Six days of islands, mountains, and natural wonders
Bike Tour Magic Zadar takes you on an unforgettable cycling journey through some of the most diverse landscapes in the Zadar region and Lika. Over six days, we explore peaceful islands, rugged mountain trails, and stunning national parks, combining the best of sea, stone, and forest into one epic adventure. This tour is ideal for cyclists seeking a mix of natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and active exploration.
We begin with a relaxed ride across the scenic island of Murter, soaking up Mediterranean charm and coastal views. The next day, we cycle across the connected islands of Pašman and Ugljan, passing olive groves and panoramic lookouts, before crossing by ferry into the historic city of Zadar.
On day three, we venture inland for a true mountain adventure — a ride to the legendary Tulove Grede on Mount Velebit, following ancient trails through dramatic, wild landscapes. The following day, we explore the island of Pag, known for its moonlike terrain, traditional cheese, and strong cultural heritage.
Day five takes us into the heart of the Velebit mountains again, cycling across Baške Oštarije and the impressive limestone formations of Dabarski kukovi, with unforgettable views at every turn. Finally, the tour concludes with a scenic ride through Plitvice Lakes National Park, a peaceful journey through forest paths, turquoise lakes, and cascading
waterfalls.
Bike Tour Magic Zadar is a unique cycling experience that captures the soul of coastal and inland Croatia — a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and local culture.
SCHEDULE BY DAY:
1st Day – ISLAND MURTER: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF WOODEN SHIPBUILDERS ON MURTER ISLAND
Start point: Island Murter
Length: 35km
Elevation: 350m
Surface: Gravel, trail, asphalt
Fitness level: 1-3 (beginner – recreational)
In the Footsteps of Wooden Shipbuilders on Murter Island
Murter is located in central Dalmatia and connected to the mainland by a short drawbridge at Tisno. Though small in size, the island offers incredible variety – both in landscape and heritage. At the heart of our tour lies Betina, one of the last places in Europe where traditional wooden boatbuilding is still alive. A visit to the Betina Museum of Wooden Shipbuilding reveals the skills, tools, and life stories of the people who built the boats that shaped coastal life in Dalmatia.
Along the way, you’ll ride past century-old olive trees, dry-stone walls, pine forests, and quiet coves. We’ll stop at several scenic viewpoints and Slanica Beach, one of the most popular spots for a swim or a short rest.
After the ride, reward yourself with a taste of the island: fresh seafood, local olive oil, wine, and figs served in traditional taverns. Murter offers not just beautiful landscapes, but also the warm hospitality and easygoing rhythm of island life.
This tour is more than just cycling – it’s a journey through history, craftsmanship, and coastal tradition. On Murter, every stone, boat, and trail tells a story. Ride with us and become part of it.
2nd Day – ISLANDS PAŠMAN AND UGLJAN: PAŠMAN & UGLJAN BY BIKE
Start point: Biograd na moru
Length: 50km
Elevation: 900m
Surface: Gravel, trail, road
Fitness level: 1-3 (beginner – recreational)
Cycling Tour: Island Hopping – Pašman & Ugljan by Bike
We depart early in the morning by ferry from the mainland to Pašman Island, where our cycling journey begins. The route leads us along quiet coastal roads and scenic inland paths, passing olive groves, stone houses, and crystal-clear bays. A gentle climb rewards us with breathtaking views of the Adriatic and the Kornati archipelago.
We ride the full length of Pašman and cross a small bridge to Ugljan Island, often called the “green island” for its Mediterranean vegetation and pine-covered hills. The route continues through peaceful fishing villages and coastal trails until we reach Preko, the main port of Ugljan.
From there, we take the ferry back to Zadar, just in time to catch the golden hour over the old town’s rooftops.
