Hiking in Croatia instantly puts you in a holiday state of mind. The weather is beautiful, the climate is warm, and the water shimmers in stunning turquoise hues. The biggest dilemma when traveling here is choosing which of the nearly 50 inhabited islands to explore, as each one is incredibly picturesque! But don’t think relaxation is your only option—Croatia‘s abundant nature offers some of the best hiking opportunities. Let’s take a tour of the islands perfect for hiking in Croatia.
Island of Mljet: A true nature park
Behind this hard-to-pronounce name (try “miette“, that’s the closest you’ll get) lies a beautiful island, one of the most forested in Croatia. It’s home to a national park that covers three quarters of its tiny 31km²!
During your hikes you can discover two lakes: a small one, Malo Jezero, and a larger one, Veliko Jezero, which is the more surprising. In the middle of this lake, on an island, you’ll find… another small island (St. Mary’s Islet)! It is home to a beautiful 12th century monastery, which you can visit to soak up the tranquillity of the place.
From the village of Polače, head to the top of Montokuc hill for an incredible panoramic view of the entire island and the deep blue sea. There are many walks in the National Park, ranging from short 2-hour walks to longer half-day treks among the pine and cypress trees.
Island of Korčula: Between charming towns and vineyards
A 30-minute ferry ride from Mljet, Korčula is the most forested island in Croatia! This promises beautiful walks through sublime landscapes.
For example, you can attempt to climb Sveti Ilija, which is 961 metres high. Several paths from different villages lead to the top. From the top you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Pelješac peninsula, and on a clear day you can even see the islands of Mljet and Hvar in the distance.
From the town of Korčula, a lovely walk will take you to Žrnovo, passing through the picturesque village of Lumbarda. Known for its vineyards and olive groves, this is an area where you can relax in the shade of a tree.
Or you can simply enjoy your walks by discovering one of the many hidden coves or small beaches to soak up the gentle Croatian waters.
The island of Brač and Croatia’s most beautiful beach
The largest island in Dalmatia, Brač is a small haven of peace with lush vegetation and numerous coves.
For hikers, the trek to the top of Vidova Gora is a must. Starting from Bol, you can imagine a beautiful 2 to 2.5 hour walk through a forest of black pines leading you to the summit at almost 800 metres above sea level.
Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be rewarded with a fabulous view of the famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach, with its golden pebbles inviting you to relax on Croatia’s most famous beach.
Another hiking idea is to visit the Blaca Monastery. It’s a challenging 2.5km climb from the bay to this 16th century monastery!
