Island hopping cycling | 7 Days
Explore one of the best cycling routes in Europe and enjoy beautiful scenery, stunning views, amazing hidden towns and outstanding gastronomy and wine.
Toursummary
- Tour type: Multi day trips
- Activity type: Bike tours, Self guided cycling tours
- Duration: 7 Days
- Daily distance: 40 -70 km
- Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
- Point of special interest: Culture, Cycling, gastronomy, history, wine tasting
Tour Summary
Embark on a Self Guided Cycling Croatia adventure, a seven-day journey through the Adriatic’s most breathtaking landscapes. Starting in the vibrant city of Split, explore the stunning islands of Brac, Hvar, and Korcula, along with the picturesque Peljesac Peninsula. Each destination offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring an unforgettable cycling experience.
With this Self guided bike tour in Croatia, you will cycle through lush vineyards, ancient olive groves, and charming towns, immersing yourself in Croatia’s rich heritage. Ride along scenic coastal routes and take on mountain climbs, with daily distances ranging from 25 to 70 km. This tour caters to all skill levels, balancing relaxation and adventure for every cyclist.
Relax on idyllic beaches, from secluded coves to lively bays, therefore ideal for unwinding after a day of cycling. Explore vibrant small towns where time slows, offering the chance to soak in local culture, warm hospitality, and artisan traditions. Visit local markets, family-owned wineries, and charming cafes to experience the very heart of Croatian life.
Tour Highlights
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Split’s Diocletian’s Palace, the medieval streets of Korcula, and the Stari Grad Plain on Hvar
- Explore lavender fields, vineyards, and olive groves while cycling some of Europe’s most scenic routes.
- Indulge in authentic Croatian cuisine, from fresh seafood to traditional dishes like peka and gregada.
- Pair your meals with premium wines, including Plavac Mali and Pošip, from local family-run vineyards.
- Relax on idyllic beaches, perfect for unwinding after a day of cycling.
What’s Included
This self-guided bike tour in Croatia offers everything you need for a seamless journey:
- Comfortable accommodations and professional bike fitting.
- Detailed route maps and optional transfers.
- 24/7 support for a stress-free experience.
- High-quality bikes that are regularly maintained for comfort and safety.
- Seamless transfers and day-to-day logistic
Create unforgettable memories on this 7-day self-guided cycling Croatia tour, perfect for travelers seeking a blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Whether you’re a foodie, a wine enthusiast, or an avid cyclist, this tour offers a unique way to experience Europe’s most scenic destinations.
Day 1: Split
Your cycling adventure begins in Split with a detailed briefing at our office. After we introduce you to the planned route and provide your essential tour materials, we’ll fit your bike to ensure a comfortable and smooth ride. Once ready, you’ll enjoy a self-guided exploration of Split’s old town. Visit the iconic Diocletian’s Palace, stroll the bustling Riva promenade, and discover the Venetian tower and vibrant markets. The day culminates with a scenic ride through Marjan Hill’s pine forests, offering panoramic views over the islands. This day allows for bike testing, preparing you for the journey ahead.
Distance: 15-20 km
Climb: 200 meters
Overnight: Split
Highlights: Explore Split’s Diocletian Palace, Riva promenade, and Marjan Hill with panoramic views over the islands.
Day 2: Island Brac
Start your second day with an early ferry to the island of Brac. After exploring the town of Supetar, you’ll cycle along the coast to Sutivan, passing through lush vineyards and olive groves. The scenic route features ancient dry-stone walls and “bunje” shelters, offering a glimpse into rural Mediterranean life. In the village of Lozisca, you can take an optional detour to the charming fishing village of Milna for a swim in crystal-clear waters. Continuing through the central island, visit historical villages like Škrip and Donji Humac, ending the day in Postira for a relaxing evening by the sea.
Distance: 35 km (base) + 15 km optional extension
Climb: 750 meters (base) + 300 meters (extension)
Overnight: Postira
Highlights: Coastline rides past olive groves and vineyards, visits to Lozisca and Sutivan, and a possible swim in Milna’s bays.
Day 3: Central Island Brac
After a hearty breakfast in Postira, you’ll head towards the central part of Brac Island. This day involves some challenging climbs, especially as you ascend toward Vidova Gora, the highest point on the island. Along the way, explore the village of Pucisca, famous for its stne masonry school. The mountain ride will reward you with breathtaking views of the town of Bol and the famous Zlatni Rat Beach. Relax at the beach or stroll through the charming streets before your overnight stay in Bol.
Distance: 41 km (base) + 30 km optional extension
Climb: 900 meters (base) + 400 meters (extension)
Overnight: Bol
Highlights: Ascend to Vidova Gora, the island’s highest point, and finish with a downhill ride to Bol, with time to visit Zlatni Rat Beach.
