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Hvar to Jelsa Loop

#16 on our Great Rides list

Dalmatia

Cycling in Croatia and on the Dalmatian Islands is what dreams are made of.

Location

Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia

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Distance

40 miles / 64km

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Elevation Gain

3,874ft / 1,180m

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Best Time to Visit

Spring or Fall

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Surface

Paved Road

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Difficulty

Level 3

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Traffic

Level 1

Discover this ride on our Croatia bike tour

Visit Dubrovnik, Korcula, Hvar, and Split

Beautiful and smooth rolling tarmac, unique and stunning landscape, and the topaz blue of the Adriatic Sea.

Today’s journey is a figure eight loop ride on the Island of Hvar. We begin our ride leaving the town of Hvar with the Adriatic sea to our right. The rolling and sometimes punchy short climbs lightly sting the legs, but the smooth rolling pavement, shimmering sea, and rugged landscape easily take our minds away from any pain. About 5km into our journey, we trade the main road for one less traveled. Soon it feels like we have been transported into the past, and we are cycling through a canyon that time feels like it forgot. This quiet road weaves us past Malo Grablje (a forgotten village), before arriving to our first stop of the day at the top of our climb, Vidikovac Levanda. We continue on with an awesome descent, and weave our way through villages, famrland, and coastal views to Jelsa. After spending some time exploring, we loop our way back to Vidikovac Levanda, before having another stunning descent to past Brusje and into Hvar. Today’s ride is one that will sit with you for years to come.

What you need to know

RIDE DETAILS
Today’s main climbs are 5.4 km at 5.4% and 11km at 4%. While the climbs may sound challenging by first read, just know that they are extremely manageble, and there is so much to see and learn and feel. It is best to take your time and enjoy the ride! The descents on the island are spectacular. Being mindful of safety is key. In some sections, there is no guardrail and the drop off can be significant. Give yourself plenty of room while descending, and if you want to enjoy the view, just pull over in a safe area. Have fun, be safe, and enjoy the ride! All over the island of Hvar are these amazing stone walls. While no one knows for certain who built them, one theory holds true today. These walls were built by farmers clearing the land so that crops could be planted. Today, the stones remain between patches of land, gnarled vines, silver tipped olive trees, and lush vegetables. They are a view worth stopping to take in.

WEATHER
The best times to visit Hvar are the spring and autumn months, as the number of tourists are less. The temperatures in the spring and fall the temperatures average in the mid 20’s° C, with about 5 days of rain per month. July and August are the warmest and driest months, while November through April are the wettest and January/February are the coldest with highs averaging 13°C.

FUEL
Vidikovac Levanda is a fantastic place to purchase a Croatian cycling jersey, or that unique small gift you want to get for friends back home. It also happens to be at the top of the climb. So it is a great spot to have a drink and take in the views.

While you’re in town

If you love amazing local wines, cured meats & cheese, and ambience filled with comfortable couches, classic rock, candle light, all packed into a small side street, then Wine Bar Pršuta 3 is for you. Locally owned and operated, Wine Bar Pršuta 3 is the place to be. There is no better place to sit back and enjoy the evening with friends then this small and unique wine bar. Not to mention, the music will take you back to childhood, while the wine is amazing.

Tired of the bike? Fan of the movie “Herbie the love bug”? Then why not explore Hvar in a vintage VW Beetle. Rapidus Car Hire rents out vintage and fully restored VW Beetle’s per day. With a wide array of hardtops and convertibles, in a variety of colors, this is an amazing way to explore the Island and find some hidden beaches.

One thing cyclists all love is gelato. One of our favorite spots on Hvar is in Jelsa, “The Eis Caffe.” With fantastic outdoor seating & limited indoor seating, the flavors & pastires are fantastic and tasty.

Ready for Hvar to Jelsa Loop?

Book early and save. We reward our guests with lower pricing and more dates to choose from the earlier you book. Rest assured, once you book, your price is guaranteed.

Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate Luxury:

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Luxury:

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

Explorer:

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined:

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discover:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself