Croatia walking holidays travel guide

Croatia walking holidays 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.

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Our Croatia walking Holidays

Go on a Croatia walking holiday 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 holiday 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.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Croatia walking or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Best time to go on a Croatia walking holiday

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.

Call us for the best time to go on a Croatia walking Holiday

Croatia walking Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

105

DEC

101

More about Croatia walking

Croatia walking routes

Our top trails in Croatia are featured within our list of highlights with information on the national parks of Risnjak, Plitvice, Velebit and Mljet Island all well-worth finding out more about if you’re looking for some absolutely outstanding Croatia walking routes.

More relevant guides

Written by Catherine Mack

Croatia walking holidays travel guide