From dazzling coastlines to historic towns and island-studded horizons, a bike tour in Croatia is a dream for cyclists. Its mix of dramatic scenery, Mediterranean climate and rich culture makes it one of Europe’s most inspiring places to explore on two wheels.
I have first-hand experience of cycling Croatia’s islands on a bike and boat tour with Islandhopping in 2015, so I know just how special it feels to ride here. There’s nothing quite like waking up on deck, pedalling along quiet island roads, and returning to your floating base each evening. Since 2015, we’ve had the pleasure of interviewing many other cycling tour operators in Croatia – and we’ve used these insights to prepare this article.
When speaking about people’s reasons for going on cycling tours in Croatia, one of the primary motivators is access to logistics and expert support. Tour operators take care of transfers, hotels, and luggage – leaving you free to focus on the riding, the views, and the experience. With knowledgeable local guides, you’ll also discover cultural stories and lesser-known highlights you might otherwise miss.
In this article, we’ve picked out five of the best bike tours in Croatia. Each offers something a little different – from island-hopping adventures to wine-country trails and coast-to-coast challenges. Together, they showcase what makes cycling in Croatia so rewarding.
Fran Wilson is a cyclist based in the North East of England and has a particular passion for cycle touring. Her love for cycling has seen her take on some of the UK and Europe's best-known multi-day cycle routes, including the Hebridean Way, Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena.
Beyond exploring on two wheels, Fran is a key member of the Epic Road Rides team and is usually found writing travel guides for other cyclists who also want to explore the world by bike.
We’ve worked with all of the bike tour operators featured in this article over the years (there are links to our interviews with them in the relevant section). We have chosen to include them in this article because the Croatia cycling experiences they offer are ones we’d suggest to a friend, or book ourselves, if we were heading to Croatia.
1. Southern Dalmatian Islands with Islandhopping
Sunset in Southern Dalmatia (photo credit: Islandhopping, photographer: Ivan Duran)
The riding
A Croatia bike and boat tour is one of the most memorable ways to explore the Dalmatian coast, and Islandhopping are true specialists in this style of trip.
Their Southern Dalmatia itinerary links Split and Dubrovnik, taking you across a string of islands including Hvar, Brač, Korčula and Vis. Each day combines a few hours of riding with time to swim, relax on deck, or stroll through UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed harbour towns and cities.
The cycling itself is varied: fragrant lavender fields on Hvar Island, sweeping coastal roads on Korčula Island, and plenty of rolling hills offering fantastic views as your reward.
Daily distances are typically 30–50 kilometres with 400–700 metres of climbing, making it achievable for fit leisure riders (with the option of an e-bike for extra support). Evenings are spent moored in lively harbour towns, where cobbled streets, historic architecture, and local konobas (restaurants) serve up a true taste of Croatia.
What we like
Islandhopping have been running Croatia bike and boat tours since 1998, so they know these waters and roads inside out. We love how seamless the experience feels: no constant packing and unpacking, just rolling into a new harbour, on a new island, each day.
Their range of trips is another big plus – whether you want hybrid, e-bike, MTB, road bike or even family-friendly options, there’s a departure to match.
And with two experienced guides on every ride, you can relax knowing you’re supported whether you’re at the front of the pack or taking things more slowly.
What else they offer
Beyond Southern Dalmatia, Islandhopping also run boat cycling trips in Croatia in the Istrian Peninsula, Kvarner Bay, and Northern Dalmatia, each with its own flavour of landscapes and culture.
If you’re inspired to venture further afield, they also operate similar bike and boat trips in Greece and Turkey – a brilliant option if you want to explore more of the Mediterranean by bike and sail.
More information
- Guide to Croatia bike and boat tours, for an in-depth interview with Islandhopping.
- Islandhopping‘s website to find out more.
- Guide to Greece island hopping holidays, which shares how these trips compare with Croatia.
- Guide to Turkey cycling tours, for another gorgeous destination Islandhopping know inside out.
2. Parenzana bike trail with Fun Active Tours
Exploring peaceful countryside on the Parenzana trail (photo credit: ©wisthaler.com via FunActive Tours)
The riding
The Parenzana Trail is one of Europe’s most unique cycling routes – a 123-kilometre ride linking Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia along the path of a disused railway.
Starting in Trieste and finishing in Poreč, the journey takes you through historic tunnels and viaducts, past rolling vineyards, and into historic hilltop towns like Motovun and Grožnjan.
The terrain is a mix of gravel and paved surfaces, around 80–90% traffic-free, which makes it accessible to a wide range of riders.
With just 750 metres of elevation gain across the entire route, it’s a challenge that feels more about soaking up the landscapes and culture than testing your limits. Along the way, you’ll ride past olive groves, truffle-rich forests, and coastal towns that showcase the diversity of this corner of Europe.
