Croatia Bike Tours

Bike Tours in Croatia

Cycling in Croatia is an exhilarating adventure that promises stunning views, incredible landscapes, and an immersion in the rich culture and history of a fascinating country. As you pedal along the breathtaking Dalmatian Coast, you’ll be greeted by the sparkling Adriatic Sea on one side and a series of charming villages, ancient ruins, and lush vineyards on the other. The route is dotted with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, pristine beaches, and hidden coves, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.

As you bike through Croatia, you’ll navigate gently rolling hills, challenging climbs, and thrilling descents, all while enjoying the temperate Mediterranean climate. One of the highlights of the ride is the opportunity to explore the stunning islands that dot the coastline. Ferries transport you and your bike to islands like Hvar and Korčula, each with its unique charm, picturesque landscapes, and idyllic seaside villages.

Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to pause and soak in the local culture. Stop at bustling local markets, visit family-owned wineries, and dine at traditional konobas (taverns) where you can savor delicious Dalmatian cuisine. Fresh seafood, locally-produced olive oil, and renowned wines are just a few of the gastronomic delights awaiting you, and the warm hospitality of the locals and the relaxed pace of life along the coast add a welcoming and authentic touch to your journey.

The Dalmatian Coast also offers an array of historic sites and landmarks to explore. From the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik to the Roman ruins in Split, each stop is a step back in time. As you bike through medieval towns and past centuries-old churches, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the region’s storied past. The combination of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and historical depth makes each of Exodus’ biking tours of Croatia a truly unforgettable experience.

Our Best Croatia Bike Tours

8 Days from CAD 4645

CAD 3955

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Cycling

8 Days from CAD 3110

Self-Guided Holidays (Incl. Taxes)

Cycling

8 Days from CAD 5318

CAD 4255

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Cycling

See All Trips

Top 5 Croatia Cycling Highlights

1. Hvar Island
Cycling in Hvar offers the thrill of riding along ancient Roman roads and scenic coastal routes, with stops in charming villages like Vrbovska and Jelsa. The journey includes a challenging hill climb to a viewpoint with breathtaking views of the island of Brac, followed by the exploration of Hvar’s marbled streets and gothic architecture. You’ll also enjoy picturesque landscapes, passing through olive groves, vineyards, and small villages with stunning views of the turquoise waters and mountainous mainland.

2. Korčula Island
Korčula Island, often referred to as “Little Dubrovnik,” is renowned for its medieval architecture, charming narrow streets, and interesting cultural heritage. This lush island is dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and quaint villages, offering a picturesque backdrop perfect for cyclists to explore. Its pristine beaches and clear blue waters, along with vibrant local traditions and culinary delights, make Korčula a dream destination in the Adriatic.

3. Dubrovnik
Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” boasts stunning medieval architecture, with its iconic city walls and historic old town earning UNESCO World Heritage status. 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. The city’s marble streets, baroque buildings, and beautiful seaside setting create a magical atmosphere that attracts cyclists from around the world.

4. Split
Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, is a vibrant blend of ancient history and modern life, centered around the remarkable Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its bustling waterfront promenade, lively markets, and stunning coastal views, Split is the starting point for our Cycling Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast adventure.

5. Mljet Island
Mljet Island, often considered one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands, is renowned for its lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and tranquil beaches. The island’s National Park, which covers its western part, features the stunning saltwater lakes of Veliko and Malo Jezero, along with a picturesque Benedictine monastery on the islet of St. Mary.

The accommodation we stayed in was of a high standard and the different parts we saw of Sri Lanka were very varied and I feel we saw so much of this special country during this trip.

The food was absolutely outstanding on this trip and we went to some amazing off the beaten track restaurants. One of our favorites was the ladies who cooked the vegetable curries, the dinner at a locals house, and another was the buffet at the old colonial hotel, you may burn 2000 calories cycling but you will eat 3000 calories of amazing food if you want too. Suresh has a saying ‘do maximum damage’ at the buffet and that we did! wait till you try the egg hoppers you will be hooked!

A bit of detail about the cycling: my husband and i were the youngest on the trip at 44 and 52 but we decided to go for the e bikes as it was our first cycle holiday. I highly recommend this option, whilst we had a good level of fitness, and I had trained for this trip doing 100km cycles. Even though we had done level 4 graded Exodus hiking trips before,we wanted to make sure we enjoyed the big climb days and did not slow everyone down, not that it is ever an issue with a lovely exodus group! We also didn’t know if everyone would be super amazing club cyclists and we would be the slow ones, but we had a complete mix of lovely people and we didn’t have anything to worry about. We have just booked our next Exodus cycle trip and have gone for normal bikes.

We had the e bikes turned off most of the time and actually felt after a couple of days we should of gone for normal bikes but it did mean we could enjoy the big climbs and not worry at all, but the van is close behind you on those days and very easy to jump into, so if you are worried you are not fit enough for this trip or not a super keen cyclist i highly recommend going for the ebike option as the trip is definitely worth it and an amazing experience, the ebikes were a very good standard and brand new. At the time of the trip I was a modest cyclist and cycled mainly during the summer months at home, I did properly train for the trip and made sure i had done the 100km distance on a few occasions but this was just to give myself confidence and I just wanted to make sue i was well prepared, don’t think you have to do a lot of training for this trip, the pace is good and no one was ever left behind, it is a level 4 so you do need some fitness but with a good level of fitness you could do it, if you are worried definitely go for the e bike option.

I would agree with some of the other comments that it wasn’t aways back roads and sometimes the traffic was crazy but we always felt safe with Suresh at the front another guide at the back and the bike mechanics were often following us, i really cant thank the whole crew enough just an amazing team who were brilliant and everything was seamless.

It can be hot and I recommend bringing some electrolytes with you, the crew carry more water and food than you could ever need so nothing to worry about there. Have cold gear for the mountains in the evening as it does get cold.

I felt there was also a good amount of things organised outside of the cycling and it felt we always had plenty of things organised in and out of the saddle, the tea plantation visits were amazing also the jewelry factory, the visit to the gardens in Kandy also really great mix of things to see and do outside of the saddle. Finishing the trip at the beach was fabulous as well, there are so many different sides to Sri Lanka I felt we saw them all.

We had a totally amazing group of people in the group who shared this adventure with us, and we all got on so well it was wonderful to get to know them all, we have always had great groups with Exodus. but this was the best group yet, so thank you also to all of them who made the trip so memorable.

Sara Mitchell Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka

We added this trip as an extension to the Discover Sri Lanka trip which was fabulous and we highly recommend. Unfortunately
this trip for us fell far short of the standard we have come to expect from Exodus. I write this as a qualified ride leader with over 40 years of experience in bike maintenance.

Our bikes had multiple problems including excessive play in the rear wheel, unreliable gears, poorly adjusted headsets and badly set up brakes all which affected bike handling and created unnecessary risk. Having discussed this with Exodus they have assured us that changes will be made to the servicing of the bikes and that the ride leader will test ride every bike before handing it to a client.

Generally it is easy cycling on flat roads with a few minor hills on the last day. A lot of the roads are fairly busy, the Indian drivers like to toot so you know they are there, so it is also very noisy. The backwater roads are lovely but views of the sea can be limited because of the coastal defences. There is also a lot of litter and some unwelcome smells due to the lack of sanitation. The locals are generally very welcoming and friendly, plenty of smiles particularly from the children.

Linda Hamilton Cycle the Coast of Kerala

Read All Reviews

Is Croatia good for cycling?

Whether you’re seeking leisurely rides along the Adriatic coastline or more challenging routes through rugged hills and historic towns, Croatia has something for every cyclist. Plus, the country’s mild Mediterranean climate and stunning scenery make cycling here a truly enjoyable experience. With its well-maintained roads, extensive network of cycling paths, and numerous organized tours and rental services available, Croatia is a paradise for cyclists of all levels.

How do I plan a Croatia cycling tour?

Take advantage of Exodus’ over 50 years of experience in active travel by embarking on one of our small group guided cycling tours, and we’ll do all the planning for you! Our travel specialists have designed incredible itineraries in Croatia, so all you need to do is book one and we’ll take care of all of the logistics. From route planning and accommodations to support vehicles and luggage transfers, our tours include it all.

FAQs on Croatia Biking Tours

What should I expect on a Croatia biking tour?

On an Exodus Croatia biking tour, you can expect an exhilarating journey through some of the country’s most picturesque landscapes, combining adventure, culture, and relaxation. You’ll cycle through diverse terrains, including scenic coastal roads, rolling hills, and charming villages, with carefully planned routes that cater to various fitness levels. Each day offers unique experiences, such as exploring historic towns like Dubrovnik and Split, visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites, and discovering the natural beauty of islands like Hvar and Korčula. Along the way, you’ll enjoy local cuisine, sample exquisite wines, and stay in comfortable accommodations that reflect the region’s character and hospitality.

Are e-bikes available on cycling tours of Croatia?

We offer the option to upgrade to an e-bike on our cycling vacations in Croatia for an added fee. These electric bikes offer added assistance, making cycling more accessible while allowing for longer distances with less physical effort, making tougher routes more enjoyable. For those traveling with partners or friends with different fitness or cycling experience, it can be a great option to even the playing field and make a specific trip more suitable.

How do I prepare for a cycling trip?

Leading up to your departure, training on a bike is essential! You’ll want to increase your endurance and comfort level while getting your body used to the physical demands of long rides. Pay attention to the activity level rating of your trip for guidance on the intensity of the rides, and check our fitness guides for more advice on how to prepare physically for your adventure.

What should I bring on a cycling tour of Croatia?

Check your tour’s trip notes for a complete packing list specific to your tour to Croatia, but some basics include padded cycling shorts, cycling gloves, sturdy cycling shoes, and a compact close-fitting bag or fanny pack. Feel free to also pack your own gear, such as SPD or clipless pedals, your preferred saddle (excluding the seat post), or a gel saddle cover.

High-quality, locally rented bikes are provided on all Exodus cycling trips, with only a few exceptions. The bike type (hybrid or mountain) is tailored to the trip’s nature, and you can find detailed information about your ride in each trip’s essential info.

Is biking in Croatia difficult?

Biking in Croatia offers a range of difficulty levels, making it accessible to both novice and experienced cyclists. The terrain varies from flat coastal roads to hilly inland routes and challenging climbs, especially on islands like Hvar and Korčula. Our tours provide support vehicles and options for shorter rides or alternative routes, allowing you to tailor the difficulty to your comfort and ability. Check the trip notes of your tour for more information, including the activity rating, to ensure that the tour is right for you.