Croatia is a cycling mecca with spectacular Mediterranean scenery. Pedal on centuries-old trails, past ancient walled cities, dip your wheels in the crystal-clear Adriatic, then refuel with fresh seafood and local vino. Diverse landscapes offer something for everyone: enjoy the sun-drenched coast, the rugged mountains, and the charming villages.
Adventure with friends & family
Island-hopping at its finest
Escape the crowds with local guides
The Istrian Peninsula is mostly flat, with quiet roads that wind through vineyards, olive groves, charming villages, and some great panoramas of the Adriatic Sea.
Stretching roughly from Zadar to Dubrovnik, Dalmatia is Croatia’s most popular tourist region. Explore challenging routes up and down Velebit mountain or easier coastal rides.
The Kvarner Gulf offers a beautiful mix of mountains, coastline, and islands. Be sure to take in the stunning views of the islands of Krk, Cres, and Rab.
Ivo is very knowledgeable of the islands, the history and of course the rides. He gives great advice for places to eat and wines to drink as well as organizing wine and olive oil tastings.
Our Island Hopping guides were fantastic. They were informative, knowledgable, helpful and really fun!
Ivo’s trip was mindblowing! It was so much fun. I’ve never used a mountain bike guide before but Ivo’s unparalleled knowledge of the local trails and history made a massive difference! We rode trails we’d have never ever found (secret entrances to centuries old paths!) and who’d have guessed such trails were such fun bike trails! Techy, rocky, steep, (but only in spots) with steps and switchbacks, plus other more flowy ones cross country kinds, all leading down to little villages, espressos, and jumping in the blue, blue, Adriatic Sea. Adrenaline and sensory overload in the best way. Ivo knows every foot of every trail – gives you the most detailed lowdown of all time- and happens to be a badass rider and humble Croatian bike star, we discovered too. Worth it!
I did the 7 day mountain biking and island hopping adventure in Croatia and overall I had a blast. The ship, crew, food were all fantastic. With respect to the mountain biking it was mostly street riding or double track so not much mountain biking but the scenery was still fantastic.
Yes! Croatia is fantastic for cycling, and here are four reasons why:
Overall, Croatia is a dream destination for cyclists of all levels.
Determining the “best” place to cycle in Croatia depends on your individual preferences and cycling style. However, two regions consistently rank highly due to their diverse and scenic landscapes:
Istria: This northwestern peninsula offers a delightful mix of rolling hills, charming hilltop towns, vineyards, olive groves, and the dramatic Učka mountain range.
Dalmatia: Croatia’s more southern coastal region boasts a stunning coastline dotted with islands, charming villages, and historic towns.
Honorable mentions: Visit Velebit mountain for challenging rides and spectacular coastal panoramas, head to the flat plains of Slavonia for a smooth and culturally rich bike ride, or explore Zagreb, Croatia’s bike-friendly capital!
Yes, cycling from Dubrovnik to Split is possible, and very a popular ride for both beginner and experienced cyclists. It’s a good way to experience as much of the Croatian coast as possible..
You can choose to take the direct coastal route along the Adriatic, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and picturesque islands. However, be aware that this route involves some challenging climbs and can be busy with traffic during peak season.
Alternatively, you can avoid the crowds on a Croatian bike & boat adventure! This scenic route incorporates a sailboat or ferries to explore the stunning Dalmatian islands, such as Hvar, Korčula, and Brač. This option allows you to break up the journey with relaxing rides and explore the unique charm of each island.
The total distance between Dubrovnik and Split is approximately 210 kilometers (130 miles), and you can complete it in 3-7 days depending on your chosen route, pace, and how many stops you make.
Cycling in Croatia is generally safe. The road infrastructure and many of the trails are well-developed and well-maintained, the locals are used to tourists and extremely friendly, and Croatia experiences less traffic than many bigger European destinations, especially during the shoulder seasons (fall through spring).
However, there are still some factors to consider before your Croatia bike trip. Many of the roads in Croatia still don’t have dedicated cycling lanes, so you’ll be sharing them with drivers. Also, Some roads, particularly in rural areas, might have uneven surfaces or potholes, and the weather can change quickly, with some regions experiencing very intense winds called “bura” that make riding impossible.
By following road rules, being aware of your surroundings, and going with an expert guide, you can significantly enhance your cycling safety in Croatia.
