P&H Motorcycles News & Events

The natural beauty of Croatia 'ideal' for bikers

Bikers looking to explore on their next riding holiday might want to consider a trip to Croatia, to take in the stunning riding routes that line the Adriatic coast.

Croatia has gradually been improving its standing as a tourist destination in recent years, having rebuilt itself after the war of independence against Yugoslavia ended in 1995.

Niko Bulic, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, says the country used to specialise in cheap package deals to attract the mass market looking for beach holiday destinations.

However, things have now changed and a more sophisticated tourist industry can now cater for a wider range of visitors with different needs and interests.

He explained: "We are aiming for quality, and this is why many hotels have upgraded to three, four or five stars.

"People who are dependent on tourism are also being encouraged to do certain activities like let their rooms out. That's very popular, so when you are over there you can experience the Mediterranean with ordinary, local people who are living there."

Croatia's unusual shape is one of the features that attracts many riders to the area - its elongated nature means that there are hundreds of miles of coastline, offering challenging yet enjoyable roads with spectacular views. There are also a total of 1,244 islands along the Adriatic coast.

"This is something that has a real atmosphere for tourists. It's part of the Mediterranean but also still has a sense of adventure. We also have eleven national nature parks," said Mr Bulic.

Croatia is a very proud nation, which is unsurprising considering its history, but it is this past which provides it with such a rich and interesting cultural heritage. Mr Bulic explains: "You can see where the Romans were living there [through to] modern Croats, taking care of everything we've inherited. As we were isolated from one another, you can see that each part of Croatia is different from the other.

"It's a rich world of diversity in such a small country – this is what makes Croatia different and interesting. There is also a good balance between the money you're paying and the quality of service you receive."

This last factor will be a major benefit to anyone planning a riding holiday on a budget next year - which will be the case for many Brits faced with the rising cost of living in 2012.

A number of guided riding tours are available to explore everything Croatia has to offer, from the northern capital of Zagreb and its 18th century buildings, vast collection of museums and cultural sites, to the southern harbour city of Dubrovnik.

The latter is a World Heritage Site, with its ancient city walls encasing some 15th century and 16th century buildings, which still bear heavy scars from the seven-month siege it was subjected to by Serb-Montenegrin troops in 1991 after the break-up of Yugoslavia.

Inbetween these two important sites lie the coastal towns of Rijeka, Zadar, Sibenik, Ploce and Split, all of which can be accessed by stunning coastal roads that will provide plenty of enjoyment for riders. A trip to Korkula island near Split is also highly recommended for riders.

Recommended hotels for bikers include the Hotel Aristos, a four-star hotel with secure parking facilities in Zagreb, the Hotel Krilo in Split and Hotel Sunce in Podstrana.

As Mr Bulic explains, Croatia has started to understand what visitors to the country really want, explaining: "Fifty per cent of the accommodation there is what we call 'rooms with a view', upgraded to the expectations of today."

So for a holiday that will provide riding pleasure and a chance to explore one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe, a trip to Croatia could prove to be ideal for 2012.