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  • 05. Apr, 2021.

Travel tips

Probably more than ever we are all thinking about what to bring on our trip. Travelling makes us excited for things we are longing to see and to do, and we want to make our trip perfectly organized and light as possible. Excitement is maybe even bigger due to the situation with Covid-19, but remember, it’s been a while but you’ve already done this. Also, the only thing you need extra is caution. We know this can also be a heavy load, so we decided to help you with that extra baggage.

 

 

If you’re ready for your 2021 adventure trip, open your suitcase and start in the order below. Of course, pay attention if you’re hiking or cycling, otherwise, it would be a bit inconvenient to cycle in your hiking boots or hike in your cycling shoes :)
 

So, here we go!

 

 

Tips for your trip

 

Cyclists! Unless you are traveling on your own, cycling equipment shouldn’t be heavy as the company will take care of the bike, pedals, helmets, luggage transfer, or storage, depending on if you are doing a guided or self-guided cycling tour, and whether or not you prefer to use your own equipment. 

Hikers, your packing includes a bit less of the equipment and the size of your suitcase, in the end, varies on the season.

Multi-adventurers, watch out, you’ll need to tap into each category!
 

Let’s pack!

 

 

Cyclists:

  • cycling jerseys or synthetic/cotton t-shirt 2-3x

  • bike clothing/ padded shorts 2-3x

  • good quality biking shoes with socks or bike shoes with clips 

  • cycling gloves

  • waterproof socks (if biking in early spring or autumn)

  • cycling sunglasses

 

Hikers:

  • good quality walking shoes with socks 

 

Everyone:

  • waterproof and wind-resistant jacket and pants (1 set)

  • fleece jacket/vest

  • long and short sleeve t-shirts

  • sunglasses

  • small/day backpack

  • beach towel

  • 3x T-shirt

  • 3x shorts

  • swimsuit

  • sandals

  • dress shoes

  • casual dress clothing for dinners/evenings


 

Cyclists, if you are used to your seat, bring it and mount it on your bike; the same applies to your pedals (SPD, Look, or similar) and the helmet (bring yours or get one on your tour). Feeling comfortable is extremely important and if you feel at ease using your equipment make sure you take it with you. If biking in early spring or autumn, bring 1 pair of mittens & liners, and if you’re used t have a side mirror don’t forget that too!

Hikers - you love your walking sticks? Make some room for them also, luckily they fit easily.

 

You are ready to hike and cycle, but you still have to travel!

 

 


 

Don’t forget to pack other necessary items:

 

  • sports/energy drink mixes 

  • driving license 

  • medications

  • your travel tickets and passport (including a photocopy)

  • wallet with credit cards and cash 

  • travel insurance 

  • identification 

  • charger and travel power adapter 

  • insect repellent

  • sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and other sun protection gear

  • contact lenses or eyeglasses (+ case)

  • toiletries (shampoo, soap, paste & toothbrush, razor & shaving cream...

  • first aid kit


 

In the end, there is always that one thing, maybe a book, an iPod, or a camera. Something that will cross your mind before you start packing, and probably after you think you’ve done everything. Remember there is that one thing that will enrich your memories. Pack it!
 

Feeling lighter? Well done. Check everything once more, close your bag or suitcase and focus on the fun side of your trip :)

 

Already reading your guidebook?


 

Sretan put!*


 

*Safe travels

 

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  • 19. Mar, 2020.

Why Croatia?

Thinking about taking a cycling holiday in Croatia? For serious cyclists, it is becoming one of the top world destinations to visit!

How about those who are literally not cycling “fanatics” and only occasionally get on the bike, but want to see and experience a bit more than just cycling? 
Hopefully this post will inspire you to hurry up and discover this amazing country!

Croatia offers miles and miles of quiet paved back roads and some good gravel and mountain bike routes. It is one of the best preserved corners of Europe, where ancient cultures and traditional lifestyle can still be experienced. The two most beautiful cycling destinations in Croatia are Istria and the Dalmatian coast.

What else is there to see, taste and experience besides cycling? 

 

Mediterranean climate 

Moderate winters and cooler summers. Perfect cycling weather in spring and fall. 


Authentic lifestyle 

Croatia is picked up on the ‘must see world destinations list’, so we do have a lot of visitors in the summer time. Traveling by bike gives you a chance to discover laid back and authentic villages located off the main tourist routes. 


