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There are lots of people who dream of traveling to Europe, but many people overlook Croatia. From Split to Dubrovnik, and even Zagreb, Croatian history is rich and beautiful. You can see artifacts from the time of the Roman Empire, and you can witness beautiful natural features in the form of waterfalls, beaches, mountains, and lakes.
At the same time, there is a lot to do and plenty of great places to stay in Croatia, so how should you spend your time? Take a look at some of the top things you need to do, and make sure you start planning your trip now. That way, you don’t overlook anything.
1. Explore the Croatian Coastline
During your trip to Croatia, you will notice a recurring theme. It is all about water. It has thousands of miles of coastline, so you need to see as much as you can.
Since there are no trains available, you’ll need to choose from exploring the coast via bus, car, or boat.
There are a few public ferries that can take you from one of the bigger cities to another, or one-day trips to the islands, but if you really want to splurge on transportation, you can rent a sailboat or yacht to get you from Point A to Point B.
2. Check Out the Museums in Zagreb
Croatia has a significant amount of history, so you should make sure to explore it during your visit. Did you know that Croatia was part of the Former Yugoslavia? Although it only became independent in 1991, the land and the culture have thrived for 1000s of years.
There are a large number of museums in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city, from history to art, to even something quicker like relationships.
One of the top museums you should explore in Zagreb is called the Museum of Broken Relationships. This is an interesting museum that opened in 2010, and it was an opportunity to showcase items from failed relationships. This includes not only romantic relationships but also relationships between friends and family members. It is an emotional roller coaster, and there is a lot to see.
3. Take a Tour of the Blue Cave
Without a doubt, one of the things that you cannot overlook is the famous Blue Cave, which is located on Bisevo Island. You must take a tour of this beautiful cave during your visit to Croatia, as there is a beautiful, brilliant, shining blue light that fills the caverns. It looks like something straight out of a movie, and the surface of the water shimmers a beautiful silver color.
You can find the Blue Cave close to the island of Vis, but you can also get there with a day trip from one of the nearby towns, such as Split or Hvar. Because the cave is so popular, you must make sure that you sign up for a guided tour. Otherwise, you might not be able to get in.
If you’re traveling throughout the Mediterranean, you’ll notice many countries have their own blue caves. While they’re all a little bit different from one to another, it’s hard to know which is the best. As an added travel goal, visit all the blue caves you can to find your favorite!
4. Search for Truffles
If you really want to get out and explore the natural beauty of Croatia, you should consider searching for truffles. This is a delectable fungus that a lot of people love, and it is considered a delicacy in Croatia.
Croatia is a hotspot for these delicious fungi, and you can use them to prepare numerous dishes. Lots of people love to drop them into macaroni and cheese. You might even want to sign up for a tour, where you can watch dogs dig up these truffles. It’s like hunting, just without the weapons.
5. Don’t Miss Yacht Week or Sail Week
Because Croatia is known for its water, it should come as no surprise that there is also a beautiful Yacht Week. Yacht Week is an opportunity for you to explore some of the biggest boats in the world. It is known for being a giant party, but you will still be in awe of some of the boats that are on the water.
You may also want to take advantage of Sail Week, which is more of an adventurous twist. It is an opportunity for you to explore some islands, visit some beautiful attractions, and try stand-up paddleboarding.
The exact days for these events change every year, so check your calendar to make sure you plan your trip accordingly.
6. Go Rafting on the Scenic Cetina River
Croatia has so much natural beauty that it is difficult to know where to begin. One of the things you have to do is to go rafting on the Cetina River. You can easily access this beautiful river from Split.
There are rapids in some areas, but there are quiet parts as well. This is not something that you should do on your own, as some of the rapids can be quite intense. Therefore, you must make sure that you sign up for a guided tour. You can also take advantage of cliff jumping if you’re craving an extra dose of adrenaline.
7. Go Parasailing for the Best Views
Regardless of whether you have gone parasailing before, it is definitely an activity that you should add to your list when you visit Croatia. Going parasailing over the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea is definitely something you need to add to your bucket list.
It may not be a good idea for someone who is afraid of heights, but it is perfectly safe. This is also a great opportunity for you to get some pictures that you can share with friends and family back home.
8. Explore the Waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes
Croatia has a lot of gorgeous national parks that you need to explore, and one of the best ones is called Plitvice Lakes. Plitvice Lakes National Park can get crowded pretty quickly, as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is filled with gorgeous turquoise lakes and towering waterfalls.
You can guide yourself through the incredible natural landscape or opt for a tour to get some background information along with the sights. Keep in mind that even if you visit in the summer and it’s hot outside, swimming in the national park is strictly prohibited.
