Set sail on the Columbo from Split with Sail Croatia for a week of cycling and sailing the Dalmatian Islands. First stop the Island of Brac where we tested the bikes. 

Our first ride of 54K offered good climbs, stunning views, magnificent downhills and quiet roads graced with stonewalled vineyards, olive groves and small villages with houses made from the Limestone rock quarry. 

Lunch began with an appetizer of figs and fig liquor, followed by a traditional Croatian meal cooked in a large metal platter over the fire in a massive hearth – potatoes, carrots, sausages, chunks of meaty beef simmered in a savory light gravy and of course wine. Perfect for nourishing hungry cyclists.

After the bikes were loaded and we set sail for Stari Gard on the Island of Hvar. One of the oldest settlements in Europe the long finger harbor at Stari Gard is infamous for sheltering ships for centuries and is lined with boats of all shapes, sizes and prices!

The next days ride was all up and then all down to Hvar town on the other side of the island for lunch and then a return of all up and all down to the boat in Stari Gard. Thank goodness for my ebike. The vistas just kept coming.

The dominance of the sea is persistence – either sailing, in port, stunning vistas, shoreline riding or swimming…and of course the fresh seafood. The sea is always with you.