On our Jewels of the Dalmatian Coast walking holiday, you will enjoy an island-hopping walking adventure along Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coast. Walk the cobbled streets of Split and the quiet trails of rural Dalmatia, then explore the island idyll of Hvar, Korčula, Šipan and Mljet, and spend two nights in the beautiful Dubrovnik. Exploring the Dalmatian coast’s treasures and its islands on foot offers unique opportunities to experience the stunning landscapes, unspoilt nature, crystal blue sea, medieval towns, and cultural heritage that make this region a must-see destination.
- The Old Town of Split
- Dubrovnik
- Hvar Island
- Korčula Island
- Mljet Island
- Šipan Island
Day 1: Arrival Split
A complimentary airport transfer will bring you to your hotel in Split, where the printed materials for your tour will be waiting for you. Walk around the beautiful old town of Split and Marjan park. In the evening taste the local wines and cuisine in one of the numerous restaurants in Split.
Day 2: Hvar Island | 12km
After breakfast, you will have a short walk to the Split harbour, from where you will board the public passenger ferry to the town of Hvar (1h); luggage from hotel to ferry port in Split will be transported by electric cart. Upon arrival in Hvar, there is a 5-10min walk (with your luggage) to the hotel. Approximately 68km long, with a high east-west ridge of limestone and dolomite, the island of Hvar is second to Brac in terms of size. Its hillsides are covered in pine forests, vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and lavender fields.
After checking in at the hotel, a short car transfer (25min) will bring you to Velo Grablje, and you will start walking towards Hvar. Passing through old villages, you’ll enjoy the traditional architecture of the area. Small trails that lead you downhill by olive groves will get you to Malo Grablje where locals had built the first lavender distillery in the region; lavender was once the main export product. Continuing further down, the trail passes through Milna village meandering along pine trees and wild Mediterranean garden and then takes you along the coast all the way back to the town of Hvar. Overnight in a hotel in the old town of Hvar.
If rough weather makes it impossible for passenger ferry to operate, you will travel between Split Hvar on the large car ferries that operate from Split to Stari Grad and then shuttle van to Hvar, creating a longer travel day.
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Hvar (Croatia, Villa Nora or similar)
- Walking for the day: 12km, 3-4h, ↑337m ↓533m
Day 3: Korčula Island | 12km
In the morning, take the public passenger ferry to Korčula island (1h). After arrival, you will have a short transfer to the village of Pupnat (stopping at the hotel to leave your luggage; 15min), from where you start walking towards Korčula. Korčula is the hometown of Marco Polo, a place full of history. You can enjoy your afternoon and evening strolling the narrow streets of the Old Town.
If rough weather makes it impossible for passenger ferry to operate, you will travel between Hvar and Korčula wiht a shuttle van and on the large car ferries that operate via the mainland, creating a longer travel day.
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Korčula (Liburna, Marco Polo or similar)
- Walking for the day: 12km, 3-4h, ↑198m ↓512m
Day 4: Mljet Island | 15km
Morning boat transfer from Korčula to Mljet. Walking tour in Mljet National Park – North West Park Trail. Mljet, often called “the green island” because of its lush vegetation, is one of the eight Croatian national parks. As on Šipan, there is a clear blue sea, numerous bays, beaches, cliffs, and two lovely salt lakes – warm even in early spring. Your walk will begin from Polače village just behind a Roman palace’s ancient remains dating from the 2nd century and continues through the National Park and around the salt lakes. The walk averages around 3-4 hours, and there is the chance to swim and enjoy lunch in a local tavern or extend your hike to the highest peak in the national park area, Montokuc. Overnight in Mljet.
If rough weather makes it impossible for passenger ferry to operate, you will travel between Korčula and Mljet with a shuttle van and on the large car ferries that operate via the mainland, creating a longer travel day.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse in Mljet (Stražičić or similar)
- Walking for the day: 15km, 3-4h, ↑407m ↓407m (shorter option to Montokuc Hill: 9km, 2-3h, ↑350m ↓360m
Day 5: Dubrovnik City Tour
After breakfast, you will take the public passenger ferry to Dubrovnik (1.5h). From Dubrovnik harbour, you will have an organised car transfer to the centre of Dubrovnik (15min). A local English-speaking guide will then accompany you for a two-hour guided tour of the Old Town (please note that this is a join-in tour and you might be accompanied by other people booked on the same date). The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the charms of Dubrovnik. We recommend that you take the Dubrovnik cable car to the top of Srd Hill for breathtaking views of the Old Town, the crystal clear Adriatic Sea, and the numerous Dalmatian islands.
If rough weather makes it impossible for passenger ferry to operate, you will travel between Mljet and Dubrovnik whit a shuttle van and on the large car ferries that operate via the mainland, creating a longer travel day.
- Accommodation: Hotel Perla, Guesthouse Amfora or similar
- Walking for the day: 2-hour private tour of Dubrovnik Old Town
Day 6: Island of Šipan | 14km
You will set out from the main port of Dubrovnik by local boat to Šipan, the largest of the famous Elafiti islands. The island has a rich cultural heritage and is perfect for walking with its vineyards, olive groves and pine forests. You will start your walk from Sudjuradj and head inland all the way up to the other settlement on the island, Luka Šipanska. Historically Šipan was a residential place of Dubrovnik patricians. If you follow the road from port Sudjuradj along the vineyards and olive trees to the Luka port, you will pass by old churches, summer residential palaces, beautiful pine forests, and hidden bays. Upon arrival in Luka, you can have lunch in some local tavern. Late afternoon return to the port of Sudjuradj where the boat departs to Dubrovnik.
If rough weather makes it impossible for a passenger ferry to operate, you will not be able to sail to the island and do this walk.
- Accommodation: Hotel Perla, Guesthouse Amfora or similar
- Walking for the day: 14km, 4h ↑252m (+ optional extra walks around the island)
Day 7: Departure
Departure after breakfast. Complimentary transfer to Dubrovnik Airport.
Accommodation is in en-suite double/twin rooms mainly in 3-star hotels and guesthouses as listed in the itinerary above. We have carefully hand-picked all places and regularly monitor their quality. We have tried to choose accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
Accommodation is on a bed & breakfast basis. Picnic lunches are optional at an extra charge and can be ordered locally, or products for picnics can be purchased in the villages where you’ll be staying. On some days you have the option of having your lunch in a restaurant along the way. You can have dinner at your hotel or nearby restaurants.
Difficulty and terrain
This trip requires a basic physical condition. It is easy to moderate, and the terrain varies from paved and cobblestone streets (during village exploration) to single-track trails with loose stones or gravel, rocky paths, ancient ruins, and sets of ancient stone steps. The trails are often exposed to the sun (read moreabout difficulty grades).
We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from mid-May till the end of October. Traditionally May/June and September/October have always been the most favourite time of year because the weather is best. If you choose to visit during July and August, you should be aware that temperatures may be high and make walking slightly more difficult. Please also note that Dubrovnik may become quite overcrowded in the summer months! The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your holiday on any date in the season – so please indicate desired starting date when booking.
