DUGI OTOK BY BICYCLE – 4 DAYS
Dugi otok, Croatia, by bike - Four days on Dugi otok island
Welcome to Dugi otok, Croatia—a paradise for cycling enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. Known as the “long island,” Dugi otok is the largest and longest island in the Zadar archipelago. Its breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and charming villages make it an unforgettable destination for those seeking active holidays in Croatia. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just someone who enjoys exploring new places on two wheels, this four-day cycling tour offers the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.
Why Choose Dugi otok for Your Cycling Holiday?
Dugi otok is a hidden gem, often overlooked by travelers who stick to Croatia’s more famous destinations. This makes it an ideal spot for anyone looking to escape the crowds and enjoy nature at its finest. The island’s diverse terrain offers everything from rolling hills to flat coastal roads, making it suitable for cyclists of all levels. Add to that the pristine beaches, the vibrant underwater world, and the charming villages, and you have a recipe for a perfect Croatia holiday.
Day-by-Day
Day 1: Zadar – Brbinj – Beach Sakarun – Veli rat (26 km, climb 281 m)
Your adventure begins with a ferry ride from Zadar to Brbinj, a small port village on Dugi otok. From there, you’ll cycle through scenic landscapes toward the famous beach Sakarun. Known for its white sand and turquoise waters, Sakarun is one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia and an ideal spot for a refreshing swim.
After enjoying some time at the beach, you’ll continue your journey to Veli rat, located at the northern tip of the island. Veli rat is home to a historic lighthouse that offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. This relatively easy ride sets the tone for the days ahead, combining breathtaking scenery with opportunities to relax by the water.
Day 2: Veli rat – Beach Velo Žalo – Luka (41 km, climb 600 m)
On day two, you’ll leave Veli rat and head toward the beach Velo žalo. This hidden gem is a pebble beach surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters. This is a perfect spot for a short break, whether you want to swim, snorkel, or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
The ride continues through picturesque villages and rolling hills, offering stunning views of the coastline. Your destination for the day is Luka, a peaceful fishing village on the eastern side of the island. Luka’s serene ambiance makes it an ideal place to unwind after a challenging but rewarding day of cycling.
Day 3: Luka – Telašćica Nature Park – Luka (32 km, climb 560 m)
Day three takes you to Telašćica Nature Park, one of the highlights of Dugi otok. The route from Luka to the park offers diverse scenery, including dense pine forests, olive groves, and stunning coastal views. Telašćica is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, saltwater Lake Mir, and rich biodiversity. Spend some time exploring the park, swimming in the lake, or simply taking in the awe-inspiring views.
After a day of exploring, you’ll cycle back to Luka for another relaxing evening in this charming village. The combination of natural beauty and physical activity makes this day a standout experience on your Dugi otok adventure.
Day 4: Luka – Sali – Zadar (10 km, climb 142 m)
The final day of your tour begins with a short ride from Luka to Sali, the cultural and administrative center of Dugi otok. Sali is known for its lively harbor, traditional Dalmatian architecture, and welcoming atmosphere. This is a great place to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or explore the local shops before heading back to Zadar.
From Sali, you’ll take the ferry back to Zadar, bringing your cycling adventure to a close. This short but scenic ride is the perfect way to say goodbye to Dugi otok and reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had over the past four days.
Tips for a Great Cycling Experience on Dugi otok
Pack Light: Since you’ll be cycling most of the time, bring only the essentials. A small backpack or pannier is ideal for carrying water, snacks, and a camera.
Stay Hydrated: The Croatian sun can be intense, especially in the summer months. Make sure to drink plenty of water during your rides.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing and proper cycling gear will make your rides more enjoyable.
Plan Your Stops: Planning your route and stops in advance ensures you don’t miss any must-see spots.
Why Dugi otok is Perfect for You
This four-day cycling tour on Dugi otok offers the perfect balance of activity and relaxation. You’ll explore villages like Sali, Luka, and Brbinj, enjoy the natural beauty of Telašćica Nature Park, and relax on Croatia’s stunning beaches. With everything organized for you, all you need to do is hop on your bike and enjoy the ride.
