Overview
The southern Dalmatian Coast is often referred to as the Jewel of the Adriatic. Discover the fascinating Old Town of Dubrovnik and the enchanting Dalmatian coastline and its islands on this walking holiday in Croatia. The Dubrovnik Coast and Islands walking tour will show you the natural beauty of the old villages in the Konavle region, the Elaphiti islands and the Mljet island national park.
Exploring the Dubrovnik coast and islands on foot offers unique opportunities to experience the stunning landscapes, unspoilt nature, crystal blue sea, medieval towns and cultural heritage that make this region one of the must-see destinations in the world.
- Dubrovnik
- Konavle and its vineyards
- Mljet Island
- Korčula Island
- Sipan Island
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Konavle
Arrival in Croatia. Complimentary transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to Konavle in the southern part of the region of Dubrovnik, where you will spend two nights, dinner is included on the first night. The area offers rolling green hills and vineyards, charming villages and rugged cliffs, stretching above the sea.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse Zlatovisce or similar in Konavle (optional upgrade: Hotel Villa Pattiera or similar)
Day 2: Konavle | 18km
Starting from your accommodation in Konavle, on your first walking day, you will explore the charming trails and villages in the Konavle area. Walk through the village, across the valley, through forests and vineyards all the way to the impressive cliffs, stretching above the sea. Return to the hotel.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse Zlatovisce or similar in Konavle (optional upgrade: Hotel Villa Pattiera or similar)
- Walking for the day: 18km, 6h, ↑399m ↓397m
Day 3: Island of Korčula | 13.5km
Transfer to the port of Dubrovnik in the morning to take the public passenger ferry at 08:05 to Korčula. Upon arrival, leave your luggage at the hotel storage room followed by a short transfer to village of Pupnat to start walking towards Korčula. Korčula is the hometown of Marco Polo, a place full of history. You can enjoy your afternoon and evening strolling the narrow streets of the Old Town.
If rough weather makes it impossible for passenger ferry to operate, you will travel between Mljet and Korčula wiht a shuttle van and on the large car ferries that operate via the mainland, creating a longer travel day.
- Accommodation: Marko Polo or similar in Korčula (optional upgrade: Hotel Korsal or similar)
- Walking for the day: 13.5km, 3-4h, ↑198m ↓512m
Day 4: Island of Mljet | 15km
Morning boat transfer from Korčula to Mljet. The walk begins from Polače village just behind a Roman palace’s ancient remains dating from the 2nd century and continues through the National Park and around the salt lakes. The walk averages around 3-4 hours, and there is the chance to swim and enjoy lunch in a local tavern or extend your hike to the highest peak in the national park area, Montokuc. In the afternoon, take the public passenger ferry back to Korčula.
- Accommodation: Marko Polo or similar in Korčula (optional upgrade: Hotel Korsal or similar)
- Walking for the day: 15km, 3-4h, ↑407m ↓407m
Day 5: Dubrovnik
Take the public passenger ferry towards Dubrovnik. After checking into your hotel, you are transferred to the centre of Dubrovnik, where you meet your local guide to take you on a tour (1.5h) through the unique Old Town, which is under UNESCO World Heritage protection. After the walking tour, you have free time to explore the rest of the town and back to the hotel on your own. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
If rough weather makes it impossible for a passenger ferry to operate, alternative travel will be arranged between Mljet and Pelješac with a shuttle van and on the large car ferries that operate via the mainland, creating a longer travel day.
- Accommodation: Hotel Perla or similar in Dubrovnik (optional upgrade: Hotel Lapad or Hotel Lero or similar)
- Walking for the day: 2h private tour of Dubrovnik Old Town
Day 6: Island of Lopud | 9.5km
Start with a transfer to Gruz port to catch a boat across to Lopud Island, a crossing of just under an hour. Nowadays Lopud is a quiet place with good beaches without cars or traffic,and home to a permanent population of under 300 people. There are reminders of the island’s more momentous maritime past with the atmospheric ruins of a fortress and palace, churches dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries and a restored Franciscan monastery. You have the day to walk around the island and explore its beaches before returning to Dubrovnik in the afternoon.
If rough weather makes it impossible for a passenger ferry to operate, you will not be able to sail to the island and do this walk.
- Accommodation: Hotel Perla or similar in Dubrovnik (optional upgrade: Hotel Lapad or Hotel Lero or similar)
- Walking for the day: 9.5km, 4h ↑316m
Day 7: Departure
Departure after breakfast. Complimentary transfer to Dubrovnik Airport.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation is in en-suite double/twin rooms mainly in small 3-star hotels and guesthouses. We have carefully hand-picked all places and regularly monitor their quality. We have tried to choose accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
Click to view default hotels
*Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Click to view upgraded hotels
*Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Accommodation is on a bed & breakfast basis. Picnic lunches are optional at an extra charge and can be ordered locally, or products for picnics can be purchased in the villages where you’ll be staying. On some days you have the option of having your lunch in a restaurant along the way and you can have dinner at your hotel or nearby restaurants. Dinner is included on day 1, in the standard accommodation.
Difficulty and terrain
This trip requires good physical condition. It is easy to moderate with a choice of shorter or longer walks on most days. The terrain varies from paved and cobblestone streets (during village exploration) to single-track trails with loose stones or gravel, rocky paths, ancient ruins, and sets of ancient stone steps. The trails are often exposed to the sun (read more about difficulty grades). We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from the beginning of April until the end of October. Traditionally April/May/June and September/October have always been the most favourite time of year because the weather is best. If you choose to visit during July and August you should be aware that temperatures may be high and make walking slightly more difficult. Please also note that Dubrovnik has become a popular travel destination and may become overcrowded in July and August. The flexibility of self guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your holiday on any date in the season. The climate is mild, Mediterranean; there are warm and dry summers and mild and pleasant winters. The average air temperature during the coldest part of the year is 6C, and during the warmest 30C. For more information, see our blog, Best time to go to Croatia.
Getting there
Inclusions
Included
- 2 overnights in Konavle
- 2 overnights in Dubrovnik
- 2 overnights in Korčula
- 6 breakfasts, 1 x dinner (on day 1, standard accommodation only)
- Information package including detailed route description (maps and route notes), a guidebook, luggage tags and vouchers for hotels.
- Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
- Ferry tickets
- Guided walking tour of Dubrovnik
- Entrance ticket to Mljet national park
- Airport transfers from/to Dubrovnik Airport on Days 1 and 7 (one arrival and one departure transfer per party)
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- A supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Extra nights along the trail are bookable upon request
- Upgraded hotels option
