By Sarah-Jane Begonja, 13 May 2016, 10:53 AM Destinations
http://www.sibenikregion.com/ http://www.sibenikregion.com/
Šibenik-Knin County sits in the north-central part of Dalmatia with Šibenik being the largest city in the county. This region has a staggering 242 islands and boasts two national parks, Kornati, and Krka and has over 400 km of bike routes intersecting the county taking cyclists to Šibenik-Knins best sites.
The tourist town of Vodice makes for the perfect place to set up camp and use as a base for your cycling adventures as many bike routes begin and end in Vodice. The town has a history dating back to prehistoric times, not to mention some stunning beaches.
Stay and explore Vodice, cycling along to the Church of St Elias the Prophet, a Roman Cistern, the Church of St. John, Roman Wells and, the famed prehistoric settlement of Arauzona. For the adrenaline junkies, Vodice hosts the World Cup MTB race on the notorious Orlov Krug bike route, come for the race or alternatively try the route for yourself.
Or, set course for Krka National Park, on a medium tempo route that will take you through the towns of Zaton, Raslina and also Skradin in around 5 hours.
If you want to explore the Adriatic Islands the Šibenik archipelago has many, and none better than Prvić - the closest island to the mainland. The two settlements on the island, Šepurine and Prvić Luka, are protected by the Croatian Ministry of Culture for their important cultural heritage. Both villages are easily explored in a day - be sure to pack your bathers, you'll be hard pressed not to jump into the Adriatic.
Sat between the island and the mainland is Tisno, though it's mostly known for hosting huge dance festivals with some of the biggest names in music playing all summer, bikers can cycle the splendid route from Tisno to Murter Island. There are also quite a few other interesting routes suitable for beginners and intermediate cyclists while on Murter.
The delights of Šibenik are easily reached from Vodice or base yourself in Šibenik proper. Either way, be sure to find the four fortresses of Šibenik, including the Saint Nicholas Fortress in Šibenik, which has become a candidate for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The panoramic views from the fortress reach as far as Vodice and across the Šibenik Channel. You can set course along the educational hiking-ecological trail which passes the Šibenik fortresses which offer a spectacular view of the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. Jacob. Along the way, cyclists should stop in at the Jamnjak and Kamenar Gardens.
To experience an authentic Dalmatian way of life, cyclists should make their way to the Tribunj hinterland. Scenes of drystone walls, olive groves and vineyards await.
Two other towns in the country not to be missed on the bike are Knin and Drniš. The historic buildings and fortifications along with the Krčić Karst River - a natural phenomenon will give both the camera and your legs a workout.