Cres: Martinšćica-Lubenice

Country: Croatia
Island: Cres
Length: 25 km
Elevation gain: 835 m
Maximum elevation
:  424 m
Technical difficulty: 4/5
Download GPS Track: Cres_Martinšćica_Lubenice
Date of ride: 04.08.2024.
Suitable for E-bike: Yes (preferred)

For a weekend I camped with my family in our new tent which we bought for new camping adventures. We stayed in camp Slatina near Martinšćica. I haven’t had any gpx prepared for ride, so night before I looked on map for some local trails hoping to come out with something interesting. My plan was to visit Lubenice from Martinšćica and then descent back, trying to collect as biggest possible percentage of trails avoiding asphalt road as much as possible.

On picture above you can see some swamp I stumbled upon. It looks interesting, it is not usual to see any water on Croatian islands.

If you follow asphalt road from Martinšćica to Lubenice, there is almost 30 km to pedal, which is too many asphalt road for my taste. I found that there is some singletrack that connects from Vidovići to macadam that goes along west side of Vransko lake. I decided to try that trail. Just at the beginning of the trail at Vidovici I saw some hiker finishing that trail, he was very sceptical when he saw me going that way, but I was certain that it was doable with ebike. Later it showed that I was right.

After reaching gravel road I went straight up untill I reched asphalt road. There is short section on gravel road where You can see Vransko lake,along the way you will see many sheep. After reaching asphalt road just follow signs to Lubenice. There is very nice view on the beach, and small town is peacefull, nice place to take a rest, before thoughest part that comes. If you want more adventure you can take singletrack that goes down to the beach, but then you have to hike back up with the same trail. I didn’t have so much time so I had to leave this ride for some other time.

To reach trail that leads back to Martinšćica I had to go back few hundred meters with the some road, and then I turned right on steep trail. If you have analog bike, at this point you will probably have to walk with your bike. With e-bike you will postpone walk which will  inevitably come. There is some though section were I decided it was easier to carry my ebike on my back. Luckily it wasn’t so long. After that trail becomes less steep and easier so I could ride.

After reaching gravel road I again connected to trail which was great and descends to Vidovici village, and then  from Vidovići I again connected to serpentine trail that leads to beginning of my ascent on paved road. All in all great route, It took me about two hours to complete my ride (including sightseeing in Lubenice and all rests). With normal bike I think it would be doable in 3-4 hours. During summer be safe, start your ride very early according to sun and bring a lot of water with you.
This was really interesting ride where you collect 8 km of trail. This time I haven’t had my gopro with me, but I took some photos.
I think you can avoid thoughest hiking part if you to Helm peak over the ridge, it looks like there is gravel road that leads there, and from Helm you can again connect on my route.

Map of route:

Elevation profile:

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