Why cycling in Croatia should be at the top of your holiday bucket list

Croatia is an unspoiled region of Europe – perhaps one of the last. Its authenticity, relaxing pace of life, high quality hospitality, beautiful and varied landscapes combine to make it a fantastic holiday destination.  

And, with over 1,000 islands within its borders, a boat and bike adventure is one of the best ways to really experience this popular country.  Europe Active – the adventure travel experts - explain why Croatian coastal cycling holidays should be at the top of your travel bucket list:

Scenery worthy of all superlatives!

All the superlatives in the world can’t do justice to the Croatian scenery. It is the best combination of sea and land. Croatia is unspoiled and so is a very authentic destination, particularly for cycling holidays.  You will find mountains, stunning beaches, harbour towns, azure coloured waters of the Adriatic, pine forests, olive groves and historic cobbled streets.

The coast

Croatia’s Adriatic coast boasts over 1,000 islands. So, being on board a boat is one of the best ways to see the country. Combine boat with bike and you’ll have a really rewarding way to get the best experience of authentic Croatia. Europe Active – travel experts on the region - have put together two accessible island hopping leisure cycling cruises of Dalmatia and Kvarner Bay which are accessible and enjoyable for cyclists of all abilities.

The history

Croatia is steeped in history, mainly because it sits on the edge of old empires, kingdoms and republics. And as it has been passed back and forth, its story has developed and deepened.

During Europe Active’s bike cruises – you’ll never be far from history.  On the Dalmatia bike cruise, you’ll visit the Island of Brac – inhabited since Neolithic times - and you’ll pass the source of the marble used in the construction of the White House and the Reichstag. The Dalmatia bike cruise also visits Korčula Island – and the town of the same name was said to be home to Marco Polo.

The National Parks

There are a total of eight national parks in Croatia – a mark of the country’s natural beauty and varied landscape. Europe Active’s leisure cycling tour of Dalmatia takes in the memorable Mljet Island National Park which is dominated by two salt water lakes and a 12^th century Benedictine monastery.

Superb food and wine

The Kvarner region’s island of Krk is noted for its delicious Zahtina wines. And luckily, on day two of Europe Active’s leisure cycling tour of Kvarner Bay, you’ll island hop to Krk where you’ll be able to ride through the vineyards before stopping to sample some in Vrbnik.

Europe Active’s Dalmatian bike cruise also takes in Peljesac peninsula – home to the vineyards that produce the red Dingac and the Island of Hvar’s red Plavac.

Both Kvarner Bay and the Dalmatian coast is boasts superb seafood fresh from the shores of the Adriatic – and supported by the beautiful olives, peppers, tomatoes, aubergines and courgettes that grow so well in the Mediterranean climate. On the Kvarner Bay tour, you’ll also be able to sample Pag cheese on the Island of Pag – it’s soaked in olive oil and baked in stone for a truly unique taste.

The weather

In this Mediterranean climate, there are on average 2,600 hours of sunshine each year. The winters are mild and the spring, summer and autumns are glorious. The climate is very well suited to cycling.

The balance of tradition and modernity

With Europe Active’s Kvarner Bay tour will take you to Opatija – a beautiful resort town that boasts many grand spas and modern restaurants.

You’ll also be able to visit Split on the Dalmatian bike tour.  Home to a Unesco world heritage site and numerous Roman monuments, yet it is a buzzing and exuberant city with a great night-life.

And then there’s Hvar – with walled streets from the 13^th century, but now a favoured hotspot of the rich and famous.

Croatia is a fabulous holiday destination and the bike and boat options from Europe Active will let you see the best of what the country has to offer. Europe Active will take care of your accommodation aboard the boat, as well as guiding you day by day. Bike rental, transfers and additional activities can also be managed for you.

So, if you would like to find out more about cycling in Croatia with Europe Active visit cycling.europe-active.co.uk for more information.

You can also visit our blog for more tips– including everything from how to prepare for a bicycle holiday through to what to pack. We’re a font of knowledge of bikes and holidays!