Croatia's Mountains & Islands

We are super thrilled to share this amazing hiking tour with you! We have thought for a really long time about how to design a summer hiking trip in Croatia which would avoid the crowds and highlight Croatia’s fantastic & incredibly diverse scenery. Well… here you have it! 

You’ll start in Zagreb, Croatia’s lively capital city, then move on to the not-to-be-missed Plitvice Lakes National Park (don’t worry, we will find a way to avoid the crowds), explore the peaks of the stunning Velebit mountain range, hop on your private speed-boat to discover the hidden little beaches of the blue Adriatic Sea and enjoy the charming hiking trails and villages on the islands of Krk and Cres.

If you are not from central Europe, you might not have heard of these islands. They might not be as famous as their Dalmatian cousins. But we dare to say the scenery on Cres and Krk islands is even more spectacular and diverse. Especially if explored on foot!

Our small group tours (max. 8 travelers) with guaranteed departures run between July and September. The temperatures can be quite high at this time of the year, that’s why we include lots of “sea time” – swimming and enjoying a cold beer with our feet in the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. 

Day 1: Welcome to Zagreb

Arrive in Croatia’s capital city of Zagreb. Check-in at our hotel in the town center and explore the city on your own.

In the afternoon, you’ll meet your trip guide over a welcome drink to discuss all the trip details and answer any questions you might have. You will also get to know all other travelers joining this walking tour and enjoy the evening in lively Zagreb.

However, go to bed early and get some rest. We are starting extremely early tomorrow!

Overnight: Centrally located 4* hotel in Zagreb
Meals included: /

Day 2: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Today we are starting at 5.00AM. We know… you are on holiday. But there is a reason for such an early start and you’ll be able to have a 2-hour nap in the van.

We are driving straight to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s most stunning national park. Mother Nature has done an incredible job and has created a series of lakes and waterfalls which are just calling to be explored. Of course, its beauty is not unnoticed, therefore we want to be the first ones to enter the park when it opens and beat the crowds. We will walk the lovely wooden boardwalks just by the lakes, be amazed by the countless waterfalls, and learn about local flora and fauna, as well as the fascinating geography & geology of this mesmerizing place.

We will leave the park just before lunchtime when it gets most busy and head to our hotel. A great home-cooked lunch and a relaxed “siesta” later, we will drive to a hidden local swim spot and splash around in the beautiful river pools!

Walking: 15 km / elevation gain +450m, -450m / approx. 5-6 hours
Overnight: Cosy guest house at Plitvice Lakes
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Transfer time: 2 hours

Day 3: Hiking in Velebit & Island Hopping

After breakfast, we drive 1.5 hours to Velebit: a fantastic mountain range that follows the coastline of central Croatia and forms a part of the Dinaric Alps. It is full of interesting rocky formations, extensive forests, and grassy peaks with amazing views up to 1,700 meters above the Adriatic islands way underneath. It is wild, pristine, and adds so much to the diversity of this walking tour.

We’ll do a beautiful semi-circular hike along a grassy ridge, enjoy the superb views, and later head to the coastline. Our private speedboat picks you up here and you are off to explore the little-known islands of northern Adriatic. Our captain knows the region like the palm of his hand and he will take us to secluded bays with crystal clear turquoise waters to enjoy the Adriatic Sea without the crowds!

We will spend around 3.5 hours on the boat and allow time for swimming, snorkeling and simply taking advantage of our private boat to get away from it all. In the meantime, your hiking guide will drive the van and your luggage to the island of Krk, where you get off the boat and check-in to your hotel for the next 2 nights. Let’s have a lively night out on Krk island!

Walking: 12 km / elevation gain +500m, -500m / approx. 4-5 hours
Overnight: Cosy local guesthouse with swimming pool in Baska (Krk Island)
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch
Transfer time: 2.5 hours by van + boat time

Day 4: Krk Island: Hiking & Swimming

Today we start hiking directly from our hotel’s doorstep in the town of Baska. The hiking trails will take us across the barren terrain of southern Krk which reveals a completely different face of Croatia’s islands. So rugged and hostile, but spectacular at the same time. We are rewarded with stunning island views, the high Velebit mountains in the background, and spectacular beaches to cool off in the blue Adriatic.

There is almost no shade during the hike and it is often very windy in this area. That being said, our day will be highly influenced by the weather. We might need to start very early or cut the hike short if necessary. Your guide will make the necessary adaptations on the spot.

We will return to Baska for a nice lunch in a cozy “konoba” in the old town. We will leave the afternoon free to relax, swim, rent a kayak or do an extra hike to a viewpoint above the town.

