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  • Self guided cycling tour of Croatia's coast and islands
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From2,696
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From2,696
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Croatia – Cycling Tour of Coast & Islands

(27 Reviews)

Croatia self guided bike tour Split to Dubrovnik: Why visit Croatia? Easy, imagine yourself on your bike, riding the beautiful coastline and islands under a soft sun and the view of the calm blue sea everywhere before you!  Now, think of specialty drinks, local food, beautiful architecture, and days spent discovering tiny villages and historic cities. As a self-guided bike tour, your time is yours to roll through historic towns, and vineyards, and stop at restaurants that will delight any traveler. One of the biggest perks of choosing this bike tour of Croatia is being able to visit many of the islands just off the sparkling coast, while still incorporating time in Split and Dubrovnik! Pure Adventures Tours takes care of all the logistics for you – from setting up your hotels, luggage transfer logistics, speedboat transportation to and from the islands, and local intel on sites to visit.

This self-guided bike tour is available to start on any date from April through October, but note high seasons of July/August are very crowded and hotel space is at a premium. Ideal travel periods are April/May/September/October.
 
Note: Due to the complicated logistics, few modifications are possible to the routing. If you’re looking for a lower-cost Croatia trip, our Croatia Islands Discovery Self Guided Bike Tour has fewer logistics and a lower price point!
 
Get your adventure!   
1. Call or email with questions: +1-970-230-5896 or email us. 
2. Book the trip, pay a deposit, and get excited about your adventure!
Book This Tour

Arrival & Departure Locations

This Croatia self guided bike tour starts in Split and finishes in Dubrovnik. Flights into Split and out of Dubrovnik recommended; or bus/ferry back to Split.

Price Includes

  • Accommodation in selected lodgings – choices & prices in Rates tab
  • Buffet breakfast each day after Day 1
  • Transfer on Day 7 to Dubrovnik
  • All ferry transfers, tickets, and private boat transfers
  • All luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
  • AM Orientation meeting on Day 1 with our local English-speaking representative
  • Welcome drink (or cafe) at orientation
  • Local emergency support throughout the trip
  • Suggested places to eat lunches and dinners
  • GPS pre-loaded with cycling routes (1 per 2 people)
  • Ride With GPS navigation link for use in the Ride With GPS app on your smartphone
  • Digital tour book with all cycling route maps, sites, visitor information, and resources to help prepare for the upcoming trip.

Not Included: 

Lodging

Standard Lodging
Mix of 3 & 4-Star Hotels:

  • Split: Villa Baguc, Villa Toni or Hotel Peristil (2 nights)
  • Hvar: Vila Nora or Hotel Pharos (2 nights)
  • Korcula: Hotel Marko Polo (2 nights)
  • Dubrovnik: Hotel Tirena (1 night)

Upgraded Lodging in 4-Star Hotels:

  • Split: Hotel Marul or Hotel Marmont (2 nights)
  • Hvar: Hotel Amfora or Hotel Park (2 nights)
  • Korcula: Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel or Hotel Korsal (2 nights)
  • Dubrovnik: Hotel Lapad (1 night)

Note: All lodging is subject to availability at the time of booking. All lodging includes a private bathroom and breakfast daily.

Optional Add-Ons

Guides & Local Support

Local Experts: Ante or Snježana will meet you for orientation in Split on your arrival. Ante is originally from Split, degree in Economics, he is a cycling enthusiast and creates routes, itineraries and maps for us. Snjezana, also native if Split is a world traveler, degree in chemistry and a handicraft artist; she supports the trips from behind the scenes and will be available throughout your travels by phone. Both are fluent in English. A Guided tour is available if you want to join a group; contact us for details.

