My Road Cycling Paradise

Kvarner Bay

This diverse region offers everything road cyclists dream of – from challenging long climbs, both steep and comfortably gradual, all with spectacular views, to stunning coastal roads and peaceful mountain paths, surrounded by lush green forests.

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Red House – Your Base House (Njivice, Krk Island)
Blue House – Our House (Povile, 40 km from Njivice)

1. Coastal Mountains

Starting just after the Krk Bridge, these roads offer easy access to some of the best cycling terrain in the region.

This 70 km coastal road, stretching from Rijeka in the north, to the southern edge of Velebit National Park in the south, serves as my main “training area.” The area offers continuous ups and downs, making it a very challenging region, while several roads lead into the Dinaric Alps, offering climbs between 10 and 20 km. These climbs range in difficulty from manageable to extremely tough, with each one rewarding you with stunning views of the bay.

The region is also home to numerous shorter, steep “hidden” climbs, perfect for testing your legs. And honestly, even after countless rides, there are still some I have yet to fully conquer.

Wide shot of my bike during a steep descent towards Jablanac. The road forms a beautiful loop as it winds down the mountain towards the coastline, showcasing the dramatic terrain cyclists can experience in the Kvarner Bay area.

Aerial shot of Jablanac, with the bay filled with small boats and the Velebit Mountains in the background. A picturesque view of the Kvarner Bay region, perfect for cyclists who enjoy scenic coastal rides.

Looking over the Bakar bay. Beutiful road for road cycling in Kvarner Bay

Descent toward Klenovica at sunset, with a scenic view of the bay, mountains, and Krk Island – a picturesque cycling route along Croatia’s Adriatic coastline.

Wider shot from the middle of the Velebit Mountain climb, showing the handlebar and a panoramic view of the mountain, coastal roads, and the Adriatic Sea with its islands. A stunning cycling route for those looking to explore the rugged beauty of the Kvarner Bay coastline.

Road bike at a rest stop by the coastal road, overlooking the Adriatic Sea towards Senj, with the Velebit Mountains in the background – a scenic stop on a cycling route in Croatia’s Kvarner Bay.

Mountain road winding up the mountainside near Crikvenica, with the Opatija Riviera in the distance – a great scenic route in Croatia's Kvarner Bay.

2. Gorski Kotar

About a 40 km bike ride up the mountains from your house in Njivice, lush green forests and altitudes between 800 – 1000 meters above sea level.

Kvarner Bay offers more than just its stunning coastline; it stretches into the rugged beauty of Gorski Kotar, often called the green lungs of Croatia. This mountainous region is a sanctuary of dense forests, winding roads, crystalline rivers, and charming villages. The views here are breathtaking, with valleys and peaks stretching in every direction.

This is where I spend most of my time when the summer heat gets intense along the coast. On early summer mornings, the temperature can drop by 10 to 15 degrees, providing a refreshing escape and a different kind of cycling experience.

View of Bajer Lake and the bridge spanning across it, surrounded by lush greenery – a picturesque spot in Croatia’s Gorski Kotar region

Spring well with a road bike in the foreground, a perfect stop for cyclists to refill water bottles during a ride through Croatia’s Gorski Kotar region

Sun setting over mountain tops near Fužine, with a long straight road stretching into the valley – a serene scene for cycling in Croatia’s Gorski Kotar region

18% gradient road sign with Bajer Lake in the background, a challenging cycling route near Fužine in Croatia’s Gorski Kotar region.

Overlooking a small village nestled among dense forests and mountain peaks near Delnice – a serene view in Croatia’s Gorski Kotar region.

3. Krk Island

Where you stay, Croatias largest island, connected to the mainland by the 1400m long Krk Bridge. It offers a mix of coastal roads, rolling hills, and charming historic villages.

Among the road cycling options in Kvarner Bay, Croatia’s largest island, Krk offers a variety of terrain. Connected to the mainland by a 1,400-meter bridge, Krk features coastal roads with panoramic views of the Adriatic and inland routes passing through olive groves and vineyards.

In 2023, Krk was added to the Cro Race route for the first time on stage 4.

Vrbnik, a historic town with beautiful views, is often a pitstop for me when cycling to Krk.

While Krk has its share of scenic rides, it’s not the easiest island to cycle on. There are a number of sharp, short climbs (3 to 5 km long) that can be demanding throughout the island.

(Krk is also a favorite destination for Luka Dončić during the NBA off-season.😁)

Sunset view from the middle of the Krk Bridge, looking towards Krk Island with Istria visible in the distance – a picturesque scene for cyclists exploring Croatia

Steep descent towards Stara Baška, with a road bike in the foreground and views of the Adriatic Sea – a thrilling cycling route on Krk Island.

Vineyards near Vrbnik on Krk Island, offering a scenic cycling route with rolling hills and a mountain backdrop.

Winding road leading to Vrbnik, with the old town and views of the Adriatic Sea and mainland in the distance – a picturesque route for cyclists on Krk Island.

Panoramic view of Baška from above, showcasing the coastal town and its surrounding landscape, a beautiful spot for cycling on Krk Island

4. Istria

Rolling hills, coastal roads, vineyards, olive groves, and old towns – a stunning region to ride in.

While I’ve never ridden in Tuscany, cycling through inland Istria feels like what I imagine Tuscany would be: rolling hills dotted with olive groves and vineyards as far as the eye can see. Some street signs even feature both Italian and Croatian town names, reflecting Istria’s historical ties to Italy.

Among other things you’ll encounter the stunning Opatija Riviera, with its picturesque coastal roads and historic villas, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. The charming old town of Motovun, perched on a hilltop with its medieval atmosphere, is also a highlight. And climbing Učka Mountain, often featured in the queen stage of the Cro Race, which rewards you with panoramic views of the entire region.

Cycling from Njivice to Istria is certainly possible, but it becomes quite a long ride if you want to explore deeper into the peninsula (Rovinj, Pula). A round trip, going up and down the Opatija Riviera, is about 160 km, and it also involves navigating through the city center of Rijeka, which can be tricky. (I’ve done a club ride with a rather large group through Rijeka’s city center, so it’s absolutely doable.)

Scenic view of Lake Butoniga in Istria, with its tranquil waters and surrounding nature, perfect for a cycling stop.

Scenic view of Motovun, a medieval hilltop town in Istria, with rolling hills and vineyards surrounding it, perfect for cycling enthusiasts.

Clear skies over a vineyard in Istria, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, perfect for cycling enthusiasts exploring the region.

Scenic view from opatija riviera towards a hilly coastline

5. Cres Island

A short boat ride (about 20 minutes) from Krk Island takes you to Cres, one of the most beautiful islands in the Adriatic. Croatias second largest island.

Cres offers stunningly beautiful routes, especially on the north side of the island, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the mainland, surrounding islands and the open horizon—a true gem for cyclists.

You can also ride south along the length of the island and cross over to Lošinj island, which is connected to Cres by a tiny bridge. However, if it’s just for one ride, I’d definitely recommend focusing on the northern and central parts of Cres for the most rewarding experience.

In this blog post, I share my thoughts on the differences between cycling on Krk and Cres, Croatia’s two largest islands.

Scenic coastal road on Cres Island, ideal for road cycling in Croatia's Kvarner Bay

Panoramic view of Lubenice, a hilltop village on Cres Island, perfect for scenic cycling routes with views of the Adriatic Sea

Stunning view from Lubenice village on Cres Island, overlooking the Adriatic Sea – a scenic spot for cyclists to enjoy during their ride

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