Walking: 13 km / elevation gain +350m, -350m / approx. 4-5 hours
Overnight: Cosy local guesthouse with swimming pool in Baska (Krk Island)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Transfer time: 0-1 hour

Day 5: Hiking & Swimming on Cres Island

All the early risers among you will have the chance to do a truly spectacular morning hike to a beautiful viewpoint above Baska. The views of Goli Otok, the stunning Prvic island, and the Velebit mountains are definitely worth the effort.

You will come back for late breakfast and then take a short ferry ride to Cres island. Immediately you will feel the difference between both islands. Cres is much more forested and you will smell all those pine trees and other Adriatic flora. We will drive to the tiny hilltop village of Lubenice. After a nice lunch in the old town, we will hike approx. 1 hour downhill to the famous Lubenice beach. We’ll be rewarded with a perfect white pebbly beach and refreshing turquoise waters. Again, we will explore the unknown bays, and later get a taxi boat to take you to the nearest harbor and save you the hot & steep hike back to the van. Your guide will do the sacrifice, hike up that hill, get the van, and pick you up after you have finished those cold beers in the nearest bar.

We still have about 1-hour drive to change islands again and reach the charming little village of Veli Losinj on Losinj island. Our place for the following two nights.

Walking: 3 km / elevation -330m / approx. 1 hour (plus the optional sunrise hike)
Overnight: very cute 3* hotel in Veli Losinj (Losinj Island)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Transfer time: 2.5 hours by van, 25 min ferry, 30 min boat ride

Day 6: Coastal Walks and Villages of Losinj

Today we are doing relaxed coastal walks on the island of Losinj. After an easy-going breakfast, we start with a 10-min drive to our trailhead. The pleasant trails will take us along the rocky coast and past several pebbly bays. You will enjoy the smell of the pine trees and have some refreshing swims before returning stopping for lunch in our favorite place on Losinj: a family-run private venue where Martin & Romina grill the most delicious seabasses.

In the afternoon you can relax, swim, sleep & drink in Veli Losinj, explore the neighboring town of Mali Losinj or join us on another easy coastal walk on the island’s west coast.

We will wrap it up with some drinks on the island’s best sunset location overlooking the town of Mali Losinj and the pointy Osorscica ridge – our tomorrow’s challenge!

Walking: 10 km / elevation gain +50m, -200m / approx. 4 hours
Overnight: very cute 3* hotel in Veli Losinj (Losinj Island)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Transfer time: only short local transfers

Day 7: The Peaks of Losinj Island

Time to start early again! After a 30min drive, we will reach today’s trailhead and tackle the ascent to Osorscica ridge. It is a constant ascent with approx. 500m of elevation gain, luckily mostly in the shade of the forest. On the top, we are rewarded with spectacular views of Losinj’s and Cres’ coastline and numerous other islands.

After wrapping up our final hike of this trip, we drive to the tiny town of Osor for our final lunch together. If time permits have another swim and head towards Zagreb. It is quite a drive, which means nap time for you again! 🙂

We will reach the Croatian capital in the early evening, check-in at our hotel and have a final gelato together before saying goodbye to your guide and partying all night long with your new hiking friends.

Walking: 7 km / elevation gain +450m, -500m / approx. 4 hours
Overnight: Centrally located 4* hotel in Zagreb
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Transfer time: 3-4 hours by van, 25 min ferry ride

Day 8: Bye bye Croatia

After breakfast, this unforgettable hiking tour ends. Your memories of northern Croatia however, will remain in your hearts for a long time.

Enjoy your time and explore Zagreb or head to your next adventures in other parts of Croatia or other Balkan countries.

It was a pleasure having you! See you soon!

Meals included: breakfast

Inclusions

• 7 nights bed & breakfast in a conveniently located 3* or 4* hotels. Double or twin rooms.
• 6 guided days with English speaking hiking guide, who is also the driver.
• All transfers and ferries listed in the itinerary. Starting and ending in Zagreb.
• Van with 8+1 seats is always available to the group. The guide to guest ratio is max 1:8.
• Private speed boat island hopping.
• Boat ride in Cres.
• 6 nice local lunches highlighting the local Croatian cuisine.
• Welcome meeting over a drink in Zagreb.
• Plitvice Lakes entrance fee.
• Organisation, 24-hour holiday service & support.

Exclusions

• International flights.
• Airport transfers.
• Drinks.
• Meals not specified in the itinerary.
• Travel insurance.
• Personal expenses.
• Guide gratuities.
• Other services not specified in the Inclusions.

Optional

• Single room supplement: 390 €.

Activity Level 2-3: EASY TO MODERATE walking

Expect to walk about 4-5 hours per day within a distance of 8-12 km (5-8 miles) and 400 m (1300 ft) elevation gain. This walking tour is no “walk in the park” and we recommend a reasonable fitness level to fully enjoy the trip.

