We are often in a dilemma when picking a destination to go to, & whether the highlight should be; sight-seeing, nightlife, shopping, outdoor recreation, good food, affordable prices, friendly locals, you name it..

What about a destination that will put an end to your misery, that won’t put you in a position where you have to give up on things to satisfy other needs…

Think no more..CROATIA has it all!

I must warn you that Croatia is much bigger than you think it is, so don’t fret if you cannot cover all of it in one trip, I know for a fact that it’s the kind of countries that one can’t get enough of! 

So why Croatia? 

STRINKINGLY BEAUTIFUL NATURE

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Home to 8 national parks -Plitvice, Krka, Mljet, Risnjak, Paklenica, Sjevereni, and the Kornati Islands-, where each has its very own characteristics offering a wide range of activities to do; from waterfalls to look at or jump in, mountains to climb, caves to discover, to scenic hiking trails to walk, or cycle, wildlife, bird watching, plant life to marvel at, scuba diving, kayaking, & white water rafting.

• The most famous is Plitvice Lakes 2 to 3 hours by bus from Zagreb, this is a hub for outdoor activities such as hiking, canyoning, and caving with a range of 16 interconnected lakes. Plitvice could be enjoyed all year round as each season offers a different experience.
• With 17 waterfalls, Krka  comes as the second best option after Plitvice, unlike Plitvice you can swim at one of the waterfalls, it’s also home to medieval fortresses bird species, reptiles, bats, along with over 800 species of plantlife. The best way to get around is while cruising a boat, or hiking some of its footpaths. One thing that one shouldn’t miss while at Krka is Visovac Island which will so much remind you of the famous Slovenian Lake Bled, it has an ancient church, and monastery that still holds a collection of well-preserved artefacts, and a library.
• If you are an avid hiker Paklenica is the place to be, a park that offers mind-blowing scenery, deep gorges, pine forests, challenging hiking trails, along with laid back ones, home to Croatia’s largest mountain “The Velebit” rising from the edge of the Adriatic Sea, part of the Dinaric Alps one of the last wildlife sanctuaries in Europe.
• But if you are more of a water activities kind of traveler your destination should be The Kornati Islands National Park as you will get to snorkel & scuba-dive under the Kornati cliffs
• Hvar’s Lavendar fields where one can just enjoy their sight, their enchanting scents, not only but also one can create his very own lavendar oil cocktails

HEAVEN FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION

• Hiking: home to the Dinaric Alps; you can never run out of options whether for avid hikers or just amateurs. Paklenica National Park is a hub, another option is Brac Island,
• Kayaking: Telasisca Bay
• Cycling: Istria hilltop towns have the best geared, & scenic cycling routes in Croatia, other options are; Telasisca Bay, Hvar, and Vis
• Ziplining: the fastest is at Omis at a whopping speed of 65KM/H, it’s also practiced at Cetina River
• Rock-climbing: Anica Kuk in Paklenica National Park
• Deep water-soloing: meaning Rock Climbing on sea cliffs at the Kornati Islands
• Paragliding: Omis, & Tribalj near Rijeka
• Snorkeling & Scuba-diving: the Kornati Islands National Park
• White Water Rafting: Cetina River is a hub, also Una River lying between Croatian-Bosnian borders
• Windsurfing & Kite-surfing: Bol on Brac Island, Polce
• Skiing: Sljeme outside Zagreb
• Horseback Riding: Omis & Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Caving: Manita Pec at Paklenica Park, and Mordic Cave near Rovanjska

SAILING & ISLAND HOPPING

In a country boasting an abundance of islands, around a 1000, of which only 50 are inhabited. The best way to explore the country is on board a boat, as one will get to see as many islands as wished for, reach out to places that cannot be accessed by any other means. You can just anchor your vessels whenever you want, & explore the country by car, by bicycle, or on foot.

BREATHTAKING BEACHES, WATERFALS & WATER-SPORTS

Old city of Dubrovnik and the beach surrounding it

While surrounded by one thousand islands, it’s hard to tell which beach is the most scenic, or which has the clearest turquoise waters, but Zlatni Rat beach on Brac Island will sure make you wonder if any Croatian beach could beat that one.

HISTORY AT ITS BEST

We have all seen or been ancient walled cities, but how many have been to an old city overlooking a swim-able sea? Not only but also several filming locations for Game of Thrones…Fancy that!

Besides walking the old city of Dubrovnik one cannot leave without riding a cable car up to Srd Mountain where one of the most beatiful Croatian sunsets could be witnessed, not to mention that the seaside has one of the best kayaking experiences all over Croatia.

Zadar‘s seaside old town providing one of the world’s most scenic sunsets!

FOOD DELICACIES

Courtesy of: brownpau

When it comes to Croatian cuisine nothing could go wrong, specially the seafood side of it, they really know how to do it! Your best deal is to savor a meal at a Konoba; the definition of a traditional Croatian restaurant having an authentic look, and feel, only serving local delicacies, and is usually family-run.

Croatia also hosts some of Europe’s best food festivals, the most remarkable are the ones at Istria’s hilltop towns such as Novigard -one can go for cooking classes as well-; also producing some of the region’s freshest olive oil & white truffles.

Zagreb’s food scene cannot be neglected namely at Tkalciceva Street where one can roam the city, admire its architecture, and fill his tummy with a devouring meal.

MUST EATS

• Crni Rizot: black risotto with cuttlefish
• Pasticada: a traditional beef dish marinated overnight in herbs, garlic, and wine, usually served with homemade gnocchi
• Burek: also famous in Turkey & Greece, it’s kind of the Croatian version of Egyptian Ro2a2 however it’s thinner, crispier, and taking a spiral or a typical ro2a2 shape
• Pag Cheese: made of sheep milk
• Krafne (a.k.a. Krofne): airy donuts filled with jam, cream, chocolate, or anything that’s sweet
• Locally made ice-cream
• Fresh stuff at Zagreb’s Dolac Market

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

Keep your eyes open to the range of music festivals happening each year in summer time to be exact…Have I mentioned the number of bars, and clubs, and all the happening in Zadar and in Zrce on Pag Island..And above all the Yacht Week?!!

SHOPPING

Zagreb offers the best shopping experience across Croatia, but seriously who wants to waste time shopping while surrounded by this crazy range of activities to do, and sights to see.

Have you ever been to Croatia? What was the most remarkable thing about it that you’d like to share? And if you haven’t was it ever on your list? Did we get you excited to go visit it? Let us know in the comments below..

Your trip to Croatia starts right here!

About the Author

Passainte Assem

A former lawyer, travel junkie and adventurer from head to toe. Whether broke or out of vacation time, always on the lookout for the next destination. Keen to share her travel stories, planning tips and photographs to give you a real sense of place.