Kvarner Bay
My Cycling Paradise
Located in the heart of the Kvarner Region, our home in Povile provides the perfect base for cyclists to conquer a variety of challenging climbs. From coastal roads to rugged mountain ascents, each route promises unique challenges, steep gradients, and breathtaking views. Plus, with Krk Island (3) just a bridge away, it’s often integrated into my routes, adding even more variety and stunning scenery.
This is the area where I do the majority of my rides (1-3).
(Zoom picture mobile)
(Click region to jump)
To fully explore the Istrian Peninsula (4), the best option is to drive there first and then cycle through the region.
During your stay, there is also the possibility to take a boat to Cres Island (5) for a ride – more details about this can be found in the routes section.
Along the coast, and through the mountains paralleling the shoreline
1. Coastal Road
This coastal road, spanning roughly 70 km from Rijeka in the north to the start of Velebit National Park in the south, along with the parallel mountains, forms my main “training area.”
Along this 70 km coastal stretch, which is in itself challenging with its constant ups and downs, several roads branch off into the Dinaric Alps (see map). These climbs range from about 10 to 20 km in length and vary in difficulty from manageable to extremely tough.
Each climb offers absolutely stunning views of the bay behind you. No matter how many times I’ve ridden up these roads, the breathtaking scenery always hits me with the same awe as the first time.
Additionally, there are numerous shorter yet incredibly steep “hidden” climbs throughout the coast—fun climbs, perfect for testing your legs. And to be honest with you, there are still some I have yet to fully conquer.
Located at 800 – 1000m above sea level, About 35km up the mountains from the house
2. Gorski Kotar
Kvarner Bay offers more than just its beautiful coastline; it extends into the rugged beauty of Gorski Kotar and its dense forests.
This mountainous region, called the green lungs of Croatia, presents a different kind of scenery. The roads wind through thick forests, alongside crystalline rivers, and past picturesque villages, with sweeping views of valleys and peaks.
This region is where I spend most of my time on the bike when it becomes too hot down by the coast. On early summer mornings, the temperature difference can be as much as 10 to 15 degrees cooler compared to down by the coast.
28km to the Krk bridge from the house
3. Krk Island
In the variety of road cycling options in Kvarner Bay, Croatia’s largest island, Krk shines as a gem. Connected to the mainland by a 1400-meter bridge, Krk boasts a diverse landscape. Coastal roads offer panoramic views of the Adriatic, while inland routes wind through olive groves and vineyards.
2023 Krk was introduced to the Cro Race route for the first time on stage 4.
Vrbnik is a stunningly beautiful old city where I often make my pitstops when on Krk.
But it’s by no means an easy island to ride, there are some sharp, shorter climbs (3 to 5 km long) that zap the legs pretty good throughout the island.
(Krk is also a favorite destination for Luka Dončić during the NBA off-season😁).
1 hour and 15 minutes drive from the house
4. Istria
While I’ve never visited Tuscany, riding through inland Istria feels like what I imagine Tuscany would be: rolling hills with olive groves and vineyards as far as the eye can see. Some street signs even bear both Italian and Croatian town names, reflecting Istria’s historical ties to Italy. Then there’s the Opatija Riviera, the charming old town of Motovun (birth place of former race car driver Mario Andretti), and climbing the Učka mountain, often featured in the queen stage of Cro Race.
If you’re arriving to us by car, it opens up exploring more of the Istrian peninsula, without the lengthy journey from the house. While Istria is reachable by bike, the ride becomes quite long if you want to go further in to the peninsula. It also involves navigating through the large city center of Rijeka. I usually drive to Opatija and start riding from there.
