- Hike through the diverse landscapes of Croatia: mountains, wild national parks, and coast
- Summit Vidova Gora on Brac island for magnificent views over Hvar and Zlatni Rat
- Discover the 17-tiered waterfall of Skradinski Buk in Krka National Park
- Experience the wonderful wilderness of Paklenica National Park
- Explore the historic old towns of Dubrovnik and Split
- Refresh from your hikes with cooling dips in the sea
Walking Croatia: Islands & Mountains
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Walking & Trekking
Activity Level
Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you
Comfort Level
Classic
Travel from south to north, seeking out the most beautiful hiking trails and views with the help of our expert tour leader
From dazzling coasts to spectacular mountains, Adriatic islands to wild national parks, Croatia is a paradise for hikers. On this small-group adventure, we explore the most beautiful trails in the country, experiencing a diversity known by few outside the hiking community. There’s also time to explore the magnificent cities of Dubrovnik and Split, relax on beautiful beaches and visit dramatic waterfalls, while our tour leader shows you the greatest views and hiking trails.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels)
- Six days hiking Croatia's islands and mountains
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Countries visited: Croatia
What's Included
- All breakfasts
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
- Local bus tickets in Dubrovnik
6 Days of Walking & Trekking
Pace:
Moderate: 3mi-4mi (5km-6km) an hour
Terrain:
Low altitude; uneven paths with some steep ascents and descents
Day 2
7 km / 4.3 miles
Day 3
12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 4
13 km / 8.1 miles
Day 5
7 km / 4.3 miles
Day 6
11 km / 6.8 miles
Day 7
10 km / 6.2 miles
Itinerary
Dubrovnik Zadar
Fly to Dubrovnik; transfer to hotel
Fly to Dubrovnik; transfer to hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (or similar)
Start Dubrovnik
The tour starts in the fascinating old city of Dubrovnik. Situated right on the Adriatic Sea, the fine religious buildings surrounded by heavily fortified walls and the jumble of red-tiled roofs make this a truly enchanting place. In the evening, we may have the opportunity to walk around the city (subject to flight arrival time) and go out for an optional group meal where we have a briefing about the tour.
Accommodation: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (or similar)
Walk from Gornji Obod to Strazisce peak; explore Dubrovnik old town
After breakfast, we take a short transfer (about 25 minutes) to the village of Gornji Obod. From here, we follow a path that zig-zags up to the village of Velji Do. After a break, the walk continues up to Strazisce peak; at the top, we are rewarded with spectacular views back over Dubrovnik and can see the commemorative cross in memory of the US aircraft that crashed delivering aid in 1996.
Return to Velji Do and then catch a bus back to Dubrovnik, where we have the afternoon to enjoy the city. The cobblestoned streets of the old town, or Stari Grad, feature fountains, churches, palaces and museums – all built from the same light stone. There are no motor vehicles in the city, but at night the streets come alive as people take an early evening stroll along the Stradun, the main street covered in smooth shiny marble.
Accommodation: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (or similar)
Transfer to the Biokovo massif; walk to Makarska; to Brac
After breakfast, we transfer (3hr 30min, including a coffee break) by bus to Tucepi. There, we begin our walk to Makarska, through the Biokovo mountains. The Biokovo massif rises steeply above the Makarska Riviera in three spectacular shelves, providing hiking for all levels and fabulous views. Our destination of Makarska is a small but lively town, tastefully restored in stone after a devastating earthquake in 1962. It has a fantastic 1.2mi (2km) stretch of beach, so if we have a bit of time, we can take a refreshing dip before we head for Brac island. We catch the ferry from Makarska and transfer to Bol, by far the biggest draw on Brac.
Accommodation: Villa Daniela (or similar)
Climb Vidova Gora; afternoon to relax on the beach
Start with a 20-minute transfer to the small village of Gazul, where we begin our walk to the peak of Vidova Gora (2,559ft/780m). The first part takes us through woodland for around 90 minutes as we gradually ascend 755ft (230m) to the summit of the highest point on Brac. The views from the top are spectacular; we can see all the way to Hvar island in the distance and the 1,640ft (500m) long spit of Zlatni Rat jutting out to sea in the foreground – this view is one that features on many postcards in Croatia, so make sure to bring your camera.
