Hiking in Croatia: The Three Best Options

Rintsje Bosch
Rintsje Bosch
06 Feb 2024 9 min read
Hiking in Croatia: The Three Best Options
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Croatia is found at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Because of its varied climate and geography, the country has one of the richest biodiversity in Europe. From the Dinaric Alps in the south to over a thousand islands and islets, Croatia has plenty of different landscapes and trekking options to suit all tastes. If you want to discover Croatia in a whole different way, grab your hiking shoes and start packing. Croatia has some of the most beautiful islands and crystal clear beaches of the Adriatic Sea. Can you imagine a better wat to discover the marvels this country has to offer than walking holiday from one island to the next? Go trekking in Croatia and get to know their people, their culture, and their unique traditions. In this blog post, we focus on the three best options for your hiking holiday: on the Biokovo National Park near Makarska and the surrounding islands. As well as Istria, the beautiful peninsula in northwestern Croatia. We also take a look at the Plitvice Lakes.

Croatia is part of the Western Balkans, together with Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Albania. Croatia is all about beautiful flora and fauna. The national parks may be the most famous nature reserves of the country, but even in the country's capital, Zagreb, visitors are surrounded by protected regional parks, forests and even a mountain. Both at the kiss and in the interior of Croatia you will find unspoiled nature. The Biokovo mountain range near Makarska is a popular destination for mountain hiking and combines well with the beautiful beaches on one of the many islands. Istria, the peninsula in north-western Croatia, also offers the opportunity to experience an unforgettable walking holiday.

1. Hiking in the Biokvo National Park

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.

1. Hiking in the Biokvo National Park

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2. A walking holiday in Istria

Kvaner Bay and the Gulf of Trieste are top destinations on the Adriatic Sea and they frame the Croatian peninsula of Istria. Embedded in the charming landscape, Istria presents itself as an ideal area for hiking.

The peninsula has much to offer its visitors and proves to be a guarantee for an unforgettable walking holiday in Croatia. During a typical trek in Istria you will explore the Brioni National Park, the Kamenjak Natural Park and climb to the top of the highest mountain, the Vojak peak (1401 m) in the Uka Natural Park. You will enjoy homemade culinary specialties, rich culture, friendly people and stone architecture on this breathtaking peninsula!

Day
1

Novigrad to Grožnjan

Duration: 05:00 h
Distance: 21 km
Morning introductory briefing with a welcome drink. Walking from Novigrad to Grožnjanvia Mirna Valley.

Groznjan

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Groznjan
Day
2

Grožnjan to Istarske Toplice Walking

Duration: 05:30 h
Distance: 18 km
Walking from Grožnjan via Znidarici to Istarske Toplice. Transfer from Istarske Toplice to Motovun. Accommodation in Motovun.

Motovun

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Motovun
Day
3

Seven Waterfalls Walking Trail

Duration: 05:00 h
Distance: 15 km
Walking from Selca to Kotli and back (circle trail). Transfer to Motovun. Accommodation in Motovun.

Motovun

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Motovun
Day
4

Motovun to Pula and Kamenjak trail

Duration: 04:30 h
Distance: 13 km
Transfer from Motovun to Pula. Walking in Kamenjak Nature Park - Orchids Trail (circle trail). Accommodation in Pula.

Pula

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Pula
Day
5

Brioni National Park Walk

Duration: 04:00 h
Distance: 12 km
Bus transfer to Fazana and boat transfer to Brioni National Park. Walking trail on Brioni. Accommodation in Motovun.

Motovun

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Motovun
Day
6

Ucka Nature Park Walk

Duration: 05:00 h
Distance: 15 km
Transfer from Pula to Poklon Pass, a walking tour to Vojak Peak (1401 m), and back to Mountain hut in Ucka Nature Park. Accommodation in Lovran.

Lovran

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Lovran
Day
7

Lovran and Kvarner Bay

Morning in Kvarner bay. Bus transfer from Lovran to Rijeka where trip concludes.
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3. Hiking at the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia

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.

3. Hiking at the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia

What is the weather like 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.

When is the best season to go hiking in Croatia?

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.

How does tipping in Croatia work?

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.

How does tipping in Croatia work?

What is the food like on the treks in Croatia?

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.

Did you know that we can book all huts and refuges for the Croatia for you? Check out all our options here.

Not sure yet or want to discuss your plans for the Croatia with one of our trekking experts? Get in touch today and turn your dreams into memories!

At Bookatrekking.com, we not only book your huts, we also send you on your way with a comprehensive hiking guide with the most important information for your Croatia, including interactive Komoot maps. Browse all our options here and turn your dreams into reality.

Where Can I Book My Walking Holiday in Croatia?

At Bookatrekking.com you can book many treks in Croatia. We take care of all the details for you, give you personal trekking advice and give you the best service possible. Find all our offers for Croatia here. Our easy-to-use platform allows you to browse and compare different trekking options and find the perfect fit for your interests, abilities, and budget.

If you have any questions about a specific trek or need help choosing the right one for you, our team of Trekking Experts is here to assist you. Simply reach out to us and we will be happy to provide you with personalized recommendations and advice to help you plan the trekking adventure of a lifetime.

Is a walking holiday in Croatia not your cup of tea and are you looking for other epic adventures? Check out one of our following blog posts:

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