Pedalling through Kastela

This impressive riviera of fascinating castles has long attracted curious travellers. The coast, where its 12 castles and 10 fortified settlements have been preserved, is divided into seven towns: Kaštel Sućurac, Kaštel Gomilica, Kaštel Kambelovac, Kaštel Lukšić, Kaštel Stari, Kaštel Novi and Kaštel Štafilić.

Kaštel Sućurac, the first in this amazing chain of castles on the Split side, developed around Kaštilica. This oldest core consists of the fortified palace of Archbishop Averald dating back to the 15th century, and was actually a summer house with a courtyard and windows lavishly decorated in the High Gothic style together with country houses. It was built on two ridges raised above the coast and such a configuration is unique on the coastal area of Kaštela.

Kaštel Kambelovac also had its nobles who wanted to protect themselves and their inhabitants. Split landowners, brothers Jerolim and Nikola Cambi built their only castle on the islet in a cylindrical shape and thus protected the villages of Lažane and Kruševik. Kambelovac is also distinguished for the fact that peasants also built their own forts, Velika and Mala Piškera.
There were troops in all the fortified settlements, and the defensive walls were constantly guarded.
And who knows what else the olive tree from Kaštel Štafilić, an exceptional monument of nature, more than 1500 years old, would tell us about the history of these areas if it could speak!

Technical features

This is physically demanding trail with low technical requirements and a moderate surface. With 30.4 km and 592 m of difference in altitude and one 5.4 km long climb with an average slope of 7.5%, this is an ideal trail for those eager to test their physical fitness. Although the average climb slope is not extremely high, the maximum slope in some parts exceeds 17%. The beginning is asphalted, and in the second part of the climb there are serpentines with very fine macadam. After the climb, there is a long, slightly undulating section with the same fine macadam, which makes this trail excellent for gravel and trekking bikes. The entire way you will be accompanied by gorgeous views of the sea and wide macadam without much vegetation. With several gentle descents in the central part of the trail, the last descent is the longest with 4km and -6%. The surface is the same fine macadam at the beginning, while the second part of the descent is asphalted. Descending to sea level, you come to a very dynamic part of the trail that leads along the waterfront and, with numerous turns on the asphalt, takes you past the cultural sights of Kaštela. A MTB, gravel or trekking bike is recommended, and for easier mastering of the ascent, an e-MTB.