 

Amazing vistas

Located in the center of the Mediterranean and with more than 1000 islands, what do you expect?? 


Great gastronomic offer 

Croatia provides you a perfect mix of Mediterranean, Balkan and European cuisine. Greeks, thousands of years ago, introduced wine production. Fish and wine are still the main dining ingredients. 


History and Culture  

Yes, Italy and France are amazing countries with so much history.

But what’s going on with Croatia? It seems that this part of the world has always been an interesting and important strategic location for different kingdoms and empires, which left their traces in our architecture, gastronomy and probably mentality of the people. Below is a simplified list of different rulers/empires, which left their marks on Croatian territory and history; 

 

  • Prehistoric tribes 
  • Illyrian tribes (until approximately 3rd century BC) 
  • Greeks (4th century BC)  
  • Roman Empire (from 3rd century BC) 
  • Arrival of Croatian tribes in these areas (7th century AD) 
  • Venetians (13th century AD) 
  • Part of Croatia under the Ottoman Empire (15th century AD) 
  • Parts of Croatia under the French Empire (from the 19th century AD) 
  • Habsburg Monarchy (Austrian – Hungarian Monarchy) (till the beginning of 20th century AD) 
  • Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (beginning of 20th century) 
  • Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (after the Second World War) 
  • Republic of Croatia (after the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe) 
  • European Union – year 2013 


 

Safety 

The crime rate in Croatia is very low (by European standards). There are no no-go areas. The Croatian police is polite and speaks some English most of the time.  Croatian drivers do use their honks occasionally, but driving in general is considered to be safe. Touts, scammers and harassers who want to sell you anything, immediately become your friends and follow you everywhere do not really exist in Croatia. 


Roads

Croatian roads are well paved! Even the small back roads have smooth tarmac… 


Health 

Tap water is safe (and great) to drink everywhere in Croatia. No vaccinations are required for travel to Croatia. Public health standards are good.  Do you know what type of cuisine is considered to be the healthiest in the world? 

 


Still not convinced? 

 

A few facts about Croatia; 

 

  • 250 days of sunshine per year
  • 1246 islands, isles and inlets 
  • 8 UNESCO Word heritage sites  
  • Highest number of UNESCO Intangible Goods of any European country 
  • 11 nature parks, 8 national parks and 2 nature reserves (10% of the country) 
  • Home of the world’s smallest town – Hum (population between 17 and 23) 
  • The ancient amphitheater in Pula is one of 3 best preserved amphitheaters in the world 
  • 2500 years old tradition of wine production (from the ancient Greeks) 
  • Best sunset in the world (by Alfred Hitchcock) 
  • The pearl of the Adriatic – synonym for Dubrovnik by English poet Lord Byron 
  • Roman Emperor Diocletian built his retirement palace that today forms the city of Split 
  • The Dalmatian dog originates from the southern Croatian region of Dalmatia 
  • Game of Thrones was filmed in the towns Dubrovnik, Šibenik, Ston, Imotski and Split

 

 

Here is a short description of our 2 most beautiful cycling destinations in Croatia;

 

Istrian peninsula 

It is a cone shaped peninsula, located very close to Slovenia and Italy. Do not stick only to the coast (which is also beautiful), but explore also the magical interior of this peninsula and discover its medieval villages perched on fortified hilltops. Towns like Grožnjan, Motovun, Svetvinčenat, Višnjan, Vodnjan and the coastal towns Pula, Rovinj and Poreč are a must visit! 

While in Istria make sure you try Fuži (homemade pasta), various seafood, oysters from the Lim channel, smoked ham (pršut), wild asparagus (šparoge), maneštra (traditional soup) and truffles (tartufi). 

In order to keep hydrated, we recommend trying Malvasia (white wine), Muškat (semi sweet wine) and Teran (red wine). 

 

Dalmatian coast

In this case we might be a bit subjective as most of the contributors to this blog are from Dalmatia. The Dalmatian coast stretches from Zadar all the way to Dubrovnik. There are more than 15 larger islands that are part of Dalmatia, all with well paved roads which provide great cycling and breathtaking views. Try out how much fun is island-hopping along the Adriatic and explore perfectly preserved history and culture.  By the end of the cycling day you should treat yourself with the freshest seafood available.  Besides traditional meals, such as grilled fish, risotto, shellfish or octopus salad, you might want to try fish stew, salted and marinated sardines (with capers), brodetto, pašticada (beef stew) or Peka (meat or fish cooked under the bell-lid).  Serious Croatian winemaking history began around 390 BC with the Greeks, who were discovering this area. Then the late Romans in the 4th century AD developed it even further for sacramental purposes. The warm, sunny climate is ideal for the cultivation of the rich and fruity white wine Pošip. The most famous red wines are Babić (Primošten area) and Plavac Mali (vineyards located on the southern slopes of Dalmatian islands).  

