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Croatia: Istrian Peninsula - 8 Days
CroatiaCroatia

Croatia: Istrian Peninsula - 8 Days

8 Days
Moderate

Croatia: Istrian Peninsula - 8 Days

from £1,005 / person

Overview

This 8-day walk through Croatia's Istrian Peninsula moves through a landscape shaped by centuries of Venetian, Roman and Italian influence, all of it still visible today in the architecture, food and wine of the region. Istria has earned comparisons with Tuscany among wine connoisseurs, and the route reflects that, passing through family-run wineries, truffle grounds and vine-covered hillsides throughout.

The walking is genuinely varied. An old Austrian railway line repurposed for hiking leads walkers through tunnels and over old railway bridges, taking in Motovun's medieval ramparts and the deep river valleys surrounding Hum, the self-declared smallest town in Croatia. The route continues through lush forests before ultimately ascending to the summit of Vojak Peak, the highest point in Istria. Idyllic streams flow to the sea through deep valleys and gullies, with vantage points overlooking wheat fields, vineyards, olive groves and medieval towns perched above the surrounding countryside.

Highlights

  • The best 6 walks over the Istrian Peninsula
  • Walk via Motovun, Hum, Buje and Lovran
  • Enjoy Croatian cuisine with its Italian influence
  • Opportunities for wine-tasting and truffle sampling
  • Escape from the crowds into the Croatian countryside
  • Stay in authentic boutique Croatian accommodations or upgrade to very special 4-star plus hotels

Itinerary

Day 1

Buje or Brtonigla

Arrive in Buje or Brtonigla (this depends on whether you choose to take the standard or premium walk). Be met by one of the representatives on the ground to go through the next 6 days with you. See General Info for details of how to get there. We can arrange a private transfer at a small added cost from Pula airport. If accommodation is unavailable in Buje, you will stay at an alternative accommodation in Brtonigla. We will arrange transfers to and from the track.

Accommodation

3-star Hotel in Buje

What's Included

Accommodation

3-star Hotel (7 nights)

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers
  • Private Vehicle Transfers

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

3

Stroll Walking Grade

Moderate

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Expect some hills and longer walking days. A reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the experience.

View Fitness Guide

6

Days on the trail

15-28 km

Daily distance range

312-783 m

Daily ascent range

4/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

Accommodation on this tour has been handpicked to reflect the character and history of the Istrian Peninsula. Depending on your chosen option, you will stay in elegant hotels and guesthouses or charming smaller hotels, with a four and a half star option available on the upgraded walk. Wherever you stay, the region's unique blend of Croatian heritage and Italian influence gives every property a character that is particular to Istria, a part of the world that was Italian territory before the Second World War.

Premium Accommodation

Please note that twin share rooms in premium accommodation are limited, especially during peak periods. If your preferred twin share room is unavailable, we offer the following alternatives:

Two single rooms (single occupancy charges apply)

A room with a double bed and sofa bed

The standard hotel option


We will discuss the best option for your needs when you book.

What You'll Eat

Seven breakfasts are included across the holiday, served each morning as a continental or buffet spread. Lunch and dinner are yours to discover, and the towns and villages along the Istrian Peninsula have no shortage of good options. Your walk notes will include a dossier of handpicked local restaurant recommendations, authentic places where the locals eat, to help you make the most of what the region has to offer.

Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source along the way.

Note: Drinks and alcohol are not included with meals, with the exception of tea, coffee and juice served with breakfast.

More About This Trip

The walk starts in Buje and finishes in Lovran, on Croatia's Istrian Peninsula. The two closest airports are Pula (PUY) and Trieste (TRS), both with international connections. From Pula, a shuttle bus runs to the bus station, from where local buses connect to Buje; check timetables in advance. Public transport from Trieste to Buje is very limited, and a pre-booked transfer is strongly recommended. Airport transfers to Buje can be arranged on request.

The walk ends in Lovran, from where local buses connect to Rijeka and onward to Pula. Again, public transport to Trieste is very limited; a pre-booked transfer is advisable. Transfers from Lovran can be arranged on request.

This walk has scheduled departure dates from March to November. Spring and autumn are the finest seasons on the Istrian Peninsula. Spring days are mild and crisp, with the landscape at its greenest and wild asparagus appearing on local menus. March can be cool with the occasional shower, but conditions improve steadily through April and May. Summer is warm and sunny, with long days; the route stays away from the coastal crowds, though early starts are advisable in July and August. Autumn is particularly rewarding, with the grape and truffle harvests under way and the inland forests turning gold. Temperatures remain mild well into November, making this one of the most generous seasons on the peninsula. Pack a light waterproof whatever the month.

Paths are well-maintained, following sometimes ancient routes through the Istrian landscape. There is flexibility to add distance or cut days short depending on preference. Good walking boots are recommended, and a regular routine of two to three walks per week before departure is sufficient preparation. Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

A detailed information pack and itinerary will be sent to you around six weeks before departure, covering everything you need to know for a seamless experience. In the meantime, our team is always on hand to answer any questions.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

August 2026

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1Out of season
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Limited
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Out of season

Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Your main luggage is transported between accommodations each day while you walk — it will be waiting for you when you arrive. You carry only a lightweight daypack on the trail. All luggage transfers and local transfers on and off the track are included in the package for all four itineraries.

The island hopping is one of the great pleasures of the Dalmatian walks. Public ferry tickets between the islands are included in the Split to Dubrovnik package — covering Split to Hvar, Hvar to Korčula, Korčula to Mljet, and Mljet to Dubrovnik. Ferries are a relaxed and scenic way to move between islands, and the Adriatic views from the deck are hard to beat. Stroll's representatives on the ground are available to assist with any logistics.

The Dalmatian Coast walks are graded easy to moderate and are accessible to most fitness levels. Daily distances are manageable, with the island terrain involving gentle coastal paths, pine forest tracks, and village lanes rather than significant mountain climbs. The combination of walking, ferry travel, and town exploration makes for a varied and relaxed pace. A good base fitness is all that's needed.

Croatia has two distinct culinary identities. On the Dalmatian Coast, fresh seafood dominates — grilled fish, black risotto (crni rižot) made with cuttlefish ink, seafood pasta, and the ubiquitous peka (slow-cooked meat or octopus under an iron bell). The local wines, particularly Plavac Mali reds from the islands, are excellent. In Istria, the cuisine leans heavily Italian — hand-rolled pasta, prosciutto, and above all truffles, for which the Motovun forest region is internationally renowned. Istrian olive oil is some of the finest produced anywhere, regularly winning global awards. Pair everything with a glass of Malvazija, Istria's signature white wine.

Croatia uses the Euro (€), having adopted it in January 2023. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops throughout both regions, though it's worth carrying some cash for smaller establishments, markets, and ferry-side snack stops. ATMs are readily available in all the main towns.

Tipping is not mandatory in Croatia but is appreciated for good service — rounding up the bill or leaving 10% at a restaurant is common practice. It's particularly welcome at smaller family-run establishments where your custom makes a real difference.

Flag any allergies or dietary needs at the time of booking. Croatian cuisine is diverse and generally accommodating, with vegetarian options increasingly available, particularly in the more cosmopolitan towns. Smaller family-run restaurants in rural Istria may have more limited menus — let Stroll know your requirements so they can advise on the best options along your specific route.

Want to Know More?

The Croatia Experience

Wonder
Explore both Dubrovnik’s and Split's UNESCO-listed Old Towns
Follow the repurposed Austrian railway from Groznjan to Motovun
Stroll through Korcula’s pedestrian-only lanes, then taste truffles in Lovade
Wellness
Conscious travel taking the time to breathe in the surroundings
Swim beside Mljet’s inland lakes after climbing to Montokuc
Restorative travel as you unwind in boutique stays with spas, saunas including Adriatic views
Nature
Stroll through olive groves, vineyards and rich native forests on Mljet and Korcula
Follow Konavle’s fertile valley to Pasjaca Beach, then on to Cilipi
Pass waterfalls, springs and Kotli’s old watermill on the Hum trail