---
title: "Bicycle touring in Croatia | Cycle Planet"
description: "Croatia is part of the former Yugoslavia. Reason why you should cycle to this country: Croatia is a country with a lot of variety: the arid interior, the…"
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://cycleplanet.org/llms.txt)

Southern Europe

# Croatia

[**View on the map**](https://cycleplanet.org/map?at=45.1,15.2,6.5) [** Download GPX (1) **](https://cycleplanet.org/api/gpx/HR)

## **About **

Croatia is part of the former Yugoslavia. Reason why you should cycle to this country: Croatia is a country with a lot of variety: the arid interior, the green coastline with beautiful sea views, the easy connection to the islands and also a lot of culture. The kitchen also offers a lot of goodies. Roadworthiness of the country: The quality of the roads (along the coast) is very good. However, the terrain is quite hilly, which means that there is a lot of climbing.

Last updated 18 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/croatia/edit/about)

## **People **

The locals are generally friendly. On the coast, the population is geared towards tourism, in the interior you can taste undiluted hospitality.

The population speaks Croatian. Knowledge of English / German is certainly not a problem on the coast, on the coast people often speak a bit of Italian as well. In the interior it will be more difficult to find someone who speaks English or German.

Last updated 18 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/croatia/edit/people)

## **Visa **

Croatia is not yet part of the Schengen area, but are members of EU. However, they have a visa policy that is based on the Schengen policy.

[**Schengen Area**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Area "Schengen Area") visa lists.

Schengen Area

Other EU member states outside the Schengen Area but bound by the same visa policy and legally obliged to join the Area when they meet the criteria, and special territories of Schengen member states (freedom of movement in the Schengen Area)

Member of the EU with independent visa policy (freedom of movement in the Schengen Area)

Visa-free access to the Schengen states for short stays, usually 90 days in any 180-day period (EU 2018/1806 Annex II)

Visa required to enter the Schengen states, and to transit some Schengen states in some circumstances (EU 2018/1806 Annex I)

Visa required to transit any Schengen state (EC 810/2009 Annex IV)

Travel documents not accepted

Source: [**Wikipedia**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_the_Schengen_Area).

Last updated 20 Mar 2021 by [Cycle Planet](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/RYFRjpH3DfdWPpRfG9MIFBSPzH33) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/croatia/edit/visa)

## **Bike shops **(1)

Sorted by most likes

1. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**1. Extreme Sport**Bike shopGood bicycle shop in Osjijek where they even make custom spokes.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/6003835d-bb8f-4698-88af-122ac708dffc)

## **Sleeping **

### **(Formal) camping**

There are many campsites in Croatia, along the coast road you will find campsites every few kilometers, although they can sometimes be very large (up to 2000 people) and also quite noisy due to the traffic. It is sometimes better to drive into a village and look for a campsite close to the water. These are much quieter and also on a smaller scale. There are hardly any campsites on the mainland. You can often camp with farmers.

### **Ho(s)tels**

Can be found all over the tourist sites but are quite pricey. Private rooms are decent and cheaper. Inland accommodation options are scarce, except in the large cities or in the vicinity of nature parks.

### **Wild camping**

Not allowed, but asking a farmer if you can stay on his land shouldn't be a problem.

Last updated 18 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/croatia/edit/sleeping)

## **Safety **

Croatia is a safe country to be at. Watch out for landmines. If you are going camping freely or with a farmer, ask the locals if it is safe. There may also be mines in uninhabited houses with war damage. Almost all landmines have been mapped: there are now warning signs along the roads. All roadsides are safe!

### **Traffic**

In the summer months, it is very busy along the coast! The main roads on the islands can also be very busy, especially on weekends.

There are not that many roads. There is the coast road and a number of inland connections. There are also few roads on the islands.

The condition of the roads is moderate to good and is getting better and better. The stretch between Jablanac and Novi Vinodolski along the coast has been moderate for years. Just like the main road on Hvar from Sucuraj to Jelsa.

