Best Things to do in Croatia

Just a little over a mile from Bol on Brac Island, Zlatni Rat is one of the most photographed beaches in Croatia and one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. Also referred to as the Golden Horn for its unique shape that changes with the wind and the waves, it’s a stunning strip made up of fine, white pebbles jutting out a third of a mile into water that ranges in a variety of shades from deep blue to aquamarine. While it’s ideal for sunbathing and swimming, bordered by pine trees, you’ll find shade for relaxing under too.

Images of Plitvice National Park with its many waterfalls and 16 lakes in hues ranging from turquoise to emerald have often gone viral. It’s no surprise, as combined with mysterious caves and lush forests home to many rare bird species, bears, and wolves, the area’s striking beauty led it to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The waters have been flowing over the limestone for thousands of years, depositing travertine barriers to create natural dams that have resulted in this fantasy-like place. Visitors can explore the Lower Lakes, Upper Lakes, or both by hiking the paths and wooden bridges that wind throughout. 

With over 1,200 islands and a spectacular 3,626-mile-long coastline, the best way to explore Croatia is an island-hopping small-ship cruise. You’ll get an incredible perspective of the country’s alluring beauty, with opportunities to anchor in secluded bays and or near hidden beaches so that you can leap into the crystal-clear turquoise sea for a swim. With an elegant, sleek-sized vessel, it’s possible to reach smaller ports, narrow waterways, and uninhabited islands away from the biggest tourist crowds. You’ll have more time to explore each destination, from archaeological sites and historic landmarks in medieval cities to wineries in remote vineyard-covered regions. 

The Blue Cave is a must-visit attraction on the island of Bisevo near Vis. One of the top spots of natural beauty in the Adriatic, this geomorphological natural wonder can be visited on a small boat tour. Slowly cruising into the narrow entrance, you’ll witness the hypnotizing brilliant blue glow that illuminates the interior. While you might think it’s the work of a magician, this comes thanks to Mother Nature. When conditions are right, the rays of the sun beam through a crack in the roof of the grotto and reflect on the white limestone seabed to create a surreal scene. 

One of the most famous medieval walled cities in the world, often featured in “Game of Thrones,” Dubrovnik’s historic center is encircled by centuries-old stone walls that stretch for 1.2 miles. They’re an iconic symbol of the city and visitors can even walk atop them for a bird’s-eye view to see the sparkling Adriatic Sea and the island of Lokrum on one side, with the red-tiled rooftops, narrow streets, and squares on the other. Along the way, there are many viewpoints and several cafes for water, coffee, snacks, or ice cream that make for a perfect break while enjoying the scenery.

The settlement of Ston, located south of the isthmus of the Pelješac peninsula, is famous for its town walls and its oysters. It’s the best place to try them fresh, and many feel their taste is the best in the world thanks to the high concentration of minerals and salt in the water. A tasting experience typically includes a visit to an oyster farm with a talk about the process of cultivating oysters, and how to gather and open them before the grand finale. You’ll sample the oysters fresh out of the sea on a floating dock surrounded by oyster beds.

Located on the west coast of the Istrian Peninsula, Rovinj has an enchanting Old Town with cobblestone streets and impressive gates that are overlooked by the steeple of the hilltop church of St Euphemia. This seaside village is romantic and postcard-perfect, complete with beautiful beaches framed by the sparkling waters of the Adriatic. It also happens to offer some of the best sunsets in the region. The pier is one of the most popular spots to watch this grand finale of the day, extending directly south from Old Town with many western-facing areas to witness the glorious colors splashed across the sea.

There are many reasons Hvar is a favorite island for many. Not only does it offer fascinating history and modern delights, but its landscapes are spectacular. Unusual for this region is that it not only has idyllic sandy beaches, hillsides covered in pine forests, olive groves, fruit orchards, vineyards, and freshwater springs, but lavender fields. They’re iconic here, with images of an endless sea of purple first catching the world’s attention, causing many travelers to add Hvar to their bucket lists. If you’re here in June or July, you’ll get to marvel at the remarkable scene, with guided tours available.

Take in unrivaled views by riding the world’s shortest funicular in Zagreb. A symbol of the city, this over 120-year-old witness of modern development is like a living museum exhibit. It was originally steam operated but is now powered by electricity, bringing riders a little more than 216 feet to Zagreb’s upper town. You’ll find the lower terminus near the main square and after hopping on it will take just over a minute to reach the serene cobbled streets. While the journey may be short, the change of atmosphere and scenery is dramatic. Upon arrival, you’ll be at Strossmayerovo setaliste, the most picturesque promenade in town. And, if you can time it at noon, you can experience the Gric Cannon blast.

While you’ll find an excellent selection of beers, wines, and spirits in Croatia, there’s one drink that’s a must-try, Rakija. The national drink, while it’s shared with other Balkan countries like Serbia, it has a unique twist here. The country’s own take on the classic fruit brandy is an herbal version – in Istria, it might be made with mistletoe or honey, and in Dubrovnik, it includes anise. On Hvar Island, the local specialty includes myrtle while inland destinations may be made with pears, plums, quince, or sour cherries. There’s a saying among Croatians: “If you haven’t tried homemade rakija, you haven’t tried rakija at all.” When made properly, it’s a testament to the efforts of prior generations dating back to the beginning of time.

Opatija is a crown jewel on the Istrian peninsula coast, with timeless elegance as a former 19^th-century resort town. It’s home to the Lungomare, one of the country’s prettiest promenades, a 7.4-mile stretch following the coast, providing views of the