Steps Along the Dalmatia Coast | Self-Guided Hike Tour

You begin your day with a boat journey from Split to Brac Island. Upon your arrival on the island, you can choose to take the west side loop, which leads you through olive groves, the relaxed village of Sutivan, and back along the coast to Supetar, or you can opt for the easy coastal route from Lovrečina bay. Regardless of the path you select today, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the mainland and peaceful coastal trails, exploring ancient Greek and Roman ruins as well as tranquil fishing villages. One of the distinctive features of Brač Island is its limestone and stone quarries—some of the structures built from this stone include the White House in Washington D.C. and Diocletian’s Palace in Split! All the historic villages and towns on Brač Island showcase exquisite stone craftsmanship. How you spend your late afternoon is entirely your choice—you can either relax at one of the many beaches around Supetar or delve into the historical sites and local culture before heading back to Split.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking distance: 16 km (west side loop) or 14 km (from Lovrečina)
Elevation gain: 190 or 140 m
Overnight: Split

Today marks your departure for your journey to your second island in Croatia – Island Hvar. According to Traveller Magazine, it is recognized as one of the “top ten most beautiful islands in the world”! Cultural and historic landmarks, fields of lavender, crystal clear turquoise waters, and quaint villages and towns are just a few of the highlights this island has in store for its visitors. Take a sightseeing stroll through the narrow alleyways of the town of Stari Grad, which translates to The Old Town. Established in the 4th century B.C., it was among the earliest Greek colonies in the Adriatic. You can savor the numerous delightful squares, restaurants, and cafés in Stari Grad before heading to the southern coastline of Hvar Island, where you’ll find abandoned villages that were once known for their lavender and rosemary oil production. As you walk, you’ll traverse lavender fields and olive groves, discovering hidden beaches with turquoise waters, before reaching Hvar Town. In the afternoon, indulge in a well-deserved coffee or aperitif at one of the many bars in a Venetian-style piazza of Hvar Town before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking distance: 12 km
Elevation loss: 310 m
Overnight: Hvar town

After breakfast this morning, we recommend taking a walk to Fortica Španjola – the fortress situated on the hill above Hvar town, which was last renovated in the 16th century. The hike up to the fortress will provide you with unforgettable panoramic views of the city, its surroundings, and the Pakleni Islands. Inside the fortress, you will also find a museum featuring a collection of amphorae and various antique artifacts from the Middle Ages. If you’re looking for some genuine beach time, you can catch a taxi boat to the Pakleni Islands, a small yet beautiful archipelago located directly across from Hvar town, where you can enjoy swimming in secluded bays and savor a lovely lunch with a view of the Adriatic! In the late afternoon, you will set off by boat to Korčula town, where you will stay for the next two days.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking distance: 2 – 3 km
Elevation gain: 100 m
Overnight: Korčula town

Today you will be discovering Island Korčula!  

This island is recognized as the birthplace of Marco Polo, the renowned world explorer, and the location where his silk road commenced.  

Korčula was once a Greek colony, established in the 4th century and referred to as Korkyra Melaina (Black Korčula).  Currently, the island is acclaimed for producing some of the finest Croatian white wines—Pošip and Grk.   The hike you will undertake today will guide you through the nature park, showcasing stunning rock formations and diverse wildlife.  The walk is quite calming, set in an unusual yet delightful landscape typical of the Dalmatian karst region.  This area features dolomite rock formations and is richly forested.  Your trek through the nature park will lead you to the historic Napoleon path.  You will stroll past olive groves, small vineyards, and trails surrounded by sage, oregano, and other healthy herbs.  The hike concludes in the village of Pupnat, where you can opt to indulge in a distinctive lunch prepared by the Farac family.  Most of the ingredients they incorporate into their dishes are locally grown, often sourced from the fields you have traversed.  In the afternoon, you can explore the town of Korčula, wandering through its cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and various architectural wonders crafted in Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking distance: 11 km  –  Long Option: 23 km
Elevation gain: 360 m
Overnight: Korčula town

The day kicks off with a brief boat journey to the Pelješac Peninsula and the town of Orebić. Founded in the 15th century as part of the Republic of Dubrovnik (Ragusa), Orebić boasts a rich history. Renowned for its maritime tradition and seafarers, the town is dotted with lovely stone villas that once belonged to prominent sea captains, which can still be seen today. Your hike begins in Orebić, winding along the southern slopes of Mt. Ilija, where you’ll pass by tranquil vineyards and the historic Franciscan monastery while enjoying stunning views of Korčula and the Pelješac archipelago. When you reach the coastline, stroll along the waterfront through the village of Kučište as you head towards Viganj, a well-known spot for windsurfing.  Later in the afternoon, you will travel to the mainland, passing through Ston, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the second longest city walls in Europe, ancient salt pans, and the significant role this region played in the 14th century for the Republic of Dubrovnik. After a brief stop, your journey will continue to the “Pearl of the Adriatic” – the city of Dubrovnik, where you will spend your final evening of the tour!

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking distance: 9 km  –  Optional: 4 km to walk the Ston walls
Elevation gain: 226 m
Overnight: Dubrovnik

After having breakfast today, you might take a stroll through the historic old town of Dubrovnik, with its marble streets and Baroque architecture, to explore the fascinating history of the once-significant Republic of Dubrovnik. This walk will mark the end of your adventure along the Dalmatian coast, leaving you prepared to head home, having gained a deeper appreciation for this small yet stunning Mediterranean nation!