Cycling
Dobrinj
Hidden trails on the island’s eastern coast
An off-road ride amidst drystone walls in search of the island’ cultural heritage
Karakteristike
If you are a relatively fit mountain biker looking for a moderate terrain, this trail is the perfect choice. You will get to explore hidden paths and macadam roads through olive groves away from inhabited areas – a true pleasure for nature lovers.
The trail starts in Šilo, a small tourist village on the north-eastern side of the island. Although its name comes from the word denoting a sharp sea rock, it is in fact a tranquil village sheltered from the wind. It is located opposite Crikvenica. The two places were once connected by ferry, and thus easily accessible from land. Today you can take a taxi boat and get to Šilo in just 20 minutes. The trail starts with a warm-up climb to Risika, a village just five kilometres away from Vrbnik. Near Rovoznik and a source of drinking water, at an elevated site hidden in the forest, you will come across a 12th-century castle known as Gradec, the first estate of the famous Frankopan Counts of Krk. An attractive off-road ride amidst drystone walls will surely pump up your adrenaline. Find out more about ‘gromačas’, unique drystone walls characteristic of the Adriatic islands. They can be found all over Krk, and represent an extremely valuable piece of cultural heritage.
Take a break in the abandoned village of Dolovo, located in an ‘enchanted forest’ and testifying to the power of nature. The trail continues through the hamlet of Sveti Ivan Dobrinjski to Dobrinj, known as a museum town.
Many Glagolitic scriptures, notary records and stones with carved Glagolitic letters are kept in Dobrinj. A visit to this administrative, religious and cultural centre will make your ride a truly unique one.
On your way back to Šilo, you will get to enjoy the rural scenery of the island’s hinterland. If you like scuba diving, you might be interested in the fact that the Greek cargo ship Peltastis sank near Šilo in January 1968 during a heavy storm. Its wreck lies on the sandy bottom at a depth of just 20 to 30 metres and is quite popular with scuba divers.
