What do self-guided cycling tours entail?

Self-guided cycling tours offer a customizable and adaptable way to enjoy a cycling vacation, giving you the freedom to explore at your own speed and adjust your path or timetable as desired. Our dedicated team handles all the logistical arrangements, such as lodging, detailed schedules, GPS directions, and round-the-clock assistance, ensuring a hassle-free, engaging adventure that emphasizes autonomy, personalization, and genuine interactions with the local community.

How challenging are your tours?

Our tours are categorized into three difficulty levels: leisurely, moderate, and challenging. Although each may include both easier and more demanding days, our rating system reflects the average difficulty level for a typical day. Leisurely tours take place primarily on flat, paved cycling paths, asphalt roads, or easy gravel tracks, and they are suitable for all fitness levels. Moderate tours may include some uphill climbs or technically more demanding terrain, but they are manageable for individuals of average fitness. Challenging tours entail either long distances and numerous climbs or technical terrain, possibly featuring downhill sections requiring proficiency with a mountain bike.

Do you offer bike rentals?

If you are not bringing your own bike and equipment, we can certainly arrange that for you. We have a wide selection of bikes at our disposal and we will choose the ones that best fit your tour. All we need from you is your usual bike size and any other relevant information or preferences so we can make sure you will be comfortable throughout your trip.

What kind of bike should I choose for my tour?

Our tours can be adapted to any bike type, whether road, gravel, or mountain bike . We are in constant communication with you to find the optimal conditions for your cycling holidays in Croatia. The most versatile option is a gravel bike , even if you are coming on a road cycling holiday. It does not really affect your road performance while allowing you to take some scenic backroads that can be in a slightly worse state than the main ones. A gravel bike is usually more comfortable as well.

We are dedicated to finding the ideal lodging for you. We collaborate with various lodging establishments that meet our criteria, but their availability can fluctuate, particularly during peak seasons. We can also personalize your vacation based on your preferences and financial constraints, ensuring we locate the best possible option that suits your taste.

How soon should I book my tour?

We advise that you make your reservation as soon as possible . Numerous routes pass through well-known tourist areas where lodging choices may be restricted. Often, the most desirable accommodations get reserved for the summer season before spring even arrives. Especially our bike and boat tours get sold out really quickly , as the boats can only accommodate a certain amount of people.

What should I do if I have dietary limitations?

The ability to accommodate dietary restrictions varies depending on their severity. In Croatia, vegetarian meals are generally available, but finding vegan options in rural areas or smaller towns may be difficult. Additionally, please be aware that lunch breaks frequently take place at conventional establishments that may have difficulty accommodating special requests outside their standard menu. We recommend that you take this into account during your journey. The boats usually offer vegan and vegetarian options.

When is the best season for cycling in Croatia?

The best season for cycling in Croatia is generally from April to June and September to October . During these months, the weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the crowds are smaller than during the peak summer season. July and August can be hot and crowded , making cycling more challenging. However, if you are comfortable with higher temperatures and busy areas, you may still enjoy cycling during this time. Winter months can be quite cold and wet, making cycling less desirable. Therefore, the best time for cycling in Croatia is during the spring and fall seasons.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Most of our tours can take place even in light rain, as long as you dress suitably. During the summer months in Croatia, it’s typically hot and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. However, it’s not uncommon to experience occasional thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons. Therefore, we recommend starting your day early to avoid the midday heat and potential storms. In the event of particularly severe or unfavorable weather conditions, we will do our best to adjust the tour beforehand to make it safe and enjoyable for you.

How does luggage transfer work?

On cycling trips, luggage transfer allows you to ride without carrying heavy bags. Each morning, you leave your luggage at the designated spot—often the hotel reception—and it’s transported to your next overnight stop. Your bags are usually waiting for you when you arrive. Weight limits and pickup times can vary slightly depending on the service provider.

Do you transfer bikes too? How does it work?