What are the trails like?

The trails are uneven, rocky and narrow, with gravel, grass, and forest soil surfaces. Some of the trails/days are in the shade of a forest. However, there are some days with very little shade. Be prepared for sun exposure. Keep in mind that we are mostly hiking on rocky limestone terrain with sharp rocks and stones. We do recommend comfortable hiking shoes with good grip and hiking poles (if you usually use them).

Our Croatia’s Mountains & Islands walking tour can be done anytime between April and October. The best time for walking with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists at the popular locations is May, June & September. April & October are still very nice, but the temperatures are usually not “swimming friendly”.

What is the weather usually like?

In summer (from late June to early September) the weather is usually hot, with temperatures around 30 deg C (90 deg F). In peak season (August) you can expect a heatwave with temperatures likely exceeding 35 deg C (95 deg F). The region can also be influenced by strong winds as well, although we have good chances for nice weather in the summer months. 

We will adapt the tour and start the hikes early, allow some downtime during the hottest hours and be active again in the late afternoon. In any case, heat shouldn’t be a problem for you, otherwise, you will not thoroughly enjoy the tour.

You’ll stay in selected nice and clean centrally located 3* or 4* hotels or local B&Bs, in double or single rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

The typical hotel selection is:

Hotel in Zagreb – Hotel Academia****
Hotel at Plitvice Lakes – Rustic Lodge Plitvice
Hotel on Krk Island – Bed & Breakfast Dosen
Hotel on Losinj Island – Villa Conte****

Please note that different group departure dates may include a different selection of hotels. Feel free to ask for accommodation details for your preferred departure date. 

For your private hiking tours in Croatia, we will propose and book hotels according to your wishes. Depending on your group size, you can choose really nice boutique and family-run properties. Don’t expect a 5* luxury, but rather small & cute charming hotels and B&Bs.  

“An extraordinary trip through a beautiful country!

This trip is the perfect combination between hiking, beaches and visiting cozy villages. And Miha, our guide, took care of every single detail. We ate local, delicious food and stayed in comfy hotels. Even when the planning had to be changed due to unexpected weather, Miha offered an alternative that was even better than the original plan. I discovered astonishing landscapes and amazing  beaches with crystal clear water (one of the clearest and cleanest I’ve ever seen!). The fact that most of the places where not the most touristy ones in the country, let us discover the most unknown and authentic Croatia. Surely I’ll repeat with Slotrips! (And, if possible, with Miha, as he is the best guide I’ve ever met!)”

Isabel Rebaque
from Spain

More reviews

Primoz Kadunc
Slotrips guide

I hold a master’s degree in organizational science which I put into practice as a hiking guide and on my active journeys exploring the world. Thanks to my legendary road trip with the Renault 4 car through India and Iran, extensive travels throughout Latin America and sail across the Atlantic back to Europe, as well as completing my education in Lisbon and Canary Islands, I’m fluent in Spanish, English, and multiple Slavic languages. In love with the Slovenian mountains and Croatia’s coastline, I mostly run active tours in the region of the former Yugoslavia. I can’t imagine a better way to explore the world.

Meet the team

Who is this walking tour for?

Happy explorers who love hiking and the sea. We are doing some serious hikes, some easier walks, and spending a lot of time exploring the hidden beaches, swimming, and enjoying the Croatian coast. 

The summer heat can be substantial. If you would like to avoid the heat, you should travel in April, May, September, and October. 

Croatia is busy during the peak summer months, but the itinerary avoids the crowds as much as possible and we will surely have some beaches and hiking trails just to ourselves. July & August are the busiest months. If you prefer avoiding the heat and people, you should come before or after.

How big are the groups?

Our maximum group size for this hiking tour in Croatia is 8 travelers plus 1 guide. We travel around Croatia in an 8-seater van and our guide also drives the van.

Changes to the itinerary

Important: the day-to-day schedule can change anytime. Especially due to the heat and wind. The tour leader will adapt the tour whenever necessary to assure the participants’ safety, well-being, and enjoyment.

What to bring for this walking tour?

• Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip.
• Long hiking pants (preferably fast dry fabric).
• Shorts.
• A long-sleeve layer.
• Rain & wind protection (lightweight rain & windproof jacket).
• Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, maybe a thin long sleeve layer).
• Swimsuit and a small (fast dry) towel.
• Hiking poles (if you usually use them for hiking)
• A water bottle: tap water is safe to drink all over Croatia and we are doing our best to avoid single-use plastic.
• A small day pack
• Personal items (personal hygiene, medicine, etc.)
• Travel insurance
• Passport or ID
• A small amount of cash (many small shops, restaurants, or bars in Croatia still accept cash only. There are ATMs around almost every day)
• A big smile and a bagful of positive energy!