3 Of The Best Hikes To Enjoy In Beautiful Croatia This Summer

Croatia is renowned for its idyllic beaches, stretching along its coastline and islands, but also offers amazing hiking opportunities. Travelers can take a leisurely stroll in the forests just outside the country‘s capital. Meanwhile, its national parks feature lovely waterfalls, lakes and forests, and mountains to reveal panoramic views of the coastline. Let’s have a look at three of the best hikes to enjoy in Croatia on a summer vacation.

1. Hike Plitvice Lakes in Croatia

Length: 5 km (5 mi) round trip
Skill set: easy to moderate

One of the best national park hikes in Croatia takes you past the iconic Plitvice Lakes. With its 16 turquoise, crystal-clear lakes, beautiful waterfalls, deep canyons and lined with limestone cliffs, this oldest and largest national park is among the best for hikers.

Admittedly, the lakes tend to steal the show, but this national park also offers amazing forests. Hikers can explore among silver pine, beech fir, spruce and hop hornbeam trees along eight different hiking routes.

For the full lake and forest experience, hikers should try Program C, a circular loop starting from Entrance 1. This gives the opportunity to visit the lower and upper Plitvice Lakes and their gorgeous waterfalls. However, this particular hiking route includes a short ride on an electric boat, as well as a panoramic train ride back to the start.

Bear in mind that it is almost impossible to avoid crowds of visitors at Plitvice Lakes. However, should you start out early in the morning, you could have the chance to gaze at its spectacular beauty before the crowds arrive.

2. Mountain hike on the Premužić trail, Velebit

Length: 57 km (35.5 mi) – 3-4 days
Skill Set: Moderate to difficult

The stark and beautiful Velebit Mountain is a dream for hikers, with its alpine grasslands, old-growth forests and deep canyons. Here, wildlife like lynx, wolves, bears and deer are regularly spotted. Meanwhile, the Premužić trail starts from the Zavižan mountain refuge and ends in the village of Baške Oštarije with incredible views along the way.

The first 16 km (10 mi) head through Northern Velebit National Park and its karst peaks and sinkholes. It then continues through Rožanski Kukovi, with its landscape of towers, domes and limestone cliffs. Meanwhile, the hiking trail continues to Velebit Nature Park, a beautiful biosphere reserve. Here, 2,000 plant species can be seen including some rate plans like Croatian grassy bells and the window bellflower.

While it isn’t possible to camp in the wild on Velebit, a number of mountain huts and shelters are available along the way. Some of these are basic, but others are quite comfortable and can be pre-booked.

3. Island hike at Vidova Gora, Brač

Length: 10.6 km (6.6 mi) round strip, 3-5 hours
Skill level: Moderate

This gorgeous hiking trail visits the Golden (Cape Zlatni Rat) beach on Brač Island and is Croatia’s most photographed location. This beautiful fine pebble beach lines the Adriatic and can be seen from the highest point on the country’s Adriatic Islands, Vidova Gora.

The hiking trail starts in Bol, a seaside town on the island’s southern coast. Meanwhile, it heads on a road leading to a quarry above the town and along a rocky trail and pine forest. It gradually heads up a steady incline with switchbacks as you arrive at the top.

After experiencing the panoramic views from Vidova Gora, head back to Bol to enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear Adriatic waters.

Experience these and other amazing hikes in Croatia this summer. More details are available on the country’s official tourism website.