Yes, bike transfers are often available when needed—such as before, after, or during your trip. Bikes are typically transported in secure vehicles or trailers designed for bicycles. You may need to notify the provider in advance, and some services require the bike to be clean or partially disassembled. Exact procedures vary depending on location and logistics.

Must-See Places in Croatia - Cycling Holidays Croatia

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Must-See Places in Croatia

Discover Croatia’s most iconic places by bike — UNESCO wonders, historic towns, and sun-drenched islands along the stunning Adriatic Coast.

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Istria – Rolling Hills, Coastlines & Ancient Towns
Dalmatia – Ancient Cities & Adriatic Blue
Croatian Islands – Sun, Sea & Stone Villages
Surrounding Countries – The Wider Adriatic Adventure
Ready to See It All?

Croatia is home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (8 cultural, 2 natural) making it one of Europe’s densest concentrations of protected treasures.

On our cycling tours in Croatia, you’ll pass through and beside world-class heritage — from Roman palaces and medieval walls to dramatic coastal fortresses — so the journey is more than just scenic roads; it’s a ride through history and nature.

Explore below to discover the most breathtaking places you’ll see when on a bike tour Croatia:

Istria – Rolling Hills, Coastlines & Ancient Towns

Istria, often called Croatia’s Tuscany, combines Mediterranean charm with Central European culture. Its winding roads lead from truffle forests and hilltop villages to Roman ruins and turquoise coves.

This region is best featured in our signature Best of Istria Bike Tour and Slovenia & Istria Cycling Holidays, showcasing both coastal and inland gems.

Highlights:

Parenzana Trail

The Parenzana Trail follows a historic narrow-gauge railway built in 1902 that once connected Trieste with Poreč. Today, it’s one of the most scenic cycling and walking routes in the region, running through tunnels, viaducts, and rolling vineyards across Slovenia and Croatia. Stretching 123 kilometers, it’s both a cultural journey and a living monument to the region’s industrial heritage.

Grožnjan

Perched on a hilltop in Croatia’s Istrian peninsula, Grožnjan is renowned as the “town of artists.” Its medieval stone lanes are packed with more than twenty galleries and studios, and music festivals fill the narrow streets each summer. With panoramic views over vineyards and olive groves, Grožnjan blends history, art, and a relaxed Mediterranean charm that makes it a favorite stop for culture lovers and cyclists crossing the border from Slovenia.

Motovun

Just a short ride away, Motovun rises dramatically above the Mirna River valley and is famed for its intact medieval walls and sweeping views across central Istria. The town is at the heart of Croatia’s truffle region, offering everything from simple truffle tastings to fine dining. Its cobbled streets, Venetian architecture, and surrounding forests make Motovun both a culinary hotspot and one of the most atmospheric hill towns in the region.

Lim Fjord

Also known as Limski Fjord, this narrow, 10-kilometer-long bay cuts deep into the Istrian coast between Rovinj and Poreč. It’s actually a flooded karst valley, known for its oyster and mussel farms and steep forested cliffs. The area is protected for its unique ecosystem and crystal-clear waters, which change color with the sunlight — a true natural wonder of western Istria.

Premantura

Premantura is the southernmost tip of the Istrian peninsula, known for the protected landscape of Cape Kamenjak. The cape is dotted with coves, cliffs, and beaches, and its coastline stretches for about 30 kilometers. Cyclists and hikers can explore its trails, while swimmers and divers are drawn to its clear waters and unique rock formations.

Arena Pula

The Pula Arena is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. Built in the 1st century AD under Emperor Vespasian—the same emperor who commissioned the Colosseum in Rome—it could once seat 23,000 spectators. Today, it hosts concerts, film festivals, and cultural events, making it a remarkable blend of ancient history and modern life in the heart of Pula.

