Go Bicycle Touring in Croatia
Croatia is a small country in Central Europe, bordered by Slovenia and Hungary to the North, the Adriatic Sea to the West, and by Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Serbia to the East. The country covers just 56, 594 square kilometers, and has a population of 4.2 million people. The country is divided into 20 counties, with the nation’s capital of Zagreb being located in Zagreb County. 
The Capital alone is home to 1.1 million people.
From a cycling standpoint, Croatia is one of Europe’s hidden gems. It has history, culture, as well as gorgeous countryside. A playground for all types of cyclists. Croatia’s famous Dalmatian Coast attracts thousands of visitors every year, the city of Dubrovnik is located in the same region, it is a major Croatian tourist destination – it’s home to a seaport, and the city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The island of Korluca is a medieval village and a former settle of the Venetians, it’s also the birthplace of Marco Polo.
Popular Bike Tour Destinations In Croatia
- The Dalmatian Coast is one of Croatia’s most beautiful regions. Historically, the region has remnants of the many cultures that graced it’s shores, namely – The Venetian maritime empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. It offers great cycling for roadies, as pristine, flat roads meander along the Adriatic coast – you can also travel by ferry or sailboat over to any number of islands off the Dalmatian Coast to enjoy more arresting scenery and great cycling.
- Split is a Croatian city on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers some terrific cuisine, and historical architecture. It was once home to Roman Emperor Gaius Diocletian, and his imperial palace still stands today. Split is reminiscent of Venice, with it’s many small streets, ferry service, and rich Croatian culture in the country’s second-largest city.
- Korcula Island is one of Croatia’s many, many islands – one of reportedly as many as one thousand! It is serene in every sense of the word. Glorious views of the Adriatic Sea and beyond are afforded to those who visit. Again, the island favours those with road or touring bicycles, and is perfect terrain for such bikes – with gentle ascents greeting those who meander it’s roads surrounding the beautiful Papnut Bay – another highlight of the island.
- The Cetina Canyon is another remarkable place in Croatia – forged by the Cetina River (which flows into the Adriatic Sea), it boasts waterfalls. It’s a short sail from the Croatian harbour-town of Omis. The white marble which is found the canyon was used in many famous buildings around the world, such as the Reichstag and the White House. It’s home to many pirate castles, and offers smooth cycling throughout this particular region. The Cetina Canyon is a must-see among touring cyclists.
- The Island of Vis has a unique, but rich history – especially militarily. Due to it’s strategic location, it was used by the Greeks over 2,300 years ago, and because it was being used a military outpost until 1995, the island was closed to foreign tourists. Vis also boasts a local vineyard, and is a short boat ride away from another island – Hvar, which is famous for it’s fields of rosemary and lavender. Like most of the Croatian islands, Vis offers history, culture and cuisine in one magnificent maelstrom.
Croatia
With its sublime stretch of Adriatic coast, Croatia has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of Europe. In recent history, civil war kept it isolated, but since declaring independence and joining the EU, it has rapidly become a popular place to visit, and we urge you to do so now, before its Riviera, which rivals those of nearby France and Italy for natural beauty, becomes changed.
ive the life of a pro on this one of a kind adventure. Cast your gaze over miles of sea and thousands of islands from the peak of Sveti Jure. You’ve earned it, after all, climbing all 30 kilometers from the sea to the summit. Cycle along the azure shores of the Adriatic, ascending and descending with its quiet, undulating roads.
Cycle along the stunning shorelines of the Dalmatian Coast. Climb through lavender fields on the island of Hvar. Visit charming ancient fishing villages in Korcula. Explore beautifully preserved medieval cities and UNESCO world heritage sites.
Facts About Croatia
- Croatia is credited with the invention of neck ties.
- Infamous engineer, Nicola Tesla – electricity’s golden boy – was born in Croatia, and was up for a Nobel Prize – which he refused, because he had to share the prize with Thomas Edison.
- The Dalmatian dog breed (seen in 101 Dalmatians), got their name from the Croatian region of Dalmatia.
- Croatia is home to the world’s only Roman ampitheater that has all three rows preserved. It’s located in Pula, in the south of the country.
- Hum, in Croatia’s Istria region, according to the Guinness World Book of Records, is the world’s smallest town – only 23 people inhabit it.
- The Croatians used their own alphabet until the 18th century. This alphabet was called Glagolitic, the alphabet has 41 letters, similar to the Greek alphabet.
- The world’s first hydro-electric powerplant was made in 1895, on the River Krka, in the city of Sibenik.
- Nin, near Zadar, is said to be where the world’s smallest cathedral is located.
- The city of Zadar, is home to the world’s first Sea Organ – that relies on the motion of the waves and the gusts of the wind to create it’s music.
- Dubrovnik, which at the time was it’s own independent state – was the first place to officially recognise the United States as an independent nation, upon it’s declaration of independence from Great Britain.