The Balkan region used to be somewhat of a mystery to most motorcycle travellers, but over the last few years, we can all agree on one thing: Croatia is the new Italy when it comes to motorcycling roads and incredible scenery.
The Adriatic Coast routes are frequently compared to the famed Amalfi Coast, and the Dinaric Alps are just as spectacular as the Italian Dolomites. More than that, Croatia still offers a bit of wilderness right in the heart of Europe, and it’s a country that’s surprisingly easy to travel by bike.
So if you’re looking or the most scenic motorcycle roads in Croatia, here are some of our favorite routes:
Distance: 375 km
Arguably the most scenic ride in Croatia, the Adriatic Coast road is pure motorcycling bliss. Meandering along the Adriatic Sea, this road offers plenty of twists, turns, generous curves, and fast bends, while the views are seriously breath-taking for just about every mile.
Along the way, there are plenty of lookout points, places to stop and eat, and charming little fishing villages dotting the countryside. While the entire length of the road can be ridden in a day, it's best to ride the Adriatic Coast over two or three days to really enjoy those gorgeous corners, views, and local character.
The best time to ride the Adriatic Coast is spring and fall, as it gets a little crowded during the high-season (June, July, and August). If you’re planning to split the ride into two days, Sibenik is one of the best places to stay for the night. Boasting a stunning Old Town and a cosy atmosphere, Sibenik is a great little stop on the Adriatic Coast route.
Distance: 76 km
If you have time for a scenic detour during your Adriatic Coast ride, Pag Peninsula is a must. Quiet and sunny, Pag feels a little more remote, but the roads here offer incredible views over the bay, and you can really open up the throttle over wide, generous curves. The most scenic part of the road is the Pag Island View lookout point offering a stunning vista of the sea below.
After reaching Pag, you can either double back and ride the same route back to Zadar or, alternatively, get on the Zigljen ferry and cross over to the mainland from there.
Distance: 60 km
Croatia is famous for its beautiful Adriatic Sea islands, and Krk is among of the best ones to explore by motorcycle. You can easily complete the Krk Island Loop in half a day, or you can add your own detours here and there – the entire island is worth exploring, especially at a leisurely pace.
From coastal views to mountain twisties, Krk offers plenty of nature, motorcycling fun, and changing landscapes. Roads in Krk are far less crowded than the Adriatic Coast route even during high season, and it feels like you’ve got the entire place to yourself – a feeling that’s rarer and rarer to find in Europe.
Distance: 151 km
Croatia’s Dinaric Alps are its best-kept secret. Running along the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Dinaric Mountain range is an incredibly scenic region to explore – especially if you love a touch of wilderness. The Dinaric Alps are rugged and rocky, and the landscapes quickly change from towering cliffs to windswept mountain tops and beautiful valleys below.
If you have the time, stop over in Knin, a small ski town offering bike-friendly places to stay and great local food. The road quality here gets bad, so watch out for potholes, but the views, twists, and turns more than make up for it!
Distance: 30 km
Wait, what? Wasn’t Krka already on the menu? We know, Croatian names can be confusing, but the Island of Krk and the Krka National Park are two different places.
Krka National Park is Croatia’s most beautiful natural reserve where you’ll see strange rock formations, pristine nature, and waterfalls that look like they belong in a fairy-tale.
You can either cross the Park in an hour or two, or add a few detours of your own to explore it more thoroughly. If you’re planning to stay near the Park, it’s best to book accommodations in advance as it tends to get busy over the summer months.
In our new blog post you'll find everything you need to know about a motorcycle tour through Croatia