Cycling Tour - Northern Adriatic Islands, Croatia

arrival

Welcome to Croatia’s northernmost island – Krk. After arrival to Rijeka Airport, Adventure Roads team will transfer you to our base for the next two nights, a coastal town of Vrbnik. After welcome drinks, tour overview and briefing await where our intrepid tour leaders will fill you in with all the details. The abundant welcome dinner will get your taste buds on high alert for the following week.

distance 42 km (27 mi) / elevation 1000 m (3300 ft)

Vrbnik town is mostly known for its own variety of white wine vrbnička žlahtina and its sparkling wine valomet. The deep and fertile ground, favorable climate, and protected position have created good conditions for a smooth white wine with a light refreshing taste of discreet varietal aroma enriched with floral notes of wild rowan berries, immortelle, and apples.

Wine tastings of those treats are in order after an easy day of cycling along Krk’s green and woody inland.

distance 52 km (33 mi) / elevation 1200 m (4000 ft)

Today we’ll hop on to the second island, Cres Island, which surprisingly has the exact same area as Krk. But everything else about Cres is very different. A peaceful ride along Cres’s center ridge will finish off in Beli, the most picturesque little town on Cres Island, and also to The Griffon Vulture Rescue Centre. Return to the hotel by shuttle.

distance 68 km (42 mi) / elevation 1000 m (3300 ft) or distance 53 km (33 mi) / elevation 650 m (2100 ft)

Another day, another island – Losinj Island. In Ancient Roman times, Losinj and Cres island were one, until a man-made canal separated them, creating easier seafaring routes for long-forgotten seamen. On the long but non-challenging route to Losinj Island, we’ll stop in Lubenice village, to have a glimpse of one of the most spectacular two beaches in Croatia, Sv. Ivan and Žanja. Upon arrival to Mali Losinj on Losinj Island, a magnificent hilltop view of the town and even more spectacular sunset are to be seen. The view of a quaint old town, nestled deep into Kvarner Gulf is truly unforgettable.

distance 25 km (16 mi) / elevation 400 m (1300 ft)

Going east, the destination of the day is Rab Island. A much smaller island than previous ones but with the same quantity of natural sights means it packs an even mightier punch on your visual and sight senses. Besides an abundance of nature cycling trails, Rab is also famous for its Rab cake, with main ingredients as almonds and Maraschino liqueur. According to a legend, it was first served in 1177 to Pope Alexander III when he visited the Cathedral in Rab.

distance 40 km (25 mi) / elevation 150 m (500 ft)

Continuing east, we’ll arrive at Pag Island. There are even three specialties Pag Island can claim are it's own. Pag premium sea salt, Pag hard sheep’s cheese, and extra succulent, salty-grass fed, lamb. You’ll have a chance to have a taste of all of them while burning calories and traversing this long island.

distance 70 km (44 mi) / elevation 600 m (2000 ft)

The last riding day can be the most challenging if the air temperatures are set high. Still, we’ll enjoy the long ride along the surface that can easily be mistaken for Moon’s surface, but with a dash of creature comforts like fresh, clean air and seaside views. We cross the Pag Bridge, we’ll cycle to mainland Croatia and into the famous Dalmatia region and one of its most charming and historic seaside cities – Zadar.

Farewell dinner with old and new friends and recollection of a tough cycling week until late hours.  

departure 

Departure day to Zadar Airport with complimentary shuttle. We strongly recommend an extended visit to Zadar and the glorious surrounding area, a place for a perfect and chilled rest of your vacation.