Heading south of Rijeka, you can still take in some of the Adriatic views overlooking the islands of Krk, Cres, Lošinj and Rab, before moving inland and enjoying the more rugged terrain and Lika. This nature-lovers paradise takes you through Otočac, where the cool waters of the river Gacka entice you to take a break and possibly try your hand at fly fishing. As you near Gospić, stop by Smiljan and the Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre, where the inventor was born. Travelling down from the North West, the stage passes through the town of Nin, a true historical gem, and follows beautiful beaches until the ancient city of Zadar, which was founded in the 9th century BC, brimming with reminders of the various civilisations that have ruled this area, including the remains of the original Roman Forum.
Cover picture credits: EuroVelo 8 in Podbilo, Croatia © Ivan Šardi/CNTB