16. February 2017.   •     Guest Writer

Croatia is different from many popular tourist destinations because of its geographical layout. The country is made up of over 1000 islands and has over 1,300 miles of coastline. But that’s not even the most exciting part; rural Croatia has a perfect biking landscape. There are rolling hills, vineyards, and green scenery, all of which make for a scenic but demanding cycling tour. If you ever wanted to travel rural Croatia from the seat of a bicycle, here are the things you should know.

Safety First

Just like any other activity that involves mechanical devices, cycling can be dangerous, and Croatia presents unique challenges to bikers because of its geography. A rider should have a helmet, water, first aid kit, and proper riding shoes. When riding at night, the bike should be fitted with reliable and powerful lights. Routes such as the 80km elevated peak of Velebit route, which is rated a high 5 for difficulty, requires careful attention to safety. It is also recommended that cyclists tour in groups to avoid getting lost or becoming stranded should the bike develop problems. Other safety gear includes a waterproof jacket, cash, and identification documents such as a passport.

Rural Croatia-Raftrek cycling trip
NP-Krka-cycling-to-entrance

Get a Guide

The introvert in you may want to convince yourself that you can get by with Google maps and a well-maintained bike. You probably could, but there are two reasons why you should find a guide when biking in Croatia. Firstly, guides know the best tracks for your riding purpose. If you’re touring for scenery, guides will save you time, money, and trouble. The second reason is that guides know the weather. They can tell you which are the best days for exploring certain tracks in rural areas. Dubrovnik-Neretva County is especially rainy, although it has some of the best natural trails to explore.

Gacka-River-cycling-raftrek
Raftrek guides exploring new cycling routes on Gacka river

Choose the Right Bike

Not all bikes can handle the terrain of rural tracks in Croatia. Tour websites recommend bikes with comfortable seats, narrow or medium tires, flat hand bars and a lock. Riding the wrong type of bike can cause damage to the back, and riders are encouraged to get the most comfortable bike for their weight and height. The right bike should be fitted with a holder for a water bottle and should have a lock as well.

rural-croatia-by-bike-raftre-travel
Plitvice Lakes are surrounded by untouched nature and many beautiful small villages

Written by,
Jenny Holt