Croatia is increasingly investing in cycling tourism with more trails. From 2024, the entire island of Mljet will be covered by marked cycling routes, but Croatia is now also a "must-see" destination for cyclists. The magnificent and varied nature, fantastic views, green national parks and a 1,777 km long coastline attract. There is cycling here at all levels, from simple hour-long tours to 1,000 km long EuroVelo 8.
Croatia is part of the EuroVelo cycling network that connects the entire European continent. In Croatia, EuroVelo 8 stretches all the way from the north to the south of the country. The Istrian peninsula is the most popular cycling destination with plenty of service, level-marked trails and adapted accommodation for cyclists. Croatia offers contrasting experiences whether you cycle along the coast, in national parks, inland or between islands for a day or several weeks. Professional, MTB or leisure cyclist? There are routes for everyone here, even for those who want to combine it with sailing!
Croatia's 6 best cycling routes
1.Istria – classic cycling country
The 78 km long Parenzana tour attracts enthusiasts from all over the world. It follows an abandoned railway line through a hilly landscape filled with vineyards, olive groves and small villages. Wine, gastro or truffle tour? Istria has something for everyone.
2.New cycling routes on Mljet
Scenic Mljet can be discovered on a day trip from Dubrovnik. As of this year, Mljet has ten marked cycling routes. They cover the entire island, from the national park, the two turquoise sparkling saltwater lakes to the 13th century monastery and the ruins of a Roman palace.
3.Game of Thrones is set in Split
Croatia is a must for Game of Thrones fans as many of the filming locations are in Dubrovnik and Split. Around Split there is a 55km route that includes the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, Vila Dalmatia, Klis Fort and the Žrnovnica Quarry.
4. Island hopping by bike
A multi-island combo is easy to do from Split. Ferries depart from here to beautiful islands like Brac and Hvar. Hvar is a cycling paradise with both easy and difficult trails. The 23 km long UNESCO 704 route starts in the fishing village of Jelsa, goes via the port of Starigrad through lavender fields and ends in Hvar town.
5.Krka – the paradise of waterfalls
Inland from the coastal town of Šibenik lies Krka National Park, with its seven waterfalls along the Krka River. Cascades of water fill emerald pools, and the crystal-clear waters shimmer in shades of green and blue. There are also challenging trails in hilly terrain for mountain bike enthusiasts.
6. Wine and wetlands in Slavonia
The undiscovered cycling city of Osijek in eastern Croatia is a great starting point for those who want to cycle on flat ground along some of the country's best cycle routes, past gigantic wheat, sunflower and vineyard fields. Cycle between vineyards in Croatia's largest wine region or study the rich birdlife in Kopački Rit - one of Europe's largest wetlands.
According to the press release.
