Island-Hopping by Bicycle: A Two-Week Pedal Through Croatia’s Quietest Islands
The gentle whir of bicycle wheels against ancient limestone streets, the subtle scent of wild rosemary carried on the breeze, and the endless blue of the Adriatic stretching to the horizon – this is cycling Croatia’s quietest islands. While masses of tourists crowd onto popular islands like Hvar and Brač, a different adventure awaits those willing to explore the Dalmatian archipelago’s more secluded corners by bicycle.
Planning Your Route
This two-week itinerary covers four islands: Vis, Korčula, Mljet, and Lastovo. Each offers distinct landscapes and cultural experiences, connected by an efficient ferry network. The route is designed to minimize backtracking and maximize time exploring each island’s unique character.
Suggested Timeline:
“Vis, Croatia”
Vis Cycling Highlights (3 Days)
Begin your journey in Split, where you can rent high-quality bikes if you haven’t brought your own. The daily ferry to Vis takes 2.5 hours, departing early morning. Vis, the furthest inhabited island from the mainland, served as a Yugoslav military base until 1989, which inadvertently preserved its authentic character.
Moderate difficulty with one significant climb
Stop at Stiniva Cove (voted Europe's best beach)
Visit organic wineries in Plisko Polje
Explore abandoned military tunnels
Visit the Blue Cave on Biševo (boat excursion)
Cycle to isolated Srebrana Beach
Visit British military cemetery
Wine tasting in Vugava vineyards
Swimming at Stončica Beach
Korčula: The Medieval Marvel (4 days)
A morning ferry connects Vis to Korčula, home to one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean. The island’s pine forests provide welcome shade during summer rides.
“Korčula, Croatia”
- Day 1-2: Western Peninsula Loop (40km)
- Day 3: Lumbarda Wine Trail (20km)
- Day 4: Eastern Explorer (35km)
Visit Pupnat and Žrnovo villages
Olive oil tasting at family farms
Hidden beaches of Račišće
Ancient Greek vineyards
Grk wine tasting
Sandy beaches (rare in Croatia)
Defensive towers trail
Traditional sword dance performances
Secluded swimming spots
“Korčula, Croatia”
Mljet: The Green Island (3 Days)
A short ferry ride brings you to Mljet, where a third of the island is national park. Cool forest roads and salt lakes make this Croatia’s most pleasant summer cycling destination.
Cycle around salt lakes
Visit 12th-century monastery
Swimming in mineral-rich waters
Odysseus Cave
Traditional goat farms
Saplunara's sandy beaches
Lastovo: The Final Frontier (4 Days)
The most remote destination requires a longer ferry journey but rewards cyclists with virtually traffic-free roads and pristine nature.
“Lastovo, Croatia” | Photo credit: croatia.hr
15th-century chimneys
Dark Sky Park stargazing
Hidden submarine tunnels
Local lobster restaurants
Traditional architecture
Secluded swimming coves
Practical Tips
- Best Time to Visit
- Equipment Essentials
- Ferry Information
- Accommodation
- Local Etiquette and Customs
- Safety Considerations
This two-week adventure offers a unique perspective on Croatia’s island life, far from the typical tourist trail. Each pedal stroke brings new discoveries, from ancient Greek vineyards to abandoned submarine bases, all while supporting sustainable tourism in these pristine island communities.
Remember: The joy of this journey lies not in racing from point to point but in embracing the slow travel philosophy that bicycle touring encourages. Take time to chat with locals, swim in secluded coves, and savor the Mediterranean pace of life that these quiet islands still preserve.