From here, our walk is downhill for around two hours towards Bol. In the afternoon, you can make the most of the glorious Zlatni Rat beach. It is south-facing – ideal for an afternoon of rest and relaxation.
Accommodation: Villa Daniela (or similar)
Ferry to Split; explore the old town; transfer to Krka National Park and visit the Skradinski Buk waterfalls
Begin with a morning ferry to Split, the second biggest city in Croatia. The old centre is compact and easily explored on foot; many make a beeline to the best-known attraction, Diocletian’s Palace. The town is a lively and friendly place with a cafe culture.
We then transfer (approximately 52mi/84km) by bus to Krka National Park. Here, we begin our walk to Skradinski Buk, a series of waterfalls dropping down in 17 dramatic steps. The area is accessed by wooden walkways and forest paths. It’s also a fantastic spot for wildlife – an important sanctuary with several endemic species, some now extinct elsewhere in Europe. The walk takes around 2hr 30min and is all on easy paths. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Starigrad Paklenica.
Accommodation: Hotel Vicko (or similar)
Paklenica National Park gorge walk via Ramici Village
Take a transfer in the morning to the western part of Paklenica National Park. Here, we start our hiking tour, which passes old villages and fields, hidden among the rocky towers and ridges of this limestone realm. After reaching the highest point of the day (approximately 2,495ft/760m), offering splendid views of Velika Paklenica Canyon from the west, we go down to the main canyon and descend to the park entrance, admiring the mighty walls of Velika Paklenica along the way.
As one of the most popular climbing destinations in the region, Paklenica attracts climbers from all over the world. While hiking down the canyon, admire the courage and determination of those on the cliffs. We end the hike at the park entrance and take a 10-minute transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Vicko (or similar)
Another day in Paklenica National Park; walk to a meadow; return to Starigrad Paklenica
We have another opportunity to explore the wonderful wilderness of Paklenica National Park and complete the most challenging hike of the trip. We walk to the saddle of Pod Jaginim Kukom, which has a great view up to Bojin Kuk. The Bojinac group is made of a vast area of limestone, with the karst scenery forming towers of rock, furrowed limestone cliffs, caves and green meadows, which contrasts against the severe rock. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a walker’s paradise.
Today’s hike takes about five to six hours, the terrain is quite challenging and rocky and requires concentration, steady footing and good balance. En route, we pass the unusual Mirila graves. This afternoon, we return to Starigrad Paklenica in time for a swim and relaxation before leaving Croatia tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel Vicko (or similar)
Bus transfer to Zadar airport; fly to London
After breakfast, we have a bus transfer to Zadar airport; fly to London.
End Zadar Airport
Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel this morning, before starting your return journey home. Of course, if you’d like a little time to explore Zadar, home to Roman ruins and intriguing art installations, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Essential Info
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)
Getting to the start hotel
Take an Exodus transfer
We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
You can reach the start hotel relatively easily by public transport. Take a 25-minute Platanus shuttle bus to Pile Gate (Old Town) from the airport. Services leave about 30 minutes after every flight and you can purchase a one-way ticket from the counter or on the bus for around €10. From there, take the number 4 bus for nine stops to Lapad Bay. Tickets, costing €2, can be bought on the bus. The hotel is across the street from the bus stop. For more information and service times, visit www.platanus.hr/shuttle-bus/.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Zadar Airport (ZAD) that is scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join.
If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Dubrovnik
Location end: Zadar
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Hotels in Dubrovnik, Brac and Starigrad Paklenica
We typically stay in three-star properties, all well-located in towns and villages with a good variety of restaurants, allowing you to indulge in the fantastic local cuisine. Below are the hotels we typically use.
