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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.