Top Experiences in Croatia

Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is an ancient, walled medieval city on the Adriatic Sea, filled with world class restaurants and narrow cobblestoned lanes to explore. The city is one the most beautiful cities in the world and is one of our favorite getaway destinations.

Split. Split, the second largest city in Croatia, is a mix of modern life and ancient history. With ruins dating back to the Roman Empire, a bustling waterfront, and fresh seafood served daily at many of the restaurants in town, Split is well worth a visit on a tour through Croatia.

Rovinj. Rovinj is a city that tops the favorite list of many travelers to the Istrian Peninsula and we were no different. Why is this town so beloved? Rovinj is romantic, historic, and looks and feels more Italian than Croatian. With twisting city streets, a bustling, photogenic harbor, and some of the best seafood restaurants in Croatia, this is a town that is not to be missed.

Plitvice Lakes National Park. Plitvice Lakes National Parks contains 16 interconnecting lakes that vary in color from emerald green to turquoise to deep blue. Throw in several stunning waterfalls and you really have something special. At Plitvice Lakes, you walk through the beautiful park on hiking trails and on boardwalks that are suspended over the turquoise water.

Krka National Park. Krka National Park is another destination where you can find some of Croatia’s most beautiful waterfalls. With 17 majestic waterfalls spread throughout the park as well as wondrous gorges, wildlife, ancient monasteries, and hiking trails, there is much to explore here.

Pula and Cape Kamenjak. Located on the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula, Pula and Cape Kamenjak can be combined into a perfect day trip. Pula is a sprawling, urban city that has an impressive collection of ancient Roman monuments in its compact old town. Cape Kamenjak is an outdoor paradise, with beaches, cliff diving, and one of the most unique bars we have been to yet, the Safari Bar. If you are already planning to spend one day in Pula, consider adding on the side trip to Cape Kamenjak.

Piran and Koper. Piran and Koper are two coastal towns located on part of the Istrian Peninsula called Slovenian Istria. Piran is well-known for its colorful main square, Venetian-style bell tower, beaches, and medieval walls. Koper is smaller, with boutique shops and historical sites.

Trogir. Trogir is located just thirty minutes west of Split by car. The old town is located on an island, accessible by bridges from the mainland. This town is tiny. Really tiny. You can walk from one end to the other in five minutes, if you move fast. But this tiny town is packed with charm, scenic views, and lots of great restaurants. Trogir is a peaceful and gorgeous town that should not be missed.

Brac Island. Brac is somewhat of an off-the-beaten-path destination in Croatia. The islands of Hvar, Korcula, and Mljet are more popular choices for most people. When we learned that Brac is home to the highest peak on the Adriatic islands, Vidova Gora, we couldn’t resist visiting Brac to go hiking. In the end, Brac not only lived up to our expectations, but the 24 hours we spent on this island was one of our highlights of Croatia.

Hvar Island. Hvar, named the sunniest spot in Croatia, is a paradise of startling blue waters, glorious beaches, historic town, and lively nightlife. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy a photogenic island, Hvar is the place for you.

Korcula Island. Korcula is a spectacular destination to visit in Croatia, for it has a beautiful old town, spectacular beaches, and some of Croatia’s best wineries. Korcula is the perfect destination for those looking for a historic place to wander that is additionally a beautiful beach paradise.

Mljet Island. Mljet is Croatia’s greenest island and is a place of unspoiled nature and alluring tranquility. With the island’s dense forests, turquoise water, high cliffs, ancient ruins, and vast beaches, Mljet is a wonderous destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.

Zagreb. Surprisingly, for being Croatia’s capital, Zagreb is a destination most travelers skip during their time in Croatia. However, Zagreb is a beautiful city to explore. With colorful streets, gothic architecture, historic sites, delicious cafes, and great museums, there is much to do within the city walls that every traveler will enjoy.

