Enthusiasts of two-wheel travel may move at a
slower speed than their motorized counterparts,
but their experience of the environment involves
all senses - the fragrances of meadows and the
freshness of waterfalls, singing of birds, and
the wonderful taste of spring water. Village
roads, forest tracks, paths through meadows and
vineyards take them to places not to be found on
the maps of the usual tourist sightseeing tours.
Sociable encounters with the local population,
colorful ethnography, home-cooked food and
delectable wines all add spice to this gently
paced adventure. In national parks and nature
parks circular cycling routes are marked. If you
happen to find yourself at the Plitvice lakes
you will be able to enjoy some of the most
beautiful cycling routes to be found anywhere in
Europe.
All areas are open to cycling tours. They do not
require too much effort, while at the same time
bringing you into direct contact with an
incredible diversity of landscapes - the
mountains and valleys of sunny Istria, trails
through the forests of Gorski kotar, the green
and undulating hills of Hrvatsko zagorje dotted
with vineyards, the fertile plains of Slavonia
and Turopolje. Villages of timber- and
stone-built houses, vineyard cottages,
historical burghs, castles and manor houses,
churches and chapels - all these provide
picturesque resting points and of sites cultural
interest.
Your bicycle can also take you to the islands
which, come the hot days of summer, may not be
quite so green, but the blue of the surrounding
sea more than compensates for it. The shipping
lines between the islands run on a regular daily
basis, and the cost of transporting your bicycle
is minimal. The combination of a cruise with
bicycle tours of the area is growing in
popularity. Having embarked on a cycling
adventure across the islands your itinerary must
include the national parks of Mljet and the
Brijuni Archipelago, or indeed the larger
islands -
Krk, Cres, Rab, Pag, Ugljan, Pasman,
Dugi otok, Brac, Hvar, Vis and Korcula.
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