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.
- The Old Town of Dubrovnik
- Konavle and its vineyards
- Mljet Island
- Sipan Island
Click to view map
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 the first two nights. The area offers rolling green hills and vineyards, charming villages and rugged cliffs, stretching above the sea.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse Zlatovisce or similar in Konavle
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
- Walking for the day: 18km, 6h, ↑399m
Day 3: Island of Lopud | 10km
After breakfast you will have a transfer to Gruz port to catch a boat across to Lopud Island, a crossing of just under an hour. Nowadays Lopud is a charming and relatively quiet place with good beaches and without cars or traffic, home to a permanent population of under 300 people. In the past however, Lopud was a very important port, with great strategic importance – in the 17th century it is said to have had a population of 14,000 people, mostly involved in seafaring. Formally part of the Republic of Dubrovnik, from the 18th to the early 20th centuries, the French, English and Austrians took turns controlling this strategically located little island. Nowadays 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 will have the day to walk around the island and enjoy 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, Guesthouse Amfora or similar
- Walking for the day: 10km, 3h, ↑316m
Day 4: Island of Šipan | 14km
You will set out from the main port of Dubrovnik by local boat to Šipan, the largest of the famous Elafiti islands. The island has a rich cultural heritage and is perfect for walking with its vineyards, olive groves and pine forests. You will start your walk from Sudjuradj and head inland all the way up to the other settlement on the island, Luka Šipanska. Historically Šipan was a residential place of Dubrovnik patricians. If you follow the road from port Sudjuradj along the vineyards and olive trees to the Luka port, you will pass by old churches, summer residential palaces, beautiful pine forests, and hidden bays. Upon arrival in Luka, you can have lunch in some local tavern. Late afternoon return to the port of Sudjuradj where the boat departs to Dubrovnik.
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, Guesthouse Amfora or similar
- Walking for the day: 14km, 4h, ↑252m (+ optional extra walks around the island)
Day 5: Island of Mljet | 9km
Mljet, often called “the green island” because of its lush vegetation it is a pearl in the Adriatic and one of the eight Croatian National Parks. As on Šipan, there is a clear blue sea, numerous bays, beaches and cliffs, and two lovely salt lakes – warm even in early spring.
The day starts with a bus transfer to the port of Dubrovnik, from where you will take a boat to Polace on Mljet (1.5h). The walking begins at the village of Polace behind ancient remains of a Roman palace dating from the 2nd century and continues through the National Park and around the salt lakes. The walk averages around 3-4h, and there is the chance to swim and enjoy lunch at a local tavern before your return to Polace. Overnight in Polace, Mljet.
If rough weather makes it impossible for a passenger ferry to operate, you will travel between Pelješac and Mljet with a shuttle van and on the large car ferries that operate via the mainland, creating a longer travel day.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse in Mljet (Stražičić or similar)
- Walking for the day: 9km, 4h, ↑290m
Day 6: Island of Mljet | 15km
Walk in the national park and hike to the highest peak of the island, Montokuc hill, offering great views of the island and the Dalmatian coast.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse in Mljet (Stražičić or similar)
- Walking for the day: 15km, 4-5h, ↑215m
Day 7: Dubrovnik
After breakfast you will take the public passenger ferry towards Dubrovnik. After after checking into your hotel you will have organized transfer towards center of Dubrovnik, where you will met you local expert for history and culture of Dubrovnik. Local guide will take you on a tour up to 2 hours through the unique Old town which is under UNESCO World heritage protection. After walking tour you will have free time to explore rest of town and back to hotel on your own. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
If rough weather makes it impossible for a passenger ferry to operate, you will travel 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, Guesthouse Amfora or similar
- Walking for the day: 2h private tour of Dubrovnik Old Town
Day 8: 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
Possible In-Style hotel upgrade (4-star hotels in Cavtat and Dubrovnik) on B&B basis (excludes the dinner on Day 1). Due to the high cost and limited availability of accommodations in Dubrovnik, single and solo supplements for the upgraded hotels are only available upon request, subject to availability. Sample upgraded hotels*:
- Boutique Hotel Villa Pattiera, Remisens Hotel Albatros or similar 4-star hotel in Cavtat
- Odisej, Stražičić or similar 3-star hotel/guesthouse in Mljet
- Prijeko Palace, Lero or similar 4-star hotel in Dubrovnik
*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. You can have dinner at your hotel or nearby restaurants.
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 March until 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.
Getting there
Inclusions
Included
- 2 overnights in Konavle (guesthouse)
- 3 overnights in Dubrovnik (hotel 3* or guesthouse)
- 2 overnights in Mljet (guesthouse)
- 7 breakfasts, 1 x dinner (on Day 1)
- 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
- Airport transfers from/to Dubrovnik Airport on Days 1 and 8 (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
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
- In-Style hotel upgrade
- Entrance fee to national park Mljet, approx. EUR 15 per person, to be paid on the spot
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