On one side, a magnificent mountain; on the other, a wild and captivating landscape dotted with Mediterranean pine forests, with views of the islands of the Zadar archipelago in the distance, while the highway descends toward Maslenica and opens up a breathtaking view of the blue Adriatic Sea… Could there be a more inspiring setting for a first encounter with Dalmatia, one of the most beautiful regions in Europe?
Destination
For all travelers heading to the sea and Dalmatia, probably one of the most exciting moments is when you pass through the Sveti Rok tunnel. The temperature at the tunnel’s exit often jumps by about 10 degrees compared to the entrance, and the highway winds through an impressive rocky landscape shaped by stormy and hurricane-force bura winds that, mostly in winter, sweep down from Velebit to the sea.
On one side, a magnificent mountain; on the other, a wild and captivating landscape dotted with Mediterranean pine forests, with views of the islands of the Zadar archipelago in the distance, while the highway descends toward Maslenica and opens up a breathtaking view of the blue Adriatic Sea… Could there be a more inspiring setting for a first encounter with Dalmatia, one of the most beautiful regions in Europe?
There isn’t.
Many travelers have passed this way—and simply kept going. But this scenery is not just a backdrop; it’s one of the most stunning parts of Croatia, hiding and revealing so much that you can’t see from a car. The real view and experience begin when you leave the highway and get on a bike, which inspired us to create a new Epic Rides right here.
So let’s start from the beginning, without too many words—because it’s hard to capture these natural beauties and attractions in writing.
Velebit, Paklenica, Zrmanja, Adriatic Sea.
Enough?
The largest Croatian mountain, one of the most fascinating national parks in the country, the spectacular river Zrmanja with its incredible colors and canyon, and the endless blue sea that has made Croatia famous around the globe. All of this, in just a few square kilometers, side by side—like friends gathered in the kitchen at a great party.
These gates to Dalmatia are still relatively hidden and unspoiled, known to most only through the breathtaking vistas seen from the car window.
Well, now it’s time to experience the land of Winnetou and the homeland of Luka Modrić, the realm of the bura wind, stone, and the coexistence of people and raw nature.
It’s time to immerse yourself and feel this beauty. It’s time for another unforgettable Epic Rides.
Welcome to Epic Rides Paklenica – Zrmanja.
Route
Challenging, with spectacular views, a bit wild and truly impressive. Any other adjectives?
Still, this is an Epic Rides route which, according to the “rules” we set long ago, is never technically demanding, while remaining attractive and dynamic for cycling.
Of course, we’re in Dalmatia, so the surface is rocky—meaning there are a few steeper climbs and some spots where water has washed out the road—but everything remains within normal limits and well within the scope of an Epic Rides experience.
This year the start is in Maslenica, right on the waterfront. We set off uphill straight away, but on asphalt, until we reach the old main road—not the Adriatic Highway, but the road that was here before it was built.
After about 10 km we arrive at the village of Modrič. By now, the whole world knows this name because it’s shared with perhaps the most famous Croatian of recent years, Luka Modrić. But this is not his Modrić. His village has the softer “ć” at the end, and if you’re interested, we can share the location of his house, which will probably become a tourist attraction in a few years (for now it’s still a war-damaged ruin).
Here we descend onto the “real” Adriatic Highway—so please be careful!
We ride along the plateau beneath Velebit all the way to Starigrad, and from there we turn inland—directly toward the entrance of Paklenica National Park.
You can’t (and wouldn’t really want to) enter the National Park itself by bike—that’s something to save for the next day on foot. Instead, the route runs along the edge of Velebit and the park. Over the next 4–5 km you’ll pass small hamlets with stone houses built with their backs to the mountain and their faces toward the sea. Life here was always about harmony between mountain and sea. A few kilometers further we’ll pass the entrance to Mala Paklenica, after which comes the biggest climb of the entire Epic Rides: the ascent to the highest point at 210 meters above sea level.
The last 500 meters of this climb are steep, with gradients reaching 15% in places, but the reward is a breathtaking view from the slopes of Velebit stretching across the Maslenica strait and Ravni Kotari all the way to Zadar, Ugljan, Pašman, and the other islands of the Zadar archipelago. The feed zone is set just before this climb—a perfect spot to rest, rehydrate, and load up on sugar for the most demanding section of this Epic Ride.
After the slopes of Velebit, we descend into the hinterland. Gravel roads alternate between smooth, classic gravel and rougher, bumpier stretches—this is Dalmatia after all. We pass beneath the Dalmatina (the highway) that so many of us have driven, and ride through a distinctive, unique landscape: rocky terrain laced with Mediterranean pine.
