AN EXCELLENT CYCLING EXPERIENCE IN A MEDITERRANEAN AMBIENCE. Exploring the landscape on two wheels is a great way to get familiar with an area deep inside, and if you are among the lovers of an active holiday, in the Town of Okrug you can enjoy cycling along bicycle trails in a pleasant and picturesque surroundings! The view of the landmarks, drystone walls and olive groves of Okrug, as well as of its cliffs and nearby islets, along with characteristic scents of the Mediterranean vegetation, is a unique experience, and since the entire Island of Čiovo features a network of cycling routes, it represents a magnificent destination for all of those looking for a vacation spiced up with a little bit of adrenaline. You will find cycling routes with obstacles which require less technical skill, as well as those with certain sections which require great skill, and with the information we provide, you will be able to select the route that will suit your needs. Picturesque churches and historical remains you will encounter along the way represent cultural treasures worth visiting which give the cyclng route a particular charm. The good news is that owing to an extremely mild climate and a large number of sunshine hours per year, you can use these routes throughout the entire year!
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TO MTB ROUTES
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TO ROAD AND FAMILY ROUTES
Itinerary: Čiovo, Put Gradine path - Žedno - Slatine - Arbanija - Put Gradine path
Type of bike: MTB, E-MTB
Physical difficulty: 3
Technical difficulty: 3
Lenght: 20,5 km
Altitude: 526 m
Riding time: 1:30-2:30 h
Points of interest:
St. Maurus's Church, Mastrinka beach, Trogir heliport, Miševac panorama
Starting point:
Čiovo - Put Gradine path
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Longest climb:
Slatine-Žedno - 2,14 km | 8.2% | 175 m
Longest downhill:
Žedno-Arbanija - 2,4 km | -7,3%
Asphalt: 20%
Macadam: 80%
Route description:
With its almost 30 square kilometres, Čiovo is the largest, slightly hilly island of the Trogir archipelago. Exploring its inland area, you will be taken to the village of Žedno, near which is the 4th century St. Maurus’ church in whose field hermits once gathered. That is, exiled heretics, lepers and outcasts who lived on the island in the 4th and 5th centuries. The little church with its semi-circular apse and bell-gable belfry was built at the top of a terraced slope, and the shape and structure of the walls indicate the Romanesque period. A beautiful bay in the surrounding area of Movarčica, was named after it.
When you've quenched your thirst in Žedno (meaning thirsty in Croatian), continue towards the northern coast of Čiovo, where you will be taken to discover places along the Kaštela Bay. Our Lady of Prizidnica’s Church is a cultural and historical jewel of Slatine. It was built on the cliffs in the 16th century by the hermits of the Catholic Church in the harmony of the stone, the sea and the forest.
Following the coastline, halfway between Slatine and Trogir, in Arbanija, you will discover the monastery of the Holy Cross with its cloister and a spacious garden built by the Dominicans on the rocky coast. The church has preserved a valuable 17th century painting heritage, and it is worth stopping by the northern wall, which was built like a fortress due to its defensive function. Arbanija developed around the monastery, being a settlement of Albanian families at the time, who came after the Dominicans in order to cultivate their land.
Technical characteristics:
With a length of 20.5 km and a difference in altitude of 526 m with frequent changes in the surface, this trail is challenging even for more experienced cyclists. The first climb will take you 150 metres above the sea along 2.4 km of a fine macadam path, and after it a demanding descent awaits you on a technical single track with a surface of medium-sized loose stones followed by a steep climb of similar characteristics where the slope reaches up to 20%. Shortly after the steep part on loose stones, the climb turns to a wide macadam road and lasts 1.4 km with an average slope of 8%. The relatively flat 3.5 km long section leads along wide macadam roads and is a good place to rest before the macadam descent, which is followed by a physically demanding ascent on a single, stony track that later joins the road. With a length of 2.2km and an 8.1% average slope, a maximum slope of 15% and a loose surface, this is the most demanding and longest climb on the trail. The descent on a technical trail with a combination of earth and rock is very dynamic and enjoyable. At the end of the trail, you will ride along the road back to the starting point. An MTB is recommended.
