The best motorcycle roads in Slovenia and Croatia
The short answer
In Slovenia, ride the Vršič Pass (1,611 m, 50 numbered hairpins), the Mangart road (Slovenia's highest, about 2,055 m) and the Soča valley. In Croatia, ride the Adriatic coast road (D8) between Senj and Zadar, the inland roads of Istria, and Gorski kotar. The best months are May, June, September and October.
Two small countries, one long weekend, and some of the best riding in Europe. The Julian Alps give you hairpins and emerald rivers. The Croatian coast gives you the sea on one side and mountains on the other.
At a glance
| Road | Country | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Vršič Pass | Slovenia | 50 numbered hairpins, cobbled on the north side |
| Mangart road | Slovenia | Highest road in Slovenia, toll |
| Soča valley | Slovenia | Emerald river, Bovec and Kobarid |
| Adriatic coast road (D8) | Croatia | Sea views from Senj to Zadar |
| Istria interior | Croatia | Hill towns, quiet twisty roads, truffles |
| Gorski kotar | Croatia | Forest roads, cool in summer |
Vršič Pass
From Kranjska Gora over to Trenta, the Vršič is Slovenia's highest pass and its most famous road. The hairpins are numbered, 24 on the north side and 26 on the south, and the northern ones are cobbled. Stop at the Russian Chapel on the way up.
Tips: cobbles are slippery in the wet. The south side down into the Soča valley is the better half.
Mangart road
A narrow toll road from the Predel Pass up to the Mangart saddle, with unlit tunnels carved into the rock and views into Italy. Slow, spectacular and best on a clear day.
Soča valley loop
Vršič, down to Bovec, along the Soča to Kobarid, over the Predel Pass and back to Kranjska Gora through Italy. A full day of the best riding in the Julian Alps, with the river beside you much of the way.
The Adriatic coast road (D8)
The Jadranska magistrala runs the length of Croatia's coast. The stretch from Senj to Zadar, under the Velebit mountains, has endless sweepers above the sea. Ride it early or out of season: in July and August it fills with holiday traffic.
Istria
Inland Istria is a maze of quiet, twisty roads between hill towns like Motovun, Grožnjan and Buzet. Add the climb over Učka for views over the Kvarner Gulf. A perfect area for a relaxed group ride with a long lunch.
Gorski kotar
Between Zagreb and Rijeka, the forested hills of Gorski kotar are cool in summer and full of good roads. Ride the old road through Delnice instead of the motorway.
Season
The coast rides all year. Vršič and Mangart close in winter. Spring and autumn are best: warm, green and quiet.
Ride them with others
MotoBFF started in Croatia, so there are city chats for Zagreb and other cities and group rides every weekend in season. Join the city chat to find out what's on.
Questions riders ask
How many hairpins are there on the Vršič Pass?
50 numbered hairpins: 24 on the northern side and 26 on the southern side.
Is the Mangart road open to motorcycles?
Yes, in summer. It's a toll road and closes in winter.
What is the best motorcycle road in Croatia?
The Adriatic coast road (D8) between Senj and Zadar, ridden early in the morning or out of season.
When is the best time to ride in Croatia?
May, June, September and October. July and August are hot and the coast is busy.