First long-distance trail in Croatia

The aim of this project is to create detailed documentation of the route and develop a guidebook that will become a practical support for anyone dreaming of a similar expedition. I want this guide to help plan hikes for all nature and adventure lovers who, in addition to Croatia's beautiful beaches, want to discover its lesser-known face - mountains full of rugged beauty and unforgettable landscapes.

The Via Adriatica Trail is an extraordinary hiking route that leads through the most picturesque and diverse areas of Croatia, combining the richness of nature with the unique cultural heritage of the Adriatic coast. The 1,100-kilometre trail starts on the Istrian peninsula, near the village of Premantura, and ends at the southern end of the country, in Prevlace near Dubrovnik.

The route is a challenge even for experienced hikers - two months of walking, 56 km of ascent and varied terrain mean that every day brings new excitement and views. The trek leads through rocky mountains, dense forests, vast plains and a picturesque coastline, offering an unforgettable experience and proximity to nature.

The Via Adriatica Trail is more than a trail - it's a journey through the heart and soul of Croatia, ideal for those looking for adventure, solitude and the opportunity to experience this beautiful country from a completely new perspective.

Solo through the mountains of Croatia - a guide

Imagine a trail leading from the picturesque Croatian coast straight into the mountains, where every step opens up new views and the silence is only broken by the sound of the wind and the sounds of nature. It is this unique trail - long, challenging and fascinating - that I decided to traverse alone, without outside help, carrying everything necessary for hiking and camping in my rucksack.

However, this is no ordinary crossing. The aim of this project is to create a detailed documentation of the route and to produce a guidebook that will become a practical support for anyone dreaming of a similar expedition. I want this guide to help plan hikes for all nature and adventure lovers who, in addition to Croatia's beautiful beaches, want to discover its lesser-known face - mountains full of rugged beauty and unforgettable landscapes.

Hiking along the trail, I will experience everything that a lone hiker can encounter: changing weather conditions, terrain difficulties and challenges of self-sufficiency. In this way, the guide will not only be a description of the route, but also a practical compendium that will include details such as camping spots, water sources, particularly challenging sections, as well as the best viewpoints and places worth visiting.

My dream is that this project will encourage others to reach for something more - a hike that not only requires effort, but also rewards you with an unparalleled sense of freedom and closeness to nature.

I invite you to hike in my footsteps - through the mountains of Croatia, on a journey of challenge and beauty.

What is the Via Adriatica?

It is the first long-distance trekking trail in Croatia, created for those who prefer to climb peaks rather than lie on the beach. It leads through eight national parks, two nature reserves and three landscape parks. So, in short: nature in its purest form, although sometimes in the form of very steep ascents and rocky paths that will make me feel every step in my calves. There are 56 kilometres of ascent and the same amount of descent waiting for me along the entire trail, it's like climbing 3,200,000 stairs or climbing and descending 18,666 floors. It's like climbing up and down the Palace of Culture and Science 1,273 times!

Crossing exclusively on foot, with all the necessary equipment in a rucksack.Creating detailed photo and video documentation of the entire route, marking all relevant information about accommodation (lodges, hostels, campsites, shelters) water points, electricity options, shops for replenishing supplies, as well as places where you should be particularly careful (closed zones, under special surveillance, broken crossings, etc.).

Why am I doing this? Because I believe that Croatia is more than a sun lounger on the beach. It is a country that needs to be discovered on one's own two feet - even if it means painfully parting from my comfortable armchair. I want to show that the Via Adriatica is not only a challenge, but also a way to discover the wild, undiscovered side of this country.

No, it's not about masochism. It's about something much bigger. This expedition is about showing that Croatia is not just about beaches, cafes and cheese from the island of Pag. It's a country full of wild nature that deserves to be explored on your own two feet. But that's not all! My project has some clear objectives. A continuation of what I have been doing in Poland for many years:

1. *Safety in the mountains* - Because beautiful views are only worth seeing if you return from them whole and healthy. I want to promote responsibility on the trail, because nature is unpredictable.

