10 practical tips for Croatia cycling holidays 

1. Understand the terrain: it’s more varied than you think

Croatia isn’t all gentle coastal rides – although you’ll find plenty of those too. The terrain is surprisingly diverse, especially once you leave the shoreline. Inland routes often feature steep climbs and rolling hills, while the islands are known for short but punchy gradients. Even the famous coastal roads can include undulating sections with double-digit gradients, particularly in Dalmatia.

If you’re used to flat riding, be prepared for some leg-burning ascents. Bring gearing to match – a compact chainset or wide cassette is ideal. E-bikes are also a good option for more relaxed exploration, especially in hilly regions like Hvar or Pelješac.

Due to an unexpected accident prior to my Croatia bike and boat tour, I switched to hiring an e-bike last minute. Despite initially being a little disappointed, I was secretly quite glad about this when I realised how hilly some of these islands’ cycling routes were! I also became the envy of many in the group and by the end of the week had several other guests switch from their standard hire bike to an e-bike.

2. Stick to quieter roads when possible

Main roads in Croatia – especially along the coast – can be busy with fast-moving cars and tour buses, particularly in high season. But step just a little off the beaten path and you’ll find a network of scenic, low-traffic roads perfect for cycling.

Look for inland routes through Istria’s vineyards, or explore backroads on islands like Brač and Korčula. National parks such as Krka and Paklenica also offer peaceful, traffic-light opportunities and some of the best scenery you’ll enjoy when cycling Croatia. GPS navigation is your friend – many of the best cycling routes aren’t always well signposted.

Alternatively, opt for an off-road trail, like the Parenzana trail.

Looking for the best places to cycle in Croatia? Take a look at our in-depth guide for inspiration (coming soon!)

A quick pit stop in a small hilltop Croatian town (photo credit: ©wisthaler.com via FunActive Tours)

3. Be prepared for hot, dry conditions

Croatian summers are long, sunny and hot – especially from June through August. Midday temperatures frequently climb above 30°C, and shade can be hard to come by. If you’re cycling in summer, start early and aim to finish before the heat peaks. Always carry plenty of water, use sun cream, and wear UV-protective clothing.

Spring and autumn are ideal for cycling, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The shoulder seasons are particularly good for inland rides, when wildflowers bloom in spring and vineyards ripen in autumn.

My Croatia bike and boat tour took place at the end of April, and I was surprised by how warm the weather conditions were, even at this time of year! Aside from a short rain shower on the first day, the rest of the week was pleasantly warm and sunny. However, if you like to swim, the sea conditions were still very cold and certainly refreshing. Not many guests braved a swim during the week, and so you would be better considering a trip later in the year for warmer dipping conditions.

4. Ferries are essential if you’re island hopping

Croatia’s islands are a joy to explore by bike, but getting between them usually involves ferries. The national operator, Jadrolinija, runs most routes and accepts bikes (usually free of charge), but not all boats are bike-friendly – especially the fast catamarans, which have limited space.

Plan ahead by checking timetables carefully, and be aware that services vary by season. Allow extra time when taking a ferry mid-ride, especially if you’re catching a boat to a less-frequented island. The best bike and boat tours Croatia has to offer are often best when you base yourself in a port town like Split or Zadar. Then you can use ferries for day trips, but always have a reliable place to stay and sleep.

The Croatia bike and boat tour I joined was run by Islandhopping and set sail from Trogir, including visits to Hvar, Rab and Korcula. Our yacht sailed to a new island every day and provided an easy and comfortable way to navigate between these beautiful Croatian islands. As well as being a convenient way to enjoy island hopping, it also provided some of my favourite memories of the bike tour! One particular highlight was waking up to the boat cruising through the water and enjoying the beautiful views of the surrounding island scenery before breakfast.

Don’t miss this in-depth guide to bike and boat tours in Croatia.

Ready to explore Rab island! (photo credit: Islandhopping)

5. Bring a bike suited to mixed road surfaces

While road cycling in Croatia is popular and many of the major routes are well surfaced, others are not – particularly in rural or mountainous areas, they can be rough, cracked or narrow. Cobbles are also common in old towns, and gravel tracks sometimes appear on otherwise paved routes.

A road bike with 28mm tyres or wider will give you extra grip and comfort. If you’re planning to explore lesser-travelled areas or national parks, a gravel bike or hybrid may be even better. If you’re hiring locally, confirm the bike type, gearing and tyre setup before you book.

