The first thing you learn cycling in Croatia’s Southern Dalmatian islands is this: how difficult would it be to explore these tiny islands by yourself! Sure, there are local ferries but it means buying tickets, queuing in lines, waiting to embark then disembark... Being ferried around by your 'private' boat was certainly the best way to get between islands, and then having a bike allowed you to really get beyond the port towns.

 

 

Our floating base for the week was the San Snova, a handsome timber ship that turned heads in every port. Built in 2009, it's the last wooden boat built on the Adriatic. Above-deck cabins were airy, beds were comfy, and there was always somewhere to dry your swimwear or read in peace. There was Wi-Fi too, which was great for sharing photos with friends and family back home (to make them jealous of course).

 

 

We began in Trogir, a tidy medieval town near Split. Luggage safely stashed, we cruised to Milna for a warm-up swim and our first onboard dinner. Picture grilled lamb skewers, homemade soup, and a sunset over bobbing masts. Croatia knows how to welcome you.

 

 

Next morning, we sailed to Vis, the furthest island from the mainland, once a military outpost. The ride that day was a baptism by gradient—12km up, up, up. It nearly broke me. I do recommend an e-bike! But the descent into Komiža, with its sleepy waterfront and WWII bunkers wedged into cliffs, was worth every crank. A bottle of icy Cockta (Croatia’s answer to cola), local risotto, and gelato later, I was back in love with the idea of pedalling.

 

 

On Korčula, the 30km ride from Vela Luka cut through vineyards and coastal curves. A few of us tracked down a bar to do an impromptu wine tasting. That night, the crew pulled off an impromptu karaoke session under the stars. I’m still haunted by a German rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody, but in the best possible way.

 

 

Hvar town felt like a postcard—stone alleys, Renaissance squares, overpriced cocktails. We biked through Brusje’s lavender fields to Stari Grad, the quieter, more likeable sibling on the other side. Lunch on board featured black squid ink risotto and crispy calamari. That evening, we wandered waterfront promenades, sampling local fare. I’ll remember Stari Grad for its stillness and the café dog that seemed to run the place.

 

 

From Milna to Postira, the riding on Brac Island offered glimpses across to the mainland. The surprise of the trip was an optional side ride to Dol, a small village bursting with charm and history. There we tasted a locally famous almond-orange sponge cake, called Dol Cake, and felt, briefly, like we’d pedalled into a hidden corner of time.

 

 

Most opted for the Split cycle over the rafting trip, which turned out to be a relaxed coastal ride through Marjan Forest Park. An afternoon walking tour of Diocletian’s Palace brought the Roman stones to life, and our evening capped off at a lookout watching the sun melt over Split’s rooftops. Moments like these stay with you.

 

 

Our final day included a short (some said too short) 8km spin on Solta Island, stopping at Tvrdic Honey for a sticky, fascinating dive into beekeeping. Then it was back to Trogir for a farewell dinner. Drinks flowed, hugs were exchanged, and one rider finally admitted the e-bike had saved his marriage.

 

 

The cycling routes were thoughtful, the guides attentive, and the food—both on board and ashore—consistently excellent. Some days started a little too late for the heat, and clear day-ahead overviews would have helped. But the balance of cycling, swimming, town-hopping and cultural encounters was spot on.

Top tips? Stay in Split pre/post tour, pack electrolytes, get an e-bike, and don’t overthink the karaoke mic. Croatia rewards those who just go with the flow.

 

 

 

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