Current as of: February 4, 2025 - 11:22

Cycling Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

Cycling Croatia's Dalmatian Coast Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: Croatia
  • Programmes: Cycling
  • Activity Level:

    4 out of 7 - Moderate & Challenging

  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: MVJ
  • Carbon Footprint: 11kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Cycle spectacular coastal routes on the mainland and islands of Hvar and Korčula, ending in the historic town of Dubrovnik

Join us on a cycling adventure along Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast, with much of the tour on the long, beautiful islands of Hvar and Korčula. It’s led by true cycling experts and there’s a support vehicle throughout, allowing you the peace of mind to focus on the dramatic vistas along the way. Better yet, it ends in Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, a medieval city with a UNESCO-protected old town and a celebrated seafood scene to rival any in Europe.

At a Glance

  • Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels)
  • Four days of cycling (plus one optional ride on Mljet) with full vehicle support
  • Quiet roads with a good mix of flat and rolling terrain
  • Group normally 4 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • E-bikes available for an additional cost
  • Option to travel by train to your adventure

Highlights

  • Experience the Dalmatian Coast’s most beautiful biking routes
  • Cycle both the east and west coasts of Hvar island
  • Enjoy a circular bike ride on the forested island of Korčula
  • Choose to join an optional ride around the picturesque island of Mljet
  • Ride through the vineyards of the Peljesac Peninsula
  • End the adventure in historic Dubrovnik with a free day to explore

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

  • Cycling days: Four, plus one optional day ride
  • Average distance: 28mi (45km) per day with full vehicle support
  • Terrain: 90 percent paved roads, 10 percent gravel roads

Route: We mainly follow paved roads; where possible, we use the older roads on the islands, which tend to be quieter and made of hard gravel. The route is generally rolling but there are a few challenging hills that can be tough in the warm weather. At times, we follow roads or tracks with a steep downslope to one side. Certain sections do not have a barrier.

Support: A support vehicle follows us, so it is possible to miss some of these harder sections if you prefer.

Experience: No specific cycling experience is required but you should be comfortable on a bike and have a good level of fitness.

Group

Normally four to 16, plus a local tour leader and driver.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Map MVJ

Land Only

  • Start City: Split
  • End City: Dubrovnik

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Split; ferry transfer to Hvar
Cycling Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

We start our Croatian adventure in Split, where we gather at the ferry port to take a service to Stari Grad on Hvar island. We then continue by road to Hvar town, where we spend the first two nights.

Please note: The ferry leaves at 2.30pm. The timings may be adjusted for logistical reasons.

Accommodation: Labranda Senses (or similar)

Day 2
Circular ride exploring Hvar island, including Hvar town and a 5mi (8km) climb
Cycling Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

Our first day is a circular ride exploring Hvar island. We start with a transfer to Stari Grad where we do our bike fitting before we cycle along an old Roman road to Vrbovska and then follow the coastal road towards the village of Jelsa. Here, we take a break before heading back to Stari Grad for an optional lunch.

After lunch, we continue our ride back to the town of Hvar. We cycle up a challenging hill to a viewpoint overlooking Brac island. When we return to Hvar, we have a chance to wander around the narrow streets of this quintessential Dalmatian town. Rather like a mini-Venice, Hvar has marbled streets and there are elegant gothic palaces and cathedrals inside the city walls.

Accommodation: Labranda Senses (or similar)

Distance covered: 25mi (40km)

Ascent: 3,858ft (1,176m); Descent: 3,635ft (1,108m); Activity hours: 4hr 30min to 5hr

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Ride east along Hvar; ferry via mainland to Korčula

We start with a transfer to Jelsa and ride east along the narrow part of the island with views of both coasts as we head to the port of Sucuraj. The road is generally quiet and there are a couple of challenging climbs to get you warmed up; the support vehicle is available if you don’t want to cycle up the hills.

Heading east, we have wonderful views of the mountainous mainland and the turquoise waters, and we pass small villages, olive groves and tiny vineyards.

From Sucuraj, we take a ferry to Drvenik on the mainland, transfer by bus to Orebic, then catch another ferry to Korčula, which is the historic centre of the island and on the Peljesac Channel. It is also known for its cultural and historical heritage with a long tradition of seafaring, shipbuilding and stonemasonry, as well as being the birthplace of Marco Polo.

On Korčula, we take a 15-minute transfer to the small town of Lumbarda, our base for the next three nights.

From June to September, a ferry runs from Ploce to Trpanj; from here, we take the bus to Orebic and then the ferry to Korčula. This shortens the time spent on the bus travelling from Drvenik to Orebic and makes the journey a bit more fun and picturesque.

Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)

Distance covered: 27mi (44km)

Ascent: 3,209ft (978m); Descent: 3,337ft (1,017m); Activity hours: 2hr 30min to 3hr

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Free day in Lumbarda; optional visit (with bikes) to picturesque island of Mljet
Cycling Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

Enjoy a free day to relax in Lumbarda, go for a swim off the sandy beach on Przina or explore the charming town of Korčula at your own pace. There is an optional visit (with bikes) to the picturesque island of Mijet. Those choosing to explore Mljet and its national park take a boat to Pomena, which is also the entrance of Mljet National Park. Here you can enjoy a scenic short ride around the two lakes.

Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Scenic circular ride on Korčula

After breakfast, we begin our circular ride on the forested island of Korčula. We start with a transfer to Vela Luka; from here, we ride to the pretty village of Brna near Smokvica before transferring to Pupnat for lunch.

We then get back on the bikes and cycle back to Lumbarda after a great exploration of the island. Today is a busy day and there are some hills, but we can use the support vehicle where necessary.

Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)

Distance covered: 28mi (45km)

Ascent: 2,730ft (832m); Descent: 3,753ft (1,144m); Activity hours: 2hr 30min to 3hr

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Ride through the vineyards of the Peljesac Peninsula; transfer to Dubrovnik

After a ferry ride (approximately 20 minutes) to the Peljesac Peninsula, we follow this narrow and rugged finger of land. The route passes through olive groves, quiet villages, and vineyards hugging steep slopes that descend to the clear waters of the Adriatic. We complete our ride along an easy unpaved track to the tiny cove at Zuljana. From here, the traffic levels increase so we take our support vehicle to Dubrovnik. En route, there is a short stop at the small settlement of Ston, a historic fortified town with Dubrovnik-style architecture.

We should arrive in Dubrovnik in the late afternoon. We spend two nights in a hotel that’s a 10-minute public bus ride from the old town. This evening, we have a guided tour of Dubrovnik Old Town.

Accommodation: Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (or similar)

Distance covered: 11mi (18km)

Ascent: 1,302ft (397m); Descent: 2,425ft (739m); Activity hours: 1hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
Free day to explore Dubrovnik
The mighty walls of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik exudes old-world charm. Right on the Adriatic, it has fine religious buildings surrounded by heavily fortified walls and a jumble of red-tiled roofs. The shelling of Dubrovnik by Serb troops in 1991 and 1992 outraged the world. Fortunately, over the last 15 years, great care has been taken to rebuild the damaged parts of Dubrovnik and the city has now returned to its former glory.

The old town, or Stari Grad, is filled with cobblestone streets, fountains, churches, palaces and museums — all built from the same light-coloured stone. There are no motor vehicles in the quiet city, but at night the streets come alive as people take an early evening stroll along the Stradun, the main street, which is covered in smooth, shiny marble. Dubrovnik known for fine seafood, so what better way to end our Croatian adventure than splashing out on a feast of freshly grilled fish within Dubrovnik’s city walls?

Accommodation: Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
End Dubrovnik

Enjoy your final breakfast of the trip this morning; an excellent chance to reminisce about the many adventures you’ve just enjoyed. If you’ve still got a little appetite for adventure, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Dubrovnik. Or if you’re ready to put up your feet, now’s the time to start your journey home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Hotels in Hvar, Korčula and Dubrovnik

Cycling Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

We have a trio of bases for this cycling adventure in Croatia: the islands of Hvar and Korčula, plus the seaside city of Dubrovnik. In each, we have chosen hotels that are close to the beach and are ideally placed for our cycling.

Below are the hotels we typically use:

Hvar: Labranda Senses (nights 1-2)

Cycling Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

Our first two nights are spent at Labranda Senses, a resort just 165ft (50m) from the sea. It’s an excellent spot to ease ourselves into the trip, with a sunbathing terrace, reading corner and mini gym/fitness room. Most of your free time, however, will likely be spent either on the hotel beach (where there are deckchairs) or the pool.

Korčula: Hotel Borik (nights 3-5)

Cycling Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

Immerse yourself into the little village of Lumbarda with a stay at Hotel Borik, which occupies the one-time summer palace of the Mirošević family. The property has an open-air swimming pool, lounge bar and restaurant. The rooms are fairly basic, but the main street in the village and the pebbly beach of Tatinje are just a walk away.

Dubrovnik: Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (nights 6-7)

Cycling Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

Our final nights are spent at either Hotel Vis (above) or Hotel Komodor, both three-star beachside properties. The 151-room Vis hotel, sandwiched between pine trees and the Adriatic, has a rooftop terrace, bar, and a seaside restaurant serving local and international cuisines. The Komodor has 113 rooms, which are split between the main building and an annex. The seaside promenade is just a five-minute walk away and there’s a pool at the hotel.