Itinerary: Slatine - Put Vr sela path - Lubinovo - Slatine
Type of bike: MTB, E-MTB, Gravel, Treking
Physical difficulty: 2
Technical difficulty: 2
Lenght: 8,2 km
Altitude: 266 m
Riding time: 0:30-1:00 h
Points of interest:
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ethno collection, beaches
Starting point:
Slatine
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Longest climb:
0,6 km | 11,5% | 71 m
Longest downhill:
0,86 km | -25.3%
Asphalt: 30%
Macadam: 70%
Route description:
Slatine exudes the undisguised beauty of the coastline and beaches that stretch across the north-eastern part of the island of Čiovo. A small place with a long fishing tradition is located in the south of Kaštela, the former Salonitan Bay. This small hill-top town with a thousand inhabitants is located right next to two UNESCO sites: being only 8 km away from the old town centre of Trogir, while it is separated from Split by just one nautical mile. Slatine is easy to reach from both towns by sea, so don't miss a bike ride through the unique landscape of Čiovo and the views it offers of Marjan and the coast.
Like other typical Mediterranean towns, Slatine has an elegant bell tower built at the beginning of the 17th century, which belongs to the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The parish church in the old part of the village preserves a 14th century altarpiece, which, like the remains of a wooden crucifix, are attributed to the work of the Venetian master, Paolo Veneziano, one of the most important Venetian painters of the 13thcentury. Not far away is a little house made of local limestone, built in the traditional way, and surrounded by a dry-wall structure, typical for this area. Right next to the parish church is a stone building from 1913, currently the local primary school with an international eco title that preserves the site’s tradition, so you can visit the ethnic collection, the collection of Adriatic shells and a small botanical garden of Mediterranean plants.
Technical characteristics:
Enjoy breath-taking views while riding on fine macadam roads and single tracks. Being only 8.2 km long and with 266m of difference in altitude, this trail is suitable for both beginners and recreationalists wanting to enjoy the ride and experience the area’s natural beauties. One shorter 500 m macadam climb also awaits you with a slope of up to 15% that any cyclist can overcome, followed by a descent with the same characteristics that will give an ideal dose of adrenaline for those less experienced cyclists. An ideal trail to take a cultural tour of the old part of Slatine by bicycle after swimming. An MTB, gravel or trekking bike is recommended.
Itinerary: Okrug Gornji - Stari Porat beach - Tatinja beach - Bušinci - Okrug Gornji
Type of bike: MTB, Gravel,Treking
Physical difficulty: 2
Technical difficulty: 2
Lenght: 17,3 km
Altitude: 286 m
Riding time: 1:00-1:30 h
Points of interest:
Okrug - Panorama, St. John the Baptist's Chapel, Mavarčica Bay – the photo point
Starting point:
Okrug Gornji - marina
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Longest climb:
Okrug Gornji - 0,6 km | 6,2% | 36 m
Longest downhill:
Okrug Gornji - 0,7 km | -7,2%
Asphalt: 55%
Macadam: 45%
Route description:
The Okrug Riviera is woven from seductive islets with hidden and protected coves such as Duga, Duboka and Široka, Kancelirovac and Racetinovac, and low enticing beaches: such as Mavarčica, Toć, Tatinja, Kava and Rudej or Stari Porat on the western outline of the island towards which the trail starts, leading you through fantastic landscapes that reveal the tranquillity of this Mediterranean oasis in the central Adriatic. Although small in surface area, Čiovo is an island with an interesting past. Inhabited as far back as prehistoric times, during the Roman era it was used to house exiles, and then, apart from hermits, there were no residents on it until the invasion of the Ottoman Empire. The Venetian government allowed settlement on the island in 1451, and the settlement of Okrug was mentioned for the first time in 1461. This being said, its beginning is connected with St. Theodore’s church, that is, Tudor, the patron saint of the municipality, who was credited with healing powers.
It is also believed that the islet of Kraljevac on the southern side of Čiovo gave refuge to King Bela IV in flight from the Tatars in 1242 and that it was named after him, while the nearby island of St. Eufemia, named after the late antique church, next to which was a set of outbuildings belonging to the Trogir Benedictines. While you are surrounded by the scents of the sea and the colours of tradition, along with the stories about hermits and nobles, every time your ride on the Okrug trails will turn into a new discovery and the pleasure of exploring.
Technical characteristics:
Without demanding technical parts, a 17.1 km long trail with 263 m of difference in height, this trail has a mild character suitable for both recreational cyclists and beginners. The beginning of the trail leads along a wide macadam road and earth roads along the sea and is adorned with a number of views. The first ascent on the road leading to the single track by the sea is particularly gentle. A single track is a combination of earth road and larger stones that can be easily bypassed and is not technically demanding. The biggest challenge on the trail is a 200-metre long road climb with an average slope of 13.5%, while the next two climbs are significantly more gentle slopes, and the surface is fine macadam from which a number of incredible views over the sea open up. A technically simple macadam descent leads to the path by the sea, which is partly concrete, while some parts are made of fine gravel. The longest ascent of 600 m comes before the very end of the route and takes you up to Okrug Gornji on an asphalt road. An MTB, gravel or trekking bike is recommended.
