Rent a Motorcycle to Explore Historical Landmarks in Croatia

Rent a Motorcycle and Travel Through the History of Croatia

When someone says “vacation in Croatia,” maybe the first thing that crosses many people’s minds is an image of sunny beaches, crystal-blue sea, warm sand, and cold cocktails. But that image is just a tiny part of what Croatia offers. Yes, this European country is located on the charming Adriatic Sea just across Italy. While the country attracts many tourists because it has an astonishing mix of Mediterranean nature, seaside, and mountain ranges, you should also pay it a visit for its historical and cultural sites. 

In this article, the Rent-a-GS team will uncover some fantastic historical sites in Croatia that you can visit with a rented motorcycle. We will give you some ideas about which routes you can take to see some of the most important historical remains and monuments in this part of Europe. Now, if you want to add more interesting, fun, or different things to these routes, you can always email or call and ask for a recommendation. So, let’s begin.

Historical Routes of Croatia and Reasons Why You Should Embark On Them

As you might already know, you can rent our motorcycles and gear on the spot in Split or ask for a drop-off in another city. At this point, Rent-a-GS Company can arrange a drop off at the cities of:

• Zagreb
• Dubrovnik
• Zadar
• Rijeka 
• Pula

So, you have many different options regarding the starting point of your journey through history in Croatia! Start exploring directly from our main office in Split or Dubrovnik and Zadar.

As you can see from our list, most of the historical locations are near some of the mentioned cities. Of course, your rides to these places would also include stunning scenery of the Adriatic Sea, a view of the mountain ranges, and dynamic urban settings. There are many reasons why you should consider making your next motorbike tour in Croatia an educational and historical experience, and here are just some of the main ones:

• You can make your ride a theme ride – visit only ancient or medieval sites
• The apparent reason is that you will learn so many new things and enrich your life
• You will discover that not only Italy, France, and Spain have jaw-dropping Roman sites
• Historical sites are often more or only accessible to motorcycles, bikes, and pedestrians
• You don’t have to stress about parking
• It’s easier to avoid the crowds that these types of places attract with motorbike
• It’s easier to visit multiple locations in one day with a motorcycle
• You can use the chance to make a journal of your experiences or a fantastic blog, travel vlog, or a photo album
• In a reasonable amount of time, you can cover many crucial spots
• You can make it a philosophical, educational, and self-discovery solitary journey
• Afterward, it’s easy to modify or turn your adventure into something else, like heading into nature

So, if you are ready to explore ancient, medieval and early modern history in one ride, here are the sites you must visit!

Explore from the Dawn of European History to the Late Renaissance 

As you will discover, most of the historical places we recommend date from ancient times, the medieval, or early modern era. Tourists and experts in history, archaeology, art, culture, and architecture widely acknowledge the beauty and grace of these sites. Fortunately, most of them remain well-preserved. Additionally, this list does not serve as a ranking.We are not evaluating the importance or beauty of the places from one to ten; the list is simply the pick of must-visit places in Croatia for any tourist who likes history or wants to make it a new interest.

Diocletian’s Palace

Cathedral of Saint Domnius

This cathedral has one unique trait—it’s believed to be the oldest cathedral in the world that is still in use in its original architectural form. Emperor Diocletian commissioned the construction of the building as a mausoleum in the third century, and in the seventh century, people converted it into a cathedral. The famous cathedral carries the name of the saint patron of the city of Split, the Bishop of Salona.

Dubrovnik Old Town

The city originated in the early seventh century and was one of the essential ancient Roman port cities. Walking down the streets of the Dubrovnik Old Town, you can sense the centuries of history imprinted in the stone streets, old buildings, numerous excavated remains, and the air itself. In the city of Dubrovnik, there are still visible strong influences by both the Roman and Byzantine empires, both telling the tale of the dynamic legacy of this famous port city.

Klis Fortress 

From ancient times and architecture, we are now moving to the medieval history of the Split city area. The fascinating fortress Klis served as a defense line for centuries, mainly against the Ottoman Empire. The fortress stands between two mountains 11 kilometers (6.8 mi) from the Adriatic Sea, and due to its excellent strategic position, it remained unconquered in many battles throughout history.

Walls of Ston

This iconic stone edifice stands as one of the longest-preserved defensive walls in not just Europe, but across the entire globe. Its construction commenced in the 14th century and concluded in the 15th century, masterfully reflecting the vision of the city of Dubrovnik. Renowned Italian artists lent their brilliance to the final design, ensuring that this monumental structure is not only a testament to architectural prowess but also a magnificent symbol of history and resilience.

Morosini-Grimani Castle

Behold this stunning castle, a true marvel of ancient artistry, thoughtfully crafted long before the dawn of the tenth century. Its majestic walls stand as a proud reminder of the skill and dedication of those who built it, whispering stories of a time long past. It got its name from two families who owned it later in the medieval period—the Morosini family and the Grimani family. Since both families added personal signatures to the castle’s design, the structure has late medieval and Renaissance features. This structure is one of Istria’s most famous historical and cultural symbols.

Zadar Old Town

The enchanting town is first referenced in ancient Greek texts as Idassa, marking its significant place in history. Still, the settlement kept the Latin name Zara, which later became Zadar. The ancient Roman architecture mixed with early medieval styles makes this city one of the most stunning locations in this part of Europe. In ancient times, the port city of Zara was one of the most important trading centers and soon also one of the crucial Roman navy centers; today, it is one of the most popular cultural and nightlife centers in this part of Europe.

Pula Arena

This ancient Roman amphitheater is one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in Europe, with its four side towers still standing. In medieval times, this remarkable structure played a pivotal role in hosting public events, including the thrilling tournaments of the Knights of Malta. Today, the beautiful amphitheater, reminiscent of its enchanting counterpart in Verona, continues to captivate audiences, serving as a vibrant venue for a rich tapestry of cultural activities that inspire and unite us all.

Dominican Monastery

The monks founded this beautiful monastery in the early 13th century. The building is located inside a large complex of churches. Hence, the entire area around the monastery has a unique aura and atmosphere of the medieval spirit and aesthetics. Situated near the captivating gates of Dubrovnik, the monastery commands attention not just with its stunning beauty but also with its compelling history. Often celebrated as a formidable stronghold in the battle against the Black Plague, this site not only survived the ravages of time but also highlighted its vital role throughout history. Its legacy remains a testament to resilience and endurance in the face of immense adversity.

Castle Vitturi

Step into the enchanting world of the Renaissance at this breathtaking palace, a magnificent testament to the legacy of its founders—the illustrious Vitturi family. Rich in history and elegance, this stunning residence captures the essence of a bygone era, inviting you to explore its opulent halls and discover the stories woven into its walls.Today, the castle is more than just a monument to the glorious history of this family; it is also a vibrant cultural center. If you are lucky, on your historical tour, you could catch an art show, concert, or performance at Castle Vitturi.

Start Your Journey Through Croatian History With Rent-A-GS Motorcycle Rental Agency

We hope you loved our picks of locations for a relaxing and breathtaking history-inspired ride through Croatia. In the list, we included historically most important sites and those most loved and visited by both tourists and locals. This article invites passionate motorbike riders and history enthusiasts alike to embark on a journey of discovery. Whether you’re an aficionado of the past or simply seeking new and exciting experiences, there’s something here for everyone. Join us as we explore the captivating intersection of motorcycling and history!

Suppose you have any questions regarding the ideal season for this type of visit or models of our motorcycles, gear, or package deals. In that case, you can contact us any time via the form on our website, email, or phone. We will gladly help you pick the perfect motorcycle and provide any additional information you need to experience historical and cultural treasures in Croatia in the best possible way. Also, you can always spice up your educational tour with visits to the beach or exploring the Croatian nightlife. After all, you will be in a country with something to offer for everyone’s vacation taste!

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