3rd Day – MOUNTAIN VELEBIT: MTB TOUR TULOVE GREDE & RIVER ZRMANJA
Start point: Obrovac
Transfer Time: 1h15min
Length: 50km
Elevation: 1400m
Surface: Road, gravel, trails
Fitness level: 3-4 (recreational – advanced)
On this cycling tour, we will explore part of the protected Velebit Nature Park. Velebit is an impressive mountain range stretching 145 km, forming a natural barrier between continental Croatia and the Adriatic coast. We will ride along a gravel road called Majstorska cesta, built in 1832 to connect northern Croatia with the coast. Josip K. Knežić worked on the road for 11 years. Today, Majstorska cesta remains in its original 19th-century condition and was declared a cultural heritage site of Croatia in 2007. Upon reaching Tulove Grede, we will take a break—only to be left breathless once again by the sight of some of the most spectacular peaks of Velebit. We then continue our descent towards the Zrmanja River, passing by the birthplace of Luka Modrić, the legendary Real Madrid player and one of the best European and world footballers. Finally, we arrive at the Zrmanja River, which has sculpted a magnificent canyon through the wild and rocky landscape of Dalmatian karst over the centuries. This location was also used as a filming site for the famous Winnetou movies, based on the novels by Karl May.
4th Day – ISLAND PAG: ISLAND OF STONE, SHEEP & WORLD FAMOUS CHEESE
Start Point: Pag
Length: 60km
Elevation: 800m
Surface: Gravel, trails, asphalt
Fitness level: 1-3 (beginner – recreational)
Discover the dramatic landscapes and rich traditions of Pag Island, known for its moonlike scenery, endless dry-stone walls, and the world-renowned Pag cheese (Paški sir). This cycling tour is a true journey through contrasts – from barren rocky hills to quiet olive groves, from ancient salt pans to the scent of wild herbs in the air.
Pag isn’t just an island – it’s a cultural and culinary experience on two wheels. The route follows a mix of coastal and inland roads, with light climbs and rewarding views. Dry-stone walls stretch for kilometers, a silent witness to centuries of hard life and local pride.
This ride invites you to slow down and absorb a different kind of beauty – one shaped by salt, stone, wind, and sheep. Taste the cheese that made the island famous, meet the locals who keep traditions alive, and ride through a landscape that feels like another planet.
5th Day – MOUNTAIN VELEBIT: DABARSKI KUKOVI
Start Point: Baške Oštarije
Length: 40km
Elevation: 700m
Surface: Trails, gravel
Fitness level: 3-4 (recreational – advanced)
In the relief of the 143-kilometer-long Velebit massif, a special place is occupied by the Dabarski Kukovi near Baške Oštarije. This is a series of sharp, rocky peaks that rise like a massive wall from the green beech forests and grassy valleys, extending parallel to the Adriatic coast.
Our adventure begins at Baške Oštarije, where we can also enjoy local Lika cuisine at a restaurant at the end of our journey. We start on a gentle single track that leads us to a gravel road, where we can see the first in a series of stone pillars proudly rising from the ground. From there, we continue along the gravel road lined with various monolithic monuments, a popular spot for both motorcyclists and cyclists. On our return, we can choose to combine the famous Premužić Trail or the gravel road, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding islands.
6th Day – PLITVICE LAKES: BIKE TOUR AROUND LAKES
Start Point: Plitvice village
Length: 50km
Elevation: 800m
Surface: Gravel, trails, asphalt
Fitness level: 3-4 (recreational – advanced)
Green, green, green, that’s how we can describe the mentioned cycling tour. The main motive of this tour is the endless green forests of one of the most beautiful National Parks in the world. You will surely sleep well in the Lika air and wake up in the morning fresh and full of energy.
We start from the location deep in the forest. Following the old road, riding through the deep forest, we will descend and drive along a lake. We will visit Tito’s abandoned villa, and after visiting, we will go down the beautiful single track and drive along the stream to the village of Plitvice. There, we will have the opportunity to see what one of the 16 Plitvice lakes looks like. After taking a short picture, we continue. The scenes you will see will leave you speechless.