Day 4: Island Hvar
Today, you’ll take a private boat transfer to the island of Hvar. Start your ride in Stari Grad, an ancient settlement founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BC. Cyclists will pass through picturesque villages like Vrboska, known as “Little Venice” for its bridges, and Jelsa, before climbing up to Vrbanj, Svirće, and Vrisnik. From the top of the island, enjoy panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the Pakleni Islands. After visiting the lavender fields in Brusje, descend to the town of Hvar. End the day with a tour of Hvar’s fortress and historic town center, including the cathedral and theatre.
Distance: 45 km
Climb: 890 meters
Overnight: Hvar
Highlights: Cycle through ancient Greek farmland, and visit towns like Vrboska and Jelsa. End the day exploring Hvar’s fortress and medieval streets.
Day 5: Korcula Coastline
Start the day with a fast boat transfer to the historic town of Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. After settling in, enjoy a relaxed cycling tour through the charming coastal villages of Racisca and Lumbarda. Visit the sandy beaches of Przina, perfect for a swim and relaxation. The highlight of the day is a visit to the local vineyards where you’ll have the chance to sample Grk wine, a unique variety produced in the sandy soil of Korcula. This leisurely ride provides plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s history, culture, and scenic beauty at a relaxed pace.
Distance: 40 km
Climb: 300 meters
Overnight: Korcula
Highlights: Ride through Korcula’s vineyards, swim at Przina Beach, and sample the island’s unique Grk wine.
Day 6: Central Korcula Island
Today, you will explore the heart of Korcula Island. Your route takes you through the picturesque villages of Cara and Smokvica, known for their wine production. Smokvica, in particular, offers a peaceful setting amidst the vineyards, and here you can learn about the island’s long-standing winemaking traditions. After a refreshing swim at Pupnatska Luka Bay, continue your ride to Zrnovo, where you’ll discover the village’s rich culinary heritage and its traditional pasta-making techniques. Enjoy a delightful lunch at Konoba Mate, known for its delicious local dishes, before returning to Korcula for the night.
Distance: 50-70 km
Climb: 500-1000 meters
Overnight: Korcula
Highlights: Visit the wine villages of Cara and Smokvica, swim at Pupnatska Luka Bay, and try traditional food in local taverns.
Day 7: Peljesac Peninsula
On Day 7, take a transfer to Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsula, known for its steep vineyards and world-class wines. Cycle towards the village of Potomje and visit the Matusko Winery, where you can explore the cellars and taste the exceptional wines. Ride through the picturesque vineyards of Dingac, the region’s famed wine-producing area. As you make your way to the historic town of Ston, pass through Trstenik, where another renowned winery, Grgic Wine, awaits. In Ston, discover the 15th-century town walls, ancient saltworks, and indulge in the local seafood before settling in for the night.
Distance: 60 km
Climb: 1000 meters
Overnight: Ston
Highlights: Cycle through Potomje’s vineyards, visit Matusko and Grgic wineries, and explore the fortified walls and saltworks of Ston.
Optional – Day 8: Dubrovnik Hinterland
On the final day of your adventure, cycle through the scenic hills outside of Ston as you head towards Dubrovnik. The peaceful ride will take you through quiet villages, offering stunning views of the Elaphiti Islands. Visit traditional, nearly abandoned villages like Majakovi and Osoje, soaking in the history of the region. Upon reaching Dubrovnik, end your journey by exploring the historic city walls and charming old town. You’ll have the option for a transfer to the city center, or you can spend more time cycling and exploring.
Distance: 25-40 km
Climb: 400-700 meters
Overnight: Dubrovnik area or direct transfer
Highlights: Scenic hill rides with views of the Elaphiti Islands, passing through quiet villages before arriving in Dubrovnik.
STANDARD – Apartment / Guesthouse
Our Standard accommodations offer the perfect blend of comfort, practicality, and local charm, ensuring you have a memorable and authentic experience during your cycling holiday. These include 3-star private apartments and guesthouses, often owned and operated by local families. Staying in these properties not only provides you with a cozy, welcoming environment but also connects you with the local culture and community.
Each accommodation is thoughtfully selected to meet your needs, featuring:
- Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms for privacy and convenience.
- Functional amenities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and comfortable bedding to ensure a pleasant stay.
- Optional kitchen or kitchenette facilities, perfect for guests who enjoy the flexibility of preparing their own meals.
In addition to these essentials, many of our Standard accommodations come with delightful extras like stunning views, access to outdoor spaces, or proximity to beaches and local attractions. Whether you’re relaxing after a day of cycling or exploring nearby villages, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay.
