Explore Some of the Routes in Kvarner Bay

Tailored Routes for Your Group

Each stay includes customized cycling routes based on your group’s preferences. From mountain climbs to coastal roads, the region offers a variety of cycling experiences. Routes are flexible and can be adjusted as needed.

Note: An intermediate fitness level is recommended to fully enjoy the terrain, as even the easier routes involve significant elevation gains due to the challenging terrain.

Below are some example routes to inspire your trip.

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

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.

Krk Island

Distance: 80-140km
Elevation Gain: 600-1500m

Explore the charming region around Vrbnik, famous for its vineyards, or head south to the picturesque coastal towns of Baška and Stara Baška for stunning scenery and great riding.

You can cover most of the island’s roads in 1.5 to 2 rides. However, as mentioned elsewhere, the island’s milder climate makes it a great backup option when the mainland weather is unrideable. The contrast in weather conditions can be striking—even within the island itself, different areas have their own microclimates.

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

Gorski Kotar

Distance: 80-180 km
Elevation Gain: 1500-2000 m

(Pictured rides were started from our mainland home)

After crossing the bridge and enjoying a nice warm-up, the climbs toward Gorski Kotar begin almost immediately. There are two ways up:
The first option is a steady, sustained climb, averaging 5-6% over about 15 km. It doesn’t have too many steep ramps, making it a consistent effort. The scenery is especially stunning in the first half, with open views and a peaceful ride through nature.

The second option is more demanding, with several brutally steep sections exceeding 15%. While there are some flatter parts for recovery, the hardest ramps hit really hard and require a serious effort. Depending on where you start, the total climb length ranges from about 10 to 15 km.

Once up in Gorski Kotar, you’ll find lush forests, mountain peaks, and breathtaking views.

Note: Due to temperature differences, the earliest I ride up to Gorski Kotar is early March, depending on the weather. On the other hand, it’s a perfect escape when the coast gets too hot in the warmer months.

Coastal Ride

Distance: 60-180 km
Elevation Gain: 500-1500+ m

(Pictured rides started and ended from our mainland home)

After crossing the bridge, it’s up to the group to decide how far and how hard you want to ride. Along the coast, there are 7-8 longer climbs, mostly steady-state, ranging from fairly easy to pretty challenging—but nearly all come with breathtaking views.

Our house in Povile makes for a perfect pit stop along the route—maybe even with some snacks waiting! 😊

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

Istria

Distance: 70-200 km
Elevation Gain: 500-2000 m

The historic town of Motovun, the scenic Butoniga reservoir, and the stunning Učka Mountain. Ride along the Opatija Riviera and enjoy the rolling hills with olive groves and vineyards.

Note: Requires a car ride to Istria first if you want to explore the inner parts of Istria (about a 40 min car ride).
The Opatija Riviera can be reached by bike from Njivice (45 km)

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

Cres Island

Distance: 100-180 km
Elevation Gain: 1200-2000+ m

The breathtaking beauty of Cres Island!

From our house in Njivice, it’s an easy 20 km roll to the ferry, followed by a scenic 20-minute boat trip to Cres.

Either explore the picturesque northern and central parts of the island, or head south to the island of Lošinj, crossing a charming little bridge, making this even more of an island-hopping ride.

For our ride on Cres, I’ll bring the car across and park it near the ferry drop-off—providing extra peace of mind while we take on the island’s stunning roads.

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