Dubrovnik: Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (annex) (nights 1-2)
Our first two nights are spent at either Hotel Vis or Hotel Komodor (above), both three-star beachside properties. The 151-room Vis hotel, sandwiched between pine trees and the Adriatic, has a rooftop terrace, bar, and a seaside restaurant serving local and international cuisines. The 113-room Komodor is split between a main stone building built in 1934 and a 50-room annex, which we stay in. It is close to restaurants and bars, and the bus stop for the old town is just in front of the hotel. A pebble beach is nearby or you can enjoy the outdoor pool.
Bol, Brac: Villa Daniela (nights 3-4)
This family-run hotel is a 15-minute stroll to the beloved Golden Horn beach. Katarina is one of the friendliest receptionists you’ll meet and her father has a lovely restaurant you can visit – it will be a dinner to remember. Traditional dishes made from local produce and vegetables grown in their garden will possibly be the culinary highlight of your trip.
Starigrad Paklenica: Hotel Vicko (nights 5-7)
Hotel Vicko is a short stroll from a public beach, ideal for a quick dip after walking through beautiful Paklenica National Park, and there is a good restaurant serving local dishes. This hotel truly understands the meaning of a hiker tourist; they never complain about muddy shoes or a wet overcoat. Their breakfast has various choices, and their restaurant menu comprises secret family recipes spiced with medical herbs from the great mountain of Velebit.
Worth knowing
- Croatia is not the cheap destination some expect. Hotels tend to be more functional than luxurious with Communist-era architecture and facilities. We work with several hotels to ensure availability and a comfortable place to rest.
- Some hotels we use don’t have lifts.
- If you opt for the single supplement, please note that in some hotels, this may mean having a single bed, rather than double. If you would like to upgrade to a double-bedded room this is subject to availability at an extra charge.
Trip Experts
Zeljko Zarak
Expert Leader: Croatia
Reviews
Add your own reviewWalking trip to Croatia
Vana, our guide, was amazing (fun, relaxed and knowledgable about the trails and the terrain). I appreciated her ability to “read” the group, flexing expectations with weather conditions (intense winds) and the groups abilities. This was not a trip to stop and “smell the roses” which is maybe more what I was hoping for (more cultural and historical information). Croatia is a stunningly beautiful country and the vistas did not disappoint. It was fun to explore the coast and the island more intimately. Accommodations were simple and clean. Breakfasts were excellent, especially at our last hotel. My biggest concern is that our ending spot (not where we started) near Zadar was more challenging to book return flights from and I wish that Exodus and provided transportation to a more major transportation hub, Zagreb maybe?
Most Inspirational Moment
Completing an extremely windy hike on a challenging trail. Also I love the hike on the Island of Brac. The descent to the town of Bol was so beautiful.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Vana was the best! She was really tuned to the needs of the group and managed our range of abilities so well. She was always fun to be with and clearly enjoyed seeing our group gel.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for rough terrain and steep ascents and descents. Hiking poles are extremely helpful.
Hiking Croatia
The. Country and environment is beautiful.
I have completed 3 other trips with Exodus that were 5 Stars. I couldn’t do the same with this trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
The waterfalls were spectacular!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Vana was very nice and a great hiker. I wish she would have been more communicative with us about the history and culture.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be careful with what you eat and the homes up the mountains are quite difficult (days - Thursday and Friday). Check with your leader to ensure the walk aligns with the itinerary and notes. The hotel information has not been updated.
Walking Croatia: Islands and Mountains
A wonderful experience with a kind, respectful and experienced hiker and guide. Enough varied terrain and experiences. One hotel was problematic with the shower, but other participants didn’t have this problem. The last hotel was the best with more comfort and amazing breakfasts….a treat worth working for by the end of the trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hikes with views of the Adriatic. Group meal spots were well chosen.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Vana was terrific! Tuned in to group and individual needs. Explained things when asked and at meals etc. She's an excellent hiker, avoided problems with advanced planning. Hikes were varied and very doable. A bit more history on the bus would be interesting , but I think that comes with years of leading tours.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Enjoy, plan to have what you need, poles, layers, enough water etc. Additional local money is useful in smaller towns.
