Hike Croatia's Adriatic Islands - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Zagreb

Start your adventure in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll transfer to your hotel to get some rest or start exploring on your own. The city center is very walkable and streets and parks are easy to navigate on foot, with all the main attractions and restaurants within walking distance.

In the afternoon, you’ll meet your trip guide over a welcome drink to discuss the itinerary details and ask any questions you might have. You'll also get the chance to meet your fellow travelers joining the walking tour and enjoy an evening out in lively Zagreb. Just don't stay out too late—your first day of hiking starts tomorrow so an early night is recommended!

Day 2: Transfer to Plitvice Lakes, Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park

Today starts bright and early, with a 5 AM pick-up. You can catch up on some extra sleep in the van during the 2-hour transfer, or watch the scenery change as you make your way towards the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park.

 

A must-visit for any traveler to Croatia, this UNESCO-protected park is comprised of an exquisite collection of 16 glassy emerald green and blue travertine lakes, more than 90 cascading waterfalls that seemingly cover every corner of the park, and numerous caves. The terraced lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife.

 

Arriving early, you'll be some of the first to enter the park this morning and beat the crowds. Your walk will take you along the lovely wooden boardwalks along the lakes and past countless waterfalls, as you learn about local flora and fauna and the fascinating geography and geology of this mesmerizing place.

Depart the park just before lunchtime (when it gets most busy) and head to your hotel, where a home-cooked lunch awaits.  After some downtime in the afternoon, you'll join your group again for the drive to a hidden local swimming spot, where you can cool off and splash around in the beautiful river pools.

Walking distance: 9 miles (15 km) 

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Day 3: Velebit Hiking & Island Hopping, Transfer to Baška 

After breakfast, you'll join your group for a 1.5-hour transfer west to the stunning mountains of Velebit. This rugged mountain range follows the coastline of central Croatia and forms part of the Dinaric Alps. Boasting amazing views across the Adriatic, the region is full of interesting rock formations, extensive forests, and grassy peaks. Pristine, wild, and diverse, it's the perfect spot to set out on today's hike.

 

The route follows a semi-circular track along a scenic ridge, before heading to the coastline. Here a private speedboat awaits to whisk you off to discover some little-known islands of the northern Adriatic. Your captain knows the region like the back of his hand, and he'll guide you through a succession of secluded bays and islets, where you can enjoy the Adriatic Sea without the crowds.

Spend the rest of the afternoon on the boat, with plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. In the meantime, your hiking guide will drive the van and your luggage to the island of Krk, where you'll get off the boat and check into your hotel in the village of Baška. As evening falls, head out for a lively night on Krk.

Walking distance: 7 miles (12 km) 
Walking time: 4-5 hours

Day 4: Explore Krk Island

Today's hike starts directly from your hotel’s doorstep in the town of Baška. The trail takes you across the barren terrain of southern Krk, which reveals a completely different face of Croatia’s islands—one of rugged and dramatic scenery. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with sweeping 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, so your day will be highly influenced by the weather, with your guide ready to change plans and route as needed.

Return to Baška in time for a leisurely lunch in a cozy konoba (tavern) in the Old Town. Your afternoon is free to relax, swim, rent a kayak or take another hike to a scenic viewpoint above the town. As the sun goes down, cap off a busy day with a trip to the nearby towns of Krk or Vrbnik for some drinks and dinner.

Walking distance: 8 miles (13 km)

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Day 5: Transfer to Cres, Hiking & Swimming on Cres Island, Transfer to Lošinj

The early risers of your group can start the day with a truly spectacular morning hike to a beautiful viewpoint above Baška. The views of Goli Otok, Prvic Island, and the Velebit will be well worth the effort.

 

Next, it's time to bid Baška farewell as you take a short ferry ride to the neighboring island of Cres. You'll feel the immediate difference between the islands upon arrival, as Cres greets you with lush forests and the scent of pine trees and Adriatic flora. A short drive takes you to the tiny hilltop village of Lubenice to sit down to a lovely lunch in the Old Town before setting out on an hour's hike downhill to the famous Lubenice Beach. Here you’ll be rewarded with a perfect white pebbly beach and refreshing turquoise waters. 

 

After some time exploring the many secluded bays, a taxi boat takes you to the nearest harbor and saves you the hot, steep hike back to the van. After a cold beer in the nearest bar, your guide will pick you up with the van and take you on another hour's drive to the village of Veli Lošinj on the island of Lošinj. Here you can get settled into your hotel and enjoy a well-earned dinner and rest. 

Walking distance: 1.8 miles (3 km)

Walking time: 1 hour

Day 6: Coastal Walks & Villages of Lošinj

Today you'll explore more of the island of Lošinj with a day of relaxed coastal walks. After an easy-going breakfast, a ten-minute drive takes you to the trailhead. Your route skirts the rocky coast and passes past several pebbly bays, where you can stop for a refreshing swim.  Return to town for a memorable lunch at a private, family-run venue, where Martin & Romina will grill you some freshly-caught seabass.

In the afternoon, you can relax in Veli Lošinj, explore the neighboring town of Mali Lošinj, or join the group for another easy walk along the island’s west coast.

The day wraps up with some drinks in the island’s best sunset location, overlooking the town of Mali Lošinj and the pointy ridge of Osorscica—which you'll climb on tomorrow’s challenge!

 

Walking distance: 6 miles (10 km)

Walking time: 4 hours

Day 7: Hike the Peaks of Lošinj

It's another early morning today, as you meet your driver for a 30-minute transfer to the trailhead and tackle the rugged Osorscica ridge. Ascending approximately 1,640 feet (500 m), the steady climb keeps you mostly in the shade of the forest. At the top, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views over the coastlines of Lošinj, Cres, and numerous other islands.

After wrapping up your final hike of the trip, you'll drive to the tiny town of Osor for a celebratory lunch. If time permits, stop for one last swim before heading back to the van for the drive towards Zagreb. 

Reaching the Croatian capital in the early evening, get checked into your hotel and have a final gelato with your group before saying your goodbyes and spending the evening at your leisure.

 

Walking distance: 4 miles (7 km)

Walking time: 4 hours