Walking in Croatia travel guide

Leave aside any preconceptions that Croatia is all about boats. In fact, with eight stunning national parks to its name, it is also all about boots. Walking befits the culture here too because Croatians’ pride in their land is infectious and so, by walking through it, you become caught up in this inherent joie de vivre. This pride is also illustrated by the amount of land they have protected. Their numerous national parks range from flat and coastal Mljet Island in the south, to mountainous and inland Risnjak National Park in the far north.
I thought Croatia was all about yachting. But there are few places you can hike up mountains, around islands, down canyons and through aromatic pine forest, all in a week - and swim every day, too.
A small group tour with expert guides is perfect for some of the tougher trails through the canyons of Plitvice Lakes National Park, for example, which have so many waterways to explore, it is hard to know where to start. Or saunter independently, having your bags transported for you, to the likes of the Elaphiti Islands along the coast. Either way, it’s all plain sailing.

Go on a Croatia walking vacation if...

... you enjoy wild swimming at the end of a hike. As well as island idylls and sublime coastal walks, there are lakes and waterfalls galore. ... you crave a glass of chilled local white after conquering a canyon. ... cooling down from summer sizzling appeals. The mountains are just an hour from the coast. ... island hopping is your thing, but hiking them is the icing on the Croatian cake.

Don't go on a Croatia walking vacation if...

... you want alpine challenges. The highest peak is 1,831m.
... hotels with fluffy robes are high on your list. Small, rural guesthouses with friendly receptions are the Croatian way to go.
... à la carte dining is what you need after a hike. You’ll get good food, but traditional Croatian. Lots of fish too.
... last minute changes bother you. Many walks are in maritime or mountain climates, so sometimes itineraries need to be altered.

Our top trip

Croatian coast walking tours, self guided

Croatian coast walking tours, self guided

Self guided walking tour on the sunny Croatian coast

From 840 to960 7 days ex flights
Tailor made:
Departures can be arranged at any time from 1st April to 1st November
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Croatia walking or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.

Best time to go on a Croatia walking vacation

October is phenomenal on the islands. The olive and grape harvests are done, the tourist season has calmed and local people finally get to chill.
It’s seriously hot in summer and the wind is deceptive, so stay hydrated and wear a hat. Head into the mountains of Risnjak National Park for cooler temps. The end of Sep marks the end of the season on some islands, with businesses closing for winter. However, others stay open – so research before you go. Ferry services are less frequent too after this time. It is perfect, mild hiking time though. May is also gorgeous with temperatures around 23°C, but the coastal winds are less predictable, and storms can happen.

Croatia walking Weather Chart

 
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
5
11
80
FEB
5
12
75
MAR
7
15
73
APR
10
17
70
MAY
14
23
55
JUN
18
28
50
JUL
20
30
31
AUG
20
30
42
SEP
16
26
60
OCT
14
21
80
NOV
9
16
105
DEC
6
13
101
Written by Catherine Mack
Photo credits: [Page banner: Sonja Guina] [Go/Don't Go: risbom] [Temp Chart: Mario Fajt]