9. Explore the Old Town of Stari Grad, Hvar
There are lots of old towns you may want to check out, and this one is located on Hvar Island. While the island itself is known for its wild parties, there is also a lot of history to explore as well.
For example, you may want to visit Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe. You can stroll on the Riva, check out the nearby Dominican Monastery, or go for a bike ride along the Stari Grad Plain.
10. Explore the Cave of Odysseus
Odysseus cave is one of the most important natural features in Croatia, and you should not overlook it. It is thought that this cave, which is located on Mljet Island, is the cave that was mentioned in the Epic tale written by Homer, called The Odyssey. While that is still a matter of debate, there is no debate that this cave is beautiful.
You can access it from the town of Babino Polje, but you will have to jump in the water and get to it. You might want to bring a life jacket if you are not a strong swimmer.
11. Explore the Art in Zadar
If you love beautiful artwork, you have come to the right place by visiting Zadar. One of the best locations for top art in Croatia is the Zadar Sea Organ and the Zadar Sun Salutation. They are among the most popular attractions in all of Croatia, and you will love the cultural significance.
The Sea Organ is a musical instrument. It emits sounds when the waves roll in. The Sun Salutation is a huge, round solar panel. It has been made from multiple layers of glass, and it absorbs energy that it converts into light after the sun goes down. It has enough energy to light up the entire waterfront of the city.
12. Take a Walk in Lavender Fields
Croatia has a wide variety of exports, but one of the most important ones is lavender. There are lots of humongous lavender fields throughout Croatia, and this is an opportunity for you to explore where it all comes from.
You can take a tour of a nearby lavender farm, particularly those that are available in Hvar. If you come in July, August, or September, you should be able to smell the lavender from miles away. You might even want to take some home with you.
13. Check Out the Walls of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is one of the biggest cities in Croatia, but it is also a beautiful old town that doubles as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You need to explore the old walls of this city, and there is a lot to offer. You can poke around the alleyways, explore some of the museums, and grab a delicious bite to eat.
Of note, the walls of the city made an appearance in Game of Thrones, the popular HBO show. The walls were constructed between the 12th century and 17th century. You will have to pay if you want to climb on top of them, but you will also enjoy some of the best views in the area.
14. Explore the Diocletian Palace
Did you know that the Roman Emperor Diocletian used to live in Split? The Roman Empire was in control of Croatia for several hundred years. The Diocletian Palace is now a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can find it in Split.
It was constructed in the fourth century, and you can explore a wide variety of historical artifacts during your time. In addition, you can explore some restaurants, shops, and cafes in the area. The palace itself is a cosmopolitan attraction.
15. Explore the Tunnels on Vis Island
Vis island is known for its beautiful natural attractions, but you can also get a history lesson if you poke around Tito’s Tunnel. The island was taken over by a member of the Communist Army when the Cold War was starting. Josip Broz Tito was active during the Cold War, and he placed a wide variety of military fortifications around the island.
Now, there are tunnels that serve as a testament to his presence in the area. They are one of the top tourist attractions, and they provide you with an opportunity to learn about history.
You can get to Vis by ferry from either Split or Hvar. Once on the island, I recommend you rent a car or scooter to travel around it. It’s small but you’ll want at least one full day to see the top sights.
16. Go On a Winery Tour
There are a lot of vineyards scattered throughout Croatia. The history of winemaking in Croatia goes back more than 2,500 years, so you may want to sign up for a wine tour.
There are plenty of wineries in the region, and in particular, the regions of Istria and Dalmatia are known for their amazing wine production capabilities. There are plenty of tours available, so you may want to find one that you can fit into the rest of your schedule.
17. Visit Krka National Park
If you are looking for more national parks to explore, you should check out Krka National Park. You can access this park from just about anywhere in Croatia, and it is known for its amazing hiking scenes. There are beautiful trees, lots of lakes, and plenty of waterfalls. There are plenty of boardwalks that make it easy for you to explore the park as well.
18. Gaze at the Pula Ruins
There are a lot of Roman ruins in the area, but if you want to see as many as possible, you should check out the Roman ruins located in Pula. These are ruins that date back to 177 BC, which is when the area was conquered by the Romans for the first time. Now, it is a very popular historical attraction.
There are a lot of buildings scattered along the coast that serve as a testament to Roman architecture, but this is perhaps the biggest concentration of them. You can see the Porta Gemina, the Hercules Gate, the Arch of the Sergii, the Temple of Augustus, and a beautiful Roman amphitheater.
19. Bask in the Blue Lagoon
If you find yourself in Trogir, do not forget to visit the Blue Lagoon. This is a gorgeous place to go snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking. Some waters are a deep blue color, while others are perfectly clear.