Worth knowing

  • During the low season, some hotels close their pools. However, the sea is never far away when you would like a swim.
  • Some hotels we use don’t have lifts.
  • If you opt for the single supplement, please note that in some hotels, this may mean having a single bed, rather than double. If you would like to upgrade to a double-bedded room this is subject to availability at an extra charge.

Single supplement from £ 230

Food & Drink

All breakfasts are included throughout. For breakfast, expect a continental buffet with a wide selection of food from cold meats, cheeses, bread, and eggs to pastries, yoghurts, jams, and fruit as well as tea and coffee.

Croatian cuisine is a mixture of fine seafood, grilled lamb, pizza, pasta and salads, with influences from central Europe, Italy, and other parts of the Balkans. A popular optional lunch spot in Pupnat (Korčula) is Mate restaurant. Lunch here is often a highlight of the trip. A selection of homemade produce is on offer with a drink and comes to around 155 kune (€20.50). Credit cards are not accepted. Another highlight in Korčula is an optional dinner on Day 5 at an agrotourism. Dinner here is around 200 kune (€26.50) for their set menu. Credit cards are not accepted.

Transport

The group is accompanied by a transfer bus, and a trailer to carry the bikes.

Weather & Seasonality

Croatia has one of the sunniest climates in Europe, and some regions are well known to be free from rain. Our trips run from March to October, so you should expect some variation in temperature and possibly some rainfall. Temperatures can be high, particularly on the July departures when average temperatures are around 29C (84F). Temperatures in March, April and October are typically cooler.

Joining Instructions

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is on Hvar island and can be difficult to reach by public transport. You have two easier options for this journey:

Take our group transfer

We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. This is the easiest option. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Meet at the ferry port

The ferry port is small, so it’s easy to find the group. From Split airport, take a shuttle bus to the main bus station in Split, which is opposite the ferry port. You should be there by 1:30pm, and the ferry leaves 2.30pm. You should meet by the quay to Stari Grad, Hvar – the central quay. It is roughly across the road from the FlixBus sign and quite near the restaurant on the quay. The guide will have our apparel on. Please look out for the white sign to Stari Grad. Should you need any assistance finding the group, please make use of the local contact numbers provided on your Final Joining Instructions document.

Please let us know which option is most suitable for you as we need to inform our leader where and when they can expect you. If you decide to make own way, you need to get from Split airport to the ferry port and onwards from there. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) that is scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Split
Location end: Dubrovnik

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Normal daily clothes
  • Warmer layers (for the earlier and later departures)
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle

Equipment Hire

Included standard bike
The standard bike for this trip is a Cube AIM SL with front suspension.

We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.

E-bike upgrade
Electric bikes are available on this trip, which are Scott eRide 30s; prices from £165/US$230/315 Canadian dollars. Speak to your sales representative for more information.

Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible­­ f­or any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.

Please note, it is logistically difficult to transport bike boxes on this trip, therefore extra charges might be incurred locally to send them to the end location.

Accessories and clothing

Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.

Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on our guided cycling trips. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.

Cycling clothing
For this cycling trip we recommend:

  • Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
  • Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
  • Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
  • Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
  • Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride
  • Breathable top or cycling jersey
  • Waterproofs and long cycling trousers

Please note, handle bike bags are provided. They can fit a camera, wallet, smartphone, small quick-dry towel and swimwear. You will also receive a guide on safe cycling and daily biking maps.

Practical Information

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Croatia

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Croatia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/croatia
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/croatia
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Croatia.html

Vaccinations and Health

Croatia

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Croatia's time zone: Europe/Zagreb (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

Croatia's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Cycling Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

Money

Croatia's currency: Euros (EUR)

ATM Availability

ATMs and banks are available throughout the trip. You can use credit cards in most shops and restaurants in Croatia. We suggest you have some cash with you, in some restaurants it is quicker to arrange cash payments and/or card is still not accepted.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Allow €35-€45 per day for meals that are not included; this would cover a good-sized lunch and a standard three-course meal in the evening. It is possible to spend a lot more depending on what you choose to eat and drink.

The bus into Dubrovnik town centre is not included. Please allow for €8 (€2 per journey). The Dubrovnik Card is a cost-effective way to explore the city, allowing you to travel on the buses. The card also gives you discounts at some local attractions and restaurants. Visit www.dubrovnikcard.com for more details. Your leader can assist you in getting one of these either at your hotel or at Pile Gate.

Optional excursions

  • Mijet National Park: Boat (€55) and entrance ticket (€10-€17, depending on the season)

Tipping

Although optional, a tip for the tour leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline, we recommend a contribution of €20-€25 per person for the week. It is also customary to leave a tip for any additional local staff who support your trip – for example, drivers, cooks and hotel staff. This can be handed to your tour leader at the end of the week to distribute accordingly. In total for the tour leader to distribute to all relevant staff, budget approximately €10-€15 per person per week.

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

Seatbelts

All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.