Hike, Bike & Paddle Croatia

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey along Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast. Venture through the enchanting landscapes of Krka & Paklenica National Parks with their iconic waterfalls, wander the charming streets of Trogir on Ciovo Island and uncover the warmth of Croatia’s welcoming locals; just as inviting as the shimmering Adriatic Sea.

Your adventure begins in the waterside village of Starigrad where dramatic mountains blend seamlessly into the shimmering Adriatic waters. Here you’ll find the gateway to Paklenica – one of Croatia’s eight National Parks. Breath-takingly beautiful and boasting over 150km of trails, Paklenica is a walkers paradise and home to some impressive flora and fauna.

With plenty of swimming opportunities along the way, your first guided sea kayaking tour takes place in the clear waters around Paklenica with striking views across the great Velebit Mountain. Enjoy a rest day in Skradin, the gateway to Krka; here you can explore the beautiful coastline and old town centre with plenty of waterside eateries to choose from.

Journey through the enchanting landscapes of Krka National Park, where lush woodlands and ancient Roman ruins surround you as cascading waterfalls flow in mesmerising tiers above. One of the most popular spots in Krka is Skradinski Buk, a large pool of extremely clear water with a collection of 17 falls flowing into it – truly a sight to behold!

Your last stop is Trogir City, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled within the island of Ciovo. Along your leisurely bike ride around the island, you’re spoilt with spectacular coastal views and secluded beaches where you can stop for a refreshing dip. Uncover even more swimming opportunities on your second guided sea kayaking tour along the Split coastline. Paddle along rocky inlets below the Marjan Hills and enjoy a beach break before exploring Split on foot.

Key Information

Activity: Multi-Activity
Activity Level: Easy
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Trip Code: M07CR
Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Countries: Croatia
Carbon Footprint: 13kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All accommodation: 7 nights in 3-star and 4-star accommodation
All breakfasts
Briefing at the start of your holiday and Headwater navigation app
Luggage transfers between hotels
Bike Rental in Trogir
National Park Entry: Krka & Paklenica (1 day within each) and two guided sea kayaking tours

Positive Impact

We donate to our Foundation and rewild 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller. Find out more about how our adventures support nature and people to thrive.

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. You can upgrade to an e-bike if required, speak to your sales representative for more information.

Highlights

Explore diverse hiking trails in the spectacular Krka & Paklenica National Parks

Sea kayak along the Velebit Channel and along the Split coastline on two guided tours

Cycle the pristine coastline of Ciovo Island, staying in the city of Trogir designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Itinerary

First Destination: Starigrad Paklenica
Next Destination: Trogir

Accommodation:Villa Vicko
Meals included:None

Accommodation:Villa Vicko
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Villa Vicko
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Skradinksi Buk
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Skradinksi Buk
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Villa Sikaa
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Villa Sika
Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Starigrad Paklenica
Next Destination: Trogir

Arrive in the small port village of Starigrad Paklenica. Built on the foundations of an ancient city, Starigrad is where the mountains meet the sea at the gateway to Paklenica National Park. Nestled in a unique panorama consisting of up to 1,700m high rock walls and flatly sloping into the sea beaches, Starigrad promises a fantastic start to your active holiday in Dalmatia.

Accommodation:Villa Vicko

One of Croatia’s eight National Parks, Paklenica is breath-takingly beautiful. With two dolomite limestone canyons named Velika (big) and Mala (small), this is Croatia’s largest mountain range and part of the Dinaric Alps which run from Slovenia through Albania, culminating at it’s highest point in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The mountains rise sharply from the sea, and while the park initially looks very rocky, you’ll be surprised to find out that 75% of the National Park is primarily beech and black pine forest.

Paklenica is a walkers paradise with over 150km of trails take you from rocky canyons to lush green meadows and mountain peaks. On the well signposted hiking trails, you can experience the impressive flora and fauna, which is home to Griffon vultures, brown bears and lynx.

