The best MTB trails around Novalja

Novalja, located on the island of Pag, offers a unique and diverse mountain biking experience. You'll encounter the island's distinctive 'moon-like' landscape, shaped by the strong Bora wind, alongside ancient olive groves and coastal paths. Many routes also feature macadam roads, particularly through areas like the Ornithological Reserve Kolanjsko blato.

The Novalja region boasts an extensive network of over 250 kilometers of local biking trails, with hundreds of cycling routes available. On komoot, you can find 17 specific mountain bike tours, catering to various skill levels.

Yes, Novalja offers trails suitable for various skill levels, including beginners. There are 5 easy mountain bike tours listed on komoot, such as the View of Rab Island – View of the Landscape loop from Novalja, which is 15.1 miles (24.3 km) long and offers scenic views.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Novalja has 6 difficult mountain bike tours. An example is the Oštarija Gate – Ura loop from Vidovac Cesarički, which spans 32.5 miles (52.3 km) with significant elevation gain.

A major highlight for cyclists is the Lun Olive Groves, an untouched botanical reserve with approximately 80,000 wild olive trees, many over 1,200 years old. You can ride along 7 kilometers of macadam paths through these ancient groves. Additionally, the Ornithological Reserve Kolanjsko blato offers macadam roads through a vital wetland for migratory birds.

While mountain biking, you can explore areas near historical sites. Novalja itself features a unique 1st-century Roman aqueduct, known as Talijanova buža. For specific points of interest, consider exploring highlights like the Church of St. Catherine.

The mountain biking routes in Novalja are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 300 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, from the moon-like terrain to the ancient olive groves, and the variety of trails suitable for different skill levels.

Absolutely. Many routes in Novalja provide stunning vistas. For example, the View of Rab Island – View of the Landscape loop from Novalja offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscape and Rab Island. Ascending Sveti Vid Peak, the highest point on Pag Island, also promises rewarding panoramic views.

Yes, many of the mountain bike tours in Novalja are designed as loops. A popular option is the View of the Bay Near Karlobag – Olive Gardens of Lun loop from Novalja, a moderate 27.4 miles (44.1 km) route that explores the ancient olive groves.

July and August are popular months for mountain biking in Novalja. However, the region's climate generally allows for enjoyable riding during spring and autumn as well, offering milder temperatures and potentially fewer crowds.

Yes, Novalja offers several coastal paths for mountain biking. The Small beach cove with konoba – Simuni harbor with a restaurant loop from Šimuni is an 11.0 miles (17.7 km) trail that leads through coastal areas, often completed in about 1 hour 11 minutes.

Novalja is a comprehensive outdoor destination. Beyond mountain biking, you can enjoy hiking, sea kayaking, stand-up paddling, and boat tours. The area's beautiful beaches, like Zrće Beach, also offer opportunities for relaxation and water sports.