ADRIATIC ISLANDS: 5 Lesser-Known Oases for a Dream Vacation
December 8, 2025
Best Beaches on the Island of Brač
December 8, 2025Cycling is one of the most popular activities on holidays. It's ideal for exploring smaller places, you don’t spend fuel or pollute the environment, and at the same time you’re exercising.
Perfect, right? After all, cycling helps you get to know the place better and more thoroughly, including its historical and natural landmarks, and it's easy to stop at restaurants and cafés to rest and refresh before the next stage of the journey.
You might even stumble upon an undiscovered spot not listed in tourist guides, such as hidden coves that are plentiful along the Adriatic coast.
This time, we've explored cycling routes on three Dalmatian islands – Brač, Hvar, and Vis. Most of them have cycling routes, some of which are marked and some unmarked.
You can rent bikes in the towns, or bring your own by ferry. However, keep in mind that transporting a bike by ferry comes at a cost, so always check the price when purchasing your boat ticket.
Keep reading and discover with us the best cycling routes on the Dalmatian islands.
Brač
The island of Brač is crisscrossed with 25 cycling routes. The longest trail on the island, the St. George trail, is 180 kilometers long and stretches across the entire island, starting from Supetar. This trail is among the more demanding on the island, which says a lot considering that those who bring "proof" to the Supetar Tourist Board receive a King of Brač diploma!
If you’d prefer a simpler route, choose the St. Roko cycling trail that runs along the sea – from the center of Supetar, through Mirca to Sutivan. The trail is 14.1 kilometers long, partially paved and partially gravel. It’s ideal for families with children. Enjoy the ride and the views, and be sure to take breaks for swimming in the nearby coves, which will delight you with their untouched beauty.
History lovers will enjoy the themed trails in the Sutivan area. The Tramuntana trail leads from the center of Sutivan to the hill of St. Roko, where a 17th-century church of the same name and underground catacombs are located. The trail also passes through the village of Bobovišća na Moru, where the family house of the Croatian literary classic Vladimir Nazor is located. A bit farther from the picturesque village of Ložišća lies the bridge of Emperor Franz Joseph. The highlight of your ride will definitely be the view from the Smrčja plateau, offering a panorama of the northwestern coast of Brač. The final part of the trail is a descent via gravel road back to Sutivan.
If you're feeling brave and fit, conquer the 109-kilometer-long asphalt trail Medulla on your bike. It starts from the fishing village of Milna on the island's western side, passes through Ložišća, Dračevica, and Nerežišća, then near the highest peak in the Adriatic – Vidova Gora. It continues down to Bol, then through Selca and Sumartin to Povlja. The estimated riding time for this route is 5 hours and 30 minutes.
If you didn’t bring your own, you can rent a bike in Milna, Sumartin, or Bol.
Where to Stay on the Island of Brač?
Hvar
The island of Hvar is among the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia. An excellent and high-quality offer of entertainment and luxury amenities, a large number of sunny hours (2724 hours of sunshine per year!), and of course, the ever-popular pebble beaches attract hordes of visitors in search of the perfect summer vacation. However, Hvar has another ace up its sleeve. It is also an ideal destination for cyclists. The hilly and steep terrain of this central Dalmatian island is most suitable for mountain biking (MTB).
You can rent a bicycle at several locations in the town of Hvar or Stari Grad and set off on your adventure to discover the beauty of Hvar on two wheels.
Cycling trails on Hvar we recommend:
The Purkin kuk trail starts in the park of Stari Grad. It passes by the ferry port and then turns toward Velo Grablje. If you stop in this small village surrounded by hills and olive groves, you'll be enchanted by the beauty of its stone houses, which look frozen in time. The most challenging part follows – the climb to St. Nicholas, the highest peak on the island of Hvar (626 m). Be sure to take a break there and enjoy the view of the sea stretching out below.
Then comes the descent southward to the village of Dol, passing through the Stari Grad Plain, and finally returning to Stari Grad. The estimated time to complete this 21.5 km trail is just under two hours.
The Kabal cycling trail, named after the Kabal peninsula it crosses, is a hilly route 24.7 kilometers long. Like the Purkin kuk trail, this one also starts in the park in Stari Grad.
It then heads north toward the village of Rudina. From there, the trail turns onto a gravel road leading to the Kabal peninsula. Here, the trail splits into two paths leading to the opposite ends of the peninsula. Take the opportunity to explore the many hidden coves along this part of the route. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit and towel. On the way back to Stari Grad, the trail passes along the promenade below the Arkada hotel and ends near the Tourist Board office.
The estimated cycling time for this trail is 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Where to Stay on the Island of Brač?
Vis
The most remote Dalmatian island is an undiscovered paradise for tourists. Nearly fifty years of political and geographical isolation have contributed to the unspoiled beauty of Vis. However, in the past ten years, Vis has been developing as an attractive destination for all tourists seeking a peaceful holiday. Cycling plays a significant role in this. The hilly landscape of Vis, endless vineyards, gravel roads, and picturesque Mediterranean houses are appealing to every adventurous cyclist.
Given the lack of heavy traffic, cycling is also possible on the island’s paved roads.
A 20-kilometer-long cycling trail leads from the town of Vis, where the ferry docks, past the Prisme viewpoint (an uphill ride is required) to the hill of Križ, beneath which lies Velo Poje. The trail then descends along the old road to the village of Lokva, where you'll pass by a small lake. Another descent follows to Milna Bay, where cyclists can enjoy beautiful beaches perfect for rest and swimming. This trail is suitable for all types of bicycles.
Another route you can take is similar to the first. The difference is that from Lokva, you turn towards Komiža (follow the signpost) via the old road. Turn into Marine zemlje and go through the hamlet of Žužeca (below which are the world-famous Stiniva Bay and the Vela and Mala Smričevica coves), onto the road that leads through Dračevo polje to Podšpilje. Then descend downhill to Komiža, from where you’ll have a view of the Komiža Bay. If you’re not too tired, take the road to Vis and climb to the top of Mount St. Mihovil and rest there before the final descent down the road to the ferry port in Vis.
In the town of Vis, you can rent a bike from one of the local rental agencies, where staff will gladly help you choose the best bicycle and cycling route for your needs.
Where to stay on the island of Vis?
10 Tips for Cyclists in Croatia:
1. Always wear a helmet.
2. Bring food and plenty of water (especially in summer) and make sure to drink before, during, and after your ride.
3. Choose only routes and trails that match your physical fitness level.
4. If cycling in a group, ride in a single line.
5. Do not wear headphones while riding.
6. Observe and follow all traffic signs.
7. When riding on the road, always maintain a safe distance from cars.
8. In summer, always protect your skin with sunscreen.
9. Always lock your bike at designated places.
10. Bicycles are not allowed on catamarans, only on ferries.
