Cycle the Islands and Highlands of Croatia
Pedal Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, roll past Vransko Lake, island hop through the Zadar archipelago and ride into the wild Velebit Highlands
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guides and a bike mechanicAccommodation
7 nights in hotelsMeals
All breakfasts & lunchesTransfers & Support Vehicle
Airport transfers and everything in between, including a support vehicle to carry your kit or hop into if your legs need a restEquipment
Bicikl Polar Shadow hybrid bikeSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
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, Šibenik and historic Zadar
Taste your way along the coast, from Paski cheese to fresh seafood and Dalmatian olive oil
Key Information
Day 1
Arrival in Split
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
Olive groves and medieval streets
Cycling
Begin with a short transfer to Trogir, a charming coastal town renowned 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 craggy 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
Cycle to Biograd na Moru
Cycling
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 harbour.
Day 4
Island hopping
Cycling
Hop on a morning ferry and spend the day cycling across the islands of Pasman and Ugljan. These low-lying isles make for easy pedalling 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
Explore Pag Island
Cycling
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 thousand-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
Riding into the Velebit Mountains
Cycling
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 13km, 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
Zrmanja Canyon Descent to Obrovac
Cycling
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 16km 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
Return to Split
Driving
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.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Split International Airport
13:00 on Day 1
Ends
Split International Airport
Late morning on Day 8
Transfers
On Day 1, a group transfer is provided from Split Airport to your accommodation in Kastel (about 15 minutes). The transfer usually runs in the early afternoon, depending on group arrival times. Once most of the group has landed, you’ll head to the hotel together.
If you arrive earlier or your flight doesn’t align with the group transfer, you can reach Kaštel by public bus (line 37) or by taxi from either the airport or Split city centre.
On Day 8, a group transfer will take you back to Split Airport after breakfast. We recommend booking flights that depart no earlier than 12:00. If you’re flying later, you can store your luggage at the airport and spend a few hours exploring Split, or ask your local host about extending your stay.
Travel options
There are regular direct flights to Split Airport (SPU) from airports across the UK and Europe. For those travelling from North America, the route is typically via a connecting flight through a major European hub such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Munich, Paris or London.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
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 tuck into plenty of traditional dishes along the way.
Breakfasts are typically continental and light, with fresh bread, jams, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, coffee and tea. Lunches are usually picnic-style, while dinners vary by location. Your guide will recommend traditional konobas (local tavernas), where you might try grilled fish, black risotto or lamb slow-cooked under a bell (peka).
Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary needs can be catered for, just let your local host know in advance on your passenger info form. Vegan options are more limited, so come prepared for simpler meals.
What is the accommodation like?
Kastel
You’ll spend your first night at Hotel Baletna Skola (or a similar twin-share ensuite). This relaxed seaside hotel sits right on the waterfront between Split and the UNESCO-listed town of Trogir, just 15 minutes from the airport, perfect for a first dip in the Adriatic before the adventure begins.
Sibenik
In Sibenik, you’ll stay at Hotel Jadran (or a similar twin-share ensuite), set right on the harbour and just a short stroll from the old town and cathedral. It’s a convenient base for exploring the city’s medieval streets.
Biograd na Moru
You’ll spend one night at Hotel Meduza (or a similar twin-share ensuite) in Biograd na Moru. This friendly, central hotel is just a short walk from the beach and marina.
Zadar
In Zadar, you’ll spend the night at Hotel Mediteran (or a similar twin-share ensuite). Tucked away in a quiet residential area about 10 minutes from the old town, it comes with an outdoor pool, perfect for a refreshing dip after your ride.
Novalja
In Novalja, you’ll spend the night at The Loza Hotel (or a similar twin-share ensuite), right in the heart of this lively island town, close to the waterfront and local restaurants.
Gospic
In Gospic, you’ll spend one night at Hotel Stara Lika (or a similar twin-share ensuite). This comfortable highland hotel offers a peaceful spot to rest after the climb into the Velebit Mountains.
Obrovac
In Obrovac, your final night is at Hotel Kanjon Zrmanje (or a similar twin-share ensuite), a rustic riverside stay in the dramatic Zrmanja Canyon, with rooms overlooking the river.
Upgrades
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).
This trip has been rated as Moderate
This trip is best suited to experienced cyclists with a sense of adventure. You should feel comfortable riding 65km or more per day on surfaced, mostly quiet, undulating roads. Expect relaxed days with gentle climbs, smooth coastal stretches and the occasional gravel or unpaved track. Some days include longer, gradual climbs with short steep sections and winding descents. A support vehicle is always nearby if you’d like to take a break.
