A new link in the Adriatic: Seaplanes will fly between countries for the first time

A cycling adventure has taken place in the Slovenian Hills, drawing attention to the region's scenic beauty and growing appeal among tourists. The journey began in Lenart, a town known for its picturesque landscapes and vineyards, and wound through the rolling hills towards the historic castle of Vurberg. This route, part of a broader network of cycling paths developed over the past few years, highlights the efforts made by local communities to promote sustainable tourism and enhance infrastructure for cyclists.

The tour covered approximately 32 kilometers, featuring both asphalt roads and dedicated cycle paths. Along the way, participants were treated to panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including vineyards and rural farms. The path also included several notable landmarks such as the Baroque-style Hrastovec Castle and the lake at Komarnik. The ascent to Vurberg Castle was particularly challenging but rewarding, offering breathtaking vistas of the landscape below. For those who prefer a less strenuous ride, electric bicycles can be rented at the tourist information center in Lenart for just 15 euros per day.

The development of this cycling network is part of a larger initiative involving ten municipalities in the Slovenian Hills. These towns completed the construction of a regional cycling network spanning 60 kilometers in 2023, significantly improving connectivity and accessibility for cyclists. The project received support from European funds and reflects a strategic approach to leveraging the region’s natural resources and cultural heritage to attract visitors. Local officials expressed enthusiasm about the increasing popularity of the area, attributing it to both the unique scenery and effective marketing strategies.

In addition to the cycling routes, the region offers numerous opportunities for wine tasting and dining experiences at high-quality restaurants. The combination of natural beauty, historical sites, and gastronomic delights makes the Slovenian Hills an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists. As the cycling infrastructure continues to expand, more people are likely to discover the charm of this lesser-known yet richly endowed region of Slovenia.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, China unveiled the Huajiang Canyon Bridge, which stands as the highest bridge globally at 625 meters above the canyon floor. Construction started in 2022 and was completed in late 2023. The bridge spans nearly 2.9 kilometers and features a main span of 1,420 meters, drastically reducing travel time across the canyon from over an hour to just a minute.

What makes this bridge even more remarkable is the discovery during its construction—a powerful karst aquifer beneath the canyon. Instead of simply draining the water away, engineers built a reservoir with a capacity of 4,000 cubic meters. Water from this reservoir is used to supply nearby recreational areas and irrigate surrounding farmland. Excess water is then pumped halfway up the bridge and released as an artificial waterfall dropping over 600 meters into the river below. This waterfall, illuminated by laser lights at night, has become a major tourist attraction.

The bridge has also been equipped with amenities such as a panoramic elevator leading to a viewing café located approximately 800 meters above the canyon floor. Visitors can also enjoy activities like skydiving and bungee jumping from one of the bridge's towers. During the Chinese New Year celebrations alone, the bridge attracted around 300,000 visitors, with over 70,000 vehicles passing through it in that period.

In Croatia, the island of Brač has seen significant changes due to the expansion of the port in Bol. Starting in May 2025, the project will take three years to complete and involves the construction of a 210-meter-long breakwater, floating docks, 130 new mooring spots, and a new catamaran dock. The investment amounts to around 16 million euros, with approximately 4.5 million euros coming from the Recovery and Resilience Fund. Two buildings are being constructed along the waterfront—one serving as a hospitality venue and the other housing the port authority, maritime office, and facilities for tourists and sailors.

Director of the Split-Dalmatia Port Authority, Domagoj Maroević, stated that they are satisfied with the progress of the work and believe all planned elements will be completed before the start of the summer season when the works will temporarily halt. The machinery will resume operations in the fall.

On the Adriatic Sea, a new form of transportation is emerging between Greece and Albania. Hellenic Seaplanes, a company operating seaplanes, has launched the first international seaplane service connecting the Greek city of Ioannina with the coastal Albanian city of Vlore. This marks the beginning of potential future networks across the Mediterranean and beyond. The service aims to improve access to coastal destinations and connect islands, coasts, and popular holiday spots. If successful, this could lead to the establishment of a broader network of seaplane routes throughout the Eastern Mediterranean and even North Africa.

Lastly, in Slovenia, the restoration of the barrier on the bridge between Bivje and Bertoki has faced delays due to complex documentation processes and obtaining approvals. The project requires a full closure of the railway track to the Koper port, which has led to scheduling challenges. Despite these hurdles, the completion of the barrier restoration is expected by early July, after which traffic will return to normal conditions without the need for alternating one-way traffic management.