Cycle and Sail the Dalmatian Islands - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Split - Sail to Šolta Island and cycle to Grohote

Welcome to Croatia!

Your cycling adventure starts in the historic metropolis of Split. You can either stay in the city the night before or arrive in the morning. Either way, you'll depart from Split in the early afternoon, setting sail for the village Stomorska on the island of Šolta. Spend some time settling into your accommodation and perusing the town, enjoying glimpses of local culture and the islanders' traditional way of living.

Soon after your arrival, you'll set off on the first ride of the trip. Get acquainted with your bicycle and equipment—as well as the regional climate and terrain—with a short, leisurely route to Šolta's oldest and largest village, Grohote. Stroll the cobbled streets and admire the stone buildings, stopping into boutique shops and wine bars to taste some of the region's varietals. Croatia is known for its wine production, as wine-growing areas cover nearly the entire country.

Grohote is an excellent place to enjoy some of the island's conventional products. Stop into a restaurant or café to taste local seafood, oils, olives, pasta dishes, and honey. End your meal as the locals do, with a taste of Croatian rakija, a traditional fruit brandy. You'll then head back to Stomorska for the night.

Cycling Details
Route: Stomorska - Donje Selo - Stomorska
Distance: 12 miles (19.6 km)
Difficulty Level: 3
Max. Altitude: 288 m
Total Ascent/Descent: 284 m
Surface: Paved Gravel

Day 2: Enjoy a morning sail to Brač Island and bike ride to Pučišća

Awake early for your morning sailing to Brač, one of Croatia's most picturesque islands. You'll dock in the colorful harbor-town of Supetar where you'll enjoy breakfast onboard the sailboat. While eating, you can absorb the town's energetic atmosphere, with its historic red-brick buildings and bustling terraces lining the pier.

Soon after docking, you'll start today's cycle, which will take you from Supetar to one of Croatia's most celebrated villages, Pučišća. The town is set on the northern side of the island and is home to the only stonemason school in Croatia. Here you can observe impressive stone architecture made by the village's local citizens and students.

Upon arrival in Pučišća, you'll meet your hosts at the sailboat where you can enjoy lunch on board. Afterward, you'll have the rest of the day to relax, stroll through the town, or take a dip in the sea. You'll find swimming in Pučišća to be particularly lovely, as several hills and a small fjord-like bay surround and protect the village. 

Cycling Details
Route: Supetar - Pučišća
Distance: 14.6 miles (23.6 km)
Difficulty Level: 4
Max. Altitude: 465 feet (142 m)
Total Ascent / Descent: 1,000 feet (339 m)
Surface: Paved / Gravel

Day 3: Bike through the island of Hvar

Today you'll explore the famous island of Hvar, which is known for its colorful fields of rosemary and lavender. The island is an excellent place to cycle, as it's filled with historic towns and some of the country's best coastline.

In the early morning, you'll sail into Jelsa, a humble port town on the northern coast of Central Hvar. Here you'll start today's cycle through the village of Vrboska and onto Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe. Take a break here, strolling through its ancient streets and visiting Tvrdalj Castle.

Continue to Hvar Town, the liveliest and most-populated spot on the island with a history dating back to the 8th century BCE. It's known for its historic Old Town, access to the incredible Paklinski Islands, and exceptional nightlife, particularly in the summer. Along the way, you'll pass through the picturesque villages of Grablje and Brusje, two hilltop settlements that offer views out to the sea.

Settle into your accommodation in Hvar Town, then head out to explore the historic streets and enjoy dinner.

Cycling Details
Route: Jelsa- Stari Grad - Hvar
Distance: 20 miles (31 km)
Difficulty Level: 3
Max. Altitude: 1,350 feet (409 m)
Total Ascent/Descent: 1,660 feet (506 m)
Surface: Paved

Day 4: Traverse Vis, Croatia's most remote, inhabited island

In the morning, you'll set sail toward the island of Vis, the most remote, inhabited island in Croatia. Just southwest of Hvar, Vis, and its island neighborhoods, are recognized by UNESCO Global Geoparks, which honors the geological heritage across the world.

Over many centuries, Vis was a strategic military port, as well as a booming fishing industry in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today it's known for tourism and agriculture, attracting visitors who prefer unspoiled nature, peaceful and traditional island life, a fishing heritage, and gastronomic specialties, as well as outstanding landscapes and seascapes.

