Mountain Biking the Northern Croatian Islands

Croatia
E-Bike
Self-Guided
Cycling the Northern Croatian Islands

Mountain Biking the Northern Croatian Islands

Prices

From $1,425USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Explore the beautiful islands of the Adriatic on this mountain biking adventure in north Croatia

Discover the incredible scenery of the northern Croatian islands where you’ll find endless trails, secret coves, and magical beaches.

Cycle the gravel paths and remote trails through the islands' varied terrain, including the mountains of Učka Nature Park.

Ride to beautiful coastal towns and villages, including Mali Lošinj, Rab, Baška, and Zadar.

Enjoy staying at small local hotels full of Mediterranean charm in beautiful locations.

The Croatian islands in the northern Adriatic Sea are so much more than a beach destination! The Cycling the Northern Croatian Islands tour takes you on an exciting mountain bike adventure where you can experience the surreal natural beauty of popular islands and hidden gems.

On this tour, you’ll be riding through rugged terrain on mostly gravel trails while you enjoy incredible scenic lookouts and the fresh sea breeze. Each ride will show off the charming towns on the coast and then take you to beaches, tranquil hidden coves, and lush landscapes off the beaten path. Throw in the exciting mountain bike trails high above Baška and the rocky hills of Pag Island and you have the perfect cycling holiday!

Cycling the Northern Croatian Islands Itinerary

Day 1 Ride the Scenic Trails of Rabac

Your tour begins in Rabac with a brief orientation meeting before your first ride. Spend the afternoon cycling the trails around this resort town and enjoy the beautiful views of Kvarner Bay.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Rabac
Distance
3-4 hours, 20-30km
Meals
None

Day 2 Cycle the Mountains of Učka Nature Park

After breakfast, a transfer will drive you from Rabac to Semič where you’ll start your bike ride through the Učka Nature Park.

Enjoy the gravel paths and spectacular views as you ride through the mountains. Travel through the rocky cliffs of the park to the lovely seaside city of Lovran, where you’ll spend the night.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Lovran
Distance
5-6 hours, 33.7km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 Coastal Ride on Lošinj Island

This morning you’ll be leaving the mainland! A transfer vehicle will bring you to Rijeka where you’ll take a catamaran transfer to Mali Lošinj on Lošinj island.

Take a leisurely bike ride to discover the coves and villages along the east coast. End your day with a stroll along the beautiful Mali Lošinj waterfront.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Mali Lošinj
Distance
2-3 hours, 22.3km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 4 Cross Island Adventure to Cres

Make sure to enjoy a good breakfast because you have a long-distance ride ahead of you today! Leave Mali Lošinj and ride across the bridge to the island of Cress. You’ll ride through the wild natural beauty of Cres Island, enjoying enjoy incredible views of the Adriatic from its rocky cliffs. End your day watching the boats bob on the water in the picturesque harbour of Cres town.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Cres town
Distance
5-7 hours, 65.6km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 Bike the Mountains of Krk

You have another ferry ride today. A transfer will drop you off at the port and you’ll start your bike ride from Valbiska. When you arrive on Krk you’ll find a ferry port surrounded by dense forest, but as you ride towards Baška the trees will give way to rocky mountains.

Spend the day mountain biking in the hills above Baška and then reward yourself with a swim in the crystal waters at the beach in town.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Baška
Distance
4-5 hours, 34.2km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 6 Rab Island Exploration

This morning you’ll take a 2 to 3-hour bike ride back to the port in Valbiska. The ferry will take you to Rab Island, and you’ll start your ride from the gorgeous beach town of Lopar. Today’s second cycling stage is a 3 to 4-hour exploration of the island as you travel from Lopar to historic Rab town.

Take an evening stroll to see the beautiful architecture and the church that is perched on the cliffside.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Rab town
Distance
5-7 hours, 39.6km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 7 Ride the Barren Mountains of Pag

After breakfast, take a catamaran transfer to Novalja on Pag Island. The incredible Zrče Beach will greet you when you arrive in Novalja, but the party island vibe will disappear quickly as you ride across the island. In contrast to its lush neighbours, Pag’s rocky landscapes will make you feel like you’re biking across the moon.

You’ll cycle across Pag’s mountains to the mainland, then today’s epic cross-island ride will end with you back on the mainland in Zadar.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Zadar
Distance
6-7 hours, 68.6km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 8 Final Island Ride

Today may be the last day of your tour, but you have a lot of great riding ahead still! Your day starts with a short ferry ride to Prijeko on Ugljan Island, where you’ll see the return of the vibrant green and blues that are symbolic of most of the Dalmatian Islands.

Cycle across Ugljan and Pašman islands, and when you reach the southern point of Pašman a transfer will bring you to Šibenik where your tour officially ends.

