While many travellers explore them by boat, combining ferries with cycling offers a slower, more immersive way to experience island life. With well-connected ferry routes, quiet roads, and vineyard-lined hills, an island-hopping bike trip through the best of Croatia is perfect for travellers who want to balance adventure with relaxation.
Photo by Geio Tischler
Starting Point Split
Begin your journey in Split, Croatia’s lively coastal hub. Before setting off, spend a day exploring Diocletian’s Palace, sipping coffee on the Riva promenade, and getting fitted for a rental bike or e-bike.
Split is one of the main ferry gateways to the Dalmatian islands, with frequent sailings to Brač, Hvar, and Korčula. Plan your route in advance, as some ferries allow you to bring your bike on board for a small fee, making transfers between islands smooth and easy.
Photo by Bakir Custovic
First Stop Brač
Brač is the closest island to Split and an ideal starting point for your cycling adventure. Known for its white stone quarries and Zlatni Rat beach, Brač offers a mix of coastal and inland rides.
From Supetar, ride inland toward Škrip, the island’s oldest settlement, where you can visit the Olive Oil Museum. For a challenge, cycle up to Vidova Gora, the highest point in the Adriatic islands, for a spectacular view over Zlatni Rat and neighbouring Hvar.
Hvar’s Lavender Roads
From Brač, take the ferry to Hvar, an island famous for its lavender fields, crystal-clear coves, and Venetian architecture. Cycling here is a dream, with quiet roads that wind past vineyards, stone villages, and sea views.
Base yourself in Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe, and explore the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain, a perfectly preserved ancient Greek agricultural landscape. Ride to Jelsa for wine tasting or continue to Hvar Town to enjoy its lively harbor and fortress views.
Korčula The Emerald Isle
Your next stop is Korčula, often called “Little Dubrovnik” for its walled old town. The island has some of the most scenic cycling routes in Dalmatia, with rolling hills, olive groves, and sweeping coastal views.
Follow the road from Korčula Town to Lumbarda, where you can visit sandy beaches and taste the island’s unique Grk wine. Continue inland for a loop through small villages, stopping for fresh seafood at a local konoba.
Photo by Milica Spasojevic
Combining Ferries and Cycling
The beauty of island-hopping by bike is the freedom it provides. Ferries are frequent in summer, and the schedules make it easy to plan point-to-point rides without backtracking.
Many Croatia cycling tours use this ferry-and-bike format, offering luggage transfers and local guides so you can simply enjoy the ride. For travellers planning longer cycling holidays Croatia, the islands provide a perfect combination of cultural immersion, sea views, and light-to-moderate cycling days with plenty of time for swims and wine tastings.
Food and Wine Experiences
Cycling is the perfect excuse to indulge in Dalmatian cuisine. Stop at a Croatian restaurant for grilled fish, octopus salad, or a plate of pašticada (slow-cooked beef stew) paired with local wine. Each island has its own specialties, from Brač’s lamb dishes to Korčula’s white wines.
End each day with a sunset drink on a harbour terrace, watching fishing boats return with the day’s catch.
Useful tips for visiting Dalmatia
- Late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October) are the best times for an island-hopping bike trip. The weather is warm but not too hot, ferries run frequently, and the roads are quieter than in peak summer.
- July and August bring more crowds, but they also bring a lively atmosphere and extended ferry schedules — perfect if you enjoy combining cycling with festivals and nightlife.
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as shade can be limited on some routes.
- E-bikes are a great option for tackling the hillier sections, especially on Brač and Korčula.
- Check ferry timetables in advance, as some routes run only once or twice daily outside of summer. Booking accommodation near ferry ports can make morning departures easier.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov
A Unique Way to Explore Dalmatia
Island-hopping by ferry and bike is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Croatia. Each day brings a new island, a new ride, and a new village to explore. The combination of sea crossings, quiet roads, and fresh seafood creates a rhythm that is both active and deeply relaxing.
By the time you return to the mainland, you’ll have experienced the Adriatic in a way that few travellers do — one pedal stroke and one ferry ride at a time.