Tour Highlights

Croatia self guided bike tour Split to Dubrovnik:

  • Cycle along gardens, olive groves, coastline, beaches, coves, and lavender fields
  • Explore many charming historical towns and sites
  • Visit the famous Diocletian’s Palace, in Split
  • Bike tour around the UNESCO Site of Stari Grad
  • Enjoy a day off with beach time, more cycling, sea kayaking, sailing, or day at leisure 
  • Taste traditional homemade delicacies and regional wines

Need to Know:

  • Tour is quite hilly with 3 days that have climbs over 500 meters!
  • Due to the complicated logistics of this tour, few modifications are possible to the routing/timing.
  • Orientation is on Day 1 – either morning or early afternoon.
  • Several options exist for more cycling and off-bike activities almost every day.
  • High tourist travel months are July and August – it is hot and crowded
  • Best Time to Go: April – early June, September – October 
  • Travel Insurance is required on all Pure Adventures tours.
  • General Croatia Travel Information

 

Note: This trip as shown is self-guided but can be made as a guided biking trip for groups of 4 or more or – please inquire
 
Details regarding transfers* between islands – On Days 2, 3, and 7 you will travel by regularly scheduled ferries. On day 5 you go by private boat transfer. These private boat transfers are fast, safe, and reliable. They are from 26″ to 40″ long and have a speed of approximately 20 – 25 knots. In case of bad weather – regular ferries usually depart – and they are safe. For private boats – in case it is not safe we cancel those in accordance with the skipper and make alternative arrangements. The ferry and boat transfers are completely detailed in the roadbook which is covered at orientation. * luggage also travels on the ferries but is handled by our local representatives so you can ride! 
Photos
Itinerary

Day 1Split Arrival: optional 20 km or 80 km bike tour

Upon your arrival in Split this morning, you will meet our representative for an orientation about the tour, receive your bikes, learn the most important sites to see, and receive dining suggestions. We will get your bike fitted to you over a welcome drink of local origin, of course! We will also go over the bike routes, various options available, and the ferry transfer schedules.

Free time in Split should be set aside for the Diocletian’s Palace, now recognized on UNESCO’s World heritage list. The locals have their homes molded in the old walls of the Palace and inside of it, you will find numerous cafes and restaurants serving fresh Mediterranean food! In front of the Palace, you may enjoy an evening walk along its beautiful waterfront promenade. Depending on your arrival and if time allows, you can enjoy an easy, car-free 20 km bike ride.

Note: Your tour orientation needs to be this morning or early in the afternoon. We recommend arriving a day in advance in order to best enjoy this first day of your tour!

Distance: 20 km/12 mi, +/-283m; 80 km/50 mi, +/-957m
Highlights: orientation, Diocletian’s Palace, biking
Overnight: Split

Day 2Cycling the Island of Brac: 35 km or 80 km

This morning you depart by ferry for the island of Brac. Brac is the biggest and highest of all central Dalmatian islands and will give you plenty of cycling tour choices: coastal roads, climbs up to 780 meters, coastal or inland villages and towns, art galleries, local restaurants, stone masons workshops or even a visit to the stone mason school. Whatever you choose, you will have gorgeous views and bike along olive groves and vineyards! Return to Split for the evening.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 35 km/22 mi, +/-411m, or 80 km/50 mi, +/-597m
Highlights: Brac, mason school, olive groves and views
Overnight: Split

Day 3Cycling the Island of Hvar: 20-48 km

After the ferry ride from Split to Hvar, we suggest an easy morning bike tour around the UNESCO site of Stari Grad. Stari Grad (Old Town) is an ancient Greek colony dating back to 400 B.C. In addition to seeing historical sites, you will discover some very charming towns and roads, cycling alongside gardens, olive groves, or the magical coast. For the afternoon bike ride, take the famous and most beautiful road along the lavender fields to reach the town of Hvar.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 20 km/12 mi, +/-437m; can add on 28 km/17 mi, +/-282m
Highlights: ferry ride, Stari Grad, historic town of Hvar
Overnight: Hvar

Day 4Cycling Hvar Island, Boat Trip, or Day Off: Optional 16 km or 21 km

The hardest part about today is deciding what to do, as all of your options are simply wonderful! Do you want to head to the beach, have a short bike ride, or just chill in town in one of its many cafes, watching the world go by? You can also take a sail boat or sea kayak trip to some of the nearby islands, perhaps even a sunset sail, to discover some great places, followed by a delicious lunch and swim. Note: these are extra activities and are not included. You will find all of these options described to you in your road book, including recommendations for a delicious local dinner. On a self-guided bike tour, you are in charge! We give you choices and you can decide how to spend your day!

