Hiking in Croatia: The Three Best Options

The Biokovo Mountains rise steeply above the Makarska Riviera and are popular with hikers. The summit of Vošac (1,421m high) is only 2.5km from Makarska and is a popular destination. Nearby is the summit of Sveti Jure with an altitude of 1,762m, the highest peak of the Biokovo Mountains. The 196 km2 of the area is protected as a natural park with more than 1,500 plant and animal species, some of which are indigenous. Biokovo is part of of the Dinaric Alps that stretches along the Dalmatian coast. In clear weather it is possible to see from the top of Biokovo the Monte Gargano in Italy, which is 252 km away. To help hikers, the Biokovo Natural Park Visitor Centre is located in the centre of Makarska. Due to its location, the Biokovo Mountains can easily be combined with an island tour on this side of the Adriatic coast. You soon hop from island to island, and on these islands, you can combine a walk with a refreshing dip in the Adriatic.

Prepare your senses for a real treat as you embark on a walking holiday in Croatia, walking amongst the pine forests, vineyards, seasides and agricultural landscapes, situated southeast of the famous city of Split. Croatia walking holidays enables you to really get underneath the skin of the country as you get to know the super friendly locals along the way.

The national park surrounding the Plitvice Lakes consists of an 8 km long stretch of 16 lakes, bordered by thick forested hills. This is one of the most striking landscapes of mainland Croatia, with water flowing down from the upper lakes through a series of waterfalls and rapids. Walking at the Plitvice Lakes is easy on your own. The footpaths are well signposted and the distances are good for a day visit.

If you are on your way to Makarska for your hike in the Biokovo Mountains and on the islands, stop at the Plitvice Lakes on the way for a pleasant and natural warm-up for your hiking holiday in Croatia.

Croatian coast has a typically Mediterranean climate consisting of hot, dry and sunny weather during summer months. Average temperatures during summer lies in the high 20°C, although it is more likely that you’ll have temperatures well into the 30 °C. The sunniest island in Croatia is Hvar, with over 2,700 hours of sun per year. Split, Vela Luka (on the island of Korcula) and Dubrovnik are the next sunniest spots in Dalmatia. Croatia boasts with very low humidity, sitting at about 60%, so even in the scorching sun the heat is bearable.

In general, spring and autumn months are particularly suitable for a hiking vacation in Croatia. But especially in the mountain regions, the summer months offer great hiking weather, because up there it is not as hot as on the coast in July and August. In winter, on the other hand, you can expect snow or rain in the mountains, and it can also get wet and cool on the coast.

In spring and fall, it is usually so warm in the lowlands that you don't need long hiking clothes. However, a waterproof functional jacket is an advantage when the weather changes. In the mountains, on the other hand, it can be quite cool, depending on the altitude of your accommodations, so you should plan on a set of long hiking clothes in addition to the weatherproof jacket.

Tipping is not obligatory in Croatia, but it is always appreciated if the service provider did a good job. A tip of 5-15 % is greatly appreciated in restaurants and in other forms of services provided to you.

When hiking in Croatia, the food is always local, fresh, homemade and hearty. After a long day in the mountains you will be welcomed by typical Croatian dishes, such as cheeses and other dairy products, dried meat, fish, freshly baked breads and pastries as well as local fruits and vegetables. If you have any dietary requirements, please let the trekking company know, they will be happy to accommodate you.