The KAŠTellieri cycling network has been renewed and expanded with new experiences created for travellers who love discovering the territory in a slow, sustainable and authentic way.
The new routes have been developed within the framework of the KAŠTellieri project, with the aim of enhancing the heritage of the castellieri and promoting cultural and sustainable tourism that connects history, nature and local communities.
Alongside the existing itineraries, three new cycling routes are now available, inviting cyclists, visitors and outdoor enthusiasts to discover extraordinary landscapes, charming villages, breathtaking Karst and Istrian panoramas, archaeological treasures and the ancient stories carved in stone.
Each route becomes a journey through time: cycling between nature and culture, visitors encounter the castellieri/hillforts— ancient fortified settlements that preserve and reveal the millennia-old story of these borderlands.
K1 – Miren-Kras
33.76 km | approx. 3 hours | 222 m elevation gain
The K1 – Miren-Kras route takes visitors into the very heart of the Karst, where nature, heritage and ancient settlements come together in a unique landscape. It is the perfect itinerary for those wishing to combine outdoor adventure with culture and authentic discovery of the territory.
Along the way, cyclists and visitors will encounter places of remarkable historical and scenic value, including:
Vojščica - Tabor Archaeological Site
Grmača Archaeological Site
Brith hillfort
Martinišče hillfort
Cerje Peace Monument, a panoramic viewpoint and memorial site
A captivating journey through Karst stone landscapes, sweeping panoramas and archaeological treasures, revealing the deep and timeless identity of a territory shaped by history.
K4 – Across the Trieste Karst
61.41 km | approx. 5 hours | 388 m elevation gain
The K4 – Across the Trieste Karst route guides cyclists through one of the most captivating landscapes of the Northern Adriatic.
Dry-stone walls, rolling panoramic hills, Karst villages and ancient archaeological traces combine to create an itinerary that is both immersive and deeply authentic.
Along the route, visitors will encounter the following castellieri:
Castelliere of Sales
Castelliere of Nivize
Castelliere C. Marchesetti
Castelliere of San Leonardo
Castelliere of Rupinpiccolo
Castelliere of Monrupino
Castelliere of Monte San Michele
This route is ideal for cyclists seeking an extraordinary natural setting, where the legacy of ancient communities intertwines with the striking, untamed character of the Karst landscape.
K17 – CrossBorder Kaštelir Trail
47.45 km | approx. 2 hours | 222 m elevation gain
The K17 – To the Treasures of the Peninsula route invites visitors on a cycling journey through Mediterranean landscapes, rich archaeological heritage and enchanting coastal vistas.
Designed for those who wish to explore the peninsula in an active, accessible and immersive way, the itinerary leads through places where ancient stories and local identities are still vividly preserved.
Among the key points connected to the route and the wider Istrian area are:
Koper/Capodistria
Elleri castelliere
A bright and evocative itinerary, ideal for approaching the heritage of the castellieri/hillforts through a dynamic, immersive and sustainable experience.
A new way to discover the castellieri/hillforts
The new KAŠTellieri cycling routes represent a significant opportunity to enhance the archaeological heritage of the castellieri/hillforts and to promote a form of tourism that seamlessly combines movement, culture, nature and a deeper understanding of the territory.
All itineraries are available on the official KAŠTellieri interactive map, accessible here:
Get your bike ready, choose your route and set off to explore the castellieri/hillforts — ancient stone traces that today are brought to life as new and inspiring travel experiences.
