1st March 2018; Summer in Croatia isn’t far off and soon, millions of tourists will be setting their sights to Croatia in search of the best destinations, attraction and activities. In our new series on TCN, Things to Do in Croatia, we will be working with local partners to bring you the very best of what to do in this diverse country. This week, the winter ‘cushion’ has got us thinking about getting active again, so we are teaming up with AndAdventure to share the ‘Top 5 Active Tours in Dalmatia’ for 2018.
The snow outside my window makes it difficult to envision that summer is on its way but this is not a typical picture of the sunny Dalmatia. Since living in Croatia, one thing I am coming to love more and more, is just how close to nature we are. Within 30-minutes to an hour in any direction, I could be hiking up a mountainside, biking, kayaking, swimming, walking along the river… The diversity of nature and terrain makes it an active paradise. See the video below for a little inspiration…
After being stuck indoors for the last week, I am already craving outdoor activity which is why, this week, to get my mind moving to where my body wants to be, I teamed up with AndAdventure and asked them to share some of their favourite active tours. Ready, set, let’s go…
1. Sea Kayak the Pakleni islands
The beauty of Split is that as well as being a destination in and of itself, it is also a gateway to some of Dalmatia’s highlight destinations; making it the perfect spot to set up base and explore. In just 45-minutes on the catamaran, you can be in Hvar town on the island of Hvar and from there, we have a beautiful adventure activity idea for you – sea kayaking around the Pakleni islands.
View of the Pakleni islands from Hvar
Kayaking the Pakleni islands is one of Croatia’s most popular half-day kayak tours and for good reason. The Pakleni lie directly in front of Hvar town like a gorgeous emerald necklace; they are a collection of islands and islets which make them perfect for exploring. During the tour, there is time to swim, snorkel, relax, enjoy a coffee or drink at one of the gorgeous beach bars the Pakleni is well-known for.
You need a medium level of fitness for this kayaking tour which takes 3 – 4 hours but this includes the swim-breaks and even a light lunch at one of the beach restaurants. As you paddle, there will be several stops and the guide will also talk to you about the history and area. The beauty of doing a kayaking tour is that you are in nature, exploring a highlight attraction yet away from all the crowds. I have done a kayaking tour before and I was amazed how quickly I fell into a rhythm paddling and how much more in-tune I was with my surroundings, I have no doubt you will consider it an afternoon well-spent and make some treasured memories.
This tour starts from the 1st April – 31st October (10 am tour) and from the 15th June – 15th September an afternoon tour (3 pm) is offered. Click here for full details.
2. Hiking the Lost Villages of Hvar
On a regular basis, I hear tourists and travellers asking for ‘a unique, away from the crowds, experience’; discovering small villages and the inner-parts of the islands is the perfect answer to this. This tour starts in Hvar town and, after meeting the guide, there is a 20-minute drive to the first stop – the village of Velo Grablje.
Upon arrival in Velo Grablje, you will be met by stunning views out over the island and towards the glittering Adriatic. Velo Grablje was once the centre of lavender production in all of Dalmatia and today, still hosts a lavender festival, so if you do this tour between the months of June and July, you may be met with a picturesque view of lavender in bloom – not to mention the relaxing aromas. From Velo Grablje you will hike towards Malo Grablje, following an old medieval trail which used to be the main road between Hvar and Stari Grad. Along the way, you can absorb the natural surroundings and ponder on simpler times… The first part of the walk takes around one hour before arriving at Malo Grablje – a tiny ghost village which is all but abandoned since the 1960’s when the villagers moved to Milna. Abandoned, except for one traditional konoba (tavern) which is where you will have lunch, does it get more authentic or off-the-beaten-path than dining in an abandoned village?
After lunch, the walk continues to the town of Milna where the tour ends or, you can opt for the extension (another 2 hours) and walk back to Hvar town. Along the walk, you will have incredible views and your guide will tell you about the way life was, point out medical herbs and so much more. A beautiful afternoon, far removed from the crowds. Read more here.
3. Inland Dalmatian Mountain Bike Tour
This time, we take to exploring by bikes where you will discover the hidden beauty of the Dalmatian hinterland. I have spent the last five years sailing up and down the Dalmatian coast but now that I live in Croatia, I have learned that inland Dalmatia hides a vast array of treasures.
This tour takes you along great areas of untouched nature beneath the Dinara mountain range, by the lush Cetina and Krčić rivers, the Glavas river spring, Krčić waterfalls and leaves you breathless (literally and metaphorically) at the 9th-century fortress which stands high above the town of Knin and offers phenomenal views. After a long day of biking and then exploring the fortress by foot, you will be rewarded with lunch in a local restaurant before heading back to Split.
A medium-level of fitness is required for the regular tour or there is an advanced option for the advanced. For more information on both of these tours, click here.
4. Trail Running and Dalmatia Ultra Trail
Now we are going to take it up a notch in the activity and adventure portfolio – how about a one-day private trail running tour, which takes you through a UNESCO Heritage site and offers incredible views of the surrounding area and islands. Or, you can do a 7-day trail running experience, which finishes with the Dalmatia Ultra Trail (DUT) at the end of the week.
Trail running is becoming increasingly popular in Croatia and it is no surprise when, in the space of a few days, you can visit mountains, rivers, canyons, lakes, different islands and even UNESCO heritage sites. One of my very good friends is an ultra-runner and he swears that running through a destination is the best way to see, feel and experience it. I might not be at that elite level but there is something to be said for physically experiencing your environment.
The 7-day trail running experience begins in Split with a warm-up run around Marjan park and getting to know the guides and group. The next day, it is off to island Brač where you will begin the run on the most famous beach in Croatia – Zlatni Rat, before tackling the highest summit among all the Croatian islands – Vidova Gora which stands at 778 m, from the peak you will visit a 16th Century Monastery.
Then it is on to the pearl of the Adriatic – Dubrovnik and your run will begin in the famed old town of Dubrovnik before climbing the Srđ hill to give phenomenal views over the old town and surrounding islands. The following day it is on to Makarska where you will enjoy the Biokovo Nature Park and the best viewpoints of the Adriatic coast (at 1422 m elevation).
On day 5 and 6, it is the Dalmatia Ultra Trail (100 km, 60 km, 20 km) before farewells on day 7 after an epic week. Click here for more information on the full week.
The famous Zlatni Rat beach, your starting point on island Brac. Credit: Romulic and Stojcic
5. Rock Climbing Adventures
So far, we have been kayaking, hiking, biking, running and now it is time for a little more adrenaline and upper-body strength with a rock climbing adventure! You have the option of rock climbing in Split or in Hvar.
This tour suits both those with experience or absolute beginners, it is a 4-hour tour where you will learn the basics – how to climb, belay, use the gear and enjoy. There are literally dozens of climbing routes and how advanced or how many you do, depends on you. You can find more information about rock climbing here.
There you have it, five varied and unique ways to experience Croatia through active tours. For more information on a wide range of activities and tours visit the AndAdventure website here or check out their Facebook.