It creates an amazing symphony of colors, and you might even want to sign up for a tour. If you are in the lagoon during sunset, you can take advantage of color that you might not see anywhere else.
20. Go to a Music Festival
Regardless of when you arrive, there will be parties happening all throughout Croatia. This is a country that loves to have some fun, so you certainly won’t be amiss for things to do while visiting the country. If that is your scene, then you should check a festival or two while here.
You might want to take a look at Murter Island, Pag Island, or Brac’s Zlatni Rat Beach. All of them are famous for their music festivals and nightclubs. Just remember that there are people living in the area, so try not to make too much noise past a certain hour.
21. Explore the Spanjola Fortress
You might want to consider visiting the Spanjola Fortress as well. This is a towering fortress that can be found in Hvar, and you will definitely get to work out if you climb all the way to the top.
You can enjoy some history along the way, basking in a beautiful view of the coastline, and check out everything that the Dalmatian Coast has to offer. It was constructed in the 16th century. Hvar was under the rule of the Venetians at the time. It served as an important defense mechanism for the country, but now, it sits on top of a cliff, providing you with a gorgeous view.
22. Go on a Road Trip Up the Coast
Are you worried that you won’t be able to see everything? If so, you should consider going on a road trip. You may want to take a road trip up the coast of Croatia, but just be sure to look both to the right and left. While the water is absolutely beautiful, you don’t want to miss any of the history, rolling hills, or beautiful lakes that might be located on the other side.
Don’t forget to make plenty of stops along the way, from tourist hotspots to small, local towns. That way, you can take in some of the vibes of Croatia.
23. Go Island Hopping
Croatia has a lot of islands that sit just off the coast. Therefore, you may want to consider going island-hopping during your trip. There are plenty of beautiful beaches that you should add to the list. They include Uvala Lapad Beach, Vela Przina, Mlaska, and Saldun Bay.
While you might be tempted to spend all of your time in Dubrovnik, do not overlook what Korcula and Trogir have to offer. Don’t forget to bring some sunscreen as well! That way, you can check out the best beaches in the area.
24. Enjoy the Beachside Town of Rovinj
If you are looking for something that other people aren’t going to check out, then you should visit Rovinj. It is not nearly as popular as some of the other locations on this list, but it is no less exciting.
A lot of people compare it to the Italian Tuscany region, but it is developing quickly, so if you want to see this hidden gem before it gets too commercial, now is your chance! You should be able to find some unique sites that you cannot find anywhere else, and you will still enjoy some beautiful views of the water.
This is also one of the best places to grab a meal and try some Croatian delicacies. Therefore, consider adding a beachside town to your list if you are looking for something a bit different.
25. Go Hiking in Mljet National Park
It is difficult to see all of the national parks, but you do not want to overlook this one. You can find it situated on Mljet Island, and it is filled with some turquoise lakes, thick woods, and beautiful beaches. You may want to bring a picnic blanket, roll it out on a beautiful mountain top, and enjoy a picnic lunch.
There are some beautiful views, and there are not as many tourists in this part. Therefore, you shouldn’t have to fight for a great spot to soak in the sights. While you are there, you should check out the Isle of Saint Mary. You should also swing by the Benedictine Monastery. If you want to get some exercise, consider renting a bike and exploring the entire loop.
26. Go Cliff Jumping Into the Sea
While I wouldn’t advise that you jump into the sea from any cliff you see, there are a few places that are safely designated as great for cliff jumping. You might not be able to do so off the famous city walls, but locals in Sibenik or Hvar Town should be able to point you in the right direction.
There are lots of hidden cliff jumping opportunities around this historic city, so don’t miss out on your chance to do something truly unique on your vacation.
27. Go Home With Some Olive Oil
After you have spent a lot of time on the hiking trails in the Balkans, you will probably be ready for a delicious meal. Croatia is known for its olive oil, so be sure to try some before you leave.
In Hvar one of the olive oil vineyards produces cold-pressed olive oil with oranges. While you shouldn’t cook with this oil, it’s fantastic to dip some bread in it, dress your salad with it, or drizzle some over grilled fish.
You might love it so much that you may want to take some home with you. Just remember that you may have to check your bag if you want to take it back to your home country!
Get Ready for Your Croatia Travel Trip
Ultimately, these are just a few of the many destinations that you should explore during your trip to Croatia. Regardless of whether you want to go on an Istrian wine tasting tour or enjoy one of the top Croatian islands in the area, there is something for everyone.
This travel guide can help you get started, but you’ll need to customize your trip to meet your needs! Just be sure to get a bit of Baroque and Renaissance history along with the beautiful islands around the Golden Horn. There is something for everyone in this beautiful country to see!
Featured Image Credit: lara-sh
