Pašman, Ugljan, and Dugi Otok offer splendid routes with many mapped trails, little traffic, and a varied range of tracks for all levels of experience. If you're looking for an island getaway or just a cycling day trip on your next Croatian holiday, it's time for you to hop on your bike and get to the islands of the Zadar archipelago.
Ugljan
By Jean-no - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Zadar you have the evergreen island of Ugljan. This island is a great cycling destination for those that love Mediterranean landscapes including, vineyards, olive groves, and crystal clear coves and beaches. One of the more popular routes is the 22km moderate level route which begins in the town of Ugljan and takes you through the settlements Guduće Ljokine, Doci Turkija, Grušine, Kanali, Drage, the fishing village of Kali, Nehaj and finishes in the stunningly beautiful village of Kuljica.
While in Ugljan be sure to visit the 5th-century basilica, the village rustica with its ancient olive mill, the St Michael lookout and sample some of the local olive oil which is to die for.
Pašman
The island of Pašman is a delightful cycling destination that will take you through ancient olive groves, to hidden bays and seaside cliffs. Take the Vrluduva trail and if you have the legs for it, you can go to the highest peak of Boklj where you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Kornati Islands National Park. You can also cycle through the islands nine charming villages and visit the historic Catholic monuments. The island of Pasman and Ugljan are connected by a bridge which passes over the Ždrelac passage, so it's possible to cycle from one island to the other. Depending on your level of fitness you can easily cycle both islands in one day and catch the ferry back to Europe's best destination for 2016, Zadar if you'd prefer to take a day trip.
Dugi Otok
The longest island in the Zadar archipelago, Dugi Otok, is a great cycling destination and offers some great moderate to challenging routes including one 70km trail. Along this path, bikers take in all the Dugi Otok top sites with a visit to the Telaščića Nature Park and its salt lake with its dramatic cliffs and friendly donkeys, Sakarun Beach; arguably Croatia's best beach, and the Veli Rat lighthouse.
