length: 39 km driving time: 3-4 hours altitude difference: 130 m
This mountain bike tour leads from Bale to the beautiful coastal town of Fažana. Along ancient paths you will pass magnificent olive groves, the 'magic place' Sv. Foška and the typical Istrian 'Kažuni' (stone shepherd's houses).
From Bale take the asphalted road to the beach. Shortly before the barrier, a path branches off to the left towards Stancija Meneghetti. Follow this road to Barbariga. From there it is about 1.5 km via the main road in the direction of Pula, until you reach the junction to Kontrada. The trail leads to the hamlet of Batvači. Here you should not miss the signposted path to the church of Sv. Foška (sharp right at the village entrance)!
The small church Sv. Foška dates from the 6th/7th century and is situated on an old Roman military road. It developed into a popular place of pilgrimage, especially in the 16th century. The characteristic open porch of the church dates from this period. There are many miraculous healings reported, which are said to be the result of increased earth radiation in this place.
Now continue on to Peroj. To do so, keep half left shortly after Sv. Foška. The path leads you along some beautiful Kažuni. These shelters, made of stratified stones, were used by shepherds and farmers as shelters and storerooms (and are nowadays a popular phorto motive). From Peroj we recommend that you take the road to Fažana. Within a few minutes it will lead you downhill to the turning point of the tour.
Fažana is a small fishing village with about 3000 inhabitants. Here you should take a break in one of the numerous cafés and restaurants along the promenade. Especially in summer there is a lot of activity here, as the ferries from Fažana to the Briuni Islands start from here.
For the way back you drive along the beach across the campsite Pineta, until the way ends in a cottage settlement. From here it goes uphill back to Peroj, from where follow now again a part of the way to Fažana. Stay on the gravel road until you reach the hamlet of Batvači. Turn right here onto the small road that leads via Golubovo to Midnjan. At the crossroads in front of Midnjan turn left into the dirt road and follow it for about 1.2 km to its end. The dirt road (left!) takes you back to Bale.