Meals: breakfast
Distance: optional rides – 16 km/10 mi, +/-280m or 21 km/13 mi, +/-499m
Highlights: beach, cycling, sea kayak, sailing or day at leisure
Overnight: Hvar

Day 5Bicycling the Island of Korcula: 46 km or 55 km

After the boat transfer, start your bike ride on island Korcula, which is about 46 kilometers to the town of Korcula. The island has long been populated, even before ancient Greek times, and you will see evidence of this on your ride! During historical times, it was chosen by the Venetians as a spot to build their important walled city on the northern shores of the island. Nowadays and because of this, we have the most magnificent walled Old Town of Korcula, preserved and nearly intact for centuries. This is where you will sleep for the next 2 nights. Enjoy the scenic south side of the island with amazing views on beautiful, hidden beaches and coves, and ride to the small villages and hamlets, stopping at some of the few great local konoba (taverns) for the most delicious locally prepared food!

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 46 km/29 mi,+/-698m or 55 km/34 mi, +/-854m
Highlights: Korcula cycling, historical Old Town, konoba, beaches & coves
Overnight: Korcula

Day 6Loop Bike Tour on Korcula: 34 km or 84 km

As you stay for another day in Korcula, take this opportunity to explore the island! Its hidden coves, beautiful old towns, unique small villages and dark pine forests, will all surely delight. There are a few loop options to choose from today. Whatever you choose, you will be making your way past vineyards, olive groves and along the beautiful coast of the island. Taste the area’s traditional food, such as home made gnocchi, homemade macaroni, pasticada….and other meals which have been prepared traditionally by the locals for centuries. Some of the best Croatian white wines are produced on this island, which will add great flavour to your lunch or dinner. Did we mention that Marco Polo was born here and started his life’s biggest journey from Korcula? Cycling through Croatia truly is a cycling tour through history!

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 34 km/22 mi, +/-576m or 84 km/52 mi, +/-1356m
Highlights: exploration of Korcula, homemade delicacies and wines
Overnight: Korcula

Day 7Cycling Tour of the Peljesac Peninsula (57 km) and Dubrovnik

For your final ride, you will be cruising along the Peljesac Peninsula. Ride along vineyards of Dingac and Postup, made from the Plavac Mali vines, which are a close cousin to Zinfandel of California and Primitivo from Calabria. There are many wineries which can be visited along the ride. Enjoy the beautiful views that Peljesac offers: Mljet and Korcula islands on your right and the mainland on your left. The ride today has a couple of hills, coastal riding and vineyards. It’s incredible!

Your final bike destination is Ston, from where you will be transferred to Dubrovnik. Ston, a salt producing village on Peljesac Peninsula, was built in the 14th century and has the longest fortified walls in Europe – 5.5 km. Ston was an important town of the Dubrovnik Republic, which was known to be the strongest and most prosperous in the 14th century.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 57 km/35 mi, +/-912m
Highlights: vineyards, coastal riding & views, historic Stone & Dubrovnik
Overnight: Dubrovnik

Day 8Tour End

Your tour ends today, after breakfast. We highly recommend extending your stay in Dubrovnik to explore the historical sites, along with the magnificent wall that surrounds the Old Town. Please let us know if you would like to do so as we are happy to make arrangements for you and share our best tips!

Meals: breakfast

Map
Croatia bike tour Dalmatian coast
Dates & Rates

Dates: Plan your trip at a time that fits your schedule best! Pure Adventures tours have flexible start dates and do not have fixed departure dates.