Rovinj Old Town

Rovinj is a picturesque Istrian town built on a small peninsula jutting into the Adriatic. Its narrow, cobbled lanes climb toward the Church of St. Euphemia, whose tall bell tower offers sweeping views. The waterfront is lined with pastel houses, cafés, and fishing boats. Once an island itself, Rovinj merged with the mainland over centuries but retains an intimate, coastal charm.

Dalmatia – Ancient Cities & Adriatic Blue

Dalmatia is where history meets the sea — a sun-drenched coast lined with Roman palaces, Venetian fortresses, and lively harbors.

Our Split to Dubrovnik Bike Tour and Croatia Cycling Challenge capture the region’s highlights, from Split’s imperial heritage to Dubrovnik’s world-famous old town.

Highlights:

Diocletian’s Palace

Built around AD 305 for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, this UNESCO-listed palace forms the very heart of Split. Its walls, gates, and courtyards make up half of the old town, where locals still live and work among Roman columns and arches. Highlights include the Peristyle courtyard, the Temple of Jupiter, and the vast underground cellars—some of the best-preserved in the Roman world.

Riviera Split

Stretching along the central Dalmatian coast, the Split Riviera blends cultural heritage with Adriatic beauty. From ancient Salona to palm-lined promenades and pebbly beaches, it’s an area where Roman ruins, coastal villages, and clear turquoise waters meet—an inviting mix of city life and seaside calm.

Ston

Set at the gateway to the Pelješac peninsula, Ston is famous for its medieval stone walls—dubbed the “Great Wall of Croatia.” Built in the 14th century to defend its valuable salt pans, the fortifications stretch more than 5 kilometres over the hillside. The town is also known for Europe’s oldest active saltworks and its fresh oysters.

Dubrovnik Old Town

Encircled by monumental 16th-century walls, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is Croatia’s most famous UNESCO site and one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Founded in the 7th century, it flourished as the Republic of Ragusa, rivaling Venice in maritime trade. Highlights include the Rector’s Palace, Stradun Street, and Fort Lovrijenac rising above the Adriatic.

Lovrijenac Fortress

Standing 37 meters above the Adriatic on a dramatic cliff west of Dubrovnik’s old walls, Lovrijenac Fortress has guarded the city since the 11th century. Known as “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar,” it was key to the city’s independence. The fortress also gained modern fame as the filming site for the Red Keep in Game of Thrones. Today, it serves as a venue for concerts and the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, with views that capture the city’s grandeur.

Trsat Castle

Overlooking the city of Rijeka, Trsat Castle sits atop a 138-meter hill that has been fortified since Roman times. The current castle dates to the 13th century, when the Frankopan family rebuilt it as a defensive stronghold. Today, it offers panoramic views of the Kvarner Bay and the islands of Krk and Cres. Within its walls are a courtyard, galleries, and a café, making it one of Rijeka’s most visited historical sites.

Castle Kraljevica

Built in the early 17th century, Frankopan Castle in Nova Kraljevica is one of the last grand residences of the noble Frankopan family, one of Croatia’s most influential medieval dynasties. The four-winged Renaissance fortress stands at the mouth of the Bay of Bakar, once guarding trade routes between the Adriatic and inland Croatia. It now serves as a cultural venue and museum celebrating the Frankopan legacy.

Nehaj Fortress

Dominating the skyline of Senj, Nehaj Fortress was completed in 1558 as part of the region’s defenses against Ottoman and Venetian incursions. Built by the Uskoks — famed local warriors — it became a symbol of resistance and freedom. The square stone fortress stands 18 meters tall and today houses a museum dedicated to the Uskoks’ turbulent history.

Vransko Jezero

Located between Zadar and Šibenik, Vransko Jezero is Croatia’s largest natural lake and a designated nature park. The lake is separated from the sea by a narrow strip of land and provides a vital wetland habitat for over 250 bird species. Viewing platforms and wooden boardwalks allow visitors to enjoy its peaceful setting, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

St. Michael’s Fortress

Rising above the old town of Šibenik, St. Michael’s Fortress is the city’s oldest fortification, first mentioned in the 11th century. Its strategic hilltop position offered protection from invaders, and today it provides sweeping views of the Šibenik archipelago. A modern open-air stage built within the fortress now hosts concerts and cultural events, blending history with contemporary life.

