Hiker with red backpack viewing waterfalls cascading into sparkling green water at Krka National Park.
Hikers on wooden boardwalk crossing turquoise water near waterfalls in Plitvice National Park
Old town of Šibenik with St. James Cathedral, terracotta roofs, and harbor on a sunny day.
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Croatia National Parks Walking Holiday

7 days / 6 nights

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Head on a self-guided road trip through Croatia's stunning national & nature parks, from the cascades of Plitvice to the dramatic rocks of Paklenica.

Starting point

Zagreb

Finish point

Split

Season

From May to October

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Travel & Hike

Highlights

  • Experience the freedom of a self-guided road trip, allowing you to explore Croatia at your own pace
  • Discover the diverse beauty of Croatia's nature, from the lush scenery of Krka National Park to the rugged peaks of Biokovo
  • Immerse yourself in the thrill of hiking, with trails leading you through lush forests, along scenic rivers, and up to a breathtaking viewpoint
  • Explore historic cities and charming coastal towns like Split and Šibenik, soaking up the local culture and cuisine
  • Enjoy the flexibility to stop at beautiful Croatian beaches for a refreshing swim, truly making the most of your vacation

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

6 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast
Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Tour design and organization
Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Car rental
Hotel upgrades
Single supplement

What to bring to the tour

  • Hiking shoes/boots
  • 25 to 35-liter backpack
  • Base layer
  • Sports T-shirts
  • Hiking shorts
  • Hiking water-repellent pants
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Midlayer
  • Sports socks and underwear
  • Leisurewear for evenings
  • Shade hat/cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hiking poles
  • ID card or passport
  • Snacks
  • Cash
  • Water bottles or hydration pack
  • Toiletries

Imagine the freedom of the open road, the thrill of discovering new landscapes, and the joy of immersing yourself in nature's wonders. This self-drive holiday through Croatia's stunning national & nature parks offers all this and more.

Starting in Zagreb, you'll journey through the lush greenery of Plitvice and Krka, the rocky karst landscapes of Paklenica and Biokovo, and the historic cities of Split and Šibenik. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to stop at beautiful Croatian beaches for a refreshing swim.

This holiday is not just about the destinations, but also the journey. With a rental car at your disposal, you have the freedom to explore Croatia at your own pace, not just the predetermined itinerary, but also the hidden gems you'll find along the way. The diversity of Croatia's national parks, from emerald lakes to rugged peaks, ensures a rich and varied experience.

At Walking Holidays Croatia, we strive to make your holiday as hassle-free as possible. We take care of all accommodation bookings and provide a detailed itinerary handout with GPS routes and tips for locations and other useful information. Should you need any assistance during your trip, our support is just a phone call away.

So why wait? Embrace the freedom of the open road, immerse yourself in the beauty of Croatia's national parks, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is what the name suggests, there is no guide that is breathing down your neck. As provided by us, it is a unique and flexible vacation option that allows you to explore the picturesque landscapes of Croatia at your own pace.


We take care of all the logistical details for you — we book your accommodations, supply a comprehensive itinerary with descriptions of routes, highlights along the way, and any other vital information you might need for your adventure. This itinerary is accompanied by GPS navigation via an easy-to-use app to ensure you can explore freely without worrying about getting lost. And to provide you with peace of mind, we also offer 24/7 support throughout your holiday, ensuring assistance is always just a call away if you need help during your journey.


This setup allows you to enjoy the beauty and culture of Croatia while maintaining a certain degree of freedom and flexibility in your schedule, making for a truly personalised travel experience.

Ideal times to embark on a walking holiday along the Croatian coast and islands are the shoulder months of May, June, September, and October. During these periods, the climate is optimal for hiking and exploring stunning coastal landscapes. If you’re a fan of swimming, the summer months provide warmer sea temperatures for a refreshing dip. However, the higher temperatures during these months can make walking more strenuous.

Absolutely, we understand that everyone has unique dietary needs and we aim to cater for them. Most places we visit can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions. However, it is crucial that you inform us of any food restrictions or allergies in advance so we can ensure your needs are met throughout your holiday.

Many of our holidays are suitable for children. However, certain more challenging trips, such as those involving mountain hiking, may require children to be physically prepared and sure-footed. For the safety and enjoyment of younger participants, we recommend they be at least eight years old to join the tours.

Our walking holidays are crafted to accommodate a wide range of fitness levels. We offer flexibility to adjust the tours as needed. While you do not necessarily need prior hiking experience, it’s beneficial to be sure-footed and equipped with sturdy hiking shoes. The only exception is our Hut to Hut hiking holiday, which is more demanding but fully guided, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

We arrange for our guests to stay in a mix of hotels and private accommodations, depending on the specific holiday and the region of Croatia being explored.

Yes, we strongly recommend booking in advance. Early booking not only secures your spot but also provides you with a wider range of options. Please note that if you book just prior to or during the season, we may not be able to guarantee availability in certain hotels and apartments.

Croatia is well-connected by air, with international airports in major cities like Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, and Pula. Alternatively, you can also reach Croatia by train or bus from various European cities, or by car if you’re touring from a neighbouring country. If you’re travelling from a further distance, connecting flights via major European airports are usually available.

All available guidance options

Self-guided

Are you looking for a good adventure and limitless flexibility? Then you should try out a self-guided tour, perfect for independent explorers who want to set their own pace. Without the need to stick to a group schedule, you’re free to linger at scenic viewpoints while the logistics are taken care of in advance.

HASSLE-FREE

We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy a carefree hike.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

TRIED & TESTED ADVENTURES

Only the best walking tours in Croatia, cherry-picked by our team with an in-depth knowledge of the region.

UNBEATABLE SUPPORT

Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.

from 790 € /person
Discover the joy of our self-guided walking holidays in Croatia — from leisurely walks along the Dalmatian coast to adventurous hiking in the national parks.

Have questions? Talk to us.

Anja Hajnšek
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