Overnight Location
None
Distance
5.5-6 hours, 68.6km
Meals
Breakfast

Mountain Biking the Northern Croatian Islands Price and Dates

This self-guided biking tour of the Croatian islands is run as a private tour for your group and the price depends on the time of the year in which you choose to travel.

Prices below are per person:

Low Season (March 15th - June 14th and September 16th - October 30th):

  • Self-guided groups of 2+: $1,425USD

High season (June 15th - September 15th):

  • Self-guided groups of 2+: $1,695USD
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Accommodation on Mountain Biking in Croatia Tour

This tour is based in hotels. You’ll have a private room, based on double occupancy, in a small 3 or 4-star hotel where you’ll enjoy the local hospitality.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $380USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.

Night 1

Hotel in Rabac

Enjoy a comfortable stay in a charming local 3 or 4-star hotel in a beautiful location along your route.

Night 2

Hotel in Lovran

Enjoy a comfortable stay in a charming local 3 or 4-star hotel in a beautiful location along your route.

Night 3

Hotel in Mali Lošinj

Enjoy a comfortable stay in a charming local 3 or 4-star hotel in a beautiful location along your route.

Night 4

Hotel in Cres

Enjoy a comfortable stay in a charming local 3 or 4-star hotel in a beautiful location along your route.

Night 5

Hotel in Baška

Enjoy a comfortable stay in a charming local 3 or 4-star hotel in a beautiful location along your route.

Night 6

Hotel in Rab

Enjoy a comfortable stay in a charming local 3 or 4-star hotel in a beautiful location along your route.

Night 7

Hotel in Zadar

Enjoy a comfortable stay in a charming local 3 or 4-star hotel in a beautiful location along your route.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s Included in the Mountain Biking the Northern Croatian Islands Tour?

Meals

7 breakfasts are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Rabac and after the tour in Sibenik are not included but can be added as a supplement.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour as outlined in the itinerary. Your luggage will be transported between each hotel, your ferry transport, and transportation to the ferry are also included. Airport transfers at the beginning and end of the tour are not included. Transfers included in the tour:

  • Ferry from Merag (Cres) to Valbiska (Krk)
  • Ferry from Valbiska (Krk) to Lopar (Rab)
  • Ferry from Zadar to Preko (Ugljan)
  • Ferry from Tkon to Biograd na Moru
  • Catamaran transfer from Rijeka to Mali Lošinj (Lošinj)
  • Catamaran transfer from Rab to Novalja (Pag)
  • Private car transfer from Lovran to Rijeka

Also Included

  • Introductory meeting in Rabac on Day 1
  • Self-guiding booklet with a detailed itinerary and route guide, ferry tickets, accommodation vouchers, and transfer vouchers.
  • Maps with marked routes
  • GPS routes/tracks
  • 24/7 support services
  • Tourist tax and VAT

Not included

  • Flights
  • Guide services
  • Visas if required
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfers
  • Personal expenses
  • Park entrance fees

Optional Extras

  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Single occupancy upgrades
  • Bike rental:
    • Mountain bike (Trek Marlin 7): $50USD per day
    • E-bike (Trek Powerfly): $50USD per day
  • Garmin GPS rental: $75USD per unit
  • Optional activities or excursions
  • Cycling backpack rental (15-25 l): $50USD per unit

Frequenty Asked Questions about Mountain Biking the Northern Croatian Islands

How hard is the Cycling the Northern Croatian Islands tour?

We rate this tour as a 3/5. This tour is moderately difficult, with rugged trails in remote areas that are geared towards cyclists with some mountain biking experience. The route is predominantly on gravel paths, with some single-track and paved road sections.

Do I need a visa to travel to Croatia?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Cycling the Northern Croatian Islands tour?

7 breakfasts are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover biking. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Rabac to start this tour?

The nearest airport to Rabac is in Pula. Fly into Pula Airport (PUY). Rabac is about an hour away, and you can get there by taxi, bus, or by pre-arranging a private transfer.

Is the Cycling the Northern Croatian Islands tour guided?

No. You will be provided with all necessary information to complete your self-guided tour. Self-guided tours offer great flexibility in your day-to-day, but you should be comfortable with more independence than you’d have on a guided tour.

Where does the Cycling the Northern Croatian Islands tour end?

This tour ends in Šibenik, and the nearest airport is in Split. Take a bus, taxi, or book a private transfer to the Split Resnik Airport (SPU).

Are bike rentals included?

No, bike rentals are not included but can be added at the time of booking.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a hybrid or mountain bike suitable for the demands of the tour.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Croatia?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Croatia?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to Slovenia for this tour?

The best time to visit Croatia for this tour is between May and September when the weather is warm and pleasant.

Reviews

All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.

Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.

Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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Prices

From $1,425USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour as a 5/5. This tour is quite difficult, with rugged trails in remote areas that are geared towards cyclists with mountain biking experience. The route is predominantly on gravel paths, with some single-track and paved road sections.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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