Why Cycle Croatia

When most people think of Croatia, they imagine shimmering Adriatic waters, sun-drenched beaches, and medieval towns perched above the sea. 

But there’s more to the story. In 2025, Croatia was voted “Best Country to Visit in Europe” by the European Best Destinations (EBD) — proof that it’s no longer a hidden gem but a travel powerhouse.

And while visitors have long come for the sea and sunshine, a new trend is taking shape: Croatia is rapidly emerging as one of Europe’s fastest-growing cycling destinations.

Why you should cycle Croatia:

• Unmatched Variety of Landscapes 
• Sunshine (Almost) Year-Round 
• Cycling Routes for Every Type of Rider
• Nature That Will Leave You Speechless 
• Abundance of History 
• Safe Country to Travel
• Easy to Travel Around 
• Growing Cycling Infrastructure 
• A Destination for Wine Lovers 

Let’s dig into the reasons that make Croatia such an appealing destination for cyclists.

1. Unmatched Variety of Landscapes

You can cycle along the Adriatic coast, through vineyard-covered hills, or climb mountain passes in the Dinaric Alps — all within a few days of riding.

• Istria – rolling hills, olive groves, and the Parenzana Trail (a 78 km rail-to-trail route).
• Dalmatia – coastal roads and island loops with sea views at every turn.
• Continental Croatia – rivers, farmland, and forested highlands with low traffic.

If diversity is your thing, this is a perfect tour for you:

2. Sunshine (Almost) Year-Round

Croatia enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate along the coast and a continental one inland, giving cyclists a long riding season.

What to expect weather-wise:

• Coastal areas see over 2,700 hours of sunshine per year, especially on Hvar and Korčula — among the sunniest places in Europe.
• The best cycling months are April–June and September–October, when temperatures are mild (18–26 °C) and roads are quieter.
• Winter cycling is possible in southern regions and islands, though mountain areas see snow.

For most cyclists, this means you can plan a trip outside the crowded summer season and still enjoy excellent riding conditions. To get more insights about weather conditions, see our month-to-month weather guide.

3. Cycling Routes for Every Type of Rider

Croatia’s network of routes covers everything from flat coastal stretches to demanding climbs.

• The EuroVelo 8 Mediterranean Route crosses the entire coast. You can ride the most scenic parts on our cycling holiday from Trieste to RIjeka or the Balkan cycling tour.
• Regional routes in Istria, Dalmatia, and Zagreb counties link towns, wineries, and viewpoints via quiet rural roads.
• Mountain bikers will find the best gravel and forest tracks on the islands of Krk & Rab.
• Leisure riders can enjoy short daily circuits around islands or seaside promenades with frequent rest stops. 

Make the most of your time on this scenic tour:

4. Nature That Will Leave You Speechless

With 8 national parks and 12 nature parks, Croatia lets cyclists combine active travel with outdoor exploration almost anywhere in the country. 

The most scenic National parks include:

• Plitvice Lakes National Park – cycling is allowed on designated routes outside the core walking zone.
• Krka National Park – roads and trails near the waterfalls connect to the EuroVelo 8 corridor.
• Paklenica National Park – mountain roads and canyons are ideal for challenging climbs.

Most national parks are closed for bikes, but wonderful to explore on foot during Walking Holidays Croatia:

Besides the national parks, Croatia’s coastline is one of the most indented in the world, with over 1,200 islands, islets, and reefs scattered along its 6,000-km shoreline. 

5. Abundance of History

Cycling in Croatia doubles as a cultural tour.

The country has 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many located along cycling routes. Just to give you a glimpse, these are the historic landmarks you shouldn’t miss while in Croatia:

Explore our selection of must-see places in Croatia.

6. Safe Country to Travel

Croatia is considered one of Europe’s safest destinations.

According to the latest Global Peace Index, it ranks in the top 20 worldwide for safety and political stability. This means:

• Low violent-crime rates, even in major cities.
• Rural roads are generally calm, especially outside peak summer months.
• Locals are accustomed to tourism and helpful toward cyclists.

This makes Croatia suitable for solo riders, couples, or small groups traveling independently.

7. Easy to Travel Around

Travel logistics are straightforward, here are the things making travelling Croatia easy:

• Ferries and catamarans connect most Adriatic islands, with Jadrolinija and Krilo operating year-round services — and most ferries accept bikes.
• International airports in Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Pula, and Rijeka connect Croatia with all major European cities, making arrival and departure easy no matter which region you start in.
• Regional trains and buses are reliable, affordable, and connect the coast with inland towns and national parks. Many regional buses (especially Arriva and FlixBus) allow bikes with prior notice.
• Distances are short — you can combine Istria, Dalmatia, and Plitvice Lakes within a single week without long transfers.

This accessibility makes Croatia easy to explore, even if you’re mixing cycling with other activities.

8. Growing Cycling Infrastructure

Cycling development is a national priority: Croatia is investing in new routes, signage, and cyclist-friendly accommodation.

• EuroVelo 8 improvements are ongoing under the MedCycleTour EU project.
• Bike-friendly hotels (e.g., Valamar Hotels, Bluesun) now offer secure storage, tools, and laundry services.
• Annual events like the CRO Race and Istrian Spring Trophy showcase professional cycling and improve road awareness.

Every year, infrastructure expands — making it easier to navigate self-guided cycling tour in Croatia. 

9. A Destination for Wine Lovers

Cycling and wine pair perfectly in Croatia.

The country has four main wine regions — Istria and Kvarner, Dalmatia, the Uplands, and Slavonia — each producing distinct local varieties that you can sample directly along your routes.

Where to go for gourmet cycling experience:

• Istria is Croatia’s “Tuscany,” known for crisp Malvazija whites and full-bodied Teran reds. Many cycling routes, like the Parenzana Trail, pass by vineyards and tasting cellars.

• Dalmatia produces famous island wines like Plavac Mali, Pošip, and Dingač, often grown on steep coastal slopes overlooking the Adriatic.

Ready to Plan Your Ride?

Croatia has everything a cyclist could want — sunshine, scenic coastlines, quiet island roads, and a growing network of well-marked routes. Whether you’re after leisurely coastal rides, challenging climbs, or a mix of cycling and culture, there’s a perfect trip waiting for you.

Reach out - at Cycling Holidays Croatia, we design self-guided and guided cycling tours that let you experience the country at your own pace — with route planning, accommodations, luggage transfers, and local support all taken care of.