2 - *Clean mountains, clean trails* - Every step on the Via Adriatica is an opportunity to leave the trails better than I found them. I take not only my rucksack with me, but also a rubbish bag. My litter is my problem and I don't burden others with it.Clean Mountains, Clean Trails - litter is a constant problem on mountain trails in many countries. In Poland, I have been organising educational and environmental actions since 2011 and in 2012 I initiated the cleaning of the Tatra Mountains with an educational dimension - Czyste Tatry (in 2013 I handed over the action to the association Czysta Polska). Also in the mountains of Croatia, I want to promote proper behaviour among all those who decide to set out on mountain trails. So far, I have walked many kilometres in the mountains bordering the Adriatic Sea, and I must admit that it is exceptionally clean here, even though there are absolutely no rubbish bins anywhere. In Poland, I have been promoting for years the attitude that our rubbish is our business and let's not burden others with our problems. This also applies to smokers.

3. a *healthy lifestyle* - Because nothing motivates you to move more than knowing that you will burn as many calories as I walk, how many beautiful places I will see, how many unique photos I will take, how many memories I will take with me.This also popularises a healthy lifestyle, which (I hope) will interest more followers. Many years ago, I definitely got rid of the TV to spend this time actively in the field. I also gave up smoking 16 years ago, and a backpack, mountain boots and a camera are a perfect replacement for this fatal addiction.And most importantly? I want to show that it's worth having dreams and, even more importantly, pursuing them - even if it means asking yourself every day: "Why didn't I choose an easier path?". Even though I'm no longer a tree-hopping youngster, I also want to show others that being active is definitely better and healthier than sitting in front of the TV.

I want to complete the trail on 30 June - my 60th birthday :-)

Age is just a number and everything happens in our heads....

An adventure that inspires

Via Adriatica is more than an expedition. It is a project to inspire. That's why I will be documenting every step of this journey for two months, sharing views, stories and thoughts. I am taking a drone with me to show these places from a perspective that even birds can dream of. Daily reports, photos, videos - all to not only show the beauty of Croatia, but also to inspire others to take action.

I want people to see that the Via Adriatica is not only a challenge for the body and spirit, but also a lesson in humility towards nature. Every view, every peak, every step is a reminder that the world is beautiful and worth taking care of.My expedition is also an educational project. I want to talk about everything about such an endeavour:It is not just about showing beautiful sights - although, let's face it, there will be plenty of those. It's also about passing on knowledge that can encourage others to explore nature responsibly.

Each section is several days of hiking. During the walk, detailed descriptions of each stage will be created, broken down by day. Photo - video and descriptive documentation, will allow the creation of a practical guide for anyone wishing to repeat the entire trail or its individual sections.Idea of the trail passage.

To show the whole of Croatia, known to tourists mainly from the coastal areas and popular tourist cities. To show the great diversity of the many regions and areas through which the Via Adriatica Trail runs. Although Croatia is small, it has so much to show. It is a real melting pot of nature and culture worth getting to know.

The aim of the project is also to promote Poland not only in Croatia. For two months of wandering, day after day, step by step, I will report in the form of photo-video everything I meet on the trail. This will be the most detailed description of the trail so far covered by only 34 people from Croatia, Slovenia, USA, France, Austria and the Netherlands.

It is also an excellent opportunity to promote our extremely attractive and diverse country.

Via Adriatica Trail - connecting the two most distant points in Croatia, 1,100 km of mostly mountain hiking, 56 km of ascent, about 2 m of very demanding walking. Very changeable weather, from heat, rain and thunderstorms, gusty winds, to (let's hope not) the fire zones that hit Croatia every year. The beauty and diversity of Croatia rewards every effort. This unique country must be seen and preferably explored from the mountains to the coast.

Here you can follow every step, day by day, frame by frame:

https://www.facebook.com/marciniak.albin

https://www.facebook.co/ViaAdriaticaTrailCro/

https://klubpodroznikow.com/relacje/europa/227-najciekawsze-i-najpiekniejsze-miejsca-w-chorwacji/3832-chorwacka-przygoda-szlakiem-via-adriatica