The Adriatic coastline of Croatia is contorted into so many bays and deeply gouged inlets, and laced with such a multitude of islands, that to explore it all would surely take a lifetime. A week can only offer a taster, but with a self-guided walking holiday, the landscape comes alive. Responsible Travel’s seven-night trip takes in the southernmost stretch of the country – that part of the historic province of Dalmatia that’s centred around Dubrovnik.

The walled city features in the itinerary, but the real focus is on its hinterland and satellite islands. The first day’s walking is spent in the valley of Konavle, among vineyards and old water mills. Later in the week, hikers take the ferry to the islands of Lopud and Mljet, to join looping trails past sandy beaches, Roman ruins, pine forests and medieval monasteries.