Ciovo: Cycling Routes, Beaches and Cultural History

Čiovo combines Mediterranean vegetation and beaches with cycling and hiking trails, as well as a rich history. Route 35, “Mystique of the Island,” offers a specific guide for active days out: it crosses Čiovo, passing through Okrug Gornji, Okrug Donji, Žedno, Arbanija and Slatine. The route is 33.6 km long and reaches an elevation of 565 m above sea level. These details can help you take the route into account when planning your day, without confusing it with the many other cycling and hiking trails.

Between Trails, Beach and Sea

The many trails on Čiovo offer ways to explore nature on foot or by bike. If you prefer a named route as a guide, you can look into “Mystique of the Island”; if you would rather focus on something else, the island also has numerous hiking trails. Lush Mediterranean vegetation shapes the character of the landscape. There are also many unexplored beaches, offering further destinations for discovering the island.

Toć is a two-kilometre-long pebble beach with a promenade. Its specific length distinguishes it from other beaches that are not described in detail; here, the beach and promenade together form the named stretch of coast. Most of Trogir’s beaches are in Arbanija on Čiovo. This makes Arbanija a distinct point of reference for visitors interested in choosing accommodation on the island’s beach side. Toć, in turn, is a venue for events in the Okruške ljetne večeri programme.

Discover Churches and History

Čiovo’s churches also give the island a strong cultural dimension: it has numerous pre-Romanesque churches. The hermitage sanctuary of Gospe od Prizidnica dates from the 16th century and is located on the island’s southern side, on a rocky cliff by the sea. The Dominican monastery and the Church of the Holy Cross date from the 15th century. Together, these examples show that Čiovo’s history is not limited to a single period.

In Okrug Donji, the Church of St John the Baptist (Crkva sv. Ivana Krstitelja) stands on the old road leading to the coastal landing place of Stari porat. Its late Renaissance architectural features include a moulded lintel, a rose window and a bell finial. Those interested in architectural forms will find specific details to look out for here. The Church of Sv. Tudor is on the coast, at the end of Saldun Bay. Its origins may date back to the 6th century; during archaeological excavations, a layer belonging to an older church was discovered beneath the existing church. For the country estate complex of the Racetini family in Pantera Bay, Pavao Andreis gives 1650 as the year it was built.

Where to Stay and Island Life

Čiovo is connected to Trogir by a bridge. This is a useful geographical reference when considering whether to stay in a holiday apartment on the island while also including Trogir in your trip. In the summer months, Arbanija also has good connections by boat. Keep this seasonal limitation in mind if you are considering the area for your travel dates.

The Okruške ljetne večeri programme includes a week of suitable workshops and performances for children. Events are held mostly at the beach and at Toć harbour in Okrug Gornji. This is a specific cultural option for families who would like to include activities for children in their travel plans. In Okrug, Dalmatian konobas serve seafood and wine from the region. Local food and wine add to the choice of nature experiences, time at the beach and historical discoveries.

More destinations for reference: Požega-Slavonia County, Dalmatia, Zadar County, Kvarner Bay, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Rab, Pašman, Mljet.

For the main travel overview: Croatia.