Cycle Southern Croatia: Dalmatian Coast & Islands - 9 Days

Day 1: Welcome to Split!

Welcome to Croatia! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be transferred to your accommodation in the ancient coastal city of Split. Split's Old Town includes many impressive sites, including Diocletian's Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world, founded in the 4th century by Roman Emperor Diocletian. The palace has changed its appearance over the centuries as a medieval city grew up around it, but it's still one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in Croatia. There's nothing quite like strolling the narrow stone streets inside the palace fortifications and ducking into little cafés/bakeries/bars for a cinnamon roll, ice cream cone, or a glass of wine. 

The rest of your day is free to relax, go over your upcoming cycling itinerary, and explore Split at your own pace. 

Day 2: Cycle on Brač Island, Return to Split

Your first day of cycling takes you to the beautiful island of Brač. The largest of the central Dalmatian Islands, Brač is bursting with historic sites dating back to ancient Greece and the Middle Ages and is famous for its olive oil (the island is home to over one million olive trees) and its known stone quarries.

After arriving on the island by local car ferry, your cycling route starts from the capital of Supetar. This scenic route takes you from the coast, up through the middle of the island, and past charming local villages. Along the way, you'll visit the fascinating Museum of Olive Oil in Škrip, where you can sample the local oils and other homemade specialties. The last section of your ride takes you back to the coast and Supetar, where you'll catch the afternoon ferry back to Split.

Day 3: Transfer to Hvar Island, Cycle to Hvar Town

Today takes you to the island of Hvar, also known historic sites dating back to ancient Greece and the Middle Ages. Hvar is renowned for its natural setting, mild climate, and historic town of the same name. Here you can find the Renaissance-era Cathedral of St. Stephen and the biggest open square in Dalmatia. Some of the best views of the island, Hvar Town, and the nearby Pakleni Islands can be had from the 16th-century Španjola Fortress. 

Starting with a transfer to Stari Grad on the island's west coast, you'll cycle through charming villages like Vrbanj, Svirče, and Jelsa, ride through lush vineyards, and enjoy beautiful views as you cruise downhill to finish in Hvar Town. After the day's adventures, treat yourself to a drink in the ancient piazza of Hvar overlooking the Venetian loggia, and the oldest municipal theater in Europe.

Day 4: Transfer to Korčula Island, Cycle to Beaches & Vineyards

Hop over to the island of Korčula today, where you'll find a gorgeous mix of beaches, vineyards, villages, and quiet, harbor-side restaurants and resorts. Korčula's Old Town is of the finest examples of Venetian architecture on the Dalmatian Coast, and its maze of stone houses, alleys, churches, and squares is said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Today the island is famous for its hidden beaches and delicious local white wines like Grk and Pošip.

The island offers multiple cycling routes to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. You can select the perfect itinerary to tour the local villages, cycle along the coastline, visit local wineries, and relax on idyllic beaches. 

Day 5: Cycle on Korčula's East Coast

Today's cycling route takes you to the eastern side of Korčula, which boasts beautiful beaches and centuries-old winemaking traditions. This region is home to Grk, a white wine grape variety that will pair well with your lunch or dinner. Ride through fields, villages, and wineries, covering asphalt, gravel, and dirt roads with vistas opening up to the Adriatic Sea as well as to the impressive Mt. Ilija on the nearby Pelješac Peninsula. You can even stop for a swim at one of Croatia's rare sandy beaches.

Your afternoon is free to relax on the beach or to explore more of the Old Town at your own pace.

Day 6: Transfer to the Pelješac Penisula, Cycle to Ston

Today you will leave Korčula and head back to the mainland to discover the rugged Pelješac Peninsula. A mountainous finger of land reaching into the Adriatic Sea, the Pelješac region is home to Croatia's finest red wines, tastiest oysters, and some of the best sand and shingle beaches in the country. Your base for the night is Ston, a peaceful little town with lots of history and a great culinary reputation.

Explore the countryside with a cycling trip through lush vineyards overlooking the sea, following one of the area's most scenic roads through the Dingač wine region. Your route includes a stop at a famous local winery for refreshments and wine tasting along the way. 

Your cycling adventure ends in Ston, where you can get settled into your accommodation, then head out for the evening to enjoy sweeping views over the town and its glittering saltpans—some of the oldest still active in the Mediterranean—and the town's famous medieval walls. End your day with a light meal of locally grown, fresh oysters or mussels paired with a glass of the region's renowned Plavac Mali red wine. 

Day 7: Cycle Mljet Island & National Park, Return to Ston

This morning you'll transfer to the nearby island of Mljet to spend the day cycling in the magnificent Mljet National Park.

Considered the greenest of the larger Adriatic islands off the Croatian coast, Mljet is a thin strip of land parallel to the Pelješac Peninsula and runs 20 miles (32 km) long and up to 2 miles (3 km) wide. The park itself covers a third of the island and is made up of lakes and bays, dense forests, and olive groves.

Choose a route and cycle through the unspoiled national park, stopping to enjoy lunch with a local family. Popular sights worth a visit include Veliko and Malo Jezero (two salt lakes in the park, connected by a narrow canal). If the mood should strike, stop for a swim in the lakes (which are invariably warmer than the open Adriatic Sea). There's also the option to visit an atmospheric 12th-century Benedictine monastery, in a small islet in the middle of the big lake. 

In the afternoon you'll transfer back to the mainland and return to Ston for the evening. 

Day 8: Cycle to Dubrovnik, "Pearl of the Adriatic"

This morning you'll bid the Pelješac Peninsula farewell and cycle towards Dubrovnik.

Traveling down the Adriatic coast, you'll bike along scenic local backroads and the historic Napoleon Road, against a backdrop of dramatic sea views. The choice of a longer or shorter route is up to you—leaving you with extra time for fascinating stops along the way, such as the famed arboretum of Trsteno.

As you approach Dubrovnik, you'll spot the red rooftops and turrets of the historic coastal fortress in the distance. Often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik is a world-renowned city of exceptional charm. After checking into your hotel, you'll want to get out and explore. Can't-miss activities include riding the cable car up to Srđ Mountain to take in the sunset over the Adriatic, visiting the Lovrijenac fortress, and walking along the smooth, limestone-paved streets of the historic Old Town.

You will find your way to Stradun, Dubrovnik's main street to get your bearings and to choose from a number of excellent restaurants and few wine bars where you can enjoy your final day in Croatia.

Day 9: Depart Dubrovnik

After breakfast, you'll be transported to the airport to say your goodbyes to Croatia and catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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