SUPERIOR – Hotels 3 & 4*
For a more refined stay, our Superior accommodations include a selection of carefully curated hotels, stylish apartments, and luxurious bed-and-breakfasts. These properties are renowned for their excellent cuisine, exceptional service, and attention to detail. You can expect a warm welcome, traditional hospitality, and an authentic local experience.
Each accommodation is handpicked for premium features such as:
- Prime locations near cultural landmarks, vibrant town centers, or tranquil beaches.
- Exclusive amenities such as private swimming pools, spa facilities, or fine dining restaurants.
- Stylish interiors with luxurious furnishings, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and comfort.
From start to finish, your Superior stay promises an elevated and memorable experience.
NOTE: If you prefer an overnight stay in more luxurious accommodations, please let us know in your inquiry, and we will gladly tailor the experience to your preferences.
We offer three types of bikes for this tour, Hybrid bikes, Road bikes, and E-bikes.
All of our bikes are regularly maintained and serviced to ensure safety, performance, and reliability throughout your tour.
Each bike comes with a Standard equipment package: Helmet, Chain lock, Tool kit, Mini Pump, Spare tube & patching kit, Back rack, and Bottle holder. We also provide SPD pedals and panniers if needed.
For our Self-Guided Tours, each bike is also equipped with a satellite navigation device—the Wahoo Element—to provide easier navigation and enhance your touring experience.
Hybrid bikes – Musing TwinRoad Sport
TECHNICAL DATA:
- Frame Twinroad sport
- Fork: Alloy
- Headset: Ritchey semi-integration
- Breaks: Shimano Alivio
- Hubs: Shimano RM66
- Cassette: Shimano Alivio 9-speed
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Alivio speed
- Crank: Shimano Alivio 48 teeth
- Bottom bracket: Shimano Alivio
- Shifter: Shimano Alivio 3×9 speed
Road bikes – Musing Crozzroad Lite (Aluminum)
TECHNICAL DATA:
- Frame: Twinroad Sport 2013
- Fork: Steelfork in framecolor
- Headset: Acros AI 03
- Stem: Ritchey adjustable
- Saddle: Selle Royal RVL
- Hubs: Shimano Deore
- Brakes: Shimano Deore V‐Brake
- Front derailleur: Shimano Alivio
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Alivio
- Shifter: Shimano Alivio
E-bikes – Koga Tokyo
TECHNICAL DATA:
- Adj. angle stem
- 35mm travel suspension fork
- Shimano Hydraulic brakes
- 1 x 11 Shimano Transmission
- Bosch Perf line motor
- 500 Wh battery
- 700 x 38C tires
- Kickstand
- Battery charger
The tour runs all year round, however, the best weather conditions for cycling can be expected from April to June and from September to October.
| LOW SEASON | MID SEASON | HIGH SEASON | |
|---|---|---|---|
| STANDARD | 1250€ | 1560€ | 1975€ |
| SUPERIOR | 2600€ | 3060€ | 3620€ |
- Low season – April, May & October
- Mid season – June and September
- High season – July and August
The price includes the following:
- Accommodation: Enjoy 6 nights of lodging, in Standard or Superior type of accommodation
- Bike Rental: Benefit from a 7-day bike rental, with the option to choose between a hybrid, road bike, or an e-bike.
- Route Planning & Mapping: We planned the route ensuring you get the most out of your journey.
- GPS Navigation: Navigate effortlessly with our GPS navigation system pre-loaded with routes.
- Guidebook: Enhance your experience with a guidebook that chronicles your route, offering insights into the places you’ll visit, lunch options, historical tidbits, cultural highlights, and gastronomic delights.
- 24/7 Phone Support: Rest assured with our round-the-clock phone support, ensuring assistance whenever you need it.
- Luggage Storage: Store your luggage securely during the tour, freeing you to fully enjoy your cycling adventure.
- Ferry and Boat Transfers: Seamlessly hop between islands and give your full attention to the experience each day.
- Bike Pickup and Luggage Delivery: We’ll handle the logistics by picking up your bike in Dubrovnik and ensuring the safe delivery of your luggage.
- Croatian VAT: The package price includes 25% Croatian VAT.
Optional Upgrades:
- E-bikes: Elevate your cycling experience with e-bikes, available for an additional 150€ per bike for the entire 7-day duration.
- Luggage Transfers: For added convenience, we can organize your luggage at your accommodation at every overnight location. Opt for luggage transfers at a total cost of 400€ per person.
The price does not include:
- Travel Insurance: It is highly recommended to have travel insurance for your trip to ensure peace of mind in case of unforeseen events.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunches, and dinners are not included in the package. You’ll have the flexibility to choose your dining options based on your preferences.
