An exceptional geographical position, a mild and pleasant climate that allows sports activities almost all year round, and a network of attractive bike trails make the Crikvenica-Vinodol Riviera an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts, regardless of whether you are a professional or recreational athlete.
The multifaceted nature of the terrain, the diversity of surfaces and the magnificent vistas of Kvarner Bay allow cyclists to enjoy every kilometre of distance and every meter of elevation. Whether you drive past wonderful beaches, picturesque medieval towns, magnificent Frankopan castles, or above the steep cliffs of Vinodol, a bike tour of the riviera is always an enjoyable experience.
Road, trekking or mountain bike? It doesn’t matter! Ten attractive, interconnected cycling routes will provide you with an unforgettable adventure on two wheels.
Starting from the centre of Crikvenica, the route leads along the coastal road to Selce, continues slightly uphill to Bribir, and then follows an attractive climb to the wonderful Eyes of Vinodol viewpoints.
After a series of shorter climbs and descents offering breathtaking views, there is a longer downhill part via Hreljin, afer which the route returns along Lake Tribalj and the course of the Dubračina to Crikvenica waterfront.
From Novi Vinodolski, the route leads along the coastal road to Klenovica, where it turns uphill for 10 kilometres to Luka Krmpotska.
It then continues in the direction of Lukovo, offering a view of wide clearings, with occasional wild horses.
In Lukovo, refresh yourself with dishes based on wild herbs, and then enjoy a light and long downhill section via Bribir and the Pavlomir vineyards back to Novi Vinodolski.
From Crikvenica, ride along the coast via Dramalj (Kačjak) to Jadranovo.
Stop along the way at Lokvišće archaeological site, which dates back to Roman times and is rich in a natural healing mud with balneological qualities. From Jadranovo, the route leads uphill to the main coastal road, continues to Križišće, and then turns towards Drivenik, where a Frankopan castle keeps watch on the hill. Make sure you have a good look at it!
From Drivenik, the route leads through picturesque hamlets around Lake Tribalj and descends to the starting point along the Dubračina stream.
From Bribir, a small town with a turbulent and fascinating history from the time of the Frankopan princes, set off to explore the Vinodol hinterland.
A combination of asphalt and gravel roads will take you to the “Eyes of Vinodol”, a fantastic series of landscaped viewpoints offering unforgettable views, but also to the Frankopan fortifications, a reminder of times gone by, which are ready to reveal untold stories.
The circular trekking route that connects Crikvenica and Novi Vinodolski is ideal for recreational cyclists who would like to explore the Riviera on an MTB or trekking bike.
After an initial warm-up along the coastal road to Selce, a slight ascent begins towards the hinterland and the vineyards afer which this area is named.
After a tour of Novi Vinodolski, the route leads uphill to the Gradina viewpoint above Ledenice, and then continues via Bribir along a panoramic gravel road that offers magnificent views all the way to the eastern coast of Krk and the coastal part of the entire Crikvenica-Vinodol Riviera.
The route starts at Bater, and takes you slightly uphill to the hamlet of Pleteno, which is located on the Winnetou tourist map.
Here, you’ll feel the spirit of the Wild West and find yourself in the world of the popular Indian chief.
Stop at the Celestial Labyrinths and recharge your batteries, and then take a break while enjoying the Sviba viewpoint.
If you’re an MTB cyclist of medium technical and physical ability, and want to enjoy the upper part of the Vinodol hinterland with its beautiful panorama of the Kvarner islands, then we recommend this route.
After an initial ascent, immediately after the start, there will be a dynamic interchange of terrain and vegetation – from typical Mediterranean low vegetation and green meadows with windmills to dense pine forests.
You’ll ride along gravel paths for many kilometers, including a few shorter technically demanding parts.
From the centre of Crikvenica, the route follows the course of the Dubračina in the direction of Tribalj, and then leads uphill along an attractive forest path to Baretići. It continues uphill along the most beautiful mountain road in this area, offering views of Lake Tribalj and the Kvarner archipelago.
At Mahavica viewpoint, you enter the realm of Gorski Kotar’s forests and ride to the highest point of the route (950 m). As a reward, there follows a nearly 10-km-long combination of forest and single tracks, which will certainly give you something to remember.
If you’re an MTB cyclist of moderate fitness looking for undemanding terrain, then this route is just for you.
As you ride, you’ll explore hidden paths and gravel roads in the freshness of fir and beech forests. This environment will especially appeal to those who enjoy uninhabited areas and pristine nature.
Add to this a unique culinary offer and a section of a panoramic road with numerous viewpoints, and it becomes clear that you can’t go wrong if you opt for this route, especially in the summer months.
After a start in Novi Vinodolski and an initial warm-up along the coast, you’ll have the opportunity to discover some abandoned paths and ride uphill for 7 km from Klenovica to Drinak.
This is followed by a gravel section to Batter, an uphill part along a forest path, and a downhill one towards Bribir, with a special emphasis on the descent along an old hiking trail beneath Slipica viewpoint, and another attractive descent along a former mule track.
