Cycle along the spectacular Dalmatian coastline of Croatia
With its crystal-clear waters and rich history, the Dalmatian Coast is one of Europe’s true treasures.
On this adventure, you will explore some of the best cycling routes in the region, mostly on the stunning islands of Hvar and Korcula, hopping between them by ferry.
The landscapes vary from charming seaside villages and quaint medieval towns to picturesque pebble bays. Our journey concludes in the enchanting UNESCO city of Dubrovnik, where you’ll spend two nights immersing yourselves in the unique ambiance of the wonderfully preserved city.
Excellent Trip
” This was a fabulous trip. The rides were challenging with hills but absolutely beautiful coastal views, quaint villages, and beautiful hillsides covered in grapes vines, olive trees and lavender. Dinners were very good, especially the farm to table one. Time spent in Dubrovnik was a great way to end the trip. 2 of the 3 hotels were good, one could be better.
The guide Mario was excellent and made the trip that much better!! He was a natural; friendly, encouraging, helpful and flexible. Mario was easy going and didn’t let things bother him. Even when we missed a ferry one day, he was on it immediately finding alternative plans. When the ferry to mjlet was cancelled due to winds, he quickly found an alternative ride for us to do. He seemed to truly enjoy hanging out with the group and it is always great to be able to hear stories from a local who can share what it is like to grow up and live in another part of the world.
I would get an e-bike if I did this again just to have a little assist on the hills. They were doable but it was a challenge since I had not been riding a lot this summer. “
All the things you need to know
You will start your Croatian adventure in Split, where you will gather at the ferry port to take a service to Stari Grad on Hvar island. You’ll then continue by road to Hvar town where you will spend the first two nights.
Please note: The ferry leaves at 2.30pm. The timings may be adjusted for logistical reasons.
Accommodation: Labranda Senses (or similar)
Yur first day is a circular ride exploring Hvar island. You’ll start with a transfer to Stari Grad where you will do your bike fitting before cycling along an old Roman road to Vrbovska and then follow the coastal road towards the village of Jelsa. Here you’ll take a break before heading back to Stari Grad for an optional lunch. After lunch, you will continue your ride back to the town of Hvar. You’ll cycle up a challenging hill to a viewpoint overlooking the island of Brac with breathtaking views. When you return to Hvar, you will have a chance to wander around the narrow streets of this quintessential Dalmatian town. Rather like a mini Venice, the streets of Hvar are marbled and there are elegant gothic palaces and cathedrals inside the city walls.
Accommodation: Labranda Senses (or similar)
Distance covered: 25mi (40km)
Ascent: 3,858ft (1,176m); Descent: 3,635ft (1,108m); Activity hours: 4.5-5
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you will start with a transfer to Jelsa and ride East along the narrow part of the island with views of both coasts as you head to the port of Sucuraj. The road is generally quiet and there are a couple of challenging climbs today to get you warmed up, however, the support vehicle will be available if you don’t want to cycle up the hills. Heading East, you will have wonderful views of the mountainous mainland and the turquoise waters and you’ll even pass small villages, olive groves and tiny vineyards on your way to Sucuraj. From Sucuraj you’ll take a ferry to Drvenik on the mainland, transfer by bus to Orebic, then catch another ferry to Korcula which is the historic centre of the island and on the Peljesac Channel. It is also known for its cultural and historical heritage with a long tradition of seafaring, shipbuilding and stone-masonry, as well as being the birthplace of the adventurer and traveller Marco Polo. On Korcula, you will take a 15-minute transfer to the small town of Lumbarda which will be our base for the next three nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)
Distance covered: 27mi (44km)
Ascent: 3,209ft (978m); Descent: 3,337ft (1,017m); Activity hours: 2.5-3
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you will have a free day to relax in Lumbarda, go for a swim off the sandy beach on Przina or explore the charming town of Korcula at your own pace. There is an optional visit (with bikes) to the picturesque island of Mijet. Those choosing to explore Mljet and its national park will take a boat ride to Pomena, which is also the entrance for the Mljet National Park. Here you can enjoy a scenic short ride around the two lakes.
Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will begin your circular ride on the forested island of Korcula. You will start with a transfer to Vela Luka and from here you will ride to the pretty village Brna near Smokvica before transferring to Pupnat for lunch. From here you’ll get back on the bikes and cycle all the way back to Lumbarda after a great exploration of the island. Today is a busy day and there are some hills, but you will use the support vehicle where necessary.
Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)
Distance covered: 28mi (45km)
Ascent: 2,730ft (832m); Descent: 3,753ft (1,144m); Activity hours: 2.5-3
Meals included: Breakfast
After a ferry ride (approximately 20 minutes) to the Peljesac Peninsula, you will follow this narrow and rugged finger of land. The route passes through olive groves, quiet villages, and vineyards hugging steep slopes that descend to the clear waters of the Adriatic. You will complete your ride along an easy unpaved track to the tiny cove at Zuljana. From here the traffic levels increase so you’ll have to take the support vehicle to Dubrovnik. En route, there is a short stop at the small historic settlement of Ston, a fortified town with Dubrovnik-style architecture.
You should arrive in Dubrovnik in the late afternoon. Here, you’ll spend two nights in a hotel that’s a 10-minute public bus ride from the old town. That evening, you can have a guided tour of Dubrovnik Old Town.
Accommodation: Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (or similar)
Distance covered: 11mi (18km)
Ascent: 1,302ft (397m); Descent: 2,425ft (739m); Activity hours: 1.5
Meals included: Breakfast
Dubrovnik exudes old-world charm. Right on the Adriatic, it has fine religious buildings surrounded by heavily fortified walls and a jumble of red-tiled roofs. The shelling of Dubrovnik by Serb troops in 1991 and 1992 outraged the world. Fortunately, over the last 15 years, great care has been taken to rebuild the damaged parts of Dubrovnik and the city has now returned to its former glory.
The old town, or Stari Grad, is filled with cobblestone streets, fountains, churches, palaces and museums — all built from the same light-coloured stone. There are no motor vehicles in the quiet city, but at night the streets come alive as people take an early evening stroll along the Stradun, the main street, which is covered in smooth shiny marble. Dubrovnik is beloved for its fine seafood, so what better way to end our Croatian experience than splashing out on a feast of freshly grilled fish within Dubrovnik’s city walls?
Accommodation: Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Enjoy your final breakfast of the trip this morning; an excellent chance to reminisce about the many adventures you’ve just enjoyed.
Meals included: Breakfast
Every trip has an activity level, so you can make sure it’s the right fit for you.
- Four days cycling (plus one optional day ride)
- An average distance of 28mi (45km) per day
- Full vehicle support.
Terrain and route:
The rides mainly follow paved roads, but where possible on the islands you will use the quieter older roads that tend to be hard gravel. The roads are quiet and there is less traffic on the islands than the mainland. The route is generally rolling but there are a few challenging hills that can be tough in the warm weather. The trip is vehicle supported so it is possible to miss some of these harder sections if you prefer. At times the route will follow roads or tracks with a steep downslope to one side. Certain sections will not have a barrier.
No specific cycling experience is required but you should be comfortable on a bike and have a reasonable level of fitness.
- Spectacular coastal cycling routes
- Explore the mainland and islands on two wheels
- Discover the Unesco city of Dubrovnik
Information
- Four days cycling (plus one optional ride on Mljet) with full vehicle support
- 90 percent paved roads, 10 percent gravel roads
- Quiet roads with a good mix of flat and rolling terrain
- Group normally 4 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Seven nights hotels
- E-bikes available for an additional cost
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
What’s Included
- All breakfasts
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Local bike hire
- Free group arrival and departure transfers available
People
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally-owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprise.
As a cycling trip, it allows easier access to the local communities and hence, facilitates interaction with locals from visits to local cafes and restaurants as well as markets to purchase traditional gifts and craft and get a real impression of the country. Entrance fees to the historical sites and attractions also goes to the upkeep of the structures.
Places
By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, you will ‘tread lightly’ to minimise the impact on local resources and the environment.
Gallery
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We are here to help. Our travel experts will organise and book your dream holiday.
call us today or complete our online enquiry form to start your next adventure.
Let's Chat
We are here to help. Our travel experts will organise and book your dream holiday.
call us today or complete our online enquiry form to start your next adventure.