Currently in Italy but instead of heading back to Rome we're taking a ferry tonight that will put us in Split, Croatia tomorrow morning. I haven't researched this part of Europe at all. The plan is to get to Dubrovnik, have our bikes boxed, and fly home from there.
Is the coastal road between Split and Dubrovnik the preferred route?
Or is there a tried and tested north-to-south island hopping route?
What about the Eurovelo 8 route?
by motorambler
4 Comments
The coastal road will be filled with coaches, lorries, and motorhomes.
So island hop, or take the inland road , or go via B+H.
A couple years ago I did this as part of a bigger trip. Island hopped from Split to Makarska, then headed into Bosnia to Mostar and then took the Ćiro trail to Dubrovnik. Was a pretty dreamy route with some lovely sights!
From Split to Makarska, EV8 avoids the D8 which is a busy road. Makarska to Ploče might be busier, and then it switches by ferry to Pelješac. I’ve ridden Pelješac 2 years ago, but it was Easter time so very little traffic. From Ston, EV8 again avoids the main road as much as it can, until the last part and entering Dubrovnik.
One alternative is to take the ferry from Split to Vela Luka, and ride the smaller roads on Korčula, then take the ferry to Orebić. Climb out of Orebić is a lot of cars for about 10 km, and then you can switch to smaller roads. I’ve seen people riding Orebić – Podobuče – sea side f the Potomje tunnel, but looks quite a rough gravel to me (haven’t been on that road).
I’ve cycled the coast road twice in peak summer at part of Transcontinental Race, it’s quick, nice, lots of resources however traffic, but I cycled Split to Kotor both times as a single day ride.
I’ve also toured it, jumping on ferries, skipping between the islands and mainland, sticking to smaller roads and tracks along the coast over two weeks
All great experiences, just choose your comfort.
Edit – https://ridewithgps.com/collections/42344?privacy_code=JjAq2pM0iN2DaaHw