Why gravel bike tours and adventures in Slovenia and Croatia are worth it

2. 2. 2023

Two cyclists on a gravel cycling trip in Slovenia

In this article, we share why we fell in love with gravel bikes, what makes them so versatile, and why they work so well for gravel bike adventures in of Slovenia and Croatia. From our experience of riding and developing gravel bike tours in Slovenia and Croatia, we see a big advantage in these bikes.

What is a gravel bike?

They are basically racing bikes with slightly off-road-oriented tires instead of smooth tires. The geometry, handlebars, and control levers (for brakes and gearbox) have also been adapted to a slightly more comfortable position. The handlebars are still low (drop-bar), which means less air resistance when covering distances. Although the frame looks the same as on racing bikes, the geometry is still more suitable for off-road riding.

The most noticeable is the thicker tires with a profile that allows better grip when riding off-road, and the thickness also allows you to lower pressure in the tires (which, given that there is no suspension, means better absorption of bumps).

For driving on poorer terrain (and slopes), the gear ratios are also adjusted – the transmissions are shorter, which means easier kicking up the hill.

And we have a lot of hills in Slovenia. And they are still very light. You can feel it while riding, as well as when the bike needs to be lifted onto the shoulder (yes, it happens).

Why gravel bikes? Key advantages from our experience

The right bike for a tour depends largely on the mix of paved roads and off-road terrain. Gravel bikes stand out because they handle both well: they are fast and efficient on asphalt (almost always above the legal limit of 25 km/h), but also comfortable on macadam roads or gravel tracks and easier singletrails.

That route versatility is probably what we like most about gravel bike tours adventures. A gravel bike gives us the freedom to follow more interesting routes instead of simply sticking to paved roads.

Jan Klavora, a longtime cyclist and our boss, sums up these advantages from his own experience:

“In the last few seasons, I’ve been riding mostly on a gravel bike. I’m still very fast with it compared to other bikes, but at the same time I’m not limited by the surface I’m riding on, because a gravel bike makes it possible to ride practically anywhere. It has already happened that I found myself on a track where I would rather have a full-suspension MTB. But it worked somehow. With a road bike, I should make a long detour.”

This is why Slovenia and Croatia are a paradise for gravel cyclists

Both countries offer exactly what gravel cyclists look for: varied terrain, quiet roads, and constantly changing landscapes.

When cycling in Slovenia, you can move between Alpine landscapes, quiet roads, forests, hills and gravel tracks within a relatively short distance.

Continue cycling in Croatia, and the scenery changes again — from inland backroads and mountainous terrain towards the Adriatic coastline.

For us, that variety creates some of the most interesting gravel bike routes. One ride can combine smooth asphalt with macadam and more remote tracks, making the hidden gems part of the adventure as well.

Which gravel bike tour in Slovenia & Croatia is for you?

Given the growing interest in gravel bike tours, our team has developed more than five gravel bike routes over the past few years, offering different types of gravel bike adventures for every kind of rider.

The routes take you past some of the highlights of Slovenia and Croatia while also leading you off the beaten path, through unspoilt landscapes rarely visited by typical tourists.

Our top 5 gravel bike tours:

Best of Slovenia Gravel – ride from Alpine landscapes and backroads towards Slovenia’s Mediterranean side.
Slovenia Backcountry – discover remote roads, forests and lesser-known corners of Slovenia away from the usual cycling routes.
Trans Dinarica: Slovenia & Croatia – a cross-border gravel adventure through Slovenia’s valleys and Croatia’s wild mountain landscapes.
Around Triglav National Park – explore the Julian Alps and Slovenia’s only national park by gravel bike.
Alpina Mediterranean – a multi-country gravel journey connecting Alpine landscapes with the Mediterranean coast through Italy, Slovenia and Croatia.

If you’re comfortable with the handlebar position and frame itself, many of our touring routes also work well on a gravel bike.