- Airport Transfers: Transportation to and from the airport is not part of the package and should be arranged independently.
- Shuttles During Riding Time: The package does not include shuttles during your cycling excursions that are not in the itinerary, but this service can be arranged as an optional upgrade.
Each day we were given a number of route options and start times with different distances and varying elevations, with clear descriptions of the benefits of each in terms of scenery.
Our family of four booked a 7 day custom self–guided e-bike tour of the Islands (from Split to Dubrovnik) with luggage transport included. Our group included four people with a wide variety of ages and fitness levels (age 29-72). After contacting red adventures, we were promptly provided with a 7 day tour option that included a stunning plan to visit Brac, Kortula, Hvar and the Peninsula. Dražen was prompt in answering our many questions prior to and after booking the tour. Following our arrival to split, we were picked up by Red adventures and brought to their warehouse for e-bike fitting and trip route review. We were provided with an immensely detailed itinerary (including food recommendations, ferry tickets, historical details of towns to visit and sight-seeing recommendations). I was pleased to see that most of the longer days included both a short and long option to accomodate various riders. We were provided with two Wahoo devices with daily gpx tracks and routes already loaded and began our bike trip. We chose a self–guided tour and were pleasantly surprised to find that Dražen checked in with our group atleast once per day to make sure everything was running smoothly, and update us on any bad weather headed our way. Throughout the trip, it became incredibly clear that Red adventures has personal friendly connections with both the bed and breakfast/hotel hosts as well as the the assistants along the route (two days in which a car transported us with our bikes to the start). We all agree that working with Red Adventures as a local Croatian bike tour agency (rather than an agency out of the country) was an immense benefit. Everywhere we went, we felt warmly welcomed. Red adventures local connections, knowledge of local restaurants, beaches and sights were an immense unanticipated daily benefit.
Bike Routes and Gear: We were blown away by the range and power of the bikes provided. We traveled up to 80km in 1 day with more than 3000feet of elevation gain and were pleased to see that even with moderate assistance, we would not run out of battery. With a bit of electric assistance, our group of 4 (ages 29-72) was able to stay together with each individual having a pleasant time. The chargers were easy to remove and charge in our hotels/bed and breakfasts overnight. The bike routes were impeccably well planned with very few miles spent on busy roads. The roads on the islands seemed to be smooth/well surfaced with a few short segments on gravel pathways to lead us to more remote beaches and fantastically beautiful beaches and scenery. I feel so fortunate to have booked this trip with a local agency that knows the hidden gems on the island. While biking, Dražen was available and very quick to answer questions that arose along the way. The Wahoo devices were easy to use, with long lasting batteries and provided us with clear directions along the route.
Luggage Transport: We each brought luggage to have transported and were pleased to see that luggage transport was seamlessly and reliably arranged each day. We arrived at each destination happy to find our bags waiting for us. The luggage transport crew was also at times immensely helpful (one of them even changed a flat bike tire out for us in 5 minutes, while transporting our group to the start of our bike tour for the day). Staff everywhere we went seemed invested in the connection to a local Croatian agency (Red adventures) and were gracious and happy to help!
Accommodations: I was completely blown away by all of the accommodations made by Dražen and his team. I paid for a single room supplement, but often had an entire huge apartment to myself (with kitchen, balcony, living room, bathroom and bedroom included). The accommodations were with Croatian locals who showed immense pride in keeping clean, updated accommodations. The hosts seemed genuinely welcoming. Hosts often met us on arrival and provided us with advice on local beaches, dining and sight-seeing. One host even met us and kindly provided us with home-made crepes and wine to enjoy while seated on their patio overlooking the crystal blue sea! All accommodations were located in charming towns along the coast where we found fantastic beaches, food and culture.
Food/Drink: Red Adventures provided our group with daily recommendations for food and wine along the bike route. We found throughout our trip that each of their recommendations were fantastic. We stopped at multiple wineries along the way that were friendly to sweaty bike-tourists in bike clothing. We also stopped at recommended restaurants for lunch and dinner that provided some of the best (and affordable) meals of my life. It was not uncommon to see local fisherman in towns along the coast bringing in their fresh daily catch to restaurants we were eating at. Our food experiences included plenty of fresh-caught fish, squid, octopus, and oysters. As a traveler from the Bay Area (where there is an immense amount of fresh, fantastic food), I can honestly say that this bike tour was a culinary treat!
Overall, I would HIGHLY suggest booking bike tours of the Islands with Red Adventures. As a local agency, they have a clear advantage in providing a heightened cultural, gastronomical tour of the hidden gems along the way!