Bike and Boat: Zadar and the North Dalmatia Coast

Embarkation is between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in Zadar. The tour guide will welcome you with a drink and a light snack. Upon arriving in the fishing village of Molat, we will cycle from the jetty to the town of Zapuntel and back to Molat. Afterwards, we set sail again, heading for the island of Zverinac. Dinner will be served on board, followed by an overnight stay in Zverinac.

After breakfast, we put down anchor and set sail for Božava, located on the island of Dugi Otok. Known as the “long island” for good reason, Dugi Otok stretches approximately 44 km but is often just a few hundred metres wide. Once we unload the bikes from the deck, we’ll set off for the Veli Rat lighthouse, which marks the northwestern tip of the island. From there, we continue cycling to Brbinj, where we’ll have lunch on board. After lunch, you can choose to either continue the journey by bike or sail to Sali, the main administrative town of Dugi Otok.

After breakfast, we cycle from Sali to Telašćica Nature Park, a bay stretching approximately 8 km deep in the southern part of the island. Here, we take a walk through lush Mediterranean vegetation to the saltwater lake, which is connected to the sea via underground channels. From the lake, we continue to the cliffs, towering up to 161 metres high, offering breathtaking views of the sea.

After returning to Sali, we set sail again and have lunch on board. Following a refreshing swim, we head towards Kornati Islands National Park, a peaceful haven made up of 125 mostly uninhabited, sometimes barren islands and islets. After roughly four hours of sailing, we arrive in Šibenik.

After breakfast, we travel up the Krka River and moor in Skradin, just before reaching the Krka waterfalls. We cycle to “Skradinski Buk,” the longest and most famous section of the falls, stretching 800 metres. This area offers an impressive natural spectacle, where the Krka River cascades down 17 steps, with some waterfalls spanning up to 100 metres in width. After exploring the waterfalls, we cycle back to Skradin for lunch on board.

You then have the choice of either taking the boat directly to the popular holiday resort of Vodice or cycling up the 100-metre-high Mount Okit before continuing to Vodice.

Today, we begin by exploring a scenic coastal stretch dotted with numerous offshore islets. From Vodice, we cycle to the charming town of Tribunj, a picturesque settlement located on an island connected to the mainland by a natural stone bridge. After a short break, we continue our ride to Tisno, where we pause for a coffee break. In Tisno, a lift bridge takes us across to the island of Murter, and we cycle along the coast to the town of Betina.

Betina is renowned for its long tradition of wooden shipbuilding, and here we have the chance to visit the Museum of Wooden Shipbuilding. Our journey continues to Murter, where we can stop for lunch. From there, it’s just a few kilometres to Podvrške Bay, home to a beautiful pebble beach, where our boat will be waiting for us.

After breakfast, the boat takes us to Biograd na Moru in just over an hour, where we unload our bikes and begin the day’s ride. Our first stop is Pakoštane, and from there, we continue to the ornithologically significant Lake Vrana (Vransko Jezero), a nature and bird sanctuary. In the village of Vrana, we stop for lunch at the historic Maškovića Han, a former caravanserai built in the 17th century during the Ottoman rule of Vrana.

Now a heritage hotel and restaurant, Maškovića Han offers a unique setting for lunch. Afterwards, we sail along the shores of Lake Vrana, passing through Pakoštane and returning to Biograd. From there, we set sail again, crossing over to Tkon on the island of Pašman, just 15 minutes away.

Today, we cycle across two islands—Pašman and Ugljan. Starting from Tkon, we ride through Pašman, heading towards the bridge that links the two islands. By lunchtime, we reach Preko, where we enjoy lunch on board the boat before taking one last swimming break.

Afterwards, we sail across to Zadar, where our tour guide will lead a guided tour of the old town. Situated on a peninsula and surrounded by impressive ancient walls, Zadar offers a fascinating glimpse into its rich history.

Disembarkation is scheduled for after breakfast until 9:00 a.m. Alternatively, spend extra nights in the city or the surrounding region.

Arrival: Zadar

Departure: Zadar

Nearest arrival airport(s): Zadar

Nearest departure airport(s): Zadar

We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Zadar by rail. Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request.

Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the cycling holiday.

The Skarica family warmly welcomes you aboard the MS Dalmatino, making you feel like a part of their family from the moment you step on board. If you’re curious, Father Ante will gladly show you what it takes to manoeuvre a motorboat. The atmosphere is relaxed, offering a perfect balance between lively moments and peaceful spots where you can enjoy a book or simply gaze out over the crystal-clear waters.

Facts about Ms Dalmatino:

13 outside cabins: approx. 4 – 5 m²
Cabin facilities: Shower / WC, individually adjustable air conditioning
Main deck: 8 double cabins with bunk beds
Upper deck: 5 double cabins with bunk beds
Cabin allocation is done on-site
The portholes of the cabins can be opened
Built-in 1957
Reconstructed in 1990
2 passenger decks | 13 cabins
Maximum occupancy: 26 passengers
Minimum number of passengers: 15 people
Length: 26 m
Width: 6 m
Features: sun deck with sun loungers, tables with benches on deck, air-conditioned saloon
Languages on board: German, English