I spent nearly two weeks cycling in Croatia during my 2016 Greece to England bike trip. Here's my bike touring videos and cycling tips for Croatia.
Cycling in Croatia
During my time cycling in Croatia, I followed the beautiful coastline. Occasionally, I cycled across a handful of the countless small islands.
My bike touring trip through Croatia was rewarded with stunning views, and I won't lie the odd disappointment.
Here are my route maps and vlogs from cycling across Croatia, along with information that might be useful if you are planning your own bicycle tour there.
What is Croatia like for cycling?
Is Croatia in the Balkans or not? Opinion is divided, but my view is that it is a cross-over country. I think it combines western European traits with a Mediterranean flair.
For the cyclist, this means good roads, friendly people (well, south of Dubrovnik at any rate!), and countless mini-markets to stock up on supplies.
Although the road system that follows the coastline is not really designed with cyclists in mind, drivers for the most part give cyclists room as they pass.
Bike Touring in Croatia
Bicycle touring in Croatia is not a novelty. Dozens of companies offer guided cycling trips along certain sections of the coastline. So, if you don't feel up to cycling in Croatia independently, you could always book an organised cycling vacation.
For me though, the beauty of bicycle touring is being able to set your own pace and itinerary. It is an ideal way to see any country, and especially Croatia.
Best time to bike tour in Croatia
I toured through Croatia at the end of May and the beginning of June. The idea was to avoid the insane heat of late July and August, and also dodge the tourist crowds.
This worked perfectly for me, and I would certainly suggest that this is the best time of year to go cycling in Croatia. Touring at this time of year will also avoid some of the price hikes which occur, especially for accommodation.
When it came to route, I for the most time followed the coastline from South to North. There are of course plenty of other routes, and a lot more country to choose from! You can find out more here about my Greece to England cycling route.
Route Maps and Vlogs from Cycling in Croatia
Here then, I include the cycling route in Croatia, as well as the daily vlogs I kept during my trip. I really recommend that you watch the vlogs if you are planning on cycling in Croatia.
Not only do they showcase the scenery and road conditions you might encounter, but they also include my thoughts on each day, as well as a running commentary. If you are after further travel inspiration for Croatia, this 2 week itinerary is excellent further reading.
Cycling from Greece to England Vlog Day 19 – Herceg Novi to Dubrovnik
For a full route map, click here >> https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/embed/1190376243
Time off in Dubrovnik
Cycling from Greece to England Vlog Day 23 – Dubrovnik to Neum
For a full route map click here >> https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/embed/1194240143
Cycling from Greece to England Vlog Day 24 – Neum to Makarska
For a full route map click here >> https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/embed/1194240188
Cycling from Greece to England Vlog Day 25 – Makarska to Split in Croatia
For a full route map click here >> https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/embed/1194240254
Cycling from Greece to England Vlog Day 26 – Cycling from Split to Camping Tomas
For a full route map click here >> https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/embed/1196631070
Cycling from Greece to England Vlog Day 27 – Camping Tomas to Camping Bozo
For a full route map click here >> https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/embed/1196631291
Cycling from Greece to England Vlog Day 28 – Camping Bozo to Kolan
For a full route map click here >> https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/embed/1198599402
Cycling from Greece to England Vlog Day 29 – Kolan to Senj in Croatia
For a full route map click here >> https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/embed/1199666556
Cycling from Greece to England Vlog Day 30 – Senj to Ogulin in Croatia
For a full route map click here >> https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/embed/1201087256
Cycling from Greece to England Vlog Day 31 – Ogulin to Big Berry Campground in Slovenia
For a full route map click here >> https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/embed/1204782358
For the second part of the route map click here >> https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/embed/1204782379
If you would like to find out more about Croatia, take a look here – Croatia
Ivy says
Hi Dave,
We 3 girls planning to cycling in Croatia for 20 days in coming mid June. I just wondering if this is possible to carry 3 bikes when taking bus. We will ride from Dubrovnik to Zagreb
Dave Briggs says
Hi Ivy,
I hope you have a great time cycling in Croatia!
I’ve no direct experience with taking bikes on the buses there, so I can’t help. Sorry!
Steve C says
Hey Dave. I enjoyed your video blog and notes about Croatia. Heading there in Sep. Thanks for making the effort to post.
Dave Briggs says
My pleasure – Have a great ride and happy tailwinds for your trip!
spencer rodgers says
hi. just noticed you had planned to cycle tour croatia in sept. past. love to hear how it went. planning to go there sept 2020. apprecaite it. all the best
Steve C says
I got injured just before the trip and couldn’t do the bike ride. Disappointed but had a good look around Bosnia and Croatia. Didn’t really appeal to me for cycling due to the narrow roads with heavy traffic, and so many hills! If I go again, I’d plan to ride quiet roads, or even island hop – one of those cruises that carries bikes and visits islands. Or rail trail