 

20160923_144845_hdr.jpg

 

 

When to bike in Croatia 

 

We (Croats) bike in the coastal area all year long. Of course, we will not go biking during heavy rains or strong winds, which occur occasionally in the winter months. July and August are very busy (the peak of the tourist season), temperatures can be very high and there is in general a lot of traffic. Spring and fall are considered the best period for biking. April, May, June, September, October and November have moderate temperatures and almost empty roads. 
If you consider a fast getaway from the cold European winter, then March, November and December might suit you well. In these months you might experience in one week a mix of spring days, sunny days with blue skies, rain showers and storms that last for a couple of hours.

 

Temperatures:  

The weather across Croatia doesn’t vary dramatically from north to south, though it is generally warmer towards the south. The climate does change from continental to Mediterranean as you move towards the Dalmatian coast. The sea has a moderating influence that keeps winters warmer and summers cooler than might be expected.


Summer temperatures vary from 22°C to 26°C in the continental part of the country, 15°C to 20°C in mountain regions and 26°C to 30°C in the coastal region. The highest tourist season is from mid-July to mid-August, when you will experience the highest temperatures and find a lot of traffic on the roads, which can be dangerous as there are many foreign drivers who don’t know the roads.

 

Spring (March, April and May) and fall (September, October, November) have lower temperatures (13-20°C in the continental regions, 16-25°C in the coastal region) and a higher possibility of rain and wind, but also less visitors. 

 

 

When should I go? 

 

It depends on what you are looking for.  Below you will see a small chart, which might help you to decide;

 

Cycling

Local experience

Weather (for cycling)

Crowded

Night life

Swimming

January

*

**

**

*

*

 

February

*

***

*

*

*

 

March

***

****

***

*

**

 

April

*****

*****

*****

**

***

*

May

*****

*****

*****

***

***

***

June

****

****

****

***

****

*****

July

***

**

***

*****

*****

*****

August

***

**

***

*****

*****

*****

September

*****

***

*****

****

****

*****

October

*****

*****

*****

**

***

****

November

****

*****

****

*

*

*

December

***

****

**

**

***

 

 

 

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  • 16. Jun, 2021.

Why we love Cycling Dalmatia SG tour?

You don't have time for a long vacation; you don't want to change hotel each day or you want to spend more time exploring one place and say you know it's soul but still you want to be active? In that case, a self-guided bike tour Cycling Dalmatia is a perfect choice for you.

You will definitely enjoy cycling in the region of Dalmatia; in Split, its surroundings, and on the islands of Brač, Šolta, and Hvar. 

During the entire self-guided bike trip you will be accommodated in Split, where during the evenings you can walk along its long palm-fringed waterfront, enjoy trendy cafe bars, great local konoba (taverns) and check out locals’ everyday life. 

Each day you will have the option to enjoy easy coastal rides or climbs up to 700m with various cycling distances from 10 to 80km, discover a mixture of Greek, Roman, and Venetian heritage that emerged in today’s Croatian culture, taste great olive oil and wine, and of course enjoy the Mediterranean cuisine, considered as the healthiest one in the world!
 

You will be discovering island Brač, Croatia’s third-largest and the highest island in the Adriatic sea. Brač is famous for fishing and agriculture, especially vines and olives, as well as its precious limestone, which was used in building Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the White House in Washington.

 

 



Pedaling along rural and quiet roads of island Šolta will give you a chance to step back in time, as there are no big hotels, no modern buildings,  just traditional life… The Mediterranean as it used to be.

You certainly don't want to miss Hvar. You will discover ancient villages and coastal roads, the UNESCO world heritage site of  Stari Grad plain, and bike along lavender fields to reach famous Hvar town.

 

 



Did we forget to say that Split is one of the oldest Roman towns in the Adriatic?
Built by Emperor Diocletian in 3rd century A.D, as his luxury retreat, the vivid town of Split is inviting you to explore all its secrets!
Split is the second biggest town in Croatia, an economic and cultural center where one can find everything you need. Full of life in July and August but still very lovable with its own special charm. Since it is impossible to explore it in one day, with this tour you will have a chance to come back to a very vivid and authentic town after your bike ride.

