Croatia is known for its gorgeous coastline strewn with islands, but the country packs a punch with its hiking opportunities too.

Set off on easy forest hikes right outside the capital or walk across rugged mountain wilderness on multiday treks. Roam through wooded national parks for close-up views of splendid waterfalls and multicolored lakes. Or, ascend colossal mountains for sublime views of the coastline.

Croatia’s diverse hiking options are the country’s best-kept secret. Here are top 5:

1. The best national park hike: Plitvice Lakes

With its dazzling series of 16 crystalline lakes, cascading waterfalls, limestone cliffs, deep canyons, and shady forests, Croatia’s oldest and largest national park is a delightful place to roam. For a full lake and forest experience, go for Program C, a circular loop that starts from Entrance 1.

2. The best multiday hike: Premužićeva Staza, Velebit

The mighty Velebit is a hiker's dream: a pristine wilderness of alpine grasslands, deep canyons, and old-growth forests where bears, wolves, deer, and lynx roam. The Premužić trail, starting from the Zavižan mountain refuge and ending in the village of Baške Oštarije, winds its way through this stunning scenery while boasting glorious coastal views.

3. The best island hike: Vidova Gora, Brač

Brač is home to The Golden Cape (Zlatni Rat), Croatia's most photographed beach so seeing this stunner from the highest point on all of Croatia’s Adriatic islands, Vidova Gora (at 778m/2552ft), is worth every hot minute of the trek.

4. The best hike for spectacular views: Mount Srđ, Dubrovnik

You can’t beat the picture-postcard view of Dubrovnik’s walled old town from the top of Mount Srđ, which rises sharply from the coast at 412m (1352ft). To give the hike that extra touch, head out in the late afternoon or early evening so you can catch the sunset from the top.

5. The best city hike: Medvednica Mountain, Zagreb

Looming over Zagreb from the north like a verdant frame, Medvednica Mountain is the locals’ beloved escape. It has 70 mountain trails, for all levels of fitness and hiking styles, while the highest peak Sljeme, standing at 1035m (3396ft) above sea level, boasts some pretty amazing views of the city below.

#discovercroatia #thisiscroatia #yescroatia #visitcroatia #croatiatravel #croatiafulloflife #croatiafullofnature #naturelovers #adventuretravel #adventurejunkies #croatianadventures

‍