Cycle along the quiet island roads of Pasman, Ugljan, and Pag, exploring secluded beaches, olive groves, and traditional fishing villages
Climb into the Velebit Mountains, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, for panoramic views, and a dramatic descent into the Zrmanja River Canyon
Ride into some of Croatia’s most beautiful UNESCO-listed towns, including Trogir, Sibenik and historic Zadar
Taste your way along the coast, sampling the best local flavours – from fresh seafood to Paski cheese and Dalmatian olive oil
Day 1
Touch down in Split and take a short 15-minute transfer to the coastal village of Kastel. In the late afternoon, meet your local guide and fellow adventurers for a welcome briefing. If time allows, get fitted for your bike and head out for a gentle spin along the waterfront, with a chance to cool off in the Adriatic.
Day 2
Begin with a short transfer to Trogir, a charming coastal town known for its UNESCO-listed old town, featuring winding alleys and medieval stone buildings. Saddle up and follow stretches of the EuroVelo 8, Croatia’s Mediterranean cycling route, as it weaves along rugged coastline, past olive groves and across open plains. Stop off at a family-run olive oil estate for a tasting among ancient trees, then ride on to the quiet shores of Grebastica. End the day exploring Sibenik’s honey-hued streets and unwinding in a cafe by the water.
Day 3
Pedal out of Sibenik and cross the impressive Sibenski Bridge, following the quiet backroads with the Adriatic by your side. Glide along gravel tracks beside Croatia’s largest natural lake, stopping for a picnic lunch en route. Vransko Lake National Park is a peaceful patch for birdlife, home to herons, cormorants, and seasonal migrants. Roll through sleepy villages and wide wetlands before reaching Biograd na Moru, a lively marina town perfect for a sunset swim or a drink by the harbor.
Day 4
Hop on a morning ferry and spend the day biking across the islands of Pasman and Ugljan. These low-lying isles make for easy pedaling through pine forest and olive groves, with chances to dip into the sea along the way. Cross the bridge to Ugljan and soak up sweeping coastal views before boarding a ferry in Preko bound for Zadar. Here, Roman ruins, medieval churches, and bold modern art sit side by side. The afternoon and evening are yours to wander the Dalmatian old town, listen to the Sea Organ, and watch the sun sink into the Adriatic.
Day 5
After breakfast, take a short transfer to the starting point for a ride across the island of Pag. Pedal through surreal, moonlike limestone landscapes and the lush valleys of the south. Pause to sample Paski cheese, made from the milk of sheep that graze on aromatic, salt-dusted herbs. Continue past ancient salt pans and shallow lagoons - the largest sea salt works in Croatia, with a 1,000-year tradition that shaped the island’s history. Cool off in tucked-away coves before rolling into Novalja, a lively Adriatic town best known for its summer festivals.
Day 6
Start with a warm-up ride along Pag’s coastline before boarding a ferry back to the mainland. From Prizna, tackle the steady climb into the Velebit Mountains. After the first ascent, follow a quiet mountain road for 8 miles, mostly flat or gently downhill, to the town of Karlobag. From here, a winding road leads into Velebit National Park, one of Croatia’s most striking protected areas, with sweeping coastal views along the way. It’s a long climb, but you can take it at your own pace, pausing for rests or hopping in the support vehicle if needed. From the summit, descend onto the vast Lika plateau and ride along peaceful forest roads to Gospic, a laid-back mountain town with plenty of local character.
Day 7
The last stretch of your Croatian cycling adventure takes you from the Lika plateau back to the coast along the EuroVelo 8 route. Spin through flat farmland and quiet country roads before tackling a short climb that leads into one of the trip’s most memorable descents, a 10-mile sweep into the Zrmanja River Canyon. Ride between limestone cliffs and emerald water, a landscape once used as a backdrop in the 1960s Winnetou films. Roll into Obrovac for a final evening in the heart of the canyon.
Day 8
After breakfast, transfer as a group to Split Airport. If you’d like to linger a little longer, your local host can arrange extra nights in Split so you can keep exploring.
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Dinners aren’t included, giving you the chance to eat at bistros along the route and try local restaurants in each town. Budget around $15–25 per meal.
€30 for the main guide
€10 for the support driver
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality—a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
You’ll know your own spending habits best, please budget an appropriate amount for optional things like food and drinks, shopping and laundry.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate coverage for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and gear, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment coverage, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travelers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (opens in new tab) (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield (opens in new tab), both of which offer coverage for a wide range of adventurous activities. Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
The Dalmatian Coast is known for its fresh seafood, local cheeses, olive oil, seasonal vegetables, and sun-ripened fruit. As you ride from island to mainland and through small coastal towns, you’ll get to enjoy plenty of traditional dishes along the…
Created for adventurers ready to take on a few longer, more demanding days
This trip is best suited to experienced cyclists with a sense of adventure. You should feel comfortable riding 40 miles or more per day on surfaced, mostly quiet, undulating r...
Your next adventure is out there
Peter D. May 2026
Jack T. May 2026
Phil S. May 2026
“Just back from the first MBA Croatia cycling adventure. Very enjoyable coastal and inland route combining off road and road nicely. David and Bosa were excellent guides ensuring all our needs were met with clear daily briefings. All hotels are in good locations to allow additional exploring in the evenings. Highly recommended.”
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Saturday 23rd May 2026
to Saturday 30th May 2026
Last minute - Host approval required
Last Minute Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
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For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
We're big fans of cycling—it's one of the best ways to truly experience a place. Planning it all yourself, though, can be a bit of a hassle. So we've teamed up with a local guide who's mapped out an amazing route and will lead the way. Your overnight gear travels in the support van, and you'll be set up with a quality bike and plenty of snacks to keep you going. Hassle, sorted.
