Best hikes in Croatia

The 7 Best Hikes In Croatia

Croatia is home to incredible natural beauty, and it doesn’t end at the coast. Make your way inland to experience these best hikes in Croatia.

From towering island peaks to the Velebit mountain range, you’ll want to bring your camera to snap a photo or two of these views.

Best hikes in Croatia’s mountainsHow do these rankings work?

1. Via Dinarica Croatia

Via Dinarica is a long-distance hiking trail that actually spans from Slovenia to Albania, but the Croatia section is not to be missed. There are options to hike among Croatia’s best peaks, hills and coastline. Organize a self-guided day hike or plan a week around it.

Best hikes in Croatia

2. Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes are so popular for a reason. The waterfalls are beautiful and the walk around them is easy for any level of hiker. Visit during fall or spring for lesser crowds, and don’t forget to take water with you even though it’s a less strenuous walk.

Best hikes Croatia

3. Paklenica National Park

This national park is best known for hiking and climbing thanks to its towering karst canyon walls. There’s also a cave, Manita Peć, worth booking a tour to see. Consider a multisport trip here.

Best hikes in Croatia

4. Krka National Park

Krka is actually home to waterfalls similar to those of Plitvice Lakes, but it is best-known for Skradinski Buk, a waterfall flanked by traditional watermills. Apart from taking in the natural setting, make the trek to Krka Monastery which is built above Roman catacombs.

5. Bijele&Samarske Stijene

Located near Krka National Park, this small nature reserve, White and Samarske Rocks, is home to incredible limestone spire-like formations. So, hike in and be ready to climb up. You’ll be rewarded with great views of the rock formations all around you.

6. Biokovo Nature Park

Located along the Dalmatian coast, Biokovo is the second-highest mountain range in the country. So this means you will surely be rewarded with beautiful views of the Adriatic below. If you want a challenge, climb the highest peak, Sveti Jure.

For sure one of the best hikes in Croatia!

7. Medvednica Nature Park

This nature park is located just behind Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, and is even accessible by public transport.  It’s an easy outlet for some time in nature to escape the city if you only have a few hours. So, hike to Slejme, the highest peak, which is still an easy trail for most hikers.

Molly Harris

Molly Harris is a freelance travel journalist dividing her time between the United States and the Western Balkans.

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