Neretva Valley

The Neretva Valley in southern Dalmatia is often called Croatia’s “Garden of Eden.” Formed by the delta of the Neretva River, it’s a fertile patchwork of orchards, vineyards, and canals. The region is renowned for citrus fruit production — particularly mandarins — and traditional lađa boats, used for centuries to navigate its waterways. The valley’s blend of agriculture and natural wetlands makes it one of Croatia’s most unique landscapes.

Croatian Islands – Sun, Sea & Stone Villages

Each Croatian island has its own rhythm — from lavender-covered hills to white-pebble bays and ancient port towns.

You can experience their beauty on our Krk Road Bike Holidays or MTB Tour of Rab, and Split to Dubrovnik Island Routes.

Highlights:

Hvar Town

A glamorous harbor town on the island of Hvar, known for its Venetian-style architecture, marble squares, and lively cafés. The 16th-century Fortica (Španjola) overlooks the old port and the Pakleni Islands, while St. Stephen’s Cathedral anchors the main piazza—one of the largest in Dalmatia.

Lavender Fields, Hvar

Hvar’s hills turn purple each June and July when lavender blooms across the island. The tradition began in the 1920s and once made Hvar one of Europe’s leading producers of lavender oil. Today, visitors can follow fragrant roads near villages like Velo Grablje and Zaraće, where the scent fills the summer air.

Baška

At Krk’s southern tip lies Baška, famed for Vela Plaža, a stunning 1.8-kilometer beach framed by limestone hills. The town is also home to the Baška Tablet, a 12th-century stone inscription in Glagolitic script — one of Croatia’s oldest written monuments. With its waterfront promenade, stone houses, and mountain backdrop, Baška blends beach relaxation with a deep sense of heritage.

Oprna Bay

Nestled near Stara Baška, Oprna Bay is one of the island’s most picturesque coves. Its turquoise waters, white pebbles, and dramatic cliffs make it a favorite among locals seeking peace and natural beauty. The bay is reached by a short but steep trail, rewarding every visitor with views that feel like a slice of untouched Adriatic paradise.

Castle “Salatić” – Old Ruins

Near the village of Salatići, these ivy-covered ruins date to the 15th century and were once the residence of the noble Salatić family. The remains of towers and defensive walls stand quietly amid olive groves, evoking Krk’s medieval past when noble estates dotted the island’s fertile interior.

Malinska

A charming coastal town on Krk’s western shore, Malinska has long been a favorite Adriatic retreat. Known for its sheltered bay, palm-lined promenade, and easygoing pace, it offers beaches, local taverns, and easy access to Krk’s inland villages. Once a fishing settlement, today it balances resort life with authentic island character.

Mjesečev Plato (Moon Plateau)

Known as the “Moon Plateau,” Mjesečev Plato is one of Krk’s most striking natural landmarks. Located near Baška, its barren, rocky landscape resembles a lunar surface — shaped by centuries of wind erosion and the island’s karst geology. The area offers sweeping views over the Adriatic and neighboring islands like Prvić and Cres. It’s a favorite among hikers and mountain bikers seeking otherworldly scenery just minutes from the sea.

Kamenjak Hill

Standing at 408 meters, Kamenjak is the highest point on Rab Island, offering panoramic views of the entire Kvarner Gulf. On clear days, you can see the Velebit mountains across the water and the chain of northern Adriatic islands stretching into the distance. The summit features a scenic viewpoint and a small café where visitors can take in the dramatic contrasts of Rab’s green forests and rocky shoreline.

