MTB Tour of Rab Island
Experience the challenging ascent towards Rab’s highest peak
Journey through Rab Town’s ancient streets, uncovering centuries of history and culture
Traverse the lush forests of Kalifront and the scenic landscapes of Barbat
Reach the summit of Kamenjak for panoramic vistas of the Adriatic
Ride among sheep pastures and meet local shepherds, connecting with the island’s pastoral life
Refuel with Rab’s delicious cuisine, from fresh seafood to the famous Rab cake
Itinerary
Welcome to Rab, a captivating island known for its rich history, stunning sandy beaches, and lush Mediterranean landscapes. Upon your arrival, take some time to settle into your accommodation and acclimate to the serene atmosphere of this Adriatic gem. Rab, with its enchanting old town encased in ancient walls, offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Begin your exploration by wandering through the narrow, cobblestone streets of Rab Town. Marvel at the four iconic bell towers that define its skyline, each belonging to a church or monastery with centuries-old stories to tell. The town’s mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque architecture serves as a testament to Rab’s storied past, inviting you to delve deeper into its rich history.
Hotel in Rab
Energize your morning with a hearty breakfast, gearing up for today’s warm-up ride along Rab’s scenic coastline to the enchanting peninsula of Frkanj and back. This ride is designed to introduce you to the island’s diverse natural beauty while providing a gentle start to your mountain biking adventure.
The route is relatively flat and smooth, making it an ideal warm-up as you pedal through aromatic pine forests and beside the crystal-clear waters. As you approach Frkanj, known for its secluded beaches and lush vegetation, take the opportunity to explore its hidden coves and natural beauty.
14 km and 100m of elevation gain
Hotel in Rab
Today marks the beginning of a more challenging and immersive mountain biking experience as you embark on a loop from Rab to Lopar, traversing paths that offer breathtaking ocean views and winding through picturesque sheep pastures. This journey not only showcases the island’s diverse landscapes but also tests your mountain biking skills with its varied terrain.
The route quickly diverges from the main roads, leading you onto mountain biking trails that ascend to vantage points with spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding islands. The ascent is demanding but rewarding, with each pedal stroke bringing you closer to panoramic vistas that capture the essence of Rab’s natural beauty.
As you reach the higher grounds, the trail meanders through serene sheep pastures, where the only sounds are the distant bleating of sheep and the gentle rustling of the wind. These pastoral landscapes offer a stark contrast to the rugged coastline and provide a unique opportunity to experience the tranquil side of island life.
34 km and 600m of elevation gain
Hotel in Rab
Prepare for an exhilarating ride to Kamenjak, the highest point on the island of Rab, offering not only a significant physical challenge but also the reward of unparalleled panoramic views. As you climb, the Mediterranean scrub gives way to dense forests, providing shade and a sense of solitude amidst the natural splendour of Rab.
At 408 meters above sea level, Kamenjak offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Rab, the surrounding islands, and the vast Adriatic Sea. This is a moment of triumph and awe, a perfect opportunity to rest, reflect, and capture the beauty of the landscape with your camera.
12 km and 400m of elevation gain
Hotel in Rab
Today’s adventure takes you on a loop of Kalifront, a lush peninsula renowned for its dense forests of holm oak, a tranquil haven for nature lovers and a paradise for mountain bikers seeking serene trails. This ride offers a perfect blend of moderate challenges and breathtaking natural beauty, making it an ideal way to explore one of Rab’s most pristine environments.
Head towards the Kalifront peninsula, where the Dundo Forest, one of the best-preserved holm oak forests in the Mediterranean, awaits. The air here is fresh and fragrant, filled with the scent of the sea and forest, setting the stage for a truly refreshing ride. The terrain is a mix of gravel paths and smoother tracks, suitable for a range of skill levels, allowing you to set your own pace and enjoy the journey.
Midway through the ride, consider stopping at one of the secluded beaches accessible from the trail. These hidden gems provide a perfect opportunity for a refreshing swim in the clear Adriatic waters, a rewarding break that invigorates the senses and rejuvenates the spirit.
35 km and 400m of elevation gain
Hotel in Rab
Today’s adventure takes you on a captivating loop of Barbat, a picturesque area on the southern part of Rab known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the striking contrast of arid landscapes against the backdrop of the Adriatic Sea.
The loop around Barbat takes you through a variety of landscapes, from rocky paths that hug the coastline, offering expansive views of the sea, to more arid, hilly terrains that challenge your climbing abilities. As you navigate the loop, you’ll also have the chance to witness the traditional lifestyle of the Barbat area. Pass through small villages and alongside fields and olive groves, where the local way of life remains deeply connected to the land and the sea.
30 km and 200m of elevation gain
Hotel in Rab
Your departure from Rab is not just a farewell to its landscapes but a promise to carry the spirit of the island with you. The memories of pedalling through its diverse terrains, the panoramic views that took your breath away, and the sense of accomplishment that filled your days will linger long after you’ve left its shores.
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Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
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Description
Embark on a seven-day mountain biking adventure on the enchanting island of Rab, where every trail tells a story of natural beauty, historic legacy, and the thrill of exploration. From the moment you arrive, Rab invites you into a world where ancient town walls and serene beaches set the stage for an unforgettable journey
Your adventure begins with a warm-up ride along the coast to Frkanj, easing you into the island’s diverse landscapes. As you progress, the challenge intensifies with a ride to Lopar, showcasing Rab’s scenic beauty and pastoral life. The pinnacle of your journey is the ascent to Kamenjak, Rab’s highest point, offering not just a test of your biking skills but a reward of stunning, panoramic views that stretch across the Adriatic.
Explore the dense forests of Kalifront and the picturesque trails of Barbat, each loop presenting new vistas and experiences, from secluded beaches to aromatic pine forests. These rides are not just about the challenge but about immersing yourself in the essence of Rab, connecting with its history, culture, and natural wonders.
Dining in Rab is an adventure in itself, with local delicacies that offer a taste of the island’s rich culinary traditions. As your journey comes to a close, the departure is a moment of reflection, a time to savour the memories of the trails ridden and the landscapes that have left an indelible mark on your heart.
This mountain biking journey through Rab is more than a trip; it’s an invitation to discover the island’s hidden treasures, challenge yourself against its terrains, and leave with stories of adventure and the promise of return.
Embrace the spirit of Rab, where every path leads to discovery and every sunset brings the promise of new beginnings.
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Things to know
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.
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.
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.
We advise that you make your reservation as soon as feasible. Numerous routes pass through heavily frequented 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.
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.
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.
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.