Dugi otok is a cyclist’s dream and a perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Croatia in an active and sustainable way. Whether you’re cycling along the rugged coastline, swimming in the clear Adriatic waters, or savoring local delicacies, this trip promises unforgettable memories. Don’t wait—start planning your Dugi otok cycling adventure today and discover why this island is a true gem of Croatia holidays.
Get away from everyday worries and relax cycling, swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear sea. In conclusion, we take care of everything. And you just have to relax and have fun on cycling tour across Dugi otok.
- 4 days / 3 nights
- 2 people - Min. number of participants per tour
Itinerary
- Day 1 Zadar – Brbinj – beach Sakarun – Veli rat (length 26 km, climb 281 m)
- Day 2 Veli rat – beach Velo žalo – Luka (length 41 km, climb 600 m)
- Day 3 Luka – Telašćica Nature Park – Luka (length 32 km, climb 560 m)
- Day 4 Luka – Sali – Zadar (length 10 km, climb 142 m)
INCLUDED
- 3 nights accommodation in camping sites
- trekking/touring bike (4 days rental), helmet, bike pump, tools, repair kit and spare tires
- bike panniers (2 x 20 L)
- tent (2 people capacity) + SLEEPING PAD (SLEEPING BAG NOT INCLUDED)
- mobile phone holder
- tourist tax
- ferry and boat tickets (person and bike)
- Dugi otok map
- Telašćica Nature Park entrance
- gpx files (4 days cycling - bike routes from 20 to 45 km with elevation up to 600 meters
- welcome meeting with a representative of Zzuum agency
SUPPLEMENTS
- electric city/trekking bike rental 36 € (panniers, helmet, tools, pump included)
- zadar airport transfers from 100 € to 180 € depending on the number of people
CITY/TREKKING BIKE SPECIFICATION
- aluminium frame (21 spd equipped parts)
- 28“ Schwalbe Delta Cruiser K-guard 47c reflective
- 24-speed drivetrain with Shimano Acera shifters
- Shimano V-brakes
- sizes: lady 17", 19", 21", man 19", 21", 23"
ELECTRIC CITY/TREKKING BIKE SPECIFICATION
- Weight: 25 kg
- Motor: shimano steps
- Battery: Shimano 418WH/11,6 aH
- Autonomy: 60 - 80 km
- Transmission: Shimano Alivio 9-speed
- Brakes: hydraulic
- Frame: aluminium
- sizes: 46 cm, 49 cm, 51 cm, 56 cm (low step frames)
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION TERMS
- 100 € DEPOSIT PER PERSON FOR RESERVATION CONFIRMATION
- DEPOSIT RETURNED IF CANCELLED UNTIL 14 DAYS BEFORE THE ARRIVAL DATE
- FULL PAYMENT 14 DAYS BEFORE THE ARRIVAL DATE
- NO CANCELLATION FEES UNTIL 14 DAYS BEFORE THE ARRIVAL DATE
- CANCELLATION FEE OF 50% FROM 13 TO 4 DAYS BEFORE THE ARRIVAL DATE
- CANCELLATION FEE OF 100% FROM 3 DAYS BEFORE THE ARRIVAL DATE OR NO SHOW
ADDITIONAL INFO
- this tour is designed for individual guests
- arrival/departure: every day
- all gpx tracks can be modified to a longer or a shorter version upon request
- duration and itinerary of the tour can be adjusted upon client's wishes
What our clients say
Highlights
- sali
Village Sali is the administrative center of Dugi otok. Also, it has the largest population on the island. This beautiful village has a rich history and interesting monuments. Some of them are the church of St. Nicholas and a wooden altar from the 17th century with inscriptions in Glagolitic. Moreover, Sali is situated in the vicinity of Nature Park Telašćica and National Park Kornati. In other words, an ideal choice for vacation!
- sakarun beach
Sakarun is an incredibly beautiful sandy beach. It is 800 m long and surrounded by pine trees. For this reason, this is the most popular beach in Zadar area. You can get there from Božava village by tourist train. You will instantly fall in love with this peace of haven, no doubt.
- lighthouse veli rat
First of all, you have to know that this is the highest lighthouse in the Adriatic. It’s 42 m high. This lighthouse has an impressive yellow facade. Allegedly, 100 000 yolks were used to make it. Nearby the lighthouse, there is the church of St. Nicholas. Because of its beauty, this place has become a popular wedding destination.
