The Most Scenic Motorcycle Roads in Croatia
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:
Adriatic Coast Ride: Rijeka to Split
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.
Warning: glorious curves ahead on the Adriatic Coast road
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.
Adriatic Coast towns along the route
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.
Pag Peninsula: Zadar to Novalja
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.
Pag: a little piece of motorcycling paradise
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.
Island of Krk: Island Loop
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.
Krk Island bridge
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.
The Dinaric Alps
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.
Dramatic scenery of the Dinaric Alps
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!
Krka National Park
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.
Krka National Park waterfalls
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.
Eglé Gerulaityté is a motorcycle journalist and author. She works with calimoto's partner MOTOURISMO, the world's largest booking portal and online travel agency for motorcycle tours, training, and shipping. Curious to find your own Croatia ride? Check out the latest motorcycle tours and trips in Croatia on MOTOURISMO.
