Dubrovnik hiking

Dubrovnik’s dramatic coastline, pine-covered hills and wide Adriatic views make it one of the most scenic destinations for walking and hiking in southern Croatia. In the city’s surrounding area you’ll find several well-marked trails suitable for both beginners and more experienced hikers. Most start just minutes away from the Old Town, which makes them easy to access without the need for long transfers or guided tours.

Hiking in Dubrovnik combines a bit of everything; local history, sea views and moments of quiet away from the busy city streets. The trails are diverse: a famous Mount Srđ Dubrovnik hiking trail which offers a great view of the city, forest walks around Velika and Mala Petka, the shaded paths of the Island of Lokrum.

If you’re planning your trip and wondering where to hike in Dubrovnik, keep reading to find out which are the most popular routes, what to expect on each, how to reach them and what to prepare before heading out.

Preparing for hiking in Dubrovnik

Before setting out on any of the Dubrovnik hiking trails, take a few minutes to prepare properly. Be sure to take comfortable footwear since most routes include gravel, stone or uneven terrain. Lightweight hiking shoes or sturdy trainers will do the job for most trails.

Pack a small backpack with water, snacks, sunscreen and a hat. During summer, temperatures can rise quickly, especially on exposed trails like Mount Srđ. If you start early in the morning or later in the afternoon, you’ll avoid strong sun and heat. A light jacket is useful out of season, as evenings can get cooler even after a warm day.

If you’d like to stock up before you start, visit the Old Town Green Market for fresh local fruit and snacks. Always bring enough water, as there are no refill points on the trails.

Hiking Mount Srđ

The Mount Srđ Dubrovnik hiking trail is the most famous route and for good reason. It starts just above the city and is easily reachable on foot from the Old Town. The zigzag path climbs the hill overlooking Dubrovnik and rewards hikers with one of the best panoramic views in Croatia.

It starts just above the main road (Jadranska cesta). To get there from the Old Town, walk up from Pile Gate toward the crossroads and follow Ul. od Križa until you see the marked trail entrance. This is safer than walking directly along the main road. The trail is visible on Google Maps as Trail to Fort Imperial.

Want to know more about Dubrovnik Cable Car? Read the article!

The route is clearly marked and relatively short, but it can be steep and rocky at times. Most hikers take around 1.5 hours to reach the top, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos along the way. You’ll pass the Stations of the Cross, a series of small shrines lining the trail, before reaching the summit and the Fort Imperial, built during the early 19th century.

From the top, you can see the entire Old Town, the Island of Lokrum, the Elaphiti Islands and the coastline stretching toward Montenegro. A small café and a museum dedicated to the Croatian Homeland War are located inside the fort. If you prefer not to walk back, you can take the Dubrovnik cable car down to the city.

Trail info:

• Distance: 6.3 km (return)
• Duration: 2.5–3 hours
• Elevation: 399 m
• Difficulty: Moderate

Tips: Bring plenty of water and wear good shoes, as the path is gravelly and slippery in places. If you plan to hike for sunset, carry a flashlight or ensure your phone is charged for the walk down.

The Orsula viewpoint trail

Just outside the eastern edge of the city lies the Orsula Viewpoint, one of the most rewarding short hikes near Dubrovnik. The trail begins close to the Old Town and leads to a peaceful hilltop above the former Belvedere Hotel. It’s a straightforward route with gentle elevation, ideal if you’re looking for a short nature break without leaving the city area.

The Orsula viewpoint Dubrovnik offers sweeping views over the Old Town, Lokrum, and the open sea. Along the way, you’ll pass olive trees and wild herbs, typical of the region’s Mediterranean landscape. It’s a popular spot for locals during late afternoons and early evenings, when the light softens and the horizon glows.

We’ve gathered a list of the best Dubrovnik viewpoints, take a look!

If you miss the forest turnoff for Orsula, you’ll end up at the Dubac viewpoint, which is also lovely, but Orsula’s panoramic terrace is the true highlight.

Trail info:

• Distance: 5.2 km (return)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Elevation: 135 m
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Good to know: The trail is mostly unshaded, so it’s best to go early or late in the day. There are no facilities on the way, so bring water with you.

Walking from the Old Town to Velika and Mala Petka

For a change of scenery, head toward Lapad Peninsula, where the Velika and Mala Petka Forest Park offers a green retreat just a short bus ride or walk from the Old Town. Unlike Mount Srđ, this hike runs through forested hills with plenty of shade and benches along the way.

Locals often come here for daily walks, runs, or dog walks, and visitors appreciate the calm atmosphere. The climb isn’t long, but it’s steady and offers great views of the Lapad Bay and the Adriatic once you reach the top. The area is dotted with pine trees and Mediterranean shrubs, filling the air with a pleasant scent throughout the trail.

You can follow a circular route connecting both Petka peaks. On the way down, make a stop at the Palace viewpoint, a small cliffside terrace overlooking the sea, one of the most peaceful lookout points near Dubrovnik.

Trail info:

• Distance: 14 km (return)
• Duration: 5 hours (with breaks)
• Elevation: 261 m
• Difficulty: Moderate

Tip: The park is great for hiking in Dubrovnik out of season, as the trees provide protection from wind and the area is less crowded than in summer.

The Path of Paradise on Lokrum Island

A short ferry ride from the Old Port takes you to Lokrum Island, a nature reserve and one of the most beautiful spots for hiking near Dubrovnik. Once you arrive, a network of trails spreads across the island, all easy to follow and surrounded by thick vegetation.

One of the most scenic walks is the Path of Paradise, leading from the island’s pier up to Fort Royal. Built by the French in the 19th century, the fort offers a 360-degree view over Dubrovnik and the Adriatic. The path is steep in sections and can be slippery in summer heat, so wear proper shoes and bring water.

Along the way, you’ll pass the island’s botanical garden, Benedictine monastery, and quarantine ruins, all part of Lokrum’s layered history. Peacocks and rabbits roam freely, and there are several swimming spots for cooling off after your walk.

We bet you didn’t know these interesting facts about Lokrum, click here to find out everything.

Trail info:

• Distance: 5 km (loop)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Elevation: 129 m
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Practical tip: The first boat to Lokrum departs around 9 a.m. from the Old Port, and the last return trip is in the evening. Bring a swimsuit — the island has great swimming areas perfect for relaxing after your hike.

Walking the City Walls

Although not a hike in the classic sense, the walk around Dubrovnik’s City Walls is a must-do for anyone visiting. The two-kilometre route circles the entire Old Town, offering changing perspectives of the red rooftops, fortresses, and the Adriatic Sea.

Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, the walls once protected the city and now serve as its most famous attraction. The route includes climbs and staircases but is accessible to most visitors. The Minčeta Fortress, the highest point of the walls, provides a breathtaking view over the Old Town and it’s also known as a filming location from the Game of Thrones series (remember Khaleesi walking this path?).

Trail info:

• Distance: 2.8 km
• Duration: Around 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate (stairs and exposure to sun)

Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and strong sunlight. Bring water and your camera — this is one of Dubrovnik’s most photogenic experiences.

Safety, weather and local tips

Hiking in Dubrovnik is generally safe and straightforward, but it’s good to keep a few things in mind. Most trails are well-marked and maintained, though some parts can be steep or rocky. Always wear proper shoes and take care when descending, especially after rain when paths can get slippery.

If you plan to hike during summer, start early. Daytime temperatures can exceed 30°C, and there’s little shade on Mount Srđ or Lokrum’s upper trails. Off-season hiking in Dubrovnik can be even more rewarding. From October to April, temperatures are mild, trails are quiet and the light is perfect for photography. Lokrum ferries operate less frequently during winter, but Mount Srđ and Petka remain accessible all year. Bring a light jacket and check sunset times before heading out, as daylight fades earlier in the colder months.

Always bring enough water since there are no refill points on most trails and wear sunscreen. In case of emergency, Croatia’s universal number is 112. For more detailed maps, apps like OutdoorActive provide excellent coverage of Dubrovnik hiking routes.

Hiking essentials for Dubrovnik

• Lightweight hiking shoes or trainers with grip
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• At least 1.5 liters of water per person
• Snacks or fruit from the Old Town Green Market
• Charged phone or small flashlight for late descents
• Swimsuit if hiking on Lokrum or near coastal paths

Best viewpoints for photos

• Fort Imperial (Mount Srđ) – sunset spot
• Orsula amphitheatre terrace – best for evening light
• Petka viewpoint – peaceful forest backdrop
• Fort Royal on Lokrum – panoramic 360°

Hiking Dubrovnik – a way to see the city differently**

Exploring Dubrovnik on foot gives a completely new perspective of the city and its surroundings. The hiking trails around Mount Srđ, Lokrum, Orsula, and Petka bring you close to nature while still keeping you near the Old Town. Each trail is different and offers something special; from peaceful forest paths to open viewpoints where the Adriatic stretches endlessly ahead.

You don’t need to be a professional hiker to enjoy these routes. With a bit of preparation, comfortable shoes, and some time, you’ll experience the same views that make Dubrovnik one of the most photographed places in Croatia, but from quieter, more authentic angles.

So, when planning your visit, leave space in your schedule for at least one hike. Dubrovnik’s landscape will reward you with some of the most memorable views you’ll see on the Adriatic coast.

Get in touch:

Explore Our Tours: