So why should you do it?
If you enjoy travelling by bike, or if you even just like the idea of this type of holiday, this is the trip for you. Best part is you rent the bike on arrival. Among many different travel opportunities for cycling enthusiasts, group cycling tours around the Croatian islands and coastline should be in the top five of your bucket list. Here are ten reasons why:
1. Make New Friends
It’s always fun and exciting meeting new people, whether fellow cyclists in your group or locals. The social side of riding could be doing you as much good as the exercise is. Researchers as the University of California found that socialising releases the hormone oxytocin, which buffers the ‘fight or flight’ response.
2. The Views
Some people say that views of mountains, shores and meadows come to life while cycling. It’s faster than walking, yet slow enough to take it all in. Undoubtedly, the Adriatic will offer some amazing, photograph-worthy sights! As Ernest Hemingway said, “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.”
3. Get Fit and Stay Fit
From health benefits like building muscle and boosting cardiovascular fitness, to some less known, like boosting your bowels, increasing brain power, healing your heart and boosting your sex drive, cycling in combination with island air, food and drinks are both an adventure and a boost to your health!
4. Explore Landscapes
Cycling the Croatian islands gives you an easy and practical opportunity to explore the islands’ flora and fauna. Enjoy the smell of an early morning, dew-refreshed pine forest while watching wild pheasants from a distance. Croatian Islands have a lot more to offer than you might think, and it’s up to you to explore them. What better way than by bike?
5. Regulated and Touched up Cycling Paths
Island roads and paths are clean, trash-free, regularly furbished and therefore extremely enjoyable. Let’s keep it that way!
6. Small Islands, but lots of ’em!
It’s the best of both worlds. The surface area is small on every island, but luckily there are many to explore. To simplify – would you rather have a slice of one cake or ten slices of different cakes?
7. Exciting Roads
The islands’ roads won’t bore you either. There are plenty of ups and downs for those who enjoy diversity and also plenty of straightforward roads with a turn here and there. Everyone’s happy, everyone’s satisfied!
8. Local Cuisine
If you get hungry, why not stop for a quick snack in a local konoba (Dalmatian Croatian word for a restaurant that offers traditional cuisine)? Who would say no to freshly grilled fish or calamari touched with homemade olive oil? It’s healthy and light on your stomach.
9. Swimming stops
You’re cycling on an island, which means there are swimming stops all over the place! A quick refreshing dip might just be what you need to keep you motivated and energetic until you reach your goal.
10. Fresh Air and Balanced Climate
The fresh, unpolluted air on the Croatian islands is a joy to breathe in and out. The healthy Mediterranean climate will keep you warm at day and cool you off at night while providing little humidity. As a bonus, there are few bugs and insects around to bother you.
The Katarina Line offers numerous exciting cycling cruises along the Croatian coastline and islands. See their website for more information: www.katarina-line.com/ cruises@katarina-line.com
Copy submitted by the Katarina Line.
