Croatia Walks Sorted by Effort
Not every old town walk is equal. Some are flat promenades, some climb stairs and one is a rampart with no shade. This page ranks Croatia’s best walks by effort so you can match them to your legs and the weather. All of them can be done without a guide, and costs are in euros.
| Walk | Effort | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Zadar peninsula | Flat | Free |
| Dubrovnik Stradun | Flat | Free |
| Split palace and Riva | Flat | Free |
| Rovinj old town | Cobbled, uphill finish | Free, tower about EUR 3 to EUR 5 |
| Zagreb Upper Town | Short climb | Funicular EUR 0.66 |
| Split to Marjan | Stairs and slope | Free |
| Dubrovnik Walls | Steep, exposed | About EUR 40 |
Flat and easy
Zadar peninsula. Follow the Venetian defensive walls to the Roman Forum and the round church of St Donatus, which dates from the 9th century. Finish at the western tip, where waves push air through 35 pipes of the Sea Organ and Nikola Bašić’s Greeting to the Sun lies alongside. Both are free.
Dubrovnik’s Stradun. Enter through Pile Gate and follow the limestone street, also known as Placa, past Onofrio’s Large Fountain, Sponza Palace and Orlando’s Column. The Franciscan monastery has a pharmacy founded in 1317. The polished stone is slippery when wet, and wheeled bags are discouraged on it.
Split’s palace and Riva. The Peristyle, the Cardo and the Bronze Gate lead to the seafront promenade. The palace lanes are open at all hours and cost nothing.
Cobbles and short climbs
Rovinj. The old town sits on a former island, and the lanes rise to the church of St Euphemia. The tower is about 60 m tall. The climb costs about EUR 3 to EUR 5, and sources differ. The church is in use, so dress respectfully.
Zagreb Upper Town. Take the 66 m funicular for EUR 0.66, which runs every 10 minutes from 06:30 to 22:00, or climb the stairs beside it. At the top, Lotrščak Tower overlooks the old walls, and St Mark’s Church has a roof of patterned tiles. Pass through the Stone Gate and walk down through the Dolac market to Ban Jelačić Square. A 60-minute ZET ticket costs EUR 0.93 and a day ticket EUR 3.98, and both are valid on the funicular. See the funicular page .
Hills and ramparts
Split to Marjan. From the Riva, climb the Varoš lanes and the stairs up to Marjan forest park. The First Belvedere, called Prva vidilica, looks over Split, Brač and Šolta. Bring water.
Dubrovnik’s Walls. The circuit is 1,940 m and costs about EUR 40 for adults in peak season, with Fort Lovrijenac included. There is little shade, the stairs are steep and the sea side has drops. Walk at opening or late in the afternoon, when cruise passengers are not at their peak. The Walls FAQ answers ticket questions.
Guides
Licensed local guides run Game of Thrones and Old Town walks in Dubrovnik at about EUR 25 to EUR 38 per person, and prices vary by operator. Compare them on Viator .
Street rules and comfort
In Split and Dubrovnik, walking through town without a shirt or in swimwear draws on-the-spot fines. Wear shoes with grip, carry water in summer and start early, since open squares get hot. The bura wind can make exposed viewpoints unpleasant, so check meteo.hr .
Read more: Croatia sightseeing and a 2-day itinerary .