2025 Tour Rates*: 

Standard Lodging Option:
(based on double occupancy, see Lodging section for list)

  • April: 2696 euros/person
  • May: 2988 euros/person
  • June: 3275 euros/person
  • July/Aug: 3538 euros/person
  • Sept: 3338 euros/person
  • October: 2850 euros/person
  • Single Supplement: 676-1346 euros

Upgraded Lodging Option:
(based on double occupancy, see Lodging section for list)

  • April: 3187 euros/person
  • May: 3500 euros/person
  • June: 3925 euros/person
  • July/Aug: 4275euros/person
  • Sept: 4075 euros/person
  • October: 3450 euros/person
  • Single Supplement: 990-1892 euros, varies by month

Hybrid Bike Rental: 150 euros
Road Bike Rental: 150 euros
E-bike Rental: 310 euros
Bike Rental Details Page

Other Notes:

  • Croatia hotels have stricter cancellation policies, and some hotels may have non-refundable deposits at booking.
  • Extra nights vary by type of lodging, season, and dates; please contact us for a quote!
  • April, May, and October: lowest rate months – strongly encouraged for travel.
  • June – mid-season: moderate demand, busier travel period.
  • July – August: peak months and most expensive – recommend avoiding.
  • September: mid-season, high demand – early booking recommended.
  • Single Supplement applies when 2 or more traveling but in separate single-use rooms.
  • Solo Supplement 1 person going alone: Ask us for rates.
  • *When your tour starts on the 29th+ of any month, you can take the next month’s pricing.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a lower-cost Croatia trip, our Croatia Islands Discovery Bike Tour has fewer logistics and a lower price point!

New! Travel Insurance is now required to participate in this tour. You can book through our preferred vendors or your own. Proof of coverage will be required.

How do our tours compare to similar trips? You Get MoreIf you compare price, we are much less than guided trips with similar experiences. In our private, independent format, you get much more than what most traditional self guided tours offer, plus it’s a better experience! Our team has gone to great lengths to build and create exceptional tours all over the world, vacations that will give you lifelong memories. From the accommodations to the bikes, to the routes themselves, we hold each component of our tours to a very high standard. We are dedicated to empowering people through travel!
 
Next steps: 
1. Call or email with questions: +1-970-230-5896 or email us. 
2. Book the trip, pay a deposit, get excited for your adventure!
Book This Tour
27 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Ree Tudor

Couple Traveller

Pure Adventures was great to work with. They were very responsive when I had questions, and all the details they handled went perfectly. We did a self-guided bike tour in Croatia through them. We had a wonderful time with great support from your team. Everything was perfect from routes to hotels and food recommendations. Couldn’t have been better. Thank you1

May 28, 2024

Jarrod L.

Couple Traveller

Hilly but gorgeous rides. Seemingly complicated transfers and various arrangements worked smoothly – thank god we didn’t have to sort that out ourselves. Next time – maybe an ebike? We both (admittedly) had ebike envy as we watched others zooming around the islands on theirs…

June 23, 2023

Nancy G.

Couple Traveller

Pure Adventure’s ride down the Dalmatian Coast was a truly wonderful experience. Everything worked seamlessly every step of the way— ferries, luggage transport, cycling directions, and accommodations. And the ride was spectacularly beautiful — it was also quite challenging, but I suppose those climbs are the way to get the stunning scenery.

June 20, 2023

Marielle Y.

Couple Traveller

Great self guided cycling trip to Croatia! Wonderful itinerary cycling around 4 islands. Electric bikes were very helpful since very hilly.
Briefing with guide at beginning of trip was very helpful. Our second trip with Pure adventures and we look forward to our next one.

June 6, 2023

Crystal Palmer

Family Traveller

We booked this for our son’s college graduation trip and had a whole gaggle of people with our sons and their girlfriends, a cousin and my sister! We had a great time and enjoyed the “upgraded” lodging that we selected for the tour. Croatia is stunning and we were grateful for the eBikes. The hills are just that – hilly – so you need to be in good cycling shape!

May 22, 2023
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