 


As we are travelers ourselves we believe one of the most seen places anywhere you go is the main square and cathedral. So a must-see is Peristil with parts of Diocletian's Palace and the cathedral of St. Duje. Even it is beautiful during the day you need to check it out under the moonlight. The stunning scene with a guy playing his guitar each night and drinks from Luxor, one of the oldest bars in town will make you come back again and again.
There are many hidden gems in Split but if you want a panoramic view you shouldn't miss coffee at Vidilica.

Split has a very trendy and fast-changing gastronomy scene so you can choose from meat, fish, or vegetarian places that offer a big range of different meals.

Split is situated on the coast and mild temperatures allow us to enjoy cycling throughout the whole year so a self-guided tour Cycling Dalmatia is an excellent choice even in fall or winter. Actually, fall is a great season for cycling as there are no crowds anymore, the sea is still fine to jump in and refresh yourself.


This tour is a great mix of activities and a chance to explore Split and islands with their very rich history.

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  • 14. Dec, 2022.

Xmas Specials

Over time, holidays change their appearance. In the past, customs and surprises meant good wishes for the following year giving attention to communal abundance, love, and health. Times and traditions have changed, but high spirits and feelings of togetherness stayed the same. The essentials stay. We visit people, socialize, spend time with family and friends, prepare and share food with others, remember those who are far away and give our attention to those who are not.

 

Living close to family and relatives makes it easier to save the tradition. Hence there are still a few places in Croatia where the customs were passed down through generations and are still alive. Let’s take an example, hosting “polužari” - the first guests who enter the house on Xmas morning. They present the nature of the upcoming year, so they should be strong, healthy, and in good luck. Sometimes, arranging the right person was considered a way of making your luck. Eating an apple covered with honey will always get you back home safely. The custom of koledanje (caroling) is also less present than in the past. The celebrants, usually men, go from house to house and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Christmas songs accompanied by a mandolin or guitar brighten an already beautiful atmosphere, and the hosts treat them with homemade products. The traces of this custom go back to the 13th century described in the Statue of the Republic of Dubrovnik. In this area, practicing this custom is preserved to this day. Even if it’s only kept alive in a few places, telling stories about traditions can be an equally valuable inheritance. In many parts of Croatia, the praxis was to light a Christmas tree stump. In some areas three stumps.  After he gives a blessing, the head of the house brings an old olive stump inside the house and sets it on fire. The stump had to smoke for good yield until the Holy Three Kings. At the end of the 19th century, the Christmas tree replaced the tree stump.

 

     

 

Customs and traditions change a lot. More people live in the cities and have less time for food preparation and big gatherings. Also, the city’s offer is rather big because there are many places where families can join afternoon picnics, live shows, and performances, try festive sweets and enjoy mulled wine :) 

 

Xmas customs that remained among most Croatians denote significant dates starting with advent. This day, and the following four Sundays, catholic families gather around the advent wreath to light the candle. St. Nicholas day is one of the children’s favorites, as the protector of children and sailors takes care they get sweets packed in little boots if they were good throughout the year. After a week, on St. Lucy’s day, Christmas wheat is sown for new life and abundance in the following year. On Christmas Day, we gather around food - fish, most often cod, sarma, and other lean dishes.  Traditional sweets and cakes like fritule, paprenjaci, or smokvenjak are on every table, where everyone discusses recipes in detail. The same day is for decorating the Christmas tree and preparing presents for loved ones. 

 

       

 

This year, Christmas is special for Croatians, as for many other countries in the world. Known as great sportsmen and football lovers, this year Croatians enjoyed Xmas period in the unique atmosphere of the World Cup 2022. We enjoyed the festivities and supported our team with our whole hearts. Did you know the Croatian supporters club Hajduk is the oldest established in Europe, already in 1911? This tradition comes naturally to us, so it seems the timing was good. It’s time when we gather, share, and celebrate. We enjoy visiting Christmas events and discussing the game over a drink and tasty food found on every corner.

The Christmas Cup probably won't become a tradition, but it will be a beautiful memory. This year we won a bronze, which makes it the second championship in a row we won a medal. Since 1998, we are proud of three World cup medals, but, let’s talk more about this some other time. 

 

Merry Xmas & Happy Holidays!

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