Istria, Croatia
Istria is an astonishing place. Rocky cliff filled coastal towns mixed with long empty island mountains with a sprinkle of ex-Yugoslovia give a unique vibe not found anywhere else.
The cycling is good. I won't say amazing - but about as unique as the characteristics of this heavily Italian influenced peninsula jaring into the Mediterranean.
We did encounter one particular thing that I think is worth telling...
Just off the eastern coast of Istria is a set of islands. The first is called Cres. The ferry to this island only drops off cars every one hour. So, you have car free roads for the next hour until a small batch is let off the boat. The riding on the island is mesmerizing with a single ridgeline road stretching 50km to the town of Cres with the Sea on either side.