Last updated 18 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/croatia/edit/safety)

## **Transport **

### **Train**

Nowadays you can reach Zagreb by train with a bicycle. Within Croatia, bicycles are not officially allowed on local trains, but you can often arrange something with the conductor. In intercities, the bicycle is allowed once or twice a day. It differs per line at what time the bicycle is allowed. If you have a tight schedule, choose well in advance. On the Split-Zagreb it is also possible to take the train with your bicycle in the evening.

For shorter train journeys in Croatia (between smaller train stations) it is best if you board the last train wagon with your bike. You then pay the conductor for a card for the extra baggage (approx. EU 1.7 per 50 km). If you want to travel by train between larger stations, it is best to transport your bicycle as cargo. You can arrange this at the sales desk (info Croatian traffic office).

### **Bus**

The most used public transport is the bus. Buses take bicycles for an additional fee, but only if they have space. Consult in advance about the price for the bicycle and do not bet on one horse: if one bus does not take you, make sure that you still have a choice of other buses.

At the weekend - and especially in the summer - it is always busier than during the week and you have less chance of being taken by bike.

Sometimes you pay for each piece of luggage that is transported at the bottom of the bus. Then take as many panniers above the bus as possible.

Last updated 18 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/croatia/edit/transport)

## **Food and drink **

**General**

Delicious bread is available everywhere, as well as fine cheese, meat products, vegetables and fruit. Beer, wine, coffee and liqueurs are also recommended .

Croatia has been under the rule of several countries during its long history (Venice, Austria, Hungary ...). This has had a major impact on Croatian cuisine and there is a wide variety of dishes. You will find fish and meat dishes, pizzas, pastas, goulash.

**Cooking fuel**

It is very difficult to get camping gas. Petra: "We only found prick tanks once. Larger, refillable tanks were not available at all, we heard from other campers. This was not a disaster, by the way, eating out often turned out to be cheaper than cooking yourself."

**Markets**

In the cities (including in Sibenik, Rijeka and Split) in the morning excellent markets, a good range of bread, vegetables and fruit and also a lot of meat and fish (although it is more difficult to take it with you on the bike in the summer).

**Supermarkets**

Shops are fairly easy to find. Sometimes you can also find a thing or two in a gas station. In tourist areas (along the coast) there are shops everywhere, but much less inland.

**Stalls on the street**

In June we saw quite a lot of stalls selling some fruit and vegetables from our own vegetable garden. Limited range (potatoes, tomatoes and cherries in June) but good.

**Restaurants**

There are plenty of dining options on the coast road. Campsites often also have a restaurant with a limited menu.

**Vegetarian dishes**

are hardly available. Some fish, and sometimes a vegetarian pizza. Salads are usually not like that.

**Drinkable water**

no problem. The tap water is drinkable and usually tasty. In many places there are fountains with wonderfully cool drinking water.

Last updated 18 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/croatia/edit/foodDrink)

## **Other **

**Beste bike period**

Seasons (dry / wet)

generally very nice weather in the summer, but the only day it can be bright sun, and the next day gray and gray. The best cycling season is spring (May-June) or autumn (September-October). You then have good weather and not the worst heat and tourist crowds of the summer. In spring (March-April) very wet and in winter there is often a very icy hard bora (wind).

Tourist high season

July, August and the first half of September. It is always high season in Dubrovnik.

Prevailing wind directions

Along the coast, the wind can blow quite hard and you have to watch out for gusts.

Average temperature

23 ° in summer

\*\*Spare parts  
 \*\*

In Istria, on the islands and along the coast 26 "tires and mountain bike parts are available everywhere, although you will have to search and inquire. In the north In Croatia, cycling is much more common (including the local population), although those bikes are often old, but do have 28" tires. Only in the larger cities such as Varazdin, Sisak and in Osijek (see this bike shop) you will be able to find a real bicycle repairer.

Last updated 18 May 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/croatia/edit/other)

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