Country: Croatia
Island: Lošinj
Length: 14 km
Elevation gain: 350 m
Maximum elevation: 233 m
Technical difficulty: 4/5
Download GPS Track: Balvanida trail_Cyclotrail
Date of ride: 27.06.2020.
Suitable for E-bike: Yes
I’ve got this gpx file of Balvanida trail from a my friend Goran. He told me that I’ ll like this trail, but not because of descent. At first, I didn’t understand him, but later, everything was clear.
I parked my car above hotel Aurora. There is a parking lot and I found some space. From there I followed road that leads to start of DH Lošinj cup race. On the way I found some hiking trail that is 95% rideable and more fun than road. Even though it was very hot summer day, the route is short, and not too physically demanding. Ascent part goes on the ridge of the island. After about 6.5 kilometers I arrived on start of Balvanida trail. It is classical karst trail, not too steep. The rocks however are not loose so riding is safer than usual and you can gain speed very easily even though the trail is almoust flat. (watch out on hikers, specially during summer season, so drive carefully)
For most part of descent of Balvanida trail, there is opened view on Adriatic sea, few times I had to stop during ride because I was too tired of bouncing on the rocks and that was nice excuse to enjoy the view. I don’t like this kind of trails too much, very fast, rocky trail, not so technicall demanding and after some time it gets little boring.
Nice view at the end of the trail.
After Balvanida trail comes very nice technicall demanding uphill trail that goes along the coast. It is mostly rideble, few times I had to hike. When I finished Balvanida trail and started to ride this trail that goes near sea, I immediately understood what Goran was telling me. Trail goes through pine forrest, along old stone walls and across beaches. After encountering some nudists I realized that it will be smart to remove my camera, so I don’t have any video of this trail…
From the end of the Balvanida to parking lot there is approximately 6 km. Be sure to bring swimming suit.
Map of route:
Elevation profile:
