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Guided and independent walking holidays in Croatia

Our walking holidays in Croatia offer you a taste of the best the Adriatic has to offer, taking in a mix of idyllic coastlines and picturesque walled towns. Amid beautiful scenery, you'll be free to explore while enjoying the climate of a country that basks in around 300 days of sunshine annually.

With its numerous delightful islands only short boat journeys apart, the Dalmatian coastis the ideal location for pleasant walking. You'll discover a wealth of historical sites and a rich culture, all offering breathtaking coastal views. Starting in the Renaissance kingdom of Split, you'll wander narrow cobbled streets before cruising over crystalline waters.

Moving further north, our 7-night hotel-to-hotel itinerary on the Istrian peninsula combines the history of ancient towns and Roman settlements with the stunning Adriatic Riviera. You'll enjoy diverse regional cuisine along the way while passing bountiful areas of natural beauty.

Where can I go walking in Croatia?

Here are a handful of destinations you could discover on our Croatia walking holidays:

The Dalmatian Coast

On our Dalmatian Coast island hopping tour, you can explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, discover a varied landscape and visit memorable historic sites. You'll spend your time between the islands of Brac, Hvar, Korcula and Mljet, with entrance to the exceptional Mljet National Park included.

Hvar and Split

Dreaming of ancient villages on a picture-postcard coastline? Our Dalmatian Islands walk will take you through castles, Roman remains and fantastic museums, plus gorgeous vineyards and olive groves. Your Croatian walking trip will start in the lively city of Split before taking the ferry to Brac, then crossing again to finish in Hvar.

The province of Istria

The Istrian peninsula boasts complex Renaissance palaces, pretty hilltop villages, regal Venetian castles and incredible local cuisine. Our Castles to Coast walk takes you on winding paths with panoramic views, crossing through quaint villages and busier towns too.

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Dalmatian Coast Island Hopping
Croatia

Dalmatian Coast Island Hopping

Croatia's rich cultural heritage is matched only by its amazing natural beauty: unspoilt islands, tourist-free villages and historic sites - all perfect for exploring on foot.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07DC
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2285per person, tour only

  • 9 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All buffet breakfasts and 2 evening meals included
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Dalmatian Islands Walk
Croatia

Dalmatian Islands Walk

Staying in Split, the second largest city in Croatia and on Hvar, a short ferry ride away, you'll enjoy walks through olive groves, vineyards and woodland and enjoy plenty of swimming opportunities.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07DI
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2315per person, tour only
  • NEW FOR 2024  
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Route notes provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Castles to Coast Walk
Croatia

Castles to Coast Walk

Explore the beautifully unspoilt province of Istria and discover a timeless world of Venetian castles and Renaissance palaces set amidst lush valleys. Orchards, artist villages and vineyards predominate inland, with delightful bays and marinas along the coast.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07IS
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2405per person, tour only

  • 70 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All continental breakfasts
  • Route notes provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

    Walking Holidays in Croatia

    Overall customer rating, based on 81 reviews

Frequently asked questions

What can I expect from a walking holiday in Croatia?

For an authentic adventure packed with culture, heritage and natural beauty, a walking holiday in Croatia could tick all the right boxes. You'll be out and about for most of the day, so you won't be disappointed if you're looking for an active holiday.

Our Croatian itineraries are self-guided walking tours, allowing you to explore the region at your own pace. With the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, cuisine and geography, our walking holidays in Croatia make a fabulous choice for adventure, relaxation and exploration.

What's more, you can expect a fantastic level of service included when you book with Headwater. A few of the perks of booking with us include:

  • Hotel accommodation included and pre-booked by us
  • Routes, maps and detailed notes
  • GPS route directions
  • Dedicated luggage moving, so you'll never walk with heavy bags
  • Optional flights and airport transfers

Is Croatia good for walking?