All you have to do is show up, pedal, and take in the amazing landscape with your fellow cyclists. You will cycle at your own pace, with regular stops to regroup so that no one gets left behind.
You'll be riding a Bicikl Polar Shadow hybrid bike. Your height is needed in advance so the right frame size can be arranged. Each bike comes with a water bottle cage, flat pedals, and a standard saddle. If you prefer, you can bring your own saddle and pedals (including SPDs) and your local host will fit them for you.
Yes, you will cycle point to point during the trip. Each day, you'll travel from one location to the next, cycling through rural and coastal landscapes.
E-bike upgrades are not available for this trip; you’ll be riding hybrid bikes as listed in the trip inclusions. Keeping everyone on the same bike type helps maintain a comfortable group pace, simplifies logistics, and ensures a more inclusive experience. We do, however, have a growing collection of e-bike adventures which you can explore.
The guide-to-rider ratio on this trip is 1:14. You’ll also be accompanied by a support vehicle driven by a bike mechanic.
In the event of heavy rain, strong winds, or storms, conditions may become unsafe to complete the planned rides. Your guide will monitor the forecasts and make decisions with your safety in mind. If needed, the itinerary may be adjusted and an alternative route or activity offered.
The support vehicle will have large containers of water that you can fill your water bottles with.
Yes, you need to bring your own bike helmet on this adventure. It should meet recognized safety standards, display a relevant certification mark, and be in good condition. It is mandatory for all riders to wear a helmet whenever cycling.
Please make sure your helmet is:
A purpose-built bike helmet that meets a recognized safety standard and displays a relevant certification mark, including (but not limited to):
In good condition:
A good fit:
If your helmet isn’t suitable on arrival:
Need help choosing or fitting a helmet?
For advice see British Cycling’s guidance.
Bike Safety Please see our cycling safety guidance for further information.
At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location and accommodation, and in some places options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully prior to your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.
Once you have booked on your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.
BACKGROUND Croatian food is deeply regional, shaped by geography, trade routes and shifting borders. Along the Adriatic coast and islands, flavours lean Mediterranean, with grilled fish, octopus salad, black risotto coloured with cuttlefish ink and peka – meat or seafood baked with vegetables under an iron bell. Olive oil, wild herbs, capers and tomatoes are staples, while Pag is known for its sheep’s milk cheese, Paski sir, and lamb reared on the island’s rocky pastures. Inland, towards Lika and the Velebit mountains, the food becomes heartier and more rustic, with slow-cooked stews, cured meats, cabbage, beans and paprika-rich dishes shaped by colder winters, livestock farming and well-stocked pantries. Lamb, pork, beef, poultry, potatoes, mushrooms and game all feature heavily, alongside roasted lamb, homemade cheeses and other dishes rooted in the rhythms of mountain life.
SPECIAL DIETS
Vegetarian Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided your host is aware in advance. There are plenty of appealing meat-free dishes to look forward to including blitva (Swiss chard with potatoes), soparnik (Dalmatian chard pie) and bean-based soups such as maneštra. Traditional vegetable and pulse dishes, egg and dairy staples, and vegetable soups and fresh salads are also available.
Vegan Vegan diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance, but you should expect fewer options and variety that you may be used to, especially in more rural areas where meals are traditionally built around meat and dairy. Vegan-friendly choices are becoming more commonplace however - look for blitva (Swiss chard with potatoes), sataraš (a slow cooked pepper, tomato & onion stew), ajvar (roasted red pepper relish), lentil or bean soups, and grilled seasonal vegetables.
Kosher Fully certified kosher options are limited in Croatia and are mainly found in larger cities. On this trip, kosher-supervised kitchens and ingredients may not be available, so vegetarian or vegan meals can be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above, and plan ahead with your guide.
Halal Croatia is not a predominantly Muslim country so fully certified halal options are limited and are mainly found in larger cities. On this trip, halal-certified kitchens, meat and supply chains may not be available so vegetarian or vegan meals can be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above, and plan ahead with your guide.
INTOLERANCES
Gluten Free Gluten-Free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. However, options may be more limited compared to those without dietary requirements. While your local hosts will do their best, it’s worth knowing that gluten-free provision may vary as it can be difficult to source specialist products and some kitchens may be unable to guarantee no cross-contamination, especially in rural areas. Therefore, meals will more-often be based on naturally gluten-free dishes rather than specialist substitutes. That said, many standard meals already include several options without gluten, even without special preparation, including grilled meats and fish, potato dishes, rice, eggs, soups and salads. Please do consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.
Lactose Free Lactose-Free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Many traditional dishes are naturally lactose-free or can easily be prepared without dairy, such as vegetable dishes, pasta, rice and potato dishes, legumes, and salads.
ALLERGIES
Our host has confirmed that they are able to accommodate mild allergies to the 14 allergens identified by the UK Food Standards Agency, where these are disclosed in advance. However, if you have a severe or life-threatening food allergy (including Coeliac disease), please get in touch with our Customer team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip. This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority.
*Please note that when travelling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods and labelling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. Whilst your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).
If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.
For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
The Dalmatian Coast has a mild climate for most of the year. July to September can be hot, with daytime temperatures often above 86°F, but there are regular chances to cool off in the sea during planned swim and snorkel stops.
In May, June, September, and October, temperatures are milder, between 63–77°F. Rain is possible at any time of year, so pack a light waterproof. Sea temperatures average 64–75°F in these months, with warmer water later in the season - ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 123kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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