6. Tap water is safe – but food stops can be far apart

Tap water in Croatia is clean and safe to drink, and many towns have public fountains for refilling bottles. However, cafés and shops may be sparse outside of towns – especially inland or on quieter islands. When planning your Croatia cycling routes, you’ll want to factor in carrying snacks and enough hydration to get you through longer rides.

Local bakeries (pekara) make great mid-ride stops, serving pastries, sandwiches and fruit drinks. As I found out firsthand, you can’t rely on every small village to have an open café, especially in the afternoon or outside high season!

This article contains more tips for hotel-based island hopping in Croatia.

Another gorgeous coastal road in Croatia (photo credit: Wild Atlantic Cycling Tours)

7. Know the rules of the road – and stay alert

Opinion on Croatian drivers varies. Some believe that they’re generally respectful of cyclists, but others find that road rules can be, at best, loosely followed in some areas. Expect fast overtakes on narrow roads and occasional close passes, especially on popular coastal routes. Scooters and mopeds are common, and they don’t always follow the same road etiquette as cars.

Cyclists are legally required to ride on the right-hand side of the road, and wearing a helmet is recommended, though not compulsory for adults. A rear light and reflective gear are useful in tunnels and on shaded roads. In cities, watch out for tram tracks and cobbled intersections.

8. Pack for all seasons – even in summer

While summer is generally dry and sunny, coastal storms can blow in quickly and unexpectedly, especially in Dalmatia. Inland regions like the Velebit Mountains can see sharp temperature drops in the evening or after rain.

Pack lightweight layers, a windproof jacket and, if riding in spring or autumn, a waterproof layer too. Weather can vary dramatically between the coast and the mountains, even over short distances. Be ready for a mix of sun, wind and the occasional downpour – it’s all part of the Croatian cycling experience.

Read this article for more useful packing essentials for cycling holidays. 

Exploring Istria’s bike routes (photo credit: Islandhopping)

9. Don’t underestimate distances or travel times

Croatia may look compact on the map, but travel takes time, especially when ferries, mountain roads, or border crossings are involved. Journey times can be longer than expected, and trying to pack too much into a short trip can leave you stressed and rushed. Cycling in Croatia is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.

If you’re planning a multi-region trip (for example, Istria to Dalmatia), build in buffer days. For a more relaxing experience, choose a central base like Split or Poreč and plan day rides from there. You’ll enjoy more time on the bike and less time dealing with logistics. This is especially true when planning a bike and boat Croatia holiday since you’ll want to factor in ample time for disruptions on the ferries.

10. Embrace local food, wine and post-ride culture

Croatia is a fantastic place for post-ride rewards. You’ll find excellent seafood on the coast, hearty stews and meats inland, and delicious regional wines and olive oils almost everywhere. After a long ride, there’s nothing better than a cold Karlovačko beer or (my personal favourite) a scoop of gelato on a harbourside promenade.

Taverns (konoba) are great places to experience traditional dishes – try black risotto, grilled squid, or pasticada, a rich beef stew from Dalmatia. Just be prepared: service is relaxed and leisurely, and meals are meant to be savoured. It’s all part of the laid-back Croatian rhythm.

One of my favourite parts about the Croatia bike and boat tour was all the delicious food we got to savour each day! This ranged from freshly caught fish and meat dishes to indulgent desserts. Croatian cuisine feels typically Mediterranean with a Balkan twist,  and I enjoyed the food’s focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

For more insights into Croatian cuisine, take a look at our guide to Croatia article (coming soon!).

Motovun (photo credit: Islandhopping, photographer: Ivan Duran)

What’s next?

Thinking about planning your own Croatia cycling holidays? We’d love to hear about them in the comments!

It’s also worth taking a look at some more useful guides:

• Croatia main hub page will show you some of the best organised trips and cycling routes.
• Croatia by boat and bike – take a look at the best routes and regions to get started. You might also find this article on how to pick a Croatia boat and bike tour useful.
• Parenzana bike trail offers incredible views of Italy, Slovenia and – yes – Croatia.
• Tips on cycling the Balkans in general – including the best advice on picking your route.
• Planning your own self-guided bike tours in Croatia – if you’re feeling up to organising your own trip

Fran Wilson is a cyclist based in the Northeast of the UK 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.