From the cultural heritage of the Roman era to medicinal sea mud

The cycling trail starts in Omišalj, one of the oldest settlements on the island.

Located deep in the bay, with its historical centre atop an 85-metre high cliff, the history of life in this town is tens of thousands years old. Make sure to explore this important Glagolitic and cultural centre before or after the ride. Starting as a coastal path, it will take you to the picturesque Pušća Cove with a pebble beach and a modern campsite. Then follows a short section on the island’s main road, ending with a turn in the direction of Soline on the eastern side of the island. This cove is known for medicinal mud, which improves circulation, and eases pain and muscle tension. The sea here is shallow, warm and protected from the wind, so the bathing season is much longer. If you have time, test the effect of the mud while enjoying the view of the mainland and rocky cliffs above the Crikvenica Riviera. The cove is also famous for salt pans, as its name reveals. As it is quite shallow, it has always been easy to harvest salt from the sea, once an importance source of income for local population.

Biodiversity and rich flora and fauna in the swampy area of Meline are valuable resources in this part of the island. What you can expect next is an 8-kilometre-long uphill ride to the highest elevation point on the trail – Kras. It will then take you through picturesque villages at the heart of the island, meandering between stone houses and yards surrounded by drystone walls. The Gabonjin hamlet with 34 stone sculptures in the Glagolitic Script Park is a good stop point to contemplate long Glagolitic tradition and important moments from the local and national history. Follow the main island road to get back to Omišalj, but first make sure to visit the ruins of the Roman town of Fulfinum to learn more about the exciting times of the early Christian era.