Our chosen walk takes you deeper into the canyon, ending at Ramica Dvori Hut. Owned by a local family for generations, Dvori Hut offers options for lunch alongside their homemade ‘rakija’ drink. You can also incorporate the slightly more challenging ascent to Manita Cave*; here, you can discover the ‘secrets’ of the underground world of Dinaric Karst.

*Among 115 speleological objects so far known in the Paklenica National Park, Manita is the most famous among the visitors, as it is the only cave made accessible to the public through guided visits. Open limited days and hours each season – details provided in our customer documentation.

Accommodation:Villa Vicko
Meals included:Breakfast

Your first of two wonderful sea kayaking tours! Today you”ll paddle the clear waters of the Velebit channel with stunning views across the great Velebit mountain.

Setting off from Jaz Beach in Starigrad, you’ll paddle to a small town called Vinjerac where we recommend stopping for a pleasant walk or leisurely lunch. From here, you’ll head towards a small beach before going back towards Seline; there are plenty of swimming opportunities throughout the day. Total duration is approx. 4 – 6 hours.

Accommodation:Villa Vicko
Meals included:Breakfast

Transfer from Starigrad Paklenica to your next destination (approx. 1hr), the picturesque riverside village of Skradin. Famous for being the gateway to Krka National Park, Skradin is surrounded by vineyards and wineries including the highly acclaimed Bibich Winery in nearby Plastovo village.

Explore the quaint town centre with its 18th and 19th century pastel-coloured homes alongside the charming Marina dotted with waterside eateries – perfect for a leisurely stroll. The Skradin Clock Tower, dating to 1872, is the towns most iconic sight and is easily visible when viewing Skradin from afar. Unusually, it is built into the base of the nearby hill instead of right beside the church.

A few minutes’ walk east of Skradin town centre, you’ll find a lovely stretch of pebbled beach along the river. The water is very clear here, making it the most relaxing place to lounge in the summer sun.

Accommodation:Hotel Skradinksi Buk
Meals included:Breakfast

The most popular attractions in Krka National Park include Skradinski Buk, a large pool of extremely clear water with a collection of 17 waterfalls flowing into it. Similar to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, the waterfalls found in Krka are karstic with cascading waterfalls weaving their way between ponds, vegetation, mini-islands, and even a tiny village.

Our chosen walk here takes you from your hotel to this wonderful area of waterfall networks, bridges and watermills. Circle these extraordinary waterfalls, taking your time to appreciate the natural beauty of this spectacle with magnificent views around every corner! Return by boat to Skradin (included).

Accommodation:Hotel Skradinksi Buk
Meals included:Breakfast

Transfer from Skradin to Trogir on Ciovo Island (approx. 1hr). The largest of the Trogir archipelago, Ciovo Island is home to some beautiful beaches and quiet villages, all with a rich cultural heritage. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Ciovo has a big squid fishing community, celebrated in style each year with a popular festival.

Today’s bike ride follows the islands pristine coastline, heading slightly inland through lush vegetation with incredible far-reaching views. Stop to explore secluded beaches and enjoy some fabulous restaurants before admiring one of Ciovo’s spectacular sunsets.

Accommodation:Villa Sikaa
Meals included:Breakfast

A morning transfer takes you to Split to join a sea kayaking excursion along the coastline beneath Marjan Hill. You’ll have spectacular views of islands and the mountains and a break on a beach before returning to Split. Total duration is approximately 4 hours.

On returning to Split spend time exploring the city, visit Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where ancient Roman architecture meets lively cafes and hidden courtyards. A transfer takes you back to Trogir.

Accommodation:Villa Sika
Meals included:Breakfast

Wave goodbye to Trogir with fond memories of your Croatian adventure.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

Villa Vicko, Starigrad Paklenica (4-star)

Villa Vicko, Starigrad

Perched on the shores of the beautiful Velebit Channel in the town of Starigrad Paklenica, Villa Vicko is a hidden oasis between the sea and mountains. Sun loungers and shimmering waters await you on the pristine beach located just below Villa Vicko. You can also relax in the private garden with more loungers scattered around. A generous breakfast buffet is served at their restaurant, providing an extensive range of dishes prepared from fresh produce on a daily basis.