Itinerary: Čiovo - Balan - Žedno - Arbanija - Mastrinka - Balan Čiovo
Type of bike: MTB, E-MTB
Physical difficulty: 2
Technical difficulty: 3
Lenght: 13,9 km
Altitude: 346 m
Riding time: 1:00-1:30 h
Points of interest:
St. John of Trogir's Church
Starting point:
Car park next to the old Čiovo bridge
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Longest climb:
Balan - Kobiljak - 1,9 km | 7,6% | 145 m
Longest downhill:
Arbanija | 1,8 km | -11%
Asphalt: 40%
Macadam: 60%
Route description:
The name of Trogir, a charming town whose historic core is protected as a unique cultural monument, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997. One of the most well-preserved Romanesque-Gothic towns, it certainly owes its exceptional cultural heritage to its important strategic, naturally protected position, which is rounded off by an unusual "step" onto a neighbouring islet. For instance, the inhabitants of "Little Venice", as they still call it, despite the prohibitions of the 15th century Statute, were already attracted by the peculiarities of the neighbouring island at that time, the northern part of which they turned into their own suburb, a garden. Even today, the sea, sun and the Mediterranean air continue to intoxicate every new visitor, and a number of intriguing locations will enrich your drive through Čiovo. The single-nave St. Andrew's church on Balan hill on the western cape of Čiovo is a protected cultural property. It is decorated with a semi-circular apse and square side windows as well as with a stone Romanesque sickle arch at the entrance. At the top of Balan there is also a former sea lookout point, the Stražica fort.
The road to the inland takes us to an unusually named village, Žedno (which in Croatian means thirsty). The church of Blessed John of Trogir can be found in the village, dedicated to a bishop who was strongly connected with the town, and because a number of miracles were attributed to him, with his cult being cherished by the inhabitants since the Middle Ages. John is also the youngest among the patron saints of Dalmatian episcopal cities and churches.
Arbanija and Mastrinka are charming places whose beaches are known for their underwater cleanliness, which will delight you with their colours and views over Velo polje and Divulje, Resnik with the airport and the Dalmatian hinterland of the Dinaric Mountains.
Technical characteristics:
The 14.1 km long trail with the difference in altitude of 330 m is of lower physical demand, but it will often test your technical abilities. It consists of 4 climbs, the longest and most demanding of which is the one at the very start, which in the first 2km will elevate you to 150m above sea level with some steeper sections of 15% slope on asphalt and macadam roads, which most recreational cyclists will be able to conquer. The trail is characterised by gentle climbs and very dynamic descents of trail characteristics on single track trails with earthen and rocky surfaces. Everything from fine to technically demanding macadam roads, single tracks and loose trails await you. Two very steep single-track descents with a slope of up to -35% will test the technical abilities of even the most passionate cyclists and are sure to inject a dose of adrenaline. The track is ideal for MTB.
Itinerary: Čiovo Put Gradine-Okrug Gornji-Okrug Donji-Okrug Gornji-Žedno-Arbanija-Slatine-Žedno-Put Gradine
Physical difficulty: 3/5
Technical difficulty: 4/5
Lenght: 33,6 km
Altitude: 565 m
Riding time: 1:30-2:30 h
Type of bike:
Roadbike
Starting point:
Trogir-Čiovo
DOWNLOAD GPX FILE
Longest climb:
Slatine - 2,4 km; 7,7%; 190 m
Longest downhill:
Žedno - 2 km; -6,7%
Asphalt: 100%
Macadam: 0%
Route description:
If you're looking for an escape from everyday life, while looking for a holiday that involves the seclusion of a gorgeous island, then the island of Čiovo is the perfect option! The tranquillity and safety of its natural beauties was recognized centuries ago, when fugitives and hermits, including the Hungarian-Croatian king Bela IV, chose it as their destination. He, as they say, found his refuge on the islet of Kraljevac while fleeing from the Tatars in 1242. The tradition of hermits on the island has left striking marks, but whether you plan to spend your time exploring historical sites or prefer to choose the masterful bays and beaches that invite you to lounge and relax, this island, with its seclusion combined with the proximity of larger cities, offers a unique balance of different possibilities. So, hurry up, or rather - slow down, and become a contemporary fugitive yourself on one of the unbelievably charming Croatian islands.
