plateau proper are excellent — this is a legitimate gravel destination that complements the road riding on the main Istrian routes.
Pro Tip
The Ćićarija ridge route is best combined with Buzet town — the 'city of truffles' and Istria's cycling cultural capital — for a full-day experience. Buzet's truffle-focused restaurants serve some of the finest seasonal menus in Croatia and reward the post-ride appetite handsomely. The gravel extension along the ridge to Roc village requires 28mm tyres minimum.
Part of
Cycling in Istria