Sežana to Ilirska Bistrica
This almost 60 kilometer section from Sežana to Ilirska Bistrica features all types of surfaces, from paved to gravel roads, forest paths and dirt roads. The terrain is also very varied and features a number of ups and downs.
Before starting your journey, visit the baroque Stari grad Manor in Sežana, the adjacent city park, and the Tabor archaeological site. This prehistoric settlement dates back to the 2nd millennium BC and is the oldest known preserved settlement on the Karst. Sežana also features the Karst Vegetation Interpretation Center. Here, visitors can learn about the biodiversity of karst vegetation and its importance in shaping the karst cultural landscape in a fun, interactive way.
On the way to the village of Lokev, stop at the Malanca Cave archaeological site; the site in the popular Vilenica Cave is even more famous. Visitors are attracted by the interesting story of how the cave got its name. Take a pit stop in the village of Lokev to visit the late 15th century Venetian tower and one of the local homesteads.
The road continues on through Škocjan Caves Regional Park. Štefanija lookout here offers sweeping views of the karst landscape and the Reka River. Škocjan Caves are a unique system of water caves that has been added to the UNESCO heritage list. Their most characteristic karst feature are pans. You can also visit the Škocjan Interpretation Center and Polygon, which focuses on contact karst. The cycling on the first day is filled with green fans, blind valleys, and charming karst villages offering refreshment. Dimnica Cave is located near the village of Slivje and is open to visitors.