Cycling Croatia is an increasingly popular way of active vacation from year to year.
Very well known by all true cyclists and cyclo-tourists, Croatia is integrated into the EuroVelo network of cycling routes.
Apart from the official, there are plenty of other cycling routes
Four EuroVelo routes pass through Croatia, but apart from the official routes, there are plenty of other routes for everyday bike touring with an abundance of natural, historical, and cultural beauty. Contrast landscapes and the availability of discovering old sites with bicycles make it very attractive for cycling explorers.
Terrains like macadam fields are ideal for mountain bikes whilst asphalted roads are more suitable for family sightseeing, in Croatia you will find one for everyone’s taste, beginner or professional.
Means of public transport that can accept bikes are trains, boats (ferries), and river ferries, and it is also possible to transport bikes by plane and bus. Also, the bike itself as a means of transport is increasingly becoming a daily part of public transport.
Wine and Gastro Cycling Trip in Istria
We’ll start from Croatia’s most popular cycling peninsula – Istria, well known for its famous bicycle tours along wine and gastro routes through stunning vineyards.
Endless gently rolling hills and rural roads here make cycling a pure enjoyment. As cycling is so well organized here, it’s the easiest destination to arrange a self-guided cycling trip. There are about 60 marked mountain bike trails, a total of 1500 km, and the majority pass through forest paths and unpaved country roads.
Northern Istria has 9 circular trails about 400km long. The mountainous terrain makes these the most difficult trails, but the views are spectacular. Most attractive are the ones passing through the hilltop village of Motovun or the world’s smallest town Hum.
7 marked bike trails around Pazin
Central Istria has 7 marked bike trails around Pazin. These are visited mostly by professionals and rarely crowded.
Southern Istria has the easiest trails. The 300km of marked trails are mostly riding along the coast. There are two bike trails around Poreč but the most beautiful trails are around Zlatni Rt park outside of Rovinj. Three marked trails around Vrsar pass through the Kontija forest with a sweeping view of the Lim Channel.
All of them offer you a magnificent blend of nature and historical and cultural sites along the way so Istria is a great destination for cycling explorers and families.
Istria is a cycling destination all year round although winters bring very lonely environments and limited offers.
Cycling routes on Dalmatian Coast and Islands
Apart from Istria, cyclists who enjoy being somewhere else each morning would enjoy a dramatically beautiful Dalmatian coast with its islands.
It is possible to island-hop all year round, although ferries to particular islands might be limited to one a day in winter. Late spring and early autumn are the most wanted periods for such adventure since July and August can be very hot. Too hot even for sightseeing, not to mention cycling.
The most popular island-hopping itinerary is cycling Croatia on the bike from Split to Dubrovnik via the islands of Brač, Hvar, and Korčula, and Pelješac peninsula. This route allows you to see the very best of Dalmatia due to many good ferry connections. During the day you’ll explore 1700 years old Palace of Diocletian, Greece, and Roman ruins, the longest fortified walls in Europe, fisherman villages, wine cellars, and art galleries.
You’ll pass next to the private gardens, along the coast, olive groves, and endless lavender fields. An overnight at each island allows you to experience the island’s evening atmosphere at local “konoba” (taverns) with the most amazing local traditional food and wine, of course.
Cycling Dubrovnik’s countryside and islands
Another cycling gem is a route around Dubrovnik’s countryside and islands, that allows you to make memories that will last longer than any souvenir.
From Konavle and its amazing countryside to the Pelješac peninsula, you’ll reach the historic town of Korčula. Take a rest and dine like a local and enjoy the exceptional natural beauty of National Park Mljet.
After visiting salt lakes you’ll be relaxed as never before and full of energy to cycle your way back to Dubrovnik. With a short ride to a nearby island of Šipan, you’ll get a day of complete relaxation on this quiet island. For the end of your cycling Croatia journey. don’t forget to explore the Old town of Dubrovnik, full of stories and historical sites, a town that deserves the name “A pearl of Adriatic”.
No matter which part of Croatia you choose for relaxed cycling – whether on a guided bike trail or self-guided cycling tours – we are sure that your vacation with Fiore Tours will be unforgettable and exactly what you wanted to have.