Breathtaking trip!
Croatia is beautiful! Gorgeous hiking trails, beautiful blue ocean, and mouth-watering food! The itinerary is planned perfectly, allowing you to grasp Croatia’s natural beauty, cuisine and of cause, the lovely hiking trails!
Thoughts on Group Leader
The tour leader for this group was amazing, he's been leading groups for the past ten years and can honestly say that he made us feel at home!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack light, you going to want to get souvenirs and hiking boots are essential as the terrain is very rocky and sometimes slippery.
Lovely country, great walks, excellent ice cream
Croatia was lovely and I would definitely recommend the country and this tour. Good walks and then a dip in the sea/pool to look forward to.
Most Inspirational Moment
Every day was different, cant pick one thing, it was all good.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ivan was an excellent group leader, you will be in safe hands if he is your guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Recommend walking poles as there is some downhill on scree which is a bit unstable underfoot. I flew into Dubrovnik and out of Split, so I could fly direct to/from Gatwick. Getting from Dubrovnik airport to hotel was fairly straightforward, airport shuttle bus then local bus. At the end of the tour I stayed in Zadar for 3 nights so I could visit Plitvice Lakes, and spend time in Zadar which was also nice. To get there I took advantage of the group transfer to Zadar airport, and then got the airport shuttle bus from there into Zadar. Taxi's are an expensive option, so I wouldnt recommend unless you are able to share the cost with others. The buses are fairly easy to use. On return, 2.5 hour bus ride to Trogir, wander round, then local bus to Split airport later that day.
Croatia hiking tour
This is an excellent exposure to a lovely country. There is a healthy amount of exertion with beautiful scenery and challenging but not killer hikes. There is enough time to explore a number of the coastal towns, but each could use a full day or two on its own. The island of Brach was such a treat with it’s sleepy, but beautiful resort feel to it. Croatia was a wonderful country with friendly people, exceptionally clean cities and countryside and gorgeous scenery. I had a feel that we were visiting sunny seaside resorts from 60 years ago. I mean that in the best way, as the country does not (yet) have over the top big high rise hotels, with the fast paced scenes and crush of tourists. Lot of families enjoying the waterfront and great walks along promenades overlooking the beach. I loved the exertion of the hikes, but also loved the times to simply relax and wonder through the towns and along the beach. Also I was shocked by the amount of the populace that spoke really good English. If you like a good deal of exertion in a clean, friendly, beautiful country that still has a relatively understated tourist feel this is a great tour. (There are tourists, but in late May it was not a crush of humanity by any means)
Thoughts on Group Leader
Evan was the guide and was exceptional. He had a tremendous sense of humor with great people skills. He was truly knowledgeable about his beloved country and informed us about the history, politics and flora and fauna of Croatia. Again, his humor and graceful motivating kept the group on task and upbeat, and his personality added so much to the enjoyment of the tour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is a wonderful combination of hiking and time to tour some of the beautiful coastal cities, especially Dubrovnik and Split and the island of Brach. The entire coastal geology is made up of limestone. Because of this, the hiking does have a great deal of loose small rock and scree. Though the uphills were not exceptionally hard they do require a healthy amount of effort and balance. So, not a trip for someone looking for a leisurely hike. It does have beautiful scenery and just the right amount of rewarding exertion.
Beautiful Croatia - Sept 2021
Great way to see lots of Croatia in a short space of time. The tour takes you along the coast from Dubrovnik in the South to Zadar in the North via islands, waterfalls and beautiful beaches. It’s quite a fast paced tour but Exodus has got the itinerary down to a fine art and the schedule is well thought out and works well.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved Day 3 in Makarska. Lovely walk with open views out to sea & not too challenging so that I could look up, rather than at my feet! In the afternoon we went swimming off the beautiful beach; very refreshing after hiking in the warm temperatures of mid September. We then had a sunset ferry trip over to the island of Bol which was our base for the next two nights. All the worries of 2020/2021 seemed a world away!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ivan is honestly one of the best group leaders I have ever travelled with. He is so attentive and hard working - he feels like part of the group rather than a leader. Full of good humour, knowledge of his country & was meticulous in thinking ahead, choosing restaurants for us, making sure we are all okay and counting us all the time!
