Croatia | The Dalmatian Coast
Island hopping on the Adriatic Sea.
Trip Highlights:
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Medieval walled cities, an abundance of islands and well-maintained hiking trails out your front door.
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A nice mix of cultural sightseeing and hiking including an exploration of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Island hiking and hopping with the azure waters of the Adriatic as your backdrop.
Welcome to Croatia! Azure, cobalt, indigo — our 8-day self-guided Croatia hiking tour is a celebration of blue skies and pristine waters. The villages are immaculate and the bustle of the beaches and exceptional restaurants, enchanting. The red tiled roofs coupled with the crystal clear sea is pure magic.
Most travelers will want to begin their Croatian adventure by arriving in Split. Split enjoys a small and convenient airport with frequent service to and from hubs around Europe. Spend a day with a local guide exploring Split and the UNESCO protected city of Trogir, then hop on a ferry to the island of Korčula . Korčula, the island, is considered the most fascinating of the more than 1,000 islands found off the Croatian coast. Korčula, the town, is a walled village perched over the sea – a kind of “mini” Dubrovnik. The island offers superb hiking, from long ridge or coastal walks, to the mysterious rock mazes of Kocje.
From Korcula it is on to Mljet. The island of Mljet has one of Croatia’s most fascinating and luxuriant national parks on the western tip of the island. Famed for its seafood and seaside lakes, the island has an enormous amount to offer. Stay in the fishing hamlet of Pomena, which coincidentally boasts Mljet’s only hotel (a good one at that!).
Now on to Dubrovnik, where you arrive by turboferry in the port suburb of Lepad. Here enjoy a superb hotel on the edge of the walls of the old town. Embark on a walking tour of the old city with a local guide. Of Greek-Roman origin, the modern Dubrovnik is considered the finest walled medieval city in the world. Finish the tour with a hike on the heavenly island of Lokrum.
The hiking itself has a surprisingly familiar character for those who have hiked in the Alps. Hikers enjoy well-signed and maintained trail systems, great limestone walls, plentiful wildflowers, and the call of the Mountain Dole in flight. At the end of the day, however, it is the perfect water of the Adriatic that makes the trip so special. Stunning to look at, refreshing to dip in and incredible to boat on! Plan on plenty of hiking this week while allowing time to enjoy the water, the culture, and the all the fun that seaside Croatia is all about.
Trip Itinerary
Choose from our standard itinerary or customize the trek by adding or subtracting days.
The ancient port town of Split makes the most convenient arrival gateway. Split boasts some of the best Roman ruins to be found on the Adriatic Coast and an extra night there is highly recommended. Enjoy the first of two nights in a beautiful and well-located hotel in downtown.
This is your day to explore Split. This tidy and compact city could not be more of a delight. Enjoy the services of a local guide to show you the history and magic of Split and the UNESCO protected city of Trogir (four hour tour). We will provide a menu of must-see options (including some exercise – don’t worry!). We recommend Diocletian’s Palace for your dose of culture, followed by an ascent to the hill summits of Marjan for unforgettable views of Split below, perhaps finishing with some time spent on Brela Beach, which many consider the most attractive in Europe. Return to Split hotel.
Enjoy a guided outing to Mosor, perhaps Croatia’s most popular non-technical summit. A late afternoon ferry transfers you to Korčula. This medieval walled port town is delightfully charismatic and filled with history. Many places claim Marco Polo as one of their own, but when you arrive in Korčula, there is no doubt that this is his birthplace. We will situate you in Korčula’s best hotel for the next two nights.
Distance: 5 miles. Elevation gain: 2000 ft.
A short ferry to the village of Orebić sets you up for another of the coast’s great hikes. Today’s loop hike takes in the summit of St. Ilija and its grand panorama before descending back to Orebić on ancient paths past sensational churches, vineyards, and unbelievable villas. Wonderful views of the island of Korčula are certain to delight. Return to Korčula hotel.
Distance: 8 miles. Elevation gain: up to 3000 ft.
More island hopping today as you transfer to the island of Mljet. A turbo-ferry brings you to the island’s port of Pomena. From the hotel set out for a waterside ramble on Mljet’s west coast. It is easy to understand how Ulysses let seven years get by on the island as you watch the sun go down on the coast.
Distance: 6 miles. Elevation gain: 600 ft.
Today’s hike takes you to the port of Polače, climbing to a high point where you can see both coasts of the Island. After a picnic here you hike down to the water to meet your final water transfer back to the mainland and one of Dubrovnik’s finest hotels.
Distance: 5 miles. Elevation gain: 1000 ft.
Start the morning off with a guided tour of the city. Catch a midday ferry from the old harbor to Lokrum, and circumnavigate this small and unique island. Several lunch spots are available not far from the trail. Return to your excellent Dubrovnik hotel.
Awake to the beautiful sights and delicious smells of Croatia, enjoy breakfast, and depart as needed.
Many buses and, of course, taxis connect to the Dubrovnik Airport. There are also many activities around Dubrovnik itself making any additional time spent there very rewarding.