European H.O.G. Rally 2025: Medulin Location Guide

There’s so much to organise on a European H.O.G.^® Rally trip – let us ease the load with a quick starter guide to what to do around the 2025 event

The 2025 European H.O.G.^® Rally will be held in Medulin, Croatia, arguably one of the most scenic locations the event has ever been hosted in. Whether you decide to make it a week’s trip or opt for a more leisurely tour, there’s lots to see and do on the way and in the surrounding area.

Medulin is situated at the tip of Istria peninsula in the west of the country – it’s closer to Portorož is Slovenia or Trieste in Italy than to Zagreb or Biograd na Moru, where the rally was held last time it came to Croatia. However, this makes it far more accessible from the heart of Europe, and less than 300km away from Faaker See, the Austrian home of European Bike Week.

Istria is a popular tourist destination with a rich history, including sites that date back to and beyond the Roman Empire. The surrounding countryside is picturesque and has a wealth of olive groves and vineyards, with good riding roads that lead to some great coastline and lovely small towns along the seafront.

The town of Poreč is well worth exploring. Highlights here include the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with iconic mosaics that date back to the sixth century and architecture that blends elements from Christian, Byzantine and Romanesque styles. Rovinj, another coastal town, sits slightly closer to Medulin and offers panoramic views of the Adriatic from its Church of St. Euphemia and nearby Punta Corrente Park.

The centre of the peninsula has many medieval hilltop villages and towns that are sure to make incredible photos. These include Grožnjan – known locally as the “Town of Artists” – which is filled with galleries and studios. There is also Motovun, known for its truffles and wine. In fact, if truffle cuisine is something you adore, the northern Istrian town of Buzet is a must. One of the more intriguing and also picturesque places to visit is Hum, one of the smallest towns in the world, which lies just a short ride from Motovun or Buzet.

On the way to Medulin a key attraction – and a very good place to stay – is the regional capital, Pula. Another very popular tourist destination with its sheltered harbour, Pula has been a key city for millennia and was ruled by many different nations and nation states – something that is reflected in its architecture. Some of Pula’s key sights are the Pula Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. Built in the first century, it once hosted gladiator battles but is now used for concerts, festivals, and events like the Pula Film Festival.

Continuing Pula’s list of must-sees is the Temple of Augustus, located in the Forum, a historic square that has been the city’s hub since Roman times, that is surrounded by ancient ruins, cafes and restaurants today. Nearby is the gateway to the Old Town, marked by the Arch of the Sergii – or “Golden Gate” – constructed by the Romans in the first century. Beyond its Roman treasures you’ll also find Pulski Kaštel, a 17th-century Venetian stronghold, perched above the city. It offers panoramic views of Pula and houses the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria. And, if going underground is your thing, the Zerostrasse tunnels built during World War I as a shelter will be worth a visit.

Then, of course, less than 10km from Pula is the host town for our 2025 European H.O.G. Rally: Medulin. One of its key attractions is its promenade, a lively waterfront area lined with restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops and souvenir stalls. It’s the heart of the town’s nightlife and social life and culminates, right beside the rally site, with the Old Windmill – a photogenic 140-year-old structure and the guardian of Medulin’s port.

While at the event be sure to check out the Vižula peninsula, just beyond the campsite. It’s an archaeological gem with remnants of a Roman villa rustica (country house) dating back to the fourth century. Walking trails and interpretive boards make it an educational and scenic experience. Also worth a visit is a local landmark you can see from almost everywhere: the Church of St. Agnes, with its iconic twin towers that stand tall over their surroundings from a hill in the town centre.

As always, the 2025 H.O.G. Rally is a free event, open to all riders. For easy access to everything you should look at staying within Medulin itself and the surrounding area, which is likely to book up fast. However, nearby Pula will provide some great accommodation options too, while putting you at the heart of Istria’s premier city with all of its great sights, attractions and restaurants.

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