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Walking Tours

Walking the Dalmatian Coast

Croatia

7 nights 2 Departures Available

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Discover the treasures of the Dalmatian Coast on foot as you ramble from topaz shores and ancient port towns to snaking river gorges and fortress-topped peaks

Overview

Croatia’s coveted Dalmatian Coast is a walker’s paradise, blessed with craggy clifftop paths that showcase views over the shimmering Adriatic Sea. The base for this group walking tour is the harbour town of Makarska, where you can wander along a palm-fringed promenade while boats bob in the marina and the hulking mounds of the Biokovo Mountains loom overhead. Laze on pebbly beaches perfect for bathing in mirror-clear waters and sip coffee in street-side cafés lined with red-roofed houses and bell-towered churches.

Taste the salt-laced air and savour the sun on your face during gentle daily walks that reveal dramatic Dalmatian scenery. Your group will explore flower-filled botanical gardens and conquer the 1,762-metre-high Sveti Jure Mountain, located in the wilds of Biokovo Nature Park. Medieval history awaits in the coastal town of Omiš, which is shadowed by the 15th-century Starigrad Fortress and lies along the banks of the Cetina River. Follow the river on foot as it carves its way through a limestone gorge, floating back by boat beneath soaring karsts.

There’s plenty of time to relax en route, with photo stops and lazy picnic lunches at panoramic beauty spots, as well as evening meals in rustic Croatian taverns where you can feast on fresh seafood chased by the region’s traditional fruit brandy, rakija. Relish an entirely free day to bask on the beach, sail to the far-flung islands of Brač and Hvar, or take a scenic trip up the coast to UNESCO-listed Split for Roman palaces, cathedrals and historic squares.

Highlights

  • Wander some of Europe’s most spectacular coastal trails
  • Discover the rich biodiversity of Biokovo Nature Park
  • Visit the great old port of Omiš and its clifftop fort
  • Explore the Cetina River gorge on foot and by boat
  • Reward yourself with refreshing post-walk swims
  • Embrace Makarska’s social café culture
Walking The Dalmatian Coast Map 2024

Itinerary

Day 1 - Fly to Split

Fly to Split and transfer to the Hotel Park in Makarska for seven nights. 

Day 2 - Transfer to Makar for a garden visit and coastal walk

Botanic Garden & Coastal Walk. After breakfast we take a short transfer to Makar, then enjoy a perfect introduction to the area walking at the foot of the Biokovo Mountains. This superb panoramic walk offers amazing views of Makarska Bay and the islands of Brac and Hvar. We will stop to visit a local botanical garden showcasing mountain plants and flowers, before finishing the walk along a lovely stretch of coastal trail that culminates with an opportunity to swim in the Adriatic Sea. There will be an evening brief with your tour leader, followed by a welcome dinner.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 10kms (6.25 miles). Elevation: 150m ascent/150m descent.

Day 3 - Enjoy a mountain walk below Sveti Jure

Sveti Jure Mountain Walk. In the morning, transfer to start a superb walk below the summit of Sveti Jure, the highest peak in the Biokovo Nature Park at 1762m. You’ll enjoy great mountain scenery as well as spectacular coastal views of the Adriatic from the viewpoints of Vosok and Sinjal. After the walk, transfer back to Makarska.
(B)

Walking distance: 6kms (3.75 miles). Elevation: 110m ascent/210m descent.

Day 4 - Walk and explore the old port of Omiš

Omiš Coastal Walk. After a short transfer, we set off on a very scenic walk towards the Starigrad fortress perched above the great old port of Omiš. Built in the early 15th century the fortress sits at the last prominent point on the south-eastern end of the undulated mountain ridge, protecting the settlement through history with its extensive views over the entire Brač channel and the Cetina hinterland. The route descends to the bank of Cetina River to finish in the old quarter of Omiš, perfect for a spot of exploring and a drink in one of the many cafés and bars.
(B)

Walking distance: 10kms (6.25 miles). Elevation: 310m ascent/340m descent.

Day 5 - Spend the day at leisure to relax or explore

Free Day. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Makarska and discover its picturesque harbour, St Mark’s church and the local pebble beach. Alternatively take an optional trip to Split, the second largest city of Croatia, to visit the Diocletian palace, churches and squares, or a boat excursion to the island Brac or Hvar off the coast from Makarska.
(B)

Day 6 - Travel to Gornja Brela for a scenic walk to Baska Voda village

Gornja Brela to Baska Voda. After breakfast, transfer to Gornja Brela at an altitude of 400m. From there you will take what is possibly the most spectacular walk of the week, following the Napoleon track with its wonderful mix of mountain and coastal scenery. The walk finishes at the coast in the village of Baska Voda, with the opportunity for a swim or a potter.
(B)

Walking distance: 8kms (5 miles). Elevation: 100m ascent/280m descent.

Day 7 - Walk along the Cetina River Gorge and cruise along the river

Cetina River Gorge Walk and Cruise. Transfer to Omiš for a memorable walk along the Cetina River gorge. For centuries the river was harnessed to operate water mills along its banks and the stone buildings can still be seen today. A gentle boat trip takes us back along the river to Omiš, a medieval town dating to the Middle Ages with the remains of its fortifications still visible today in the tower on Fosal, various cliff dwellings, and the ruins of the Fortica fortress on the hill above. Return to Makarska for a farewell group dinner.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 8kms (5 miles). Elevation: 140m ascent/310m descent.

Day 8 - Fly home from Split

Transfer to Split airport for your return flight to London.
(B)

Notes:

Some walks may occasionally need to be altered or replaced in the event of adverse weather conditions.

Unique Experience

Accommodation

Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.

Hotel Park, Makarska, Croatia, Exterior

Hotel Park - Makarska

A chic 4-star hotel next to a pebble beach and just a short stroll along the promenade to Makarska’s lively centre. Restaurant, indoor and outdoor pool, spa, bar, sun terrace. 105 air-conditioned rooms with sea or mountain views, hairdryer, safe, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

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