To understand Croatia better is to know it’s a small country with a lot of diversities. Climate, landscape, history, lifestyle, atmosphere and people – it all changes from region to region as you travel through this wonderous little piece of Earth surprising you in every possible way.
Riding season in Croatia is something that cannot be explained in just one example. Croatia is not just sea, sun and beaches. It is also mountains, meadows, forests and snow. It is a Mediterranean country with all the characteristics of a warm pleasant area to chill throughout the whole year. But as you cross the mountains just above the coastline, things might be different during winter – snow and very low temperatures. Mountains above the coast are like natural borders between the Mediterranean climate from the south and influence of continental climate coming from the north. So it is a big difference between riding seasons on the coast and inland of the country – for us living on the coast there is no riding season as we ride throughout the whole year, but those living further inland mostly store their metal pets in garages waiting for the snow and freezing temperatures to pass.
To make things clearer we will present you riding in Croatia through 3 different geographical areas:
COASTAL AREA – Dalmatia, Kvarner and Istria regions
In this term we include regions of Istria, Primorje and Kvarner, and the coastal part of Dalmatia. From Slovenian border down to border with Montenegro there is a beautiful scenic road with a lot of curves, changes in landscape, islands along the way, cities and small towns you ride through. It is coastal road marked as D8, very famous among the motorcycle travellers and travellers in general. Riding season lasts throughout the whole year, as rarely temperatures go below zero and it snows maybe for a day every few years. But it is not all peaches – there might be a lot of rain in winter and at times very strong and possibly dangerous northern wind called ˝bura˝. Those are the only occurrences that might stop us from riding. Watch it as it might be sunny and warm on the coast, but behind the hills road might be damp and slippery where the sun does not reach in the winter.
MOUNTAIN AND WOODLANDS AREA – Lika, Gorski Kotar and Zagorje
As you take a look at the geography of Croatia you will notice there are mountains just above the coast. Riding east and north further inland from the coastline, the landscape completely changes – you ride down river canyons, mountain roads, deep forests and picturesque hilly areas. The snow on mountains Velebit and Dinara as well as the whole Lika region is covered in snow for most of the winter. Especially the mountain peaks and high mountain roads – the snow stays there from November till April. That is not the time to test man’s braveness against the force of the nature. Roads such as D1 or A1 highway are always passable to connect south with the north. Ofcourse this is all generalizing and as the worldwide climate change is happening things are warming up, but keep in mind if you want to ride deeper in the mountains that it is rarely possible in the winter. And just pay attention to the weather conditions in Autumn and Spring of the areas you want to ride to.
FLATLANDS OF SLAVONIA REGION
Slavonia – one big flat zone of Croatia, main agricultural area of the country. You could ride and ride and still there wouldn’t be any high grounds in sight. Not something you would expect of Croatia, as it is not that popular part for vacating in Croatia, yet. It has a lot to offer to someone who wants to enjoy different kind of nature, more pleasant walks and ˝tamed˝ landscape. Roads are mostly flat, more straight and more people ride either fast bikes or cross motorcycles in mud and dirt. This area geologically really differs from the areas mentioned above, but when it comes to weather – it is more like to central Croatia with low temperatures, rain and snow in winter.
With all said, we hope to have given you a bit clearer image of what to expect when you decide to ride around our beautiful and special country. The more you ride, the more you realize there is so much more to see and discover. And it is all so nicely packed in an usual shape of a small country such as Croatia, which leaves you in awe with all the natural wonders, brutal historical twists and the spirit of the people.
See you in Croatia !
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