Technical characteristics:
A 33.6 km long trail takes you through the whole island of Čiovo at an altitude of 565 m above sea level. The initial 17 km passes around the entire Okrug, which is relatively flat. The first climb begins in Okrug Gornji, which, along 3 km of an average 4.5% gradient and no steep parts, leads to Žedno. After Žedno, there is an extremely dynamic descent with several hairpin bends and a slope of up to 18% where care should be taken. Riding by the sea leads to a very demanding climb on a narrow road that will test even the most prepared cyclists with a 7.7% gradient on a 2.4 km long section. Although it may not seem overly demanding, halfway up the climb a 1 km long section stretches with an average gradient of 11.6%. The descent that will bring you back to the beginning of the trail is very short, but also very steep, so you should ride carefully. The descent bringing you back to the beginning of the trail is very short, but it is also very steep, so you should pay special attention while riding. A compact crankset is definitely recommended for this trail due to the gradients that reach 25% on the way up. Most of the trail is ridden on wide two-lane roads, while the main climb is ridden on a narrow, traffic-free one-way road.
Itinerary: Trogir - Žedno - Okrug Gornji - Milićevo - Trogir
Physical difficulty: 3/5
Technical difficulty: 4/5
Lenght: 13,4 km
Altitude: 292 m
Riding time: 1:00-2:00 h
Type of bike:
MTB, E-MTB, Gravel, Treking
Starting point:
Trogir-Čiovo
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Longest climb:
Sv. Ante - 1,7 km; 7,5%; 130 m
Longest downhill:
Milićevo - 2,4 km; -5,5%
Asphalt: 40%
Macadam: 60%
Route description:
When visiting old towns, one of the favourite, but at the same time the simplest, activities is to let yourself proceed along the streets discovering the buildings built in them. When it comes to the historical core of the town of Trogir, where every building tells its own story, a stroll along the streets suddenly takes on a new dimension. Surrounded by the sea, and anchored between the mainland and the island of Čiovo, the old town core, listed in 1997 on the UNESCO World Heritage List, hides attractive sights. Ćipiko Palace, Lucić Palace, St. Lawrence’s Cathedral, St. Dominic’s church and monastery as well as a number of smaller churches are just some of the historical buildings that turn the tour into a trip to another era.
If the numerous churches of the old town of Trogir have interested you into further research, there are at least as many more in the surrounding area. Given that the history of Čiovo preserves the tradition of hermits, who recorded traces of the former network of small churches here. The Čiovo hermits, who fled from the world, most often lived next to them. The St. Maurus’s church near the village of Žedno is particularly interesting. Built on an ancient settlement, in a somewhat less accessible location in the very heart of the island, this little church will quench the thirst of even the most curious explorers.
Technical characteristics:
The 13.4 km long trail with an altitude difference of 292 m will immediately test your physical fitness with a climb that begins at the very start, and is 1.7 km long with an average gradient of 7.5% on an asphalt surface on the first and fine macadam on the second part of the climb. Following the climb, the flat road towards Žedno will serve as a resting and recuperation spot before the next gentle road climb to Žedno, which is also the last climb on the trail. After Žedno, a circle is ridden on fine macadam with many views of the sea and a further resting place for cyclists. A wide road leads to Okrug Gornji, while the way back to the start-finish point is ridden on narrow town streets with little traffic. Trekking and gravel bikes are ideal for this trail, although the more experienced can ride it on a road bike with slightly wider tires.
Cycling is a pleasant activity beneficial for the body. It brings joy to all cyclists as they move through space.
In order for your ride to be even more pleasant and safe, you need to abide by the safety rules enforced in the Republic of Croatia.
Avoid fines and listen to the advice:
- Cyclists must use bike paths or bike lanes, and if there are no paths or lanes, they should keep to the right-hand side of the road.
- If two or more cyclists are riding together as a group, they are obliged to move one behind another.
- A cyclist must not do anything to affect the stability of the bicycle or to disturb other traffic participants. They especially must not take both hands off the handlebars, hold on to another vehicle, and transport, pull or push objects that could endanger the ride or other traffic participants.
- Cyclists younger than 16 must wear a helmet while riding on the road.
The fine for each of the above offences is HRK 300.00.
By adhering to these rules, you are taking care of yourself, as well as other traffic participants.
Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain).
Avoid trespassing on private land.
A moment of distraction is all it takes to cause problems. Comply with all speed regulations and recommendations for cyclists.
Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Try to alter the path as little as possible.
Stay on the existing trail and do not seek new ones. Do not cut switchbacks.
Let fellow trailers know you are coming. It is polite to say a friendly ‘hello’ or to ring the bell. Do not startle others.
Unannounced approach, sudden movements or noise will disturb animals. This can be dangerous! Scaring livestock into running and disturbing wildlife is a serious offence.
Know your equipment, abilities and the area in which you are cycling – and prepare accordingly. Never count on others.
