Croatia

Dalmatian Islands Walk

Trip code: W07DA

Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

SUMMARY

  • Island hop the Dalmatians between Split, Brač & Hvar
  • Explore charming vineyards, olive groves, museums, castles and Roman remains
  • Plenty of swimming opportunities in the incredible clear blue sea

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 6 evening meals
  • Comprehensive route directions
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

The exquisite Dalmatian Islands lie just off the Croatian coastline, resting atop the inviting waters of the Mediterranean Sea. These unique islands offer those who visit a diverse experience with pockets of discovery to relish in, whilst the coastal air supplies a fresh breeze to compliment the blissful Croatian sun, perfect for walking! We feature the islands of Brač and Hvar, renowned for their relaxed ambience, fantastic local cuisine and wine, intriguing historic cities and towns, and some of the most scenically dramatic walking in Europe. These Dalmatian Islands are the picture-perfect destination for a keen walker searching for spectacular natural beauty.

Your journey begins in the exuberant city of Split, known for mastering the ideal balance between tradition and modernity. A scenic ferry journey brings you to your first Dalmatian Island, Brač encompassing an extensive and fascinating history which provides an excellent window into authentic Croatian Island life. You will notice the limestone and often mountainous scenery where incredible piles of stone were cleared by hand to create usable land, some of which was quarried to build the White House in Washington. Viewpoints are plenty along this trek and simply breath-taking over the sea and neighbouring islands.

Another beautiful ferry crossing brings you to your second Dalmatian Island, Hvar, where vast vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields are abundant. There are copious amounts of interesting museums, castles and Roman remains to explore on your journey as well as many swimming opportunities in the incredible clear blue sea. The last of your ferry rides brings you back to Split where you may wish to add extra nights to truly appreciate the culture and architecture of this exciting city, where enticing fresh seafood and local wines can be found around every corner.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Split

If you are arriving on a later flight (too late for the ferry to Brač) then we will arrange your first night to be in Split as a substitution for your last night in Split - then you will take the ferry to Brač the following morning.

Day 2: Brač Circular Walk 20 KM/12.5 MI/ OR 8 KM/5 MI/

This varied circular walk provides an excellent introduction to the villages and landscapes of Brač. As you follow the coastline there are several swimming opportunities to enjoy in the vivid clear blue water. Pass through unspoilt villages surrounding natural harbours as you make your way back to the lovely town of Supetar.

Day 3: Supertar to Bol 16 KM/10 MI/

This superb walk takes you to the coastal village of Bol via the highest point in the Adriatic Islands known as Vidova Gora. For a while you join the well waymarked ‘Educational Trail’ passing various information boards (in both Croatian & English), then a lovely path takes you up to the edge of the limestone escarpment and on to the summit with its breath-taking views to Hvar and beyond. You can then relax in the seaside town of Bol before being reunited with your bags and taking the ferry over to Hvar.

Day 4: 11 KM/7 MI/

Today’s route takes you to the highest point on Hvar Island at 628m above sea level. You will be surrounded by lavender, olive groves and vineyards as you steadily reach the limestone ridge which forms the backbone of the island. The summit features a small chapel as well as spectacular views. On your descent, you will pass near a huge cave which provides an interesting stop-off with ruins of an Augustinian monastery; there is also an opportunity to sample local wine at the nearby Kolumbic farm!

Day 5: 6.5 KM/10 MI/

In contrast to your last two days, this route follows the coastline with plenty of swimming opportunities and a choice of restaurants for lunch. As you cross below a ridge, you shortly come to the first beach on this walk in a tiny hamlet. Continue passing enticing little coves and more beaches before reaching the historic centre of Hvar.

Day 6: 19 KM/12 MI/

Today’s walk takes you over the hills and down to the old administrative capital of the island which was originally called Faros by the Greeks and later Faria (in Roman times) – the latter was changed to Hvar by the incoming Slav population. Follow the footpath to Motokit summit with superlative views before descending through olive groves and lavender fields where you can visit the ancient chapel of St Vitus. There are more swimming opportunities as you get closer to your destination.

Day 7: 13 KM/8 MI/4 HRS

This is a circular walk of two halves. Firstly, you walk through olive groves, vineyards and villages in the hills south of the plain, and secondly through the famous cultivated land on the Stari Grad plain. This area was laid out by the Greeks in the 4th century BC and has been in continuous use for growing olives and vines ever since. Interpretive panels along the way provide information. If possible, we suggest you allow yourself some time to explore Stari Grad, which translates as ‘Old City’. Take an afternoon ferry back to Split.

Day 8

If time allows before departure, we have an optional documented walk in Split. You can of course choose to stay a couple of extra nights in the stunning city of Split which we highly recommend.

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.

Please contact our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.

REVIEWS

Excellent help from the agent, Tony.
Very knowledgeable & helpful.
She was able to clarify many points & provided detailed train information for our transfers.

Martine Pariset Shepherd, 12 Mar 2024

I recently booked a guided walking holiday with Headwater. The service was excellent. I received immediate replies to my emails asking various questions. Helen Hodson could not have been more helpful. And I got an early booking discount!

A few years ago we took a self guided walking holiday in Sicily, which was excellent.

Carol Davies, 31 Oct 2023

The agent was very attentive and listened to what we were hoping to get out of the holiday. Made useful recommendations and it seemed nothing was too much effort. She kept us informed and updated throughout. Would certainly use again and recommend to others.

Adolf Stindt, 20 Jul 2023

Brilliant ***

Denys Macdonald, 1 Jun 2023


Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate