Dubrovnik is known for its stunning landscapes and one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Dubrovnik is by foot.In this article we’ll guide you through hiking trails around the town that are easily accessible by foot and not too demanding. We cover 5 most attractive and easily accessible trails that all start in the Old Town: Hiking up the Mount Srđ, Hiking to The Orsula viewpoint, Walking around The City Walls, Climbing the Velika and Mala Petka hill and Hike around the Island of Lokrum.
Preparing for your hike – what to wear and bring
Before embarking on your hiking journey, it is important to prepare for the trip. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are suitable for hiking and bring a backpack to carry your essentials such as water, sunscreen, and a snack – Old Town Green Market is the best place to get some fresh delicious fruits so consider this before heading off.
Dubrovnik has a Mediterranean climate, so it can get quite hot during the summer months. It is important to wear lightweight and breathable clothing to stay cool. Don’t forget to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Best is to hike early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid strong sun and heat.
Hiking up the Mount Srđ
Hiking up the Mount Srđ boasts breath-taking views and stunning sunset, all within walking distance from the Old Town, making it a great activity for those with just a few hours to spare. The hike itself is quite easy to follow but be sure to wear appropriate hiking shoes as it can be steep and rocky at times.
It’s one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Dubrovnik. Please make sure your phone is fully charged or bring a flashlight if hiking up later in the day as walking back down in the dark can be tricky. Alternatively you can take cable car down the hill. Be prepared for more people at the top than on the trail, as many people take taxis or the cable car up just to watch the magical sunset.
Distance: 6.3 km return
Elevation: 399 m
Type: Out and back
Duration: 2.5-3 hours return
Difficulty: Moderate (elevation)
Walking around the City Walls
Taking the walk around the ancient City Walls, a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must while visiting Dubrovnik. Built in the 14th century to protect the city from invaders, the walls offer a glimpse into Dubrovnik’s rich history and culture. The 2-hour walk will take you on a journey through time as you explore the forts and towers that were once used for defence. Be prepared to be blown away by the stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the city skyline. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the panoramic views.
The highlight of the walk is the Minčeta Fortress, an impressive structure that was used as a filming location for the famous Game of Thrones series. As you walk along the walls, you’ll be transported to a different world, where you can imagine what life was like in ancient times.
To avoid the crowds during peak tourist season, it’s advisable to start your walk early in the morning. The City Walls are a popular attraction, so take advantage of the peaceful morning hours before the crowds arrive. Walking around the City Walls is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories of Dubrovnik’s beauty and charm.
Distance: 2.8 km return
Elevation: 23 m
Type: Out and back
Duration: 1.5 hours return
Difficulty: Moderate (stairs and elevation)
Walking from the Old Town to Velika and Mala Petka
Dubrovnik is a city that will leave you breathless with its stunning architecture and picturesque views. But if you’re looking for a break from the crowds and a chance to stretch your legs, head to the Old to Velika and Mala Petka hills. The walk is more of a city-scape experience, with the ascent to Petka hill at the end providing a challenging climb that is well worth it.
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands, and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The hill is covered in pine trees, which provide welcome shade from the sun and make it a favourite recreational park for locals. You’ll often see dog owners taking their furry friends for a walk in this tranquil setting.
There are different routes you can take to reach the top, including walking up the steep asphalt road or exploring the hiking trail from Velika Petka to Mala Petka that takes you through the forest and requires a bit of climbing. But don’t worry, it’s a short hike, so you won’t need to worry about it being too much of a workout.
When you’re ready to head back down, be sure to hike towards the Palace viewpoint. From there, you’ll be treated to breath-taking views of the Adriatic Sea from a cliff overlooking the horizon.
Distance: 14 km return
Elevation: 261 m
Type: Out and back
Duration: 5 hours return
Difficulty: Moderate (elevation)
Hiking to the Orsula Viewpoint from Old Town Dubrovnik
Looking for a serene escape to recharge your batteries? Look no further than the Orsula viewpoint. This hiking trail is a local favourite for good reason: it boasts breath-taking views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and the Island of Lokrum.
Situated on a hill, the Orsula viewpoint overlooks the charming city of Dubrovnik. The two-hour hike from the Old Town and back is well-marked and easy to follow, but make sure to turn into the forest above the old Belvedere Hotel to reach Orsula. If you miss the turn, you’ll end up at the Dubac viewpoint, which is also lovely but not quite as stunning.
As you make your way up, you’ll stroll past a small olive grove that adds to the scenic beauty of the hike. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views that are sure to take your breath away.
Distance: 5.2 km return
Elevation: 135 m
Type: Out and back
Duration: 2 hours return
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate (elevation)
Hiking around the Island of Lokrum
Looking for a nature escape from the bustling city? Take a short boat ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Port and discover the Island of Lokrum. This stunning nature reserve is full of surprises, from peacocks and rabbits to breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
If you’re up for some adventure, consider hiking around the island – it takes about two hours and will take you past some incredible sights. The botanical garden, Benedictine monastery, ancient quarantine, and Fort Royal are just a few of the highlights. Plus, with plenty of swimming spots around the island, you can easily make a day of it.
While you do need to take a boat to get to Lokrum, the island’s lush pine trees provide plenty of shade and make for a refreshing escape from the sun. The first boat leaves at 9am, so plan accordingly and make the most of your day in this natural paradise.
Distance: 5 km return
Elevation: 129 m
Type: Out and back
Duration: 2 hours return
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate (elevation)
Practical information about hiking in Dubrovnik – safety, trail difficulty, and weather
Hiking in Dubrovnik is generally safe, but it’s important to take precautions. Bring plenty of water, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes. The trails can be steep and rocky, so be careful when hiking. If you find yourself in any trouble please dial Europe’s wide emergency number +385 112.
The difficulty of these trails varies, but many of them are suitable for beginners. However, if you’re planning on hiking to the Srđ Mount, be prepared for a steep and rocky climb.
The best time to hike in Dubrovnik is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild. During the summer months, it can get quite hot early in the day.
If you feel like exploring the hiking trails into more details, we suggest you use the Outdoor Active app, it’s very helpful and has great trails marked by other hikers. Or if you feel adventurous, you can plan hiking routes by yourself.
If you want to explore the stunning hiking trails in and around Dubrovnik but don’t know where to start, we got you covered! Dubrovnik Hiking and their team of hiking experts with Mare and Željka running the show, will guide you through the best trails around Dubrovnik, ensuring you have a memorable experience. And if you really want to take it up a notch, why not book a picnic with their friend company Dubrovnik Piknik? Trust us, these folks know how to make your Dubrovnk hiking adventure unforgettable.
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