When looking for a special way to celebrate a big anniversary, my husband and I stumbled upon a newspaper article about a walking tour in Croatia. Intrigued, we decided that a 7-day guided walking trip along the Dalmatian Coast would mark the occasion perfectly. We were not disappointed!

 

One of the joys of a trip like this is that you are literally connected with the earth, boots on the ground, breathing fresh air, reveling in spectacular sea, coast, and mountain views, mixing with the locals and dining daily on local delicacies -- all while getting your steps in! Each day we walked 6–10 miles. Our small compatible group ranged in age mainly from 40’s to 60’s but also included a few inspiring octogenarians. We chose Wayfaring Walks, headquartered in the United Kingdom and with a US office, as our tour company.

 

Between our competent walk manager and bi-lingual walk leader, every detail was attended to and every question was answered. A van transported our luggage between hotels, delivered us to daily embarkation points, and sometimes met us at the end of our walk. We took boats and ferries to a number of the country’s islands.

 

In the Adriatic port of Dubrovnik, atop the walls of this medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we had grand views of mountains, sea, and the fabled red rooftops of Croatia. The shoulder months, spring and fall, are recommended as the best times to go with plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. One huge advantage of an October journey like ours is experiencing the country’s natural beauty without being bothered by crowds.

 

A drive northwest along the dramatic coastline and in the shadow of the Karst mountains took us to Split, the site of 4th century Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, another World Heritage Site. Throughout the week, we hiked on the mainland as well as several islands, including Lopud, where no cars are allowed, and Brač, where the white stones used to build the US White House were quarried. On the island of Brač, our walks took us to and through the picturesque, quiet hamlets of Sutivan, Skrip, and Bol.

 

We stayed in charming, intimate inns and enjoyed field-to-table dinners and local wines -- well-earned rewards after a day of walking. Seafood of any variety, likely caught only hours earlier, was my favorite. One of the trip’s highlights was the chance morning encounter with a retired doctor tending his olive grove on Brač. When we arrived at our lunch destination, there he was, stationed outside the restaurant at an impromptu table with bottles of his vineyard’s olive oil!

 

Meandering walks through fragrant pines, rambles in the bucolic countryside, ancient sites, warm hospitality, tucked-away inlets, the savory aroma of fresh bread, the sounds of fishermen pulling in their catch, warm breezes, achingly blue skies, and azure waters were all gifts from Croatia that keep on giving. Every one of our senses fell in love with this land.

 

Looking for a getaway to paradise on earth? Consider a walking trip in Croatia.

 Editor’s Note: Brooke Trible Weinmann, a longtime Brookhaven resident, is a guest writer for Stroll Historic Brookhaven. A fervent believer in the joy and benefits of travel, she currently leads journeys for Connoisseurs Tours.