Rab Town

The historic heart of the island, Rab Town is a perfectly preserved medieval gem surrounded by ancient walls. Its skyline is defined by four Romanesque bell towers, earning it the nickname “the town of four towers.” Founded by the Romans and granted city status by Emperor Augustus, it flourished under Venetian rule. Today, its marble streets, Renaissance palaces, and waterfront promenade make it one of the Adriatic’s most beautiful old towns.

Cathedral of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary

This 12th-century cathedral in Rab Town is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture on the Adriatic. Its bell tower, built in the 13th century, offers spectacular views over the town and harbor. Inside, the cathedral houses centuries-old stone carvings and relics that reflect Rab’s importance as an early Christian center.

Kalifront

Kalifront is a vast forest peninsula on the western side of Rab Island, covered in oak and holm oak trees — a rare Mediterranean forest ecosystem. It’s part of the Dundo Nature Reserve, protected since 1949, and home to deer, wild boar, and a network of peaceful trails leading to hidden coves. The blend of dense woodland and turquoise sea makes Kalifront one of Rab’s most tranquil and scenic areas.

Surrounding Countries – The Wider Adriatic Adventure

Croatia’s cycling routes connect effortlessly with neighboring regions — perfect for riders who want to explore beyond borders.

Our international tours, such as Balkan Cycling Tour, Road Cycling Slovenia–Italy–Croatia, and Bolzano to Pula Cycling Holidays link Croatia’s coast with the Alps, Slovenia’s wine valleys, and Montenegro’s mountain fjords.

Highlights:

Bay of Kotor

Often called Europe’s southernmost fjord, Boka Bay (Boka Kotorska) is a dramatic inlet carved by ancient tectonic forces. Surrounded by rugged mountains, its calm waters host historic towns like Perast and Risan. The bay’s narrowest point—Verige Strait—is just 400 meters wide. The old town of Kotor, nestled along the bay, is protected by steep ramparts and Gothic palaces.

Kotor

A jewel on the Boka Bay, Kotor is an ancient walled city with roots reaching back to Roman times. Its fortified walls climb the steep hillsides behind the town, leading to the Castle of Saint John at 260 meters elevation. Within its walls are narrow medieval streets, baroque palaces, and the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, built in 1166. Kotor’s blend of maritime history and mountain backdrop makes it uniquely stunning.

Popovo Polje Valley

Popovo Polje is a broad karst plain in southern Herzegovina (Bosnia & Herzegovina), surrounded by hills, forests, and limestone ridges. The name “Polje” means “field” in Slavic, and this valley is one of the largest karst fields in the Balkans. Lush and fertile, it supports vineyards, seasonal streams, and old villages. It lies just north of the Adriatic and has served as a cultural crossroads between coastal and inland regions.

Want more? Explore our cycling tours in the surrounding countries:

15 days

Road Cycling Slovenia, Italy & Croatia

4/5 Fitness

from 2.645 €/person

16 days

Bolzano to Pula Cycling Holidays

2/5 Fitness

from 2.240 €/person

Ready to See It All?

Our cycling holidays are designed to showcase the most beautiful places in Croatia — from island sunsets to mountain panoramas.

Tell us what kind of trip you’re dreaming of, and we’ll help craft the perfect route for you!

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Must-See Places in Croatia

Discover Croatia’s most iconic places by bike — UNESCO wonders, historic towns, and sun-drenched islands along the stunning Adriatic Coast.

Quick Links

Istria – Rolling Hills, Coastlines & Ancient Towns

Dalmatia – Ancient Cities & Adriatic Blue

Croatian Islands – Sun, Sea & Stone Villages

Surrounding Countries – The Wider Adriatic Adventure

Road Cycling Slovenia, Italy & Croatia

Bolzano to Pula Cycling Holidays

Ready to See It All?

Hassle-Free

Handpicked Adventures

Trusted by Many

Value Your Time

Unbeatable Support

Have questions? Talk to us.