Advice for Potential Travellers
I would recommend bringing a walking pole even if you are reasonably fit and used to walking - the limestone terrain is a bit tricky at times and a walking pole definitely helped me.
Good...But...
Overall, the trip was quite good. It gave one a pretty good taste of the mountains and islands of Croatia.
Most Inspirational Moment
The city of Dubrovnik is a very special place to visit...probably the largest occupied old walled city that I have seen. I spent 4 days there before the hike began. The Krka Waterfalls were very special...and could be viewed from various walkways with historical buildings along the way. On my own, I visited Plitvice Lakes National Park which is probably the #1 natural attraction, but would probably add an additional day on to the tour.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide, Zelko Zarak (sp?), was very good. Not only did he know the hiking trails very well, but he also had a wealth of information about all the areas we were visiting. He provided information on the numerous changes that have taken place since Yugoslavia was abolished and the creation of several independent republics and the resultant conflicts. Hi kept a close watch over his (sheep) so they would not get lost. He also provided me with several good suggestions as to what to see after the tour was over. Thoughtful, considerate, and helpful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
- The weather, and time of the year, is probably the most important. Of course, you can prepare for the very cold, rainy, or very hot weather...I've found that just after the very beginning of September the crowds are smaller and the weather can be ideal. -Consider the Covid restrictions. Not only where you are going, but also returning home. While I had made airline reservations for one month in the Balkans departing from the US, and was planning to spend about 9 days in Bulgaria, I discovered a few days before departure that Bulgaria was not allowing visitors from the US. So, I had to make plans on my own as to where to go and what to see/do. When I went to Ljubljana airport for my departure, I discovered that I needed a test...even though I had been vaccinated. Fortunately, the lady from Lufthansa Airline helped me to get the test and make it to my flight.
Great mixture of hiking and sightseeing
Really enjoyed the variety in this trip. There was a walk every day plus the chance to visit the historic parts of Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar. Most days there was an opportunity to swim in the sea. Some of our group opted out of the hardest walks, which gave them time to have a relaxing day by the sea.
Most Inspirational Moment
There wasn’t one single moment, but I particularly enjoyed all the views from the various high points that we walked to. We were lucky with the weather and didn’t get rained on all week.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader Jelco (Zelco? Not sure of spelling) was excellent. He was endlessly patient, very organised and fun to be around.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I approached this as a walking holiday, so didn’t pack properly for the swimming. I wish I had taken swim shoes as getting in and out the sea is on stones at all locations and was painful. I also only took a travel towel and didn’t take a beach cover-up. The Lufthansa flights weren’t at the most convenient of times and transited via Frankfurt. In these COVID times it makes sense to use group flights in case of cancellations. In normal times I may have considered booking my own flights instead.
Excellent way to visit Croatia
The previous reviews say it all, a great way to experience Croatia. I had already visited Dubrovnik and Split so for me the mountain hikes were what I enjoyed most especially those in the Paklenica National Park. On the Thursday hike we stopped at a mountain hut for delicious bean soup. Vegetarian choices in restaurants were available and the home cooking at the restaurant on the second evening in Bol was delicious!
Most Inspirational Moment
The views from the mountain tops and the abundance of wild flowers. The waterfalls in Krka National Park were amazing and certainly worth visiting, although very busy with tourists.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide Ivan Rakonic was excellent. Very knowledgeable about the geography and history of the country, very friendly, great mountain guide and the bonus of a good sense of humour! He looked after the group very well and made sure everyone was enjoying themselves.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Good hiking boots and walking poles to help on the rocky terrain, especially for downhill in the Paklenica National Park.
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Walking Croatia: Islands & Mountains
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