The most demanding stage is Day 6, with a 17km continuous climb gaining 880m into the Velebit Mountains. The average gradient is 5%, steady rather than steep, making it a rewarding challenge for those who enjoy climbing. Anyone preferring a lift can hop in the support vehicle.in.
Style of Riding: Backroads You’ll follow quiet, mostly smooth roads, with the odd bump from potholes, cracks or rough patches. Around Vransko Lake, the route includes a wide, hard-packed track that can be uneven in places. Hybrid bikes are used throughout.
Terrain breakdown 90% tarmac and concrete roads 10% wide dirt paths/trails
What if i need to skip an activity?
A support vehicle will transport your luggage each day and is on hand to help with any bike issues. If you’re struggling with the terrain or feeling unwell, you can hop in for a lift — though it’s not there to skip a whole day’s ride.
What will I need to carry?
All your accommodation is pre-booked, and your luggage is transferred from one point to the next. As everything will be transported by the support vehicle which there will be access to throughout the day you can cycle completely unburdened. We do suggest bringing a small bumbag/backpack or bag that can be attached to your frame for carrying essential items like money, phone, sun cream and a snack. The van also carries tools and spare bike bits if needed.
The Dalmatian Coast has a mild climate for most of the year. July to September can be hot, with daytime temperatures often above 30°C, 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 17–25°C. Rain is possible at any time of year, so pack a light waterproof. Sea temperatures average 18–24°C in these months, with warmer water later in the season - ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided ride from Split to Sibenik
- Guided ride along the shore of Vransko Lake
- Olive Oil tasting
- Guide ride on the islands of Pasman and Ugljan
- Guided ride across Pag island
- Paški cheese tasting
- Guided ride up Velebit Mountain
- Guided ride through the Lika plateau
- Guided ride through the Zrmanja River valley
Guides
- Local, expert, English-speaking cycle guides and a bike mechanic
Accommodation
- 7 nights in comfortable hotels
Meals
- 7 breakfasts to fuel you up each day
- 6 picnic lunches
- Snacks while cycling
Transfers
- Arrival transfer from Split Airport any time of Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Split Airport morning on Day 8
Equipment
- Bicikl Polar Shadow hybrid bike
Support Vehicle
- To transfer your luggage, and for you to hop in to if your legs need a rest
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Meals
Dinners aren’t included, giving you the chance to eat at bistros along the route and try local restaurants in each town. Budget around £10–15 / €15–25 per meal.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline:
€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.
Personal expenses
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
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 cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, 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 travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities. Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What do I need to bring?
CYCLE KIT
- Helmet (required)
- Cycling shoes (bring your own pedals if using cleats)
- Saddle, if you would rather use your own
- Gel saddle cover (optional if preferred)
- Bumbag/backpack or small frame bag for riding (optional)
- Reusable water bottle It is recommended that you bring cycling water bottles that fit into standard bottle cages on bikes (500ml, 600ml or 750ml).
CLOTHES
- Padded cycling shorts
- Sports top or cycling jersey
- Waterproof jacket
- Cycling gloves
- Buff or neck scarf
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Sleepwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Sandals
- Fleece jacket or similar for the evenings
- Trousers/leggings for the evenings
- Trainers/Sandals
- Swimwear
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
Extra night pre trip in Split Hotel (single)
Payable Before Departure
Extra night pre trip in Split Hotel (single)
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Extra night pre trip in Split Hotel (twin/double)
Payable Before Departure
Extra night pre trip in Split Hotel (twin/double)
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Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
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Private arrival transfer SPU airport to Split Hotel (1-6 pax)
Payable Before Departure
Private arrival transfer SPU airport to Split Hotel (1-6 pax)
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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.
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:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
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.
We’re big fans of cycling - it’s one of the best ways to get under the skin of a place. Planning it all yourself, though, can be a bit of a faff. So we’ve teamed up with a local guide who’s mapped out a cracking route and will lead the way. Your overnight kit travels in the support van, and you’ll be set up with a quality bike and plenty of snacks to keep you spinning. Faff, sorted.
All you have to do is turn up, pedal and take in the amazing landscape with your fellow tourers. 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. 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 are able to top your water bottles up with.
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 are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
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 on a daily basis so this does mean that 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 are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers 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. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
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:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Need help finding flights?
From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.
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Connect before you go
You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details
DEPARTURE DATES
Saturday 25th April 2026
to Saturday 2nd May 2026
New Trip Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
