Cycling the Croatian part of the Trans Dinarica: get to know the wild side of the country
Croatia is a great cycling country, already well known on the world tourist map. Due to its beautiful coast of the Adriatic Sea, dotted with hundreds of romantic islands, it is an exceptional holiday destination. In the off-season, it is increasingly becoming a destination for active tourism, especially cycling. However, the true charm of Croatia lies beyond its famed coastline, where a network of quiet paths awaits. The Trans Dinarica cycling route winds through Croatia’s wild interior, offering a unique cycling adventure for those seeking something more off the beaten track.
Embracing the essence of the Trans Dinarica tour
The essence of the Trans Dinarica tour is to traverse through the breathtaking natural landscapes and lesser-visited villages and towns, in the most sustainable manner—by pedaling. The Adventure Croatia Gravel Bike Tour is designed for those who want to tackle the Croatian part of the Trans Dinarica with some support on the way like booked accommodations, transfers at the start/end of the tour, a video briefing, baggage transfer etc. or the fully guided tour (see ‘what’s included’ in our pricing). Our Adventure Croatia Gravel Bike Tour spans 9 days, covering 352 kilometers with a total elevation gain of 6,150 meters. This is less demanding than the full Croatian section of the original Trans Dinarica, as our (self) guided tour concludes at the captivating Zrmanja waterfalls. The original route continues further, reaching Livno in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a place renowned for its wild horses.
The very first stage, leads from Ilirska Bistrica, a very underrated tourist place in Slovenia, to the small town of Čavle. Čavle is located north of the maritime town of Rijeka, which can be a good starting point – it has a good connection with trains from Slovenia, Italy, and Austria.
Cycling through the Velebit mountain range
After that, the common thread of the six stages is Velebit, a mighty mountain range that runs parallel to the coast of the Adriatic Sea. This means that you will have to bite the pedals quite a few times, but from the high gravel roads, you will have one of the most unique views in this part of the world: the islands of Krk, Rab, Cres, Pag, and others will bathe in the sea below you.
An island interlude
If you are still more tempted by the fragrant islands than the isolated macadams among the old spruce and beech trees of the Velebit National Park, Trans Dinarica offers an alternative route. This secondary path extends from the coastal town of Senj or from Krasno to the island of Pag. Along this segment, you will need to navigate a portion of the picturesque but rather busy Adriatic highway to reach the quaint port of Prizna, from where a ferry transports you to Pag. Once on the island, serenity returns, with lonely gravel paths winding through olive groves and pastures dotted with sheep.
Where the paths meet
The route joins again at the waterfalls of the Zrmanja river, where the classic Trans Dinarica route leads from the Lika area via the ‘Majstorska cesta’ (Master Road), the most epic gravel road in Croatia, and a secondary route from the island of Pag. Three more stages follow through a little-known area to Knin, just below the Dinara Mountain, which gave its name to the local mountain range – and the cycling route. The journey continues along the gently ascending gravel Napoleon Road, leading to one of Croatia’s natural marvels, the source of the Cetina River, and the historically significant town of Sinj. From Sinj, the Trans Dinarica veers towards Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ready for the cycling adventure?
In Visit Goodplace, we organise two tours that follow the Trans Dinarica route: Trans Dinarica Slovenia and Croatia Gravel Cycling Tour and Adventure Croatia Gravel Bike Tour. If you are eager to explore these sections of the Trans Dinarica cycling route, consider a guided or self-guided tour. Alternatively, you can rent bikes with the convenient delivery and pick-up option at the start or end of your cycling tour. Contact us for more information; we’re confident you’ll have an unforgettable experience!