Croatia is brilliant for walking holidays, regardless of your strength, experience or ability. Seasoned walkers will appreciate the rugged, mountainous terrain away from the city, but it's equally possible to enjoy strolls from town to town.

Whether you're travelling as a couple or you're on a solo trip, Croatia is a safe, welcoming and spectacular destination. Our walking tours in Croatia lead you to unspoilt views, lively towns and sandy beaches. The warm, sunny climate in the country makes it a fantastic choice from spring through to autumn.

How challenging are your walking holidays in Croatia?

We give walking ratings to each of our tours. You're welcome to choose any holiday – our ratings are there simply to give you an idea of the physical demands of the terrain. From there, you can make an informed decision on which tour best suits you.

  • 1 Boot routes are ideal for families, couples and anyone seeking an easy-going route. You might encounter some hills, but they won't be too strenuous.
  • 2 Boot holidays usually involve 4-6 hours of walking each day – and you'll need to be comfortable with ascents up to 700m.
  • 3 Boot walking tours involve a similar amount of walking as our '2 Boot' trips, but there might be climbs up to 1,000m. Good fitness and navigation skills are essential, and these tours are not recommended for under-12s.
  • 4 Boot walking tours are the most challenging we offer: high altitudes, remoteness and intense conditions could be expected depending on your location.

Where's best to stay in Croatia for a walking holiday?

When you're deciding where to stay in Croatia for your walking holiday, you'll need to think about your level of physical fitness as well as the type of holiday you're looking for. Our walking tours in Croatia should be manageable for most of our guests, but if you're seeking a challenge, our Dalmatian Islands walk is the most technical.

When you book walking holidays in Croatia with Headwater, you can rest assured that we've taken the time to create an itinerary that works for you. You can simply arrive with your walking kit and get straight out there. We'll sort every detail in between, providing a smooth and hassle-free tour of the best destinations in the country.

H3: What should I wear on a walking trip in Croatia?

Choosing what to wear on a walking trip in Croatia will depend on your preferences and, most importantly, the weather conditions at the time of your visit. Above all, you should wear breathable clothing that will keep you comfortable for hours on the trails.

Depending on the month of your visit, you might need to pack a light jacket, but Croatia is generally very warm and dry throughout the year. You'll need clothing suitable for walking in heat, including shorts, short-sleeved tops, and breathable layers. Many of our guests also wear long caps and sunglasses.

On your feet, you'll need a sturdy pair of walking boots with sufficient ankle support. We'd recommend taking them for a short walk at home before you travel, just to make sure they're comfortable.

What should I pack for a walking holiday in Croatia?

As well as your walking clothes, sunglasses and boots, you might choose to pack:

  • Sun protection with high SPF
  • A light jacket
  • Water bottles and/or hydration systems
  • A small backpack for on-the-go essentials – one between two should be fine
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Long-life snacks and energy bars
  • Compass, notepad and pencil

Why choose Headwater for walking trips to Croatia?

With over 35 years of experience, putting together the most memorable walking holidays is what we do best. Thanks to our secure booking process, you can make plans knowing that your enjoyment is our top priority. Croatia is one of our top destinations for couples, solo travellers and families alike, so allow us to help you find your next adventure.

  • We can arrange your flight - Just provide us with a few personal details and we'll happily arrange flights for your walking holiday in Croatia.

  • Industry-leading tours - We run award-winning walking holidays, backed by multiple British Travel Awards.

  • We're climate-conscious - We know how important it is to protect natural ecosystems, so we're aiming for all our walking tours to be Nature Net Positive.

  • We're trusted - We've earned great reviews on Feefo from past customers thanks to the care we give to every booking.

  • Top destinations - We're carefully curated our walking holidays in Croatia to include some of the most impressive spots in the country.

  • We're ATOL and ABTA-protected - You can enjoy a risk-free holiday when you book with us. You can learn more about your key rights here.

  • We support local communities - Our Exodus Travels Foundation delivers projects for conservation, disaster relief, and local causes to communities around the world.