Here we reach the banks of the Zrmanja River—don’t miss the legendary viewpoint and photo spot, perfect for sharing with friends and followers on social media. Yes, it’s that spot, the one you’ve almost certainly seen before. It’s about 400 meters off the route—you can get there by bike, and it will be signposted.
After Zrmanja, we descend back to Maslenica where we started, and where we’ll be waiting at the finish with food, drinks, and some well-deserved rest.
NOTE: The Epic Rides route is carefully designed, always taking into account that it never exceeds 50 km and 1,000 m of total elevation gain. Also, there are no technically demanding sections, and if they cannot be avoided due to the terrain, they are short, can be walked, and are additionally marked along the route.
Meeting point: MASLENICA
Start time: 10:30
Still, this is an Epic Rides route which, according to the “rules” we set long ago, is never technically demanding, while remaining attractive and dynamic for cycling.
Of course, we’re in Dalmatia, so the surface is rocky—meaning there are a few steeper climbs and some spots where water has washed out the road—but everything remains within normal limits and well within the scope of an Epic Rides experience.
This year the start is in Maslenica, right on the waterfront. We set off uphill straight away, but on asphalt, until we reach the old main road—not the Adriatic Highway, but the road that was here before it was built.
After about 10 km we arrive at the village of Modrič. By now, the whole world knows this name because it’s shared with perhaps the most famous Croatian of recent years, Luka Modrić. But this is not his Modrić. His village has the softer “ć” at the end, and if you’re interested, we can share the location of his house, which will probably become a tourist attraction in a few years (for now it’s still a war-damaged ruin).
Here we descend onto the “real” Adriatic Highway—so please be careful!
We ride along the plateau beneath Velebit all the way to Starigrad, and from there we turn inland—directly toward the entrance of Paklenica National Park.
You can’t (and wouldn’t really want to) enter the National Park itself by bike—that’s something to save for the next day on foot. Instead, the route runs along the edge of Velebit and the park. Over the next 4–5 km you’ll pass small hamlets with stone houses built with their backs to the mountain and their faces toward the sea. Life here was always about harmony between mountain and sea. A few kilometers further we’ll pass the entrance to Mala Paklenica, after which comes the biggest climb of the entire Epic Rides: the ascent to the highest point at 210 meters above sea level.
The last 500 meters of this climb are steep, with gradients reaching 15% in places, but the reward is a breathtaking view from the slopes of Velebit stretching across the Maslenica strait and Ravni Kotari all the way to Zadar, Ugljan, Pašman, and the other islands of the Zadar archipelago. The feed zone is set just before this climb—a perfect spot to rest, rehydrate, and load up on sugar for the most demanding section of this Epic Ride.
After the slopes of Velebit, we descend into the hinterland. Gravel roads alternate between smooth, classic gravel and rougher, bumpier stretches—this is Dalmatia after all. We pass beneath the Dalmatina (the highway) that so many of us have driven, and ride through a distinctive, unique landscape: rocky terrain laced with Mediterranean pine.
Here we reach the banks of the Zrmanja River—don’t miss the legendary viewpoint and photo spot, perfect for sharing with friends and followers on social media. Yes, it’s that spot, the one you’ve almost certainly seen before. It’s about 400 meters off the route—you can get there by bike, and it will be signposted.
After Zrmanja, we descend back to Maslenica where we started, and where we’ll be waiting at the finish with food, drinks, and some well-deserved rest.
NOTE: The Epic Rides route is carefully designed, always taking into account that it never exceeds 50 km and 1,000 m of total elevation gain. Also, there are no technically demanding sections, and if they cannot be avoided due to the terrain, they are short, can be walked, and are additionally marked along the route.
Meeting point: MASLENICA
Start time: 10:30
EPIC RIDES
Distance: 51.8 km
Ascent: 880 m
Offroad: 58 %
SHORT
Distance: 40.3 km
Ascent: 740 m
Offroad: 69 %
Accomodation
WHERE TO SLEEP?
To stay as close as possible to the start and finish, we recommend choosing accommodation in the area of Maslenica or Rovanjska.
Accommodation availability for the weekend April 25–27, 2025 is limited, and the available options for participants of EPIC RIDES PAKLENICA / ZRMANJA can be found among the wide range of private accommodations on booking.com:
MASLENICA – CHECK ACCOMMODATION OFFERS
ROVANJSKA – CHECK ACCOMMODATION OFFERS
Note: Accommodation is available on the specified dates until capacities are filled. To book accommodation, you need to make a direct reservation.
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