The best hikes on the Croatian coast

Behind the beaches, Croatia rises fast — limestone ridges drop straight into the sea, and within an hour of most coastal towns you can be on a summit looking down on the islands. Here are the best coastal hikes, from gentle town walks to serious mountain days.

Biokovo, above Makarska

The great wall of rock behind Makarska climbs to Sv. Jure (1,762 m), with a glass Skywalk platform cantilevered over the drop. You can drive much of the way up the panoramic road, or hike from the coast for a long, rewarding day. The sea-to-summit view is the best on the coast.

Paklenica, near Zadar

On the southern flank of the Velebit massif near Zadar, Paklenica National Park packs two dramatic gorges — Velika and Mala Paklenica — into a compact, climbable area. It's Croatia's premier rock- climbing destination and laced with marked trails from easy to alpine.

Vidova Gora, Brač

The highest peak of any Adriatic island (778 m), on Brač, looks straight down on the Zlatni Rat beach with Hvar and Vis beyond. Drive or hike up — either way the view is the reward.

Marjan and Mosor, Split

Right in Split, the forested Marjan hill is an easy walk to viewpoints and chapels above the old town — a perfect sunset. For a tougher day, the Mosor and Kozjak ridges behind the city give proper mountain hiking.

Srđ, above Dubrovnik

The hill over Dubrovnik can be reached on foot up the old serpentine path or by cable car, ending at Fort Imperial with the classic view down over the walled city. Go up for sunset and walk down.

Plan your hikes around a coastal base — see our boutique & work-friendly stays, or the national parks overview for the protected ranges.