Trans Croatia is an eight-stage, self-guided bike tour from the port city of Rijeka to Split, through the mountains and hinterland behind the Adriatic coast, far from the crowds. You choose between two routes of about 470 km and 7,300 m of climbing each, mostly on quiet tarmac with gravel sections, and ride them on a trekking, gravel or mountain bike.
Both routes start the same way: along the rugged Kvarner Gulf to Senj, a town with a long maritime history overlooked by the 16th-century Nehaj Fortress, then up into the Velebit mountains to Krasno, the gateway to Northern Velebit National Park. On the Highland Route (475 km, 7,360 m) you stay in the mountains, crossing the heart of the Velebit range to the windswept plateau of Baške Oštarije and down to Sveti Rok, where the southern Velebit gives way to karst. On the Island Route (467 km, 7,300 m) you drop to the coast and take the ferry to Pag, known for its bare, moon-like landscapes and salt-making heritage, finishing the day in Novalja before crossing the island to Rtina on the mainland.
The routes meet again at the Zrmanja River canyon, where turquoise water cuts through limestone cliffs. From there you ride to Knin, home to one of the largest fortresses in Croatia, then through remote villages and green highlands to Sinj, known for its Sinjska Alka tournament, and finally down through the Dalmatian hinterland to Split.
ZenCycle book nine nights in B&Bs and hotels with breakfast, chosen for location, service and attention to detail. You get a roadbook with points of interest and a detailed route description, GPX tracks or the route in the Komoot app, and a 24/7 bike assistance service. Arrival and departure transfers are included: an airport pick-up and drop-off if you fly, or a return transfer to your car if you drive. You can start any day from May to October.
This is a tour for confident riders: ZenCycle rate it intermediate, stages are 30 to 76 km with up to 1,460 m of climbing, and some days take you a long way from towns. Luggage transfers, a room upgrade, a fully guided version with technical support, bike rental and a kayak safari on the Zrmanja can be added.
What's included
9 nights in B&Bs and hotels selected along the route; Breakfast every morning; Roadbook with points of interest and a detailed route description; GPX tracks, or the route in the Komoot app; 24/7 bike assistance for breakdowns you can't fix yourself; Arrival and departure transfers: airport pick-up and drop-off, or a return transfer to your car
What's not included
Lunch and dinner; Bike rental (€35–55 per day); Luggage transfer between accommodations (€300 per person); Luxury upgrade: spacious room, sea view and pool (€250 per person); Fully guided option with technical support and luggage transfer (€525 per person); Kayak safari on the Zrmanja river (€65 per person); Extra nights (on request); Flights and travel insurance
