Looking to spend your vacation pedaling? Then there's no better destination than Slovénie... This small European country is renowned worldwide for its green cities and hundreds of kilometers of cycling paths. A perfect country for an escape not too far away, an adventure even with limited time, and a breath of fresh air. Here's our guide to discovering Slovénie by bike.

Cycling in Slovénie

You'll notice it quickly upon arrival in Slovénie: locals love to pedal! Whether commuting to work, heading to the shops, relaxing on weekends or exercising, Slovenes always prefer the bike to walking or driving. Besides, the country is very well-suited for this activity. Everywhere, bike parking is available, and all cities and main routes across the country are equipped for cyclists. You'll find hundreds of kilometers of cycling paths, allowing you to explore Slovénie ecologically and safely. Most are stunning, such as the circular path in Ljubljana, a former railway line now covered in greenery, or the seaside path.

That said, don't expect an easy ride: Slovénie's mountainous geography means there will inevitably be climbs during your stay. You can, among other things:

• Rent a bike in town to explore cities and villages, make short trips, and take the train or car to reach more distant destinations

• Bring your mountain bike to enjoy idyllic mountains. You can then transport your bike by train, bus or car between mountain biking sites

• Choose to cross the entire country by bike. In that case, prefer a hybrid bike or, why not, an electric-assist bike.

·    

Cycling the Coastline

While it's possible to pedal virtually anywhere in Slovénie, and even make it your only mode of transport, our favorite route remains the path that hugs the Slovene coast, the Parenzana. This cycling path of approximately 50 kilometers stretches along the magnificent Adriatic Sea. An opportunity to discover traditional small Slovene ports and charming coastal towns, including Izola, Koper and Portoroz. It's one of the easiest routes by the way, as there aren't too many elevation changes.

While this itinerary can be completed in a day, we recommend taking a bit more time to discover local charms. In addition to the towns worth visiting and the splendid beaches awaiting you, the route passes the Secovlje salt ponds nature park as well as vineyards. You'll also traverse lovely stone tunnels over 500 meters long... In short, there's plenty to see!

Let yourself be carried away by your senses, which will be awakened by the sea breeze, the salt marshes, the scents of olives and grapes... Plus, the path remains relatively untraveled, being very recent. It beautifully follows the old railway that connected Italy to Croatia in the early twentieth century.

That said, there are many other routes to explore by bike, suited to small children and serious athletes. Some will take you through pastures, others through vast forests, others will allow you to visit mines and caves on your two wheels, or to descend mountain peaks by mountain bike. There are even bike parks, the most famous being at Krvavec, for adrenaline enthusiasts.