Getting Oriented
With over 3,600 miles of coastline, more than 7,000 mountain peaks, upwards of 1,2000 islands, and eight national parks, Croatia is an excellent choice for an active trip. Inland, you can find wetlands, river gorges, and waterfalls for walking, hiking, and cycling. Along the coast, you can kayak, paddleboard, and sail, plus cycle and hike through picturesque islands and peninsulas. Luckily, the weather in Croatia's southern region is mild, meaning that, with the right gear, you can plan an active trip to the country any time of the year.
Water Sports
With a long stretch of coastline and so many islands, water sports dominate Croatia's active scene. You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and more in the calm waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Paddleboarding in Kornati National Park
Kornati's archipelago includes 140 islands—the perfect environment for exploring on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). You'll first enjoy an introductory course to get comfortable with balancing on your board, then you'll head out along the smooth channels of the Adriatic. Along the way, pass jagged cliffs, idyllic coves, and pebbled beaches. Stop at an island or two to discover treasures, such as the 70-year-old stone movie-set village on Mana Island. Read More
Sea Kayaking in Pakleni Islands
The shape of the Pakleni Islands is perfect for weaving a kayak in and out of scenic coves, bays, and beaches. Leaving Hvar Town, you'll make your way around the wooded islands, known for their laid-back vibes and quaint coastal villages. Stop to enjoy a swim, relax on the sandy shore, or walk around a buzzy marina. Read More
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Cycling
Whether you want gentle plains or hilly countryside, Croatia has it all. As a bonus, you can cycle to scenic viewpoints and through vineyards, stopping to taste a few varietals along the way.
Hvar Cycling Tour
Bike one of Hvar's numerous cycling routes, passing through the rural side of the island. You'll start in Stari Grad and bike within the Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site established by the Greeks in the 4th century BCE. Cycle through lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyards while stopping at remote hamlets, scenic vistas, and popular coastal villages like Jelsa and Vrboska. Read More
Cycling & Wine Tasting on Korčula
Explore the island of Korčula on a bike, stopping to view scenic vistas, relax on peddled beaches, and taste some of Croatia's best wine. Korčula is known for two heritage grapes that grow well on the island's rocky soil: Grk white wine and Plavac Mali red. Because of the harsher island conditions, the wine has distinct tastes beloved by locals and visiting wine enthusiasts. After tasting a few varietals, sit down for a meal and end your day relaxing on the beach. Read More
Hiking & Offroading
Rugged islands and beloved national parks create an ideal environment for hiking and walking excursions. Visit some of the country's most popular spots or get off the beaten path and find some hidden viewpoints.
Hiking to Brač Island's Hidden Spots
Discover hidden gems on Brač Island by hiking the trail between the village of Dol and Vidova Mountain. Along the way, you'll pass numerous natural and cultural sights, including archaeological monuments, breathtaking viewpoints, and protected natural phenomena. One highlight is the 16th-century Blaca Monastery. Built into the surrounding karst rock, it's the most preserved Renaissance hermitage monastery. You'll also enjoy incredible views of the surrounding islands (including Hvar and Vis) and a traditional lunch at a local estate. Read More
Hike on Rab Island
Choose from several hiking routes on Croatia's second-greenest island, Rab Island. The Premužićeva Path 1 route is a popular choice, running along the island's ridge and through the Lopar Peninsula to the hamlet of Matići. Otherwise, several moderate routes take you through the Dundovo Woods and over the Kalifront Peninsula for swimming, but the king of views is the far more challenging trek Kamenjak—but the scenery is worth it! Read More
Walking Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest and most popular in Croatia, and for a good reason. This fairytale-like natural oasis offers 16 emerald lakes, 90 powerful cascades, several caves, and dense forests. It's a great day trip or overnight excursion from multiple places in the country at any time of the year. Luckily, it's near several cities, including Zagreb, Zadar, and Rijeka, so you can easily spend a half or full day at Plitvice, enjoying a picnic lunch amongst serene nature. Read More
Hvar Offroad Tour
Visitors of all ages enjoy this off-roading experience as you traverse the scenic island of Hvar and savor the views. Highlights of the excursion include the 16th-century village of Malo Grablje, the lavender scents surrounding Velo Grablje, time relaxing on Soline Beach, and views of Stari Grad (Croatia's oldest township) from atop Vidikovac. Enjoy a traditional lunch along the way and opt for a visit to the famously steep vineyard terraces. Read More
Crafting the Perfect Active Itinerary in Croatia
Active excursions blend seamlessly into any Croatian itinerary. In every corner of the country, you'll find national parks, coastlines, rivers, lakes, or valleys to enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, climbing, and more. Of course, some activities require half-day or full-day commitments, so they can take up a lot of your time. To enjoy your active itinerary, you'll want to plan for at least one week, with two weeks being the better option. This way, you can combine a few different regions and experiences, giving yourself time to rest or travel in between activities.
To avoid backtracking too much, many visitors opt to fly into Zagreb and out of Dubrovnik, or vice versa. Some popular regional combinations include Zagreb, Zadar, Dalmatia; Zagreb, Istria, Zadar; and Zagreb, Split, Dalmatia. All these areas are excellent hubs for active, outdoor excursions in Croatia.
Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following itineraries that include active experiences in Croatia: