Silent Alps is a project created by the Arta Terme Tourist Consortium to explore the Carnic mountains in a way that's completely different from mass tourism. Its goals include guiding small groups to discover a more authentic mountain experience, far removed from fast-paced tourism and crowded places . This approach, therefore, focuses on a slow pace and a desire to truly connect with the landscapes traveled.
This year, however, Silent Alps will break away from its usual confines and take that spirit on a journey, starting in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and then extending to two other countries . Between May 31st and June 1st, a new proposal dedicated to cycle tourism will kick off: two days along the famous Parenzana.
Un route of about 130 kilometers to be tackled in gravel or by mountain bike that crosses Italy, Slovenia and Croatia Following the old railway line from Trieste to Poreč, through tunnels dug into the rock, bridges, viaducts, vineyards, olive groves, and small villages suspended between the hinterland and the sea.
From Muggia to the Croatian hinterland, between the coast and hilltop villages
Leading the group will be Omar Gubeila, a Silent Alps guide for both cycling and trekking. "I've been cycling all my life," Omar explains. " In recent years, I've become increasingly interested in cycle tourism as a way to experience travel in a pleasant and profound way . I'd often heard about the Parenzana, so a few months ago I decided to try it myself. I was struck by the alternating landscapes: the sea, the hills, the woods, the medieval villages. It's a very interesting route because it constantly changes ."
The experience will begin in Muggia, Italy's last remaining outpost on the eastern Adriatic. From there, the group will almost immediately join the Parenzana route, crossing Slovenian territory , passing through Koper and Portorož, as well as the Sečovlje Salt Pans, a nature park where salt is still harvested by hand using centuries-old methods.
Then comes the Croatian border, and with it, a marked change of atmosphere. " The Croatian side has a more Balkan feel ," Omar continues. "You almost immediately find yourself immersed in woods, among karst vegetation and small villages perched on the hills. In Croatia, the road surface also changes, becoming a bit more technical than on the Slovenian side ." Here, the route will pass through towns like Buje, Grožnjan, and Motovun, medieval villages with a clear Venetian influence perched atop hills like lookouts , which tell the story of a territory that has always been a crossroads of different cultures.
Final in Poreč, following the old railway
The night will be spent in a B&B near Buje, reserved entirely for the group. This choice is consistent with the Silent Alps philosophy, which has always focused on small groups , creating an intimate atmosphere essential for experiencing the journey calmly and without rushing.
On the second day, Omar will accompany the participants back to the coast. After the Istrian hinterland, the Parenzana begins with a long descent to Poreč , the town famous, among other things, for the folk song " La mula de Parenzo ."
Omar continues: "This tour won't be a loop; it will follow the actual Parenzana route. Once we arrive in Poreč, we'll return to Muggia thanks to a chauffeur- driven car service that will also transport our bikes. The important thing for us is to enjoy the journey in our own way, that is, to stop and admire the landscapes and travel slowly through the regions, to truly get to know them. This is the same approach we bring to our mountain experiences ."
Sold out, but ready to repeat
For this reason, the group will be deliberately limited. There were only seven places available , but they quickly sold out. However, given the interest, it's possible that the experience could be repeated in late summer , one of the best times to ride the Parenzana along with spring.
For Silent Alps, in short, the scenery changes but not the underlying idea , which remains that of experiencing the places slowly and consciously, far from the din of the crowds . Even when, for once, they leave the Carnic mountains for a trip to the Adriatic.
