The Best of the Dalmatian Coast
The warm waters of the Adriatic lap the southern coast of Croatia and the 1,000 or so islands which lie just offshore. From our base in the small coastal town of Baska Voda, enjoy marvellous walking options along the mainland coast, on the delightful island of Brac, and around the yawning chasm of the Cetina Gorge. There’s also a boat trip to the coastal town of Omis and walks in the foothills of the Biokovo Mountains.
What you’ll love
- Walking through the Cetina Gorge
- Taking a boat trip to the town of Omiš
- Stopping at charming coastal resorts for a dip in the Adriatic Sea
- Welcoming hotel on the Makarska Riviera
- Exploring the coves on the island of Brač
What’s included
- Return flights from London Gatwick, including baggage and transfers (flights available from other airports - price may vary)
- A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
- HF Holidays Tour Manager
- 7 nights' accommodation in Baška Voda
- 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
- All in-destination transport
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Welcome to the Dalmatian Coast. Unpack and settle in.
Today's walks use panoramic elevated paths in the foothills of the Biokovo Mountains. The views along the coast and across to the islands are superb throughout. Both walks will visit Vepric Shrine, a wooded Catholic pilgrimage site, before following the coastline along promenade to finish in Makarska.
Option 1 - Hillside villages and Makarska
Distance: 5½ miles (9km)
Total ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
Total descent: 1800 feet (540m)
In summary: Starting at the village of Bast we ascend though the village before contouring south east on a wide path with good views over the coast.Then our descent takes us through scattered pines and olive groves to reach Vepric Shrine. After a short visit we will be transported to Makarska for refreshments and an optional walk around the peninsula.
Highlight: Explore the bustling harbour of Makarska.
Option 2 - Bast village high tracks and Makarska
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Total ascent: 1,500 feet (450m)
Total descent: 2450 feet (740m)
In summary: Starting at Bast, this walk gradually ascends on a higher broad track on the flanks of the Biokovo mountains, initially in shaded forest before the views open out over Makarska. We can see the locations of walks earlier in the week on Brač and high above Makar before descending to Vepric Shrine and onto Makarska to join the easier group at the harbour.
Highlight: Superb views down to the coast and across to the islands.
The island of Brač lies approximately four miles offshore from the mainland, and is about the same size as the Isle of Wight. The island’s coastline has a series of attractive harbour villages, two of which will be visited on our walks. We travel to Brač by boat from Baška Voda harbour. We will arrive at Sumartin harbour and from here walk to a secluded cove and through olive groves to the equally attractive harbour at Povlja. Here our boat will be waiting for the return trip.
Option 1 - Island coast and harbour villages
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Total ascent: 450 feet (140m)
Total descent: 460 feet (140m)
In summary: After time to explore or enjoy a relaxed morning coffee in Sumartin, we ascend out of the town and enjoy a wide track above the east coast of the island with stunning views across to the mountains on the mainland. At the hamlet of Rasotica we see how the local inhabitants collect water where there are no natural springs, before a possible swim in the nearby picturesque cove. A good track leads us to lunch in the shade of an olive grove before walking to the north coast of the island with its basilica and harbour.
Highlight: The islands beautiful coastline with it's attractive harbour villages.
Option 2 - Island coast, terraces and harbour village
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Total ascent: 450 feet (140m)
Total descent: 460 feet (140m)
In summary: This coast to coast walk starts by following the route of the easier group with an ascent to a col for our picnic lunch before continuing to Povlja. We will have time to explore the Basilica, before taking a new route on good paths to the small harbour of Ticqa Luka, where in the past, boats moored to load stone from the adjacent quarry. The route continues around the headland with good views of the mainland before returning to Povlja, where we can perhaps enjoy a swim before catching our boat back.
Highlight: The boat journey from Baška Voda harbour to Brač
Both walks will start at the village of Makar, which sits on the hillside not far from Makarska, commanding superb views of the coast below, making their way via differing routes to Tučepi.
Option 1 - Above Kotišina via villages to Tučepi
Distance: 6 miles (9½km)
Total ascent: 500 feet (150m)
Total descent: 1,200 feet (360m)
In summary: On mostly good paths, this gentle paced walk reveals the contrasts between the traditional life at the base of the Biokovo range and the welcoming facilities of an attractive coastal resort. We visit old churches and small villages with an option to visit the Veliki Kaštel, a 17th century fort built into the cliffs, and recently renovated as a small interpretation centre.
Highlight: Admire the view out to the islands of Brač and Hvar.
Option 2 - Into the Biokovo Mountains
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total ascent: 2200 feet (660m)
Total descent: 2120 feet (650m)
In summary: The most challenging walk of the week ascends on a remarkably constructed former mule track before contouring in welcome shade high above the coast. A slightly rougher descent takes us to a traditional café.
Highlight: An exhilarating mountain day with spectacular views.
Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Later this afternoon (approx 1500), we will offer an included boat trip to Makarska, so you can relax and enjoy the views, with some time to explore before getting back to Baska Voda in time for our evening meal.
Some alternative options for your free time today may include:
Makarska: Walking along the coast to Makarska. This is a generally straightforward walk, taking around two hours, with plenty of opportunities for swimming along the way. In Makarska you may want to have lunch in one of the waterfront cafés.
Split: Split is the capital of the region and is located 50km northwest of Baška Voda. At its heart is an enthralling old town of narrow streets and ancient buildings. The principal sights are the cathedral of St Domnius and the remains of Diocletian’s Palace with its spectacular gates, museum and temple. Your leaders will organise this if there is sufficient interest.
Trogir: A little further away is the equally impressive city of Trogir. Built on an island, this beautiful walled city has a maze of narrow medieval streets, elegant waterfront cafés, a wide waterfront promenade and dramatic fortifications. The city is also the best example of Croatian cultural life on the Dalmatian coast. The magnificent cathedral inspired UNESCO to name the town a World Heritage Site in 1997.
Today our walks start and finish at the hotel to enjoy the foothills of the Biokovo Mountains which rise above the village. After exploring the foothills, both groups will descend to the coast. We will then follow the coastline on a promenade through small beach resorts with the opportunity to pause for a drink or swim on our way back to Baska Voda.
Option 1 - Villages, Views and Promenade
Distance: 6 miles (9½ km)
Total ascent: 1100 feet (330m)
Total descent: 1060 feet (320m)
In summary: We explore the mainly abandoned Dalmatian village of Topici before continuing northwest, parallel to the coast, walking through small tourist resorts en route back to Baska Voda. On wide paths with wonderful views this is a popular walk with numerous places to stop after lunch for a swim in the brilliantly clear waters of the Adriatic.
Highlight: Take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic.
Option 2 - Napoleon’s Road, High Col and Promenade
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Total ascent: 1900 feet (570m)
Total descent: 1900 feet (570m)
In summary: The harder walk will ascend to a high mountain col. Using a part of the extraordinary Napoleon’s Old Road we ascend to one of the best lunch spot of the week with views in every direction. A stony descent takes us to the coastal promenade for a delightful return to our hotel.
Highlight: The stunning Napolean's Road
The Cetina Gorge is an impressive natural feature that has been carved through the limestone of the Biokovo Mountains. We start inland at the village of Kostanje, behind the coastal mountain range.
Option 1 - In to the Gorge
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total ascent: 800 feet (240m)
Total descent: 1400 feet (440m)
In summary: Enjoying contrasting scenery to the coastal region, an easy morning through quiet villages takes us to a dramatic lunch spot with views to the Cetina River below. From here we follow a well-graded path through trees leading us to our boats which take us to a historic mill for refreshment, and through the gorge to Omiš on the coast.
Highlight: The delightful boat journey through the gorge to the coastal town of Omiš.
Option 2 - Above the Cetina Gorge
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Total ascent: 900 feet (260m)
Total descent: 1550 feet (460m)
In summary: We will take an alternative route to the easier route to visit a church for lunch with distant views high above the morning’s path, and then rejoin the path down to and into the gorge.
Highlight: Marvel at the Cetina Gorge; an impressive natural feature that has been carved through the limestone of the Biokovo Mountains.
We hope to see you again soon.
Hotel Villa Bacchus, Baška Voda
Set on the stunning Dalmatian Coast, the charming Hotel Villa Bacchus is perfectly placed for both relaxing by the sea and exploring the beautiful Biokovo Mountains. This welcoming property has a cosy bar and stylish breakfast restaurant with alfresco terrace seating, as well as a small indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. Just steps from a Blue Flag pebble beach and a short promenade walk into the centre of Baška Voda, this is a wonderful retreat for our stay in Croatia’s Makarska Riviera region.
In the evenings, our group will walk together to a nearby restaurant, where we will enjoy a buffet-style dinner.
Essential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device
Guest reviews
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| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
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19 May - 26 May 2025 7 nights |
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02 Jun - 09 Jun 2025 7 nights |
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15 Sep - 22 Sep 2025 7 nights |
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29 Sep - 06 Oct 2025 7 nights |
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06 Oct - 13 Oct 2025 7 nights |
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| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
19 May - 26 May 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
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|
02 Jun - 09 Jun 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary
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|
15 Sep - 22 Sep 2025 7 nights |
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Double from £1,739 pp |
from £1,739 pp |
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|
29 Sep - 06 Oct 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,679 pp |
from £1,679 pp |
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|
06 Oct - 13 Oct 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary
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Double from £1,629 pp |
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Important information
- With flights holidays: Price includes return flights to Split Airport, hold baggage and airport transfers
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- Independent travellers can join our transfer from Split Airport - please contact us for prices
*If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, please ensure you’ve selected a land-only option before proceeding to book.
790Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
