The Best Places for Self-Guided Cycling Tours in Croatia
Croatia has so much to explore from the historic old towns to the wide array of coastal routes and picturesque landscapes. It’s pretty well known that destinations are ultimately best seen on foot. Get through all the classic hotpots of somewhere and through narrow hidden gem lanes lined with boutique bliss.
What if you swapped your two feet for two wheels?
Feel even more exhilarated as you descend through serene greenery and race your loved ones to the seafront! Compared to walking, cycling allows more land to be covered in shorter periods, so it really allows you to get the utmost out of a destination.
And Croatia is the perfect backdrop. So here are five top-pick regions in the country for self-guided cycling tours.
Korčula
Korčula Island, one of the largest islands in Croatia’s extensive archipelago portfolio, is often dubbed the fairytale island of the country. Thanks to the intricately designed medieval architecture littering narrow cobblestone streets, expect to feel like you’ve been transported to a land only described in stories! Explore these inland roads early in the mornings to see the Old Town awaken for a day of trade.
Heading out from the central heart, the island is home to various coastal routes and more challenging hilly terrain, making it fit for any cyclist, from experts to novices. Bike from the central town to the nearby village of Lumbarda. Known for well-kept beaches and pristine vineyard scenery, the village is a guaranteed hop-off spot for an afternoon of wine sipping beneath sunny skies. For travellers staying directly in the central hub, this is just a six-kilometre route, so it is the perfect journey for an easier day.
Experienced cyclists can enjoy the full-day challenge of circumnavigating the full circumference of the island on two wheels. Covering a wide range of terrain and difficulty, the route passes through inland paths and coastal routes for perfect summer sightseeing. Hop off for sea dips to cool down in the Mediterranian heat of the summer months and embrace the luscious scent of pine trees in their abundance as you wind through dense forestland.
Hvar
With a rich history dating back to ancient Greek times, meander through the streets of Hvar island to feel like you’ve gone back in time. The island is a cycling haven, surrounded by coastal bliss with a hillier inland expanse. Head from the vibrant town to the UNESCO-protected Stari Grad agricultural plain.
Despite being such a delicate natural landscape, the plain is home to one of the oldest towns in the whole European continent and therefore offers charming streets and rich history to explore. From here, embark on the relatively easy route to Jelsa. Taking you through delightful vineyards, olive groves, and lavender fields is the most idyllic route to head on over two wheels. Hop off for afternoon tipples and to capture the glorious purple landscapes of meadow expanses.
Spend nights returning to the perfect hub. There are an array of luxury villa rentals in Hvar across the island. From luxurious hillside spots to beachside retreats, the choice is endless for creating the perfect home-from-home experience. The most keen cyclists wanting an extensive trip could even stay across a few properties within various towns on the island.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Located on the mainland and acting as a central heart, Plitvice National Park covers approximately a hundred and fourteen square miles of delicate land expanses. Famous for its sixteen terraced lakes connected by a series of cascading waterfalls and rock formations, it won’t get much more picturesque than two-wheel meanders through here.
Cycling directly in the park is rightly not available due to its delicate environment, there are several routes around the lands to head out from or en route to the much-loved Croatian park. Intertwine yourself between beautiful countryside lanes and local villages along the Korana River. Make it like a movie scene with a picnic basket on the front of your handles, for the perfect picnic lunch lakeside in Plitvice. Stay at the nearby village known as ‘Little Plitvice’ to have the serene landscapes directly on your doorstep.
Istrian Peninsula
Owned by three countries, the Istrian Peninsula is a great way to detect the differences between neighbouring countries as well as key Croatian districts. Go on the popular cycling route, the Parenzana Trail. Following the path of a former railway track, this route connects Italy to Croatia and is mostly off-road for mountain biking.
This full-day escapade expands through local villages and charming towns like Buje. Explore the everyday quintessence of local life in Croatia and indulge yourself in the cuisine scene during stop-off time. The route is very well marked, so it is ideal for self-guided expeditions. The wealth of scenic cycling holidays to undergo here, are guaranteed to inspire!
Dubrovnik
The ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik is one of the most loved regions on mainland Croatia. Preserved by medieval city walls encompassing the old town, it has UNESCO World Heritage status, and the rich cultural heritage of the region is very much influenced by this.
This would be the perfect place to explore on foot before hopping on two wheels to begin a cycling escapade across the whole country. Move around the flat coastline to Cavtat, where Adriatic Sea views come in their masses. Head down the waterfront promenade and embrace the relaxed atmosphere before heading back to Dubrovnik for a restful evening, immersing yourself in the bright Croatian culinary scene.
Summary
Decrease your carbon footprint and embrace a far more ecologically friendly way to travel. From cross-country ventures to sticking to one island or resort, Croatia provides the perfect backdrop for movie-like cycling scenes to come to life.