Hotel Skradinksi Buk , Skradin (3-star)

Hotel Skradinksi Buk , Skradin

Close to the stunning Krka National Park and famous Plitvice Lakes, Hotel Skradinski Buk features a lovely terrace and garden for guests to relax in. The hotel terrace welcomes guests to enjoy the Dalmatian atmosphere, live music and regional specialties, such as wine, and fruit (žižule), rose and walnut brandies; the hotel also has a smaller terrace on the third floor, with a breath-taking view of the canyon and the Krka River. Typical Dalmatian specialties are served in the restaurant, accompanied by fine wines.

Heritage Hotel Villa Sikaa, Trogir (Ciovo Island)

Heritage Hotel Villa Sikaa, Trogir

A small, family-run hotel located within a 300-year-old building offering breath-taking views of the historical centre of the old town of Trogir. Preserving its original charm while providing modern comforts, Hotel Vila Sikaa resides in a building dating back to the 19th century and is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage register. Begin your day with a delightful continental breakfast served in the bright dining room, offering mesmerising views of the town centre.

If you would like to book any extra nights before or after your adventure, please contact us for details.

Essential Information

This self-guided multi-activity holiday is ideal for independent travellers who enjoy exploring at their own pace, with the reassurance of pre-arranged accommodation and activities.

Activity Level: 1 (Easy)
For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Route & Terrain: The terrain on this holiday is varied but generally gentle, combining easy walking, relaxed cycling and calm coastal paddling. Walks follow a mix of well-marked forest trails, riverside paths and limestone canyon routes, with some uneven and rocky sections in national park areas. Cycling takes place mainly on quiet, well-surfaced coastal roads with modest gradients, while kayaking is on sheltered coastal waters with pebble or rocky shorelines for landing.
Helmets: Cycling helmets are a legal requirement in Croatia for children under 16 when riding on roads.
Navigation: Headwater Navigation App

How Your Self-Guided Holiday Works
This self-guided trip is operated by our sister company, Headwater. You’ll travel independently using the Headwater Navigation App, which provides expertly curated routes and directions, along with a 24-hour emergency assistance number should you need support. As there is no tour leader or organised group, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to travel at your own pace while following the planned itinerary. Headwater are specialists in self-guided active holidays with more than 40 years of experience.

Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Starigrad Paklenica on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Hotel check-in times are normally from around 4pm.

Croatia

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Croatia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/croatia
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/croatia
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Croatia.html

All breakfasts included.

Croatian food is an amalgamation of flavours and influence, from inland to coastal and from former rulers from Italy and Austria. On the coast pasta, risotto and pizza dishes frequent the menus – a favourite is cuttlefish risotto where the rice is dyed black by the fish ink. In Istria they fish a lot of shellfish and crustaceans, so oysters, crab and prawns feature in many dishes. Sardines are also one of the mainstays of the local diet and are usually served grilled and drizzled with lemon juice on a bed of crunchy salad.
Pork and lamb are by far the most popular meats, and you will also find lots of cured meats, usually served with olives. Desserts are often quite heavy and sticky, but there also tends to be a good display of ice-cream on offer thanks to the Italian influence.

Croatia boasts one of the sunniest climates in Europe, and some regions are notoriously free from rain. We travel throughout the season, so you should expect some variation depending on when you travel. In the late spring and early autumn dates the temperatures will be cooler, ranging from the high-teens to mid-twenties (Celsius) during the day and dropping to the mid-teens at night, enough to want a jumper. In late August and early September there is also more chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and at night time, but these are generally intense and short lived. In the summer temperatures can be high, particularly in July and August where they can reach the mid to high 30s.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.