Walking Paths of Župa dubrovačka
The best part of the year for walking
Enjoy the best experience of Župa Dubrovačka by walking in spring and autumn when the temperatures are pleasant. So: March, April, May, and October and November.
In summer, it is recommended to walk at a time of day when it is not so hot because of the high temperatures that can be deadly. So in summer, avoid the heat by walking early in the morning or in the early evening and be sure to bring enough water and sun protection equipment to protect yourself from high temperatures.
In winter, it is also possible to cross the path, but keep in mind the morning cold, possible ice, and rain and wind, which can drastically reduce the enjoyment of the adventure.
At any time of the year, pay special attention to the wind, which can be life-threatening in these areas. If a storm or a strong southerly is announced on the weather forecast, take this information seriously and postpone your adventure until the weather improves.
Remember that you are not at home and that different rules apply here than the ones you are used to at home.
Navigation
For navigation, use GPX tracks that you can download from this website. We also recommend that you carry paper maps with you as a backup in case the electronics fail. You can pick up maps at the Tourist Office.
The track is marked with official emblems. There is a cell phone signal on almost all parts of the trail, but remember to carry a spare battery. The best apps for importing gpx files are Locus Maps, Strava, Gaia GPS, Alltrails, Komoot.
Safety
When walking in the wilderness, you should always be careful and prepared for the worst. First of all, you must be aware of the fact that vipers live in these areas - poisonous snakes that love the sun and sunbathing. This is why it is possible to see them on the trail when the days are sunny and warm. The viper is a very timid animal that plays an important role in the ecosystem and should not be killed, but rather avoided. Therefore, it is necessary to have long pants and sturdy shoes that can prevent a bite if a snake attacks you. In order to prevent this, it is good to be loud while walking, use walking sticks with which you can make sounds, or wear a bell on your backpack that lets animals know that you are approaching. Do not put your hands in the rocks and check the place where you are going to sit before taking a break, but keep in mind that the viper knows how to stay on tree branches. Caution is the best prevention, but don't fall into the trap of paranoia. In the event of a bite, seek help immediately and be sure to read more about this topic on trusted websites.
Among the other animals on the trail, you can meet wild boars, which usually hide during the day, but are active at night and early in the morning. If you do not touch and tease them, they are not aggressive.
Domestic animals include dogs, cows, bulls, sheep, and donkeys.
Equipment
Start walking on the trail well equipped. Have with you at all times: sturdy walking shoes, long pants, a cap or hat with a brim, a small backpack, a down jacket in case of cold, a long-sleeved shirt, a raincoat, first aid, a knife, a flashlight, a cell phone, a power bank for mobile phone, bottles for at least 2 liters of water, some food, fruit, sunscreen.
Do not forget to bring your personal documents. Župa Dubrovačka is a border municipality and there are possible police patrols that may politely ask you to show them valid documents.
Leave no trace
There is a maxim on the trail that dictates zero tolerance for leaving trash behind. Take everything you bring with you back to civilization and dispose of waste responsibly: wet tissues, paper tissues, plastic bottles, chocolate wrappers, cigarette butts and everything else. If you defecate in nature, take the used toilet paper with you, and bury the excrement with earth or stones.
Residents of Dubrovnik County live along the trail. Behave in such a way that they perceive you as friends: greet them, smile, do not make noise, do not listen to music on the speakers. In short, behave as you would like tourists to behave in your neighborhood. In this way, you will pay respect to the people whose ancestors built these trails and who live and work here today. Don't forget that in case of any trouble, they will be the first people to come to your aid.
Do not light a fire under any circumstances.