Croatia Hiking Tours

Turquoise seas, golden-sand beaches, medieval architecture, and effervescent waterfalls await you in Croatia. Set off on foot and explore this fascinating country on a small group walking tour. Head to the Dalmatian Coast to immerse yourself in picture-postcard landscapes and laid-back island life or travel inland to explore the verdant valleys of Croatia's national parks with towering peaks and blue lakes.

But it's not all about walking. Croatian food is a key highlight of our walking holidays too. You'll find delicious fresh seafood in abundance, so tuck into some grilled sea bream or john dory to top up your energy reserves. 

Game of Thrones fans will spot a few familiar settings amongst the timeworn cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik and Split, including the mysterious chambers of Red Keep, Daenerys Targaryen's throne room, and the busy streets of Meereen.

From seaside cities full of history and culture to pristine national parks laced with rivers and waterfalls, you'll find exceptional places for hiking and walking throughout Croatia.

With their labyrinthine streets, fairytale architecture, and scenic viewpoints overlooking oceans, beaches, and meandering coastlines, the historic cities along Croatia's Adriatic Coast also make for excellent hiking and walking destinations.
 

Dubrovnik

Widely known as the 'pearl of the Adriatic' the medieval town of Dubrovnik retains a welcoming atmosphere and authentic charm following its decimation during the Siege of Dubrovnik. Lovingly restored by the local people and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fortified town boasts plenty of pretty alleyways to explore. A walk along its timeworn stone walls will reveal far-reaching views across a blanket of red terracotta roofs and the azure-blue ocean beyond.

If you want to get a bird's-eye-view of the city, follow the short 3-mile out-and-back Mount Syrd hike to the top of Mount Syrd for an epic view across the historic city center and coastline.
 

Split

Wander through a maze of narrow cobblestone streets in the picturesque city of Split. Go in search of pre-Romanesque churches, Gothic chapels, and rustic townhouses, delve into hidden galleries, and browse eclectic boutiques. Stop for a bite to eat in a hole-in-the-wall cafe or head to the Riva Promenade to savor fresh seafood before relaxing on a golden sand beach and playing a game of Picigin with the locals.

What should I pack for a Croatian hiking trip?

Bringing the right gear is essential to having a safe and comfortable time hiking in Croatia. Here's a general list of what you should pack for your hiking tour:

• Comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes. Make sure to break them in prior to arriving in Croatia.
• Moisture-wicking socks
• Comfortable hiking clothing (breathable and lightweight pants or shorts, shirts, etc.)
• Layers for cooler morning and evening hikes (jackets/fleeces/hats)
• Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Cold weather gear (for visiting inland/northern Croatia in fall/winter)
• Beach wear (swimsuits, beach shoes, etc.) for Adriatic Sea itineraries

 

What's the best time of year to go hiking in Croatia?

Boasting a warm Mediterranean climate, Croatia can be a year-round destination for hiking. But each season has different benefits. In the balmy summer months, the sun-drenched islands, beaches, and bays along the Dalmatian Coast beckon for island-hopping hikes and traversing coastal trails. However, as it is the summer high season, popular trails and tourist attractions will be more crowded. Soaring temperatures and long, hot days are another factor to consider about summertime hiking.

In general, the best time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in Croatia is during spring and fall. Not only will trails and major cities be quieter and less crowded, but temperatures will also be more pleasant. But be prepared for occasional short bursts of rain during these times.

You can even go hiking in Croatia in wintertime. During the winter months, the northern parts of the country can get colder, with snow falling at higher elevations, but the coastline remains pleasant.

How difficult are your Croatian hiking tours?

Our walking trips to Croatia are graded easy-moderate or moderate. Our Walking Montenegro and the Croatian Islands trip is easy-going with 2.5 to 5 hours of walking each day on well-defined paths and at low altitudes. Our Walks and Coastal Towns of Croatia tour is a bit more challenging with about five hours of walking each day, so a good level of fitness is required. There may also be some rocky ascents and descents to negotiate.

Do I need to train to go on a hiking trip to Croatia?

As most day hikes on our Croatia hiking tours range from early to moderate difficulty, you don't need to train to prepare for your trip. As long as you are in good physical health and exercise regularly, you should have the physical fitness and stamina for most hikes. If you want to prepare for your trip, going on short day hikes for a few months before your trip will help boost your stamina.

Where do you stay during Croatia walking tours?

In between day hikes and walks around Croatia, you'll spend most nights in small, independent, and family-run hotels. Offering a warm welcome with great service and comfortable accommodations, these simple but pleasant guest houses are a great way to experience a family atmosphere and learn more about the local culture.

Are your Croatia walking tours suitable for solo travelers?

All of our small group walking tours to Croatia are ideal for, and popular with, solo travelers. Walk with like-minded people as you uncover all of the spectacular sights of Croatia on our walking trips. Many of our customers join us as solo travelers so you'll be in good company and likely to make new friends en-route.