Zadar. Zadar is a beautiful city on Croatia’s coast that is rich in history and nature. Similar to Dubrovnik, Zadar is a walled city with cobbled streets, Roman ruins, and beautiful beaches, making it a great destination if you want to avoid Dubrovnik’s crowds. In addition to the city’s beauty, it is nearby many popular Croatian sites including Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Motovun, Groznjan, and Zavrsje. Motovun, Groznjan, and Zavrsje are three idyllic hill towns located in inland Istria that make for great places to visit if you are road tripping through Croatia. Motovun is home to an impressive medieval fortress and great panorama views. Groznjan is a town clustered with cobblestone streets and medieval structures. And Zavrsje is a quaint quiet town that is fun to explore.

Balkan Peninsula Itinerary

Balkan Peninsula Itinerary: Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina

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This Balkan Peninsula itinerary is perfect for those who want to explore this gorgeous corner of Europe. Tour three countries, visit coastal, medieval towns, cruise the Adriatic Sea, lounge on some of Europe’s most unique beaches, dine on fresh seafood, and climb the highest mountain in the Adriatic Sea, if you desire. Croatia is a joy to explore, Montenegro is full of surprises, and Bosnia & Herzegovina is a beautiful country with a story to tell.

Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia: Best Walking Route, Helpful Tips & Photos

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Plitvice Lakes is one of the most unique places to visit in Croatia. With easy walking trails, boardwalks suspended over the turquoise water, stunning viewpoints, and photogenic waterfalls, this is the type of place that is perfect for visitors of all ages. In this guide, learn how to get to the most stunning waterfalls, how to get a bird’s eye view of the park, and how to get to the Veliki Slap viewpoint for the postcard view of Plitvice Lakes.

Places to Go Near Croatia

A visit to Croatia can be easily combined with nearby destinations, such as Slovenia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

10 Epic Days on the Balkan Peninsula: Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina

For 10 awesome days we toured the Balkan Peninsula, visiting Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. What an incredible trip. From walking the medieval walls in Dubrovnik to viewing the spectacular landscapes of Montenegro to getting a history lesson in Sarajevo, this is one of our favorite trips of all time. Here are the highlights from […]

20 Epic Things to Do in Slovenia

Slovenia…this small, mountainous country is one of Europe’s best outdoor destinations. Hike the Julian Alps, explore the karst caves, raft the crystal clear aquamarine rivers, and paddle board on the lakes…these all make the list of the best things to do in Slovenia. If you are planning a trip to Slovenia and need some ideas […]

22 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Montenegro

Montenegro is a gorgeous country. With its walled coastal towns, stunning Bay of Kotor, misty mountain peaks, and off-the-beaten-path wetlands, this small country is full of surprises. Most people visit Kotor on a day trip from Croatia, but there is enough to do here for days, even weeks. We had just two days here, which […]

9 Must-Have Experiences in Sarajevo

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a city with a tumultuous history. WWI started here in 1914 with the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria. In 1984, Sarajevo was broadcasted into homes all over the world, as millions of people tuned in to watch the Winter Olympics. Just 6 years later, the world […]

Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina: How to Plan the Perfect Visit

The town of Mostar is one of Bosnia & Herzegovina’s most popular destinations. With cobblestoned streets, old stone buildings, and its beautiful bridge spanning the picturesque Neretva River, this town looks like it was plucked from the pages of a fairytale. This small town attracts thousands of visitors per year. Seeing Stari Most, the Old […]

One Day in Piran and Koper: How to Plan Your Day Trip

Piran and Koper are two beautiful coastal towns located in Slovenia. Piran is well known for its colorful main square, medieval walls, Venetian-style bell tower, and access to beaches. Koper is smaller, but with its narrow, boutique-lined streets and historical sites, it is worth a quick visit. In this article, learn how to spend one […]

Best Time to Visit Croatia

The most popular time to visit is during the summer months from June through September. The weather is generally hot and sunny, with a low chance of rain. Expect larger crowds and make your hotel reservations and dinner reservations in advance.

The shoulder season (April, May, and October) is a great time to visit Croatia if you want lower crowds and still have pleasant weather. Our first visit to Croatia was in April and the daily temperature was around 70°F (21°C) with cooler nighttime temperatures. It was a little bit chilly to go to the beach, but we did see people swimming. Crowds were low, we never had to wait in any lines, over 90% of restaurants were open and we never had to make a reservation.

Some restaurants and hotels will be closed during the low season (November through March) particularly in the coastal towns.