What we like
We love that FunActive Tours were early pioneers on the Parenzana Trail, having offered self-guided holidays here since 2005. Based close to the route in northern Italy, they bring deep local knowledge and a well-honed support network.
Their tours are highly flexible – guided or self-guided, with daily departures through a long April to October season, which means it’s easy to fit into your plans. Add in luggage transfers, bike hire, and excellent route notes, and you get to focus entirely on the ride and the culture along the way.
What else they offer
FunActive Tours don’t just stop at the Parenzana. They’re specialists in cycling tours across Northern Italy and beyond, including the famous Alpe Adria route and magnificent rides through the Dolomites.
If you’re dreaming of extending your adventures, they also cover the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in Northeast Italy and other cross-border routes into Austria and Slovenia. Their focus on self-guided cycling makes them an excellent choice for riders who want independence backed by reliable support.
More information
- Guide to the Parenzana Trail cycling route, for an in-depth interview with FunActive Tours.
- FunActive Tours’ website to find out more.
- Guide to the Alpe Adria cycling route, which shares another fantastic long-distance adventure offered by FunActive Tours.
- Guide to cycling Northern Italy, for even more inspiration for trips with FunActive, including Dolomites rides and Friuli-Venezia Giulia highlights.
- Guide to Friuli Venezia Giulia, for even more useful FunActive Tours insights on this underrated region in Northern Italy.
3. Split to Dubrovnik with Wild Atlantic Cycling Tours
Exploring Croatia’s beautiful coastline (photo credit: Wild Atlantic Cycling Tours)
The riding
This coast-to-coast-style journey through Croatia’s southern islands is a dream for riders who want to balance epic days in the saddle with evenings exploring harbourside towns.
The route links Brac, Hvar, Korčula, and the Pelješac Peninsula, finishing in Dubrovnik. Expect climbs that rise gently inland before sweeping you back down to the Adriatic, quiet island roads with glistening sea views, and the constant lure of café stops, swims, and seafood lunches.
Average days are around 70 kilometres with 1,200 metres of climbing, making it a tour that riders will find satisfyingly challenging but still accessible.
Highlights include the harbours of Korčula town, the lavender-fringed roads of Hvar, and a jaw-dropping final descent through the Dingac tunnel into Trstenik harbour.
What we like
Wild Atlantic Cycling Tours is run by Fiona Towell and Paul Kennedy, who bring an infectious sense of adventure and hands-on involvement to every trip. They’re out on the ground with their groups, providing morning briefings, GPX files, refreshment stops, and encouragement on the climbs.
We love that their tours allow you to ride at your own pace rather than sticking rigidly to a guide’s wheel. Add in private water taxis between islands and 3-4* hotel stays instead of cramped cabins, and you’ve got a Croatia cycling trip that balances comfort with freedom.
What else they offer
Beyond Croatia, Wild Atlantic Cycling Tours run long-distance cycling holidays across Europe and beyond, from the Irish Wild Atlantic Way (their namesake) to challenging adventures in the Balkans and Spain.
If you’re tempted by the idea of pairing your Croatia cycling holiday with a bigger cross-border ride, their Balkans trip is particularly compelling.
More information
- Guide to bike and boat tours in Croatia, for an in-depth interview with Wild Atlantic Cycling Tours.
- Wild Atlantic Cycling Tours’ website to find out more.
- Guide to cycling the Balkans, for anyone looking for an epic trip with Wild Atlantic Cycling Tours that ticks off several Balkan countries in one adventure.
4. Arba Resort with Valamar Loves Bike
Arba Resort, Valamar Collection (photo credit: Valamar Riviera d.d.)
The riding
From the Arba Resort on Rab Island, one of the standout rides is the Arba Discovery Trail. This scenic loop explores the Kalifront Peninsula and can be ridden in full or shortened into two family-friendly versions, making it perfect for both leisure cyclists and those looking to stretch their legs a little further.
Expect a varied mix of surfaces – forest tracks, gravel paths, and quiet coastal stretches – as the route winds past mouflon(wild sheep) feeding grounds, the ruins of St Margaret’s Church, and the serene shores of Cape Kalifront. On the way back, you can pause beneath Rab’s oldest oak tree, a tranquil spot that makes for an ideal mid-ride break.
More generally, Rab is known for its shaded forest trails, rolling coastal lanes, and relaxed island vibe. Cycling here combines gentle adventure with plenty of opportunities to stop for swims, coffee breaks, or a delicious seafood lunch in one of the island’s picturesque harbours.
What we like
The Arba Resort isn’t a tour operator, it’s a hotel. But as part of the Valamar Loves Bike network, it goes far beyond just offering a place to stay – so we had to include it! Guests benefit from a huge range of cyclist-focused services – from secure bike storage and repair facilities to GPX tracks and on-site support.
The team can also help you arrange guided rides and tours, meaning you can shape your own cycling holiday to fit your preferences, whether that’s easy family rides along the Arba Discovery Trail or longer days exploring Rab’s quiet lanes and forest paths.
What else they offer
Valamar operates a network of bike hotels and bike centres across Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia, making it easy to plan a trip that hops between regions. Their services extend well beyond just accommodation: you’ll find bike rentals, workshops, guided rides, transfer support, and even bike parks (such as the excellent Bike Park Rabac).
This makes Valamar a rare option where you can create your own Croatia cycling tour, supported by hotels designed with cyclists in mind.
More information
- Guide to cycling in Croatia, for an in-depth interview with Valamar Riviera.
- Valamar Loves Bike’s website to find out more.
5. Cycle Croatia: Split to Dubrovnik with Intrepid Travel
Exploring the rugged coastline of Murter Island (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)
The riding
Intrepid’s Cycle Croatia: Split to Dubrovnik is a week-long journey that brings together the very best of the Dalmatian Coast. Starting in Split and ending in Dubrovnik, the route combines island-hopping by ferry with guided rides through cypress forests, olive groves, and along quiet coastal roads.
You’ll pedal across Brač, Hvar, Korčula, and the Pelješac Peninsula, with highlights including a ride through the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain, time to explore Hvar Town at your own pace, and a scenic group picnic overlooking the Adriatic.
Each day combines manageable distances (no stage longer than 52 kilometres) with plenty of time to enjoy harbourside dinners, historical towns, or even a refreshing swim. The trip ends in Croatia’s crown jewel, Dubrovnik, with time to explore the city’s dramatic medieval city walls. It is a fitting finale to a week of cycling and culture.
For those who want to extend the adventure, Intrepid also offers a longer Cycle Croatia & the Balkans tour. This two-week itinerary builds on the Dalmatian Coast highlights and adds rides into Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Highlights include the Ciro Trail rail route into Mostar, riding along the Bay of Kotor, and time to explore Sarajevo.
What we like
Intrepid doesn’t just focus on the bike – it’s about the complete travel experience. Their trips balance guided cycling with free time, ensuring you see Croatia both from the saddle and on foot. Riders can enjoy a steady pace supported by both a leader on the road and a vehicle for backup, giving confidence to a wide range of abilities.
What also stands out is Intrepid’s global expertise combined with local knowledge. Their cycling program is led by experienced guides on the ground, supported by product managers who’ve spent decades refining active trips worldwide. We also love the fact that, unlike some global brands, their trips are run from their own Intrepid “in-country” HQs, using their own guides.
What else they offer
Intrepid offers a huge range of cycle tour options across the world. As well as popular destinations across Europe, you can also tour Morocco, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Cuba, New Zealand and more.
They aren’t just a cycle tour operator either, despite their cycling experience, so you can explore a huge selection of options all driven by their own expertise.
More information
- Intrepid’s website to find out more.
- Guide to the Danube cycling path, for an in-depth interview with Intrepid about this classic European route.
Sponsor Message
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What’s next?
Love the idea of cycling tours in Croatia? If you’re dreaming of cycling along the Adriatic Sea, fuelling your bike trip with delicious Croatian cuisine, then you’re in the right place. This destination is jam-packed with beautiful regions to explore by bike!
We think you might also like:
- Tips for Croatia cycling holidays shares practical advice on everything from routes to logistics.
- Cycling Croatia destination guide for an in-depth overview of the country’s highlights.
- Guide to cycling EuroVelo 8: Venice to Corfu, which passes along Croatia’s spectacular coastline.
- Best coastal cycling routes for more seaside inspiration.
- Best cycling islands for island inspiration.
Looking for more tour picks? Don’t miss:
- Best Mediterranean bike tours if you know you want the Med, but don’t know where!
- Best Tuscany bike tours, for cycling holidays in this classic Italian destination
- Best Spain cycling tours, for our pick of the best supported Spanish holidays.
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If you want someone to help you plan and book your cycling holiday, fill out this form. We aren’t a tour operator/agent but we work with lots of people who are and will do our best to put you in touch with someone that can help (within 24 hours where possible)!Fran Wilson is a cyclist based in the North East of England and has a particular passion for cycle touring. Her love for cycling has seen her take on some of the UK and Europe's best-known multi-day cycle routes, including the Hebridean Way, Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena.
Beyond exploring on two wheels, Fran is a key member of the Epic Road Rides team and is usually found writing travel guides for other cyclists who also want to explore the world by bike.
Last Reviewed: 08 December 2025
First Published: 08 September 2025
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