Things to do in Croatia. Croatia is a lovely country blessed with crystal waters of the Adriatic Sea, cozy cities and towns with narrow cobblestone streets, rich history and culture. There are more than a thousand islands in this country that are diverse and unique. It is hard to get enough of the majestic views of the mountainous coastlines and postcard-perfect sunsets by the sea.
Croatia is also a country rich with gastronomic delights; it is very easy to find delicious food and great wines in all the cities and islands. The natural beauty of this land didn’t remain unnoticed from the film industry, either. Some of the most epic scenes of the famous series “Game of Thrones” were shot in Croatian towns, fortresses, and city walls. Before traveling to Croatia, it is useful to get acquainted with some of the things you can do and see, to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Discover the Old Town of Dubrovnik
For the things to do in Croatia, the best way to start your trip from the capital Dubrovnik which is the best place to explore Croatian history and magnificent architecture. The highlight of the city is the Old Town with its old city walls or ramparts, churches, and cobblestone narrow streets.
There are many reasons why the Old Town of Dubrovnik is very often considered as one of the most beautiful places in all of Croatia. It is famous not only for its historic walls and churches, but it also served as shootings’ venue for the famous TV show Game of Thrones. Ever since, even more, travelers visit the city to witness the ancient sites.
It is always a good time to visit Dubrovnik and check out the Old Town of the city. The city also serves as an essential port for Croatia. Many cruise ships stop by the city, so you could consider this opportunity too. It is just amazing to wander around the narrow streets of the Old Town, walk around the harbor, and enjoy some open air time.
Check out the Croatia map at the end of this article.
Visit Krka Waterfalls
Croatia is a country with incredible nature. Blessed with the turquoise Adriatic Sea, mountains, and waterfalls, it can be listed as one of the most beautiful in the world. One of the top things to do in Croatia would be exploring Krka Waterfalls, which are exceptionally beautiful and are considered one of the highlights of Croatia. The waterfall also offers you the opportunity to swim.
Make sure you’re aware of all the beautiful areas of the falls before visiting. Skradinski Buk, made up of 17 waterfalls, is one of the must-sees in all of Croatia. Apart from the waterfalls, this area also stands out with its wildlife consisting of more than 800 species.
Another area of Krka Waterfalls is Roski Slap, which comprises of 12 waterfalls. You can explore those through a boat ride and enjoy some of the most splendid views in the world. The best time to visit Krka is in spring or summer when the weather is warmer, and the waters are excellent for a swim. You can either visit it by car or join one of the organized tours, which are very easy to find in all the major cities in Croatia, such as Zadar and Split.
Visit the Blue Cave on Bisevo
One of the most exceptional islands in Croatia, Bisevo, stands out with its astonishing caves. Only 5km away from Vis island, Bisevo offers some of the most popular natural treasures in the Adriatic.
The most prominent site is the Blue Cave or Blue Grotto, called otherwise. There is a reason why it’s called “Blue”; the walls of the cave appear aquamarine due to the sunlight reflected through the hole in the rocky side. It is a truly magical spot one shouldn’t miss visiting when in Croatia. It is even hard to capture the splendid view with a camera; you should surely see it with your own eyes.
The best way to visit it is by boat or go on an island-hopping tour, which would also include Bisevo island. The entrance to the cave is quite tiny, it is advised to get in there with a local tour guide. Undeniably one of the top things to do in Croatia is to visit the Blue Cave. Along the way to the Bisevo, you can as well visit Hvar island, another incredible island worth visiting.
Sunbathe at Stiniva Beach
One of the best things to do in Croatia is to visit next to Hvar island, the Brac island is located which stands out with its one of a kind beauty. Not only is it the biggest island in the Dalmatian, but it also has some of the best beaches in Croatia. The good thing about the Brac island is that it is less crowded compared to Hvar too.
Stiniva beach particularly, is one of the most popular ones; it has also been listed as one of the best in all of Europe. The area is located in a valley cove surrounded by cliff sides, which kind of isolate the beach from the surrounding sea and leave tiny space for the boats to come in and out. The golden sand and turquoise waters in the area are simply heavenly to spend a day or two, swim and suntan. The beach is also great for families with kids visiting Croatia.
Check out the Croatia map at the end of this article.
Walk Through Plitvice Lakes National Park
Wondering what else to do in Croatia? Surely visit Plitvice Lakes, National Park. It is one of the most popular ones in Croatia. Located around 2 hours away from Split. You can take a day trip to enjoy this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plitvice is the oldest and biggest park in Croatia, made up of 16 lakes and incredible waterfalls.
Even though you can’t swim in the lakes like in Krka, you can still admire the stunning nature of the deep forests. The entire area is walkable; as a matter of fact, it is quite enjoyable to walk through the bridges and walkways and explore some of the prettiest sites in Croatia.
There are also some awesome activities such as hiking and ziplining you can enjoy. It is worth mentioning, though, that it might get very crowded in summer due to the large tourist flow, so consider planning your visit way in advance and book tickets beforehand.
Croatia is one of the most incredible countries in the world with so much to see and do that it would be hard to manage it all during one visit. If you’re confused about making a list of things to do in Croatia, use some of the suggestions listed above to enjoy it to the fullest, and explore some of the most beautiful Croatian spots, you won’t see anywhere else in the world.
See also: Best Beaches in Croatia