Croatia Cycling Challenge
Cycle along the captivating Adriatic coastline, surrounded by turquoise waters and majestic vistas
Discover Croatia’s rich heritage by visiting ancient cities like Zadar, Dubrovnik, and Split
Ride beneath the towering Velebit mountain range
Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of Croatia, from rugged coastlines and lush forests to quaint villages and bustling cities
Challenge yourself with daily rides of 70-100 km and elevation gains of around 1000 meters
Navigate Croatia's beauty at your own pace
Experience Croatia's diverse landscapes by bike
Uncover hidden treasures on two wheels
Embrace the freedom of the open road
Explore the ultimate self-guided cycling paths
Journey through Croatia's scenic wonders
Cycle through history and nature combined
Immerse in the allure of Croatian coasts
Discover the charm of Croatian villages
Find adventure in every turn and trail
Enjoy the ultimate Croatian cycling experience
Itinerary
Upon your arrival in this bustling port city, take some time to explore its rich maritime history, lively streets, and diverse culinary scene. Whether you choose to visit the Maritime and History Museum, stroll along the Korzo promenade, or simply relax by the sea, Rijeka offers a warm introduction to the coastal wonders that await. Rest up and prepare for the exciting journey ahead, as you’ll soon set out on a cycling adventure through some of Croatia’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Begin your journey in Rijeka, the bustling port city, and make your way through the scenic Bakar Bay and the coastal settlement of Crikvenica. As you leave the coast, follow the EuroVelo 8 route for a brief inland adventure before arriving in Senj, a charming historic town perched on the Adriatic coast. Don’t miss the chance to visit Nehaj Fortress in Senj, a 16th-century stronghold offering panoramic views of the surroundings.
70 km, 1000 m elevation gain
Embark on a slightly shorter but exciting day as you cycle along the remote and undulating sections of the coastal road. Take in the breathtaking views and prepare for a longer ride the following day as you reach Karlobag, a picturesque town nestled between the mountains and the sea. Be sure to explore the old stone church of St. Charles Borromeo in Karlobag, a testament to the town’s rich history.
63 km, 870 m elevation gain
Ride beneath the impressive Velebit mountain range and past the Paklenica National Park before transitioning to flat terrain leading to Zadar. While there is a shorter route via Pag Island, this stretch of the coastal road is calm and beautiful, making it well worth the effort. In Zadar, take time to visit the Sea Organ, a unique architectural and musical installation where the movement of the waves creates mesmerizing sounds.
105 km, 1150 m elevation gain
Enjoy a more relaxed day cycling past charming coastal towns such as Sukošan, Biograd, Pakoštane, and Vodice. When you arrive in Šibenik, take the opportunity to explore its rich history and stunning architecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed St. James Cathedral. Along this route, you can escape traffic by taking gravel road alternatives.
83 km, 700 m elevation gain
Briefly leave the coast behind as you cycle through picturesque Dalmatian villages, then rejoin the coastal road in Trogir. Continue to Split, where you’ll have ample time to explore the city’s remarkable historical and cultural sites, such as the ancient Diocletian’s Palace, another UNESCO World Heritage site.
72 km, 800 m elevation gain
Perhaps the most beautiful route of the trip, ride along the densely populated coastline to Omiš before turning inland and following the Cetina River. Return to the coastal road and marvel at the stunning views of the Makarska Riviera and Biokovo Nature Park.
70 km, 1000 m elevation gain
Cycle south from Makarska, the last major city along the coastal road, and enjoy the solitude until you reach the port townlet of Ploče. Cross briefly into Bosnia and spend the night in Neum, the country’s only coastal town. Take some time to explore the nearby Hutovo Blato Nature Park, a birdwatcher’s paradise and a haven for migratory birds.
90 km, 1000 m elevation gain
On the final day, tackle a few more climbs before reaching the southernmost city of Croatia, Dubrovnik. This world-renowned and picturesque city has gained even more fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Celebrate the end of your journey in this extraordinary destination. You can board a night ship back to Rijeka or continue your journey south.
65 km, 1150 m elevation gain
As your unforgettable journey along Croatia’s stunning coastline comes to a close, spend your final day in Dubrovnik soaking up the city’s timeless beauty. Wander through the ancient streets of the Old Town, walk along the iconic city walls, or enjoy a leisurely meal at a seaside café. Reflect on the memories and experiences that have shaped your trip, and perhaps even begin to plan your next adventure. You can board a night ship back to Rijeka or continue your journey south.
Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
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Description
Our exhilarating road cycling tour through Croatia offers the perfect mix of picturesque coastal landscapes, quaint historic towns, and unforgettable memories. Pedal through this Mediterranean paradise and experience the magic that awaits you around every bend.
Croatia, the Mediterranean’s hidden gem, boasts an enchanting combination of diverse terrains and rich cultural experiences, making it the perfect backdrop for this thrilling cycling tour. You’ll strike through coastal towns like Rijeka, Senj, and Karlobag while immersing yourself in the history of ancient cities like Zadar, Dubrovnik, and Split.
Along the way, you’ll find just the right amount of free time to discover UNESCO World Heritage sites such as St. James Cathedral in Šibenik and Diocletian’s Palace in Split. And as you pedal through the Paklenica National Park and Biokovo Nature Park, you’ll be left breathless by Croatia’s unspoiled natural beauty.
Our tour is designed for seasoned cyclists with high fitness levels looking for a worthy challenge, covering daily distances of 70 to 100 kilometers with approximately 1000 meters of elevation gain. You’ll mostly ride on asphalt roads, with some busy sections, as you navigate Croatia’s stunning coastline, soaking in the awe-inspiring views of the Adriatic Sea and its alluring islands.
While the stages are designed for a road bike, your performance will not suffer if you prefer a gravel bike. They are actually even more versatile and allow more alternatives for the most trafficked sections.
We understand that freedom and flexibility are essential to any adventure. That’s why our self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace while we handle the nitty-gritty details. We’ll provide GPS tracks, a comprehensive booklet guide, luggage transfer, and accommodation bookings for a hassle-free experience.
If you opt to return to Rijeka by ship, we can arrange the booking and a bike rental (a road or gravel bike). In case you decide to continue your adventure independently, you’ll need to bring your own bike.
Are you ready to clip in, put the pedal to the metal, and discover the captivating wonders of Croatia? Don’t just dream about it; live it!
Secure your spot on this unforgettable cycling journey and let the magic of Croatia captivate your heart and soul. See you on the road, adventurer!
Location
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 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.
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.
Self-guided
Hassle-Free
Handpicked Adventures
Trusted by Many
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