Today's route will take you between the island's two largest settlements, starting in Vis Town and cycling to-and-from Komiža on the opposite coast. Along the way, you'll follow the beautiful shoreline, as well as bike through island shrubbery, agricultural fields, farms, and small towns. Don't miss the incredible vistas from atop the island's viewpoints.

Return to Vis Town in the late afternoon to enjoy a swim before dinner. Due to its fishing past, Vis still serves some of the best seafood in the region.

Cycling Details
Route: Vis - Komiža - Vis 
Distance: 20.5 miles (32.9 km)
Difficulty Level : 3
Max. Altitude: 1,017 feet (310 m)
Total Ascent/Descent: 2,240 feet (683 m)
Surface: Paved /Gravel

Day 5: Cycle the historic and rugged island of Korčula

Enjoy a morning sail from Vis to Korčula, which is the Adriatic's second-most populated island. Its history dates back to the 12th century BCE when—according to legend—the famous Trojan War hero, Antenor, founded the island. It's one of Croatia's most popular tourist destinations, but also a favorite amongst locals with generational families living on Korčula.

Today's cycle is between the small villages of Račišće on the northern coast and Lumbarda near the island's eastern peninsula. The route is just under 12.5 miles (20 km), and you can decide with your guide whether you prefer lunch en route or back on the boat. Either way, you'll have a free afternoon to explore and enjoy the island at your leisure.

Korčula's rustic nature, filled with extensive pine forests and secluded gardens of cypress trees, makes it a unique and scenic choice for island-hopping. Korčula also claims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo.

Your final destination of the day is the medieval Korčula Town, with its narrow streets, old stone walls, and historic houses with red-tiled roofs. After passing through Korcula Town Gate, you'll arrive in the historic core where you can navigate the pedestrian streets. For a bit of history, stop in the Korcula Town Museum and the House of Marco Polo. Then visit the fortress for views toward Croatia's mainland and relax at the town's public beach. You can also peruse the town's art galleries, boutiques, and wine bars.

Cycling Details 
Route: Račišće - Lumbarda
Distance: 12.5 miles (20 km)
Difficulty Level: 3
Max. Altitude: 1,650 feet (502 m)
Total Ascent/Descent: 500 feet (150 m)
Surface: Paved

Day 6: Explore the wilderness of Mljet National Park on Mljet Island

In the morning, you'll enjoy breakfast on board the boat while you sail to the island of Mljet, also known as the Honey Island. Mljet may be significant, but it's home to a small population of just over 1,000 inhabitants, making it an excellent option for a little peace.

Mljet is also quite scenic, particularly on its western side, which features pine and oak forests, two saltwater lakes, and a secluded 12th-century monastery. Today this area is home to Mljet National Park, which protects several beaches, secluded coves, ruins, and caves, plus essential wildlife habitat. You can enjoy the park along its many hiking and cycling paths, including today's route, which will take you between the villages of Pomena and Polače.

Enjoy lunch within the park, followed by plenty of free time to explore the island or go kayaking in one of the lakes.

Cycling Details
Pomena - Polače and NP Mljet
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Difficulty Level: 1
Max. Altitude: 225 feet (70 m)
Total Ascent/Descent: 650 feet (198 m)
Surface: Paved /Gravel

Day 7: Discover the village of Šipan and sail to Dubrovnik - Depart Croatia

The last island of the trip is Šipan. Due to its small size, a short cycle of just about 6.2 miles (10 km) allows you to see its entirety. Šipan is an ancient coastal village situated just northwest of the town of Dubrovnik, the final destination of your tour. Once you complete the ride, you'll meet back at the boat and enjoy lunch on board while continuing to Dubrovnik.

In the early afternoon, enjoy walking the Dubrovnik walls and perusing the historic streets of its Old Town. You can also visit the top of Srđ Hill for panoramic views of the town and its neighboring islands, or take a kayaking tour of the coast and the nearby islet of Lokrum. 

Dubrovnik is where the tour ends. You can either opt to stay longer on your own, or transfer to the airport in Split to catch your flight.

Cycling Details
Route: Šipan
Distance: 6.2 miles (10 km)
Difficulty Level: 2
Max. altitude: 165 feet (50 m)
Total Ascent/Descent: 400 feet (120 m)
Surface: Paved