All breakfasts included.

Croatian food is an amalgamation of flavours and influence, from inland to coastal and from former rulers from Italy and Austria. On the coast pasta, risotto and pizza dishes frequent the menus – a favourite is cuttlefish risotto where the rice is dyed black by the fish ink. In Istria they fish a lot of shellfish and crustaceans, so oysters, crab and prawns feature in many dishes. Sardines are also one of the mainstays of the local diet and are usually served grilled and drizzled with lemon juice on a bed of crunchy salad.

Pork and lamb are by far the most popular meats, and you will also find lots of cured meats, usually served with olives. Desserts are often quite heavy and sticky, but there also tends to be a good display of ice-cream on offer thanks to the Italian influence.

Hike into the limestone drama of Paklenica National Park, tracing the stony paths through the Velika and Mala Paklenica canyons. Trails weave from sunlit rock into cool beech and black pine forest, with the Velebit cliffs towering above and the possibility of spotting Griffon vultures circling on thermals.

Follow the marked route deeper into the gorge to the welcoming Ramica Dvori mountain hut. Rest with a simple lunch and house rakija, hearing stories of climbers and shepherds who shaped this corner of the Dinaric Alps. Terrain is rugged yet well-signed, rewarding steady walkers with classic canyon views.

Paddle the clear waters of the Adriatic on a guided sea kayaking tour along the Velebit Channel. Set out from Jaz Beach and glide toward the stone-fronted village of Vinjerac, with sweeping views of the Velebit mountains and time for swims in hidden coves fringed by fragrant pines.

Your guide sets an easy rhythm across sheltered waters ideal for confident beginners. Learn about local fishing life and coastal geology as you trace pebbled shores and small beaches before returning along the channel. Typical duration is 4–6 hours, with plentiful photo and swim stops.

Explore the boardwalks and viewpoints of Krka National Park, circling the spectacular Skradinski Buk waterfalls. Stroll over wooden footbridges and watermills as travertine cascades tumble through emerald pools, and admire viewpoints where mist hangs in the air and kingfishers dart along the reeds.

Interpretive panels reveal how water power once drove the mills and village life. Conclude with a scenic return boat to Skradin, gliding past river islands and canyon cliffs that frame this classic karst landscape. Expect mostly easy walking with gentle gradients and frequent opportunities to pause for photos.

Cycle quiet lanes and shoreline paths on Ciovo Island, setting out from UNESCO-listed Trogir. Follow the coast to secluded beaches, then climb gently inland through olive groves and rosemary-scented scrub to wide Adriatic panoramas, where limestone headlands stretch beneath a brilliant blue horizon.

Between swims and viewpoints, discover centuries-old chapels and dry-stone terraces that trace the island’s agrarian past. Reward your ride with a seafood lunch at a harborside konoba and, if the weather smiles, linger for the glow of a sunset over the channel before returning to town.

Kayak along Split’s rugged coastline beneath Marjan Hill on a relaxed guided sea kayaking outing. Paddle past pine forests and stone villas, with island views toward Brac and Šolta, and land on a small beach for a swim in crystalline water before tracing the shoreline back.

Your guide shares coastal lore and points out hermitage caves tucked into the cliffs of Split’s “green lung.” The route uses sheltered waters, making it accessible to most active travelers; total experience time is about four hours with an unhurried pace and photo stops.

Taste Dalmatia’s terroir at Bibich Winery, set among vineyards above Skradin. In a hosted session, sample regional wines such as Debit, Maraština, and Babic, paired with local bites—Dalmatian prosciutto, olives, and artisanal cheeses—that highlight sun, stone, and sea in every glass.

Your host shares stories of family winemaking and modern techniques reviving native grapes. This visit is at additional cost and bookable on tour; tasting flights vary by season and availability.

Explore Diocletian’s Palace with a local guide, threading Roman streets to the Peristyle, the octagonal Temple of Jupiter, and atmospheric cellars beneath the imperial apartments. Hear how a 4th-century retirement palace became the lively heart of a UNESCO World Heritage city.

From granite sphinxes to medieval bell towers and café-lined courtyards, discover the layers that define Split’s identity. This experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour; entry fees to specific monuments may apply.

Meet your local host for a meet your local host and comprehensive safety and route briefing in Starigrad, where Velebit’s slopes touch the sea. Get set up with the Headwater navigation app, maps and daily notes, and review hiking etiquette for Paklenica, coastal cycling pointers, and kayak-day packing tips tailored to Dalmatia’s sun and wind.

Gain practical insight on the Dinaric Alps landscape, local wildlife and National Park entry logistics, plus restaurant suggestions in Starigrad and Skradin. This focused session ensures you start confidently, with clear guidance for each activity and advice shaped by current conditions.

Join a ranger-guided visit to the atmospheric Manita Pec cave, Paklenica’s only cavern open to the public. Step into a cool subterranean world of stalactites and stalagmites, learning how the Dinaric Karst slowly sculpted dripstone pillars and chambers over millennia.

Guides illuminate geology, biodiversity, and conservation of this fragile environment. Opening days and times are limited by season; this experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour, with exact timings confirmed locally.