Popular Destinations for
Cycling Holidays in Croatia
A great destination for cyclists, hikers and
trekkers
Croatia is situated in southeastern Europe between Slovenia
and Bosnia & Herzegovina, bordering the Adriatic Sea. Croatia is geographically diverse, with plains along the
Hungarian border and mountains along the Adriatic coastline. The location, topography and climate make Croatia
highly popular.
Istrian Peninsula
One of the most popular cycling destinations in Croatia is
the Istrian peninsula, located
at the head of the Adriatic Sea, between the Gulf of Trieste and the Kvarner Gulf. Until 1945, the Istrian
peninsula was part of Italy and Italian is still widely spoken throughout the region. The southern Istrian town of
Pula is the only one in the region with an international airport. The most famous sight in Pula, a vast
amphitheatre built during the first century AD, belies Pula's Roman origins, but the town's history is believed to
be much, much older.
Some of Croatia's narrow side roads are ideal for cyclists, although care should
be taken to watch for other, 4-wheel traffic
The coastal towns and villages of Istria, including Pula and
Fazana, a small fishing town 5 miles northwest of Pula, are undoubtedly popular. However, Istria also boasts many
architectural, cultural and natural treasures further inland. Vodnjan, just a short ride from Pula, is a tiny,
unassuming town, but is nonetheless the ancient capital of Istria. Vodnjan retains is authentic Istrian flavour and
is famous for one of the most unusual and macabre sights in the region. The 18th century Church of St. Blaise in
Vodnan houses the desiccated remains of six "mummified" saints.
Southern Dalmatia
Croatia boasts over 3,000 miles of Adriatic coastline and
over 1,100 islands and islets, some 66 of which are inhabited. Cycling holidays and adventure
holidays to the islands of southern Dalmatia, including Korcula, Hvar and Mliet, are also hugely
popular.
Korcula has been described as a
mini Dubrovnik without the crowds. Korcula Old Town is a medieval walled town dominated by the Cathedral Sveti
Marko, or St. Mark's Cathedral, which dates from the 15th century. Hvar has similarly been described as a Dalmatian
St. Tropez, with an elegant seafront and vast fields of lavender, olive trees and vineyards further
inland.
Further south, the island of
Mljet is one of Croatia's eight national parks. As you might expect, Mljet is
largely unspoilt by tourism and covered in dense Mediterranean forest, with two saltwater lakes, Veliko and Malo,
at the northern end of the island. You can take a guided "island hopping" tour of southern Dalmatia, cycling by day
and returning each evening to a private boat, equipped with all modern conveniences, to carry you to your next
island destination.
Cycling on some of Croatia's
narrower, two-lane roads may still not be for the faint-hearted, but the opening of the coastal highway between
Rijeka and Split has done much to reduce traffic volumes and make life safer for cyclists. In any case, Croatia
boasts many idyllic locations and mile upon mile of rural roads. The climate is predominantly continental, with
hot, dry summers and mild winters along the coast, which makes Croatia a perfect holiday destination for cyclists,
hikers, trekkers and other holidaymakers.
Author Bio:
Bartol Pavic is a former inhabitant of the Croatian
capital city, Zagreb. He writes regularly on the subjects of cycling holidays and adventure holidays in Italy, Croatia and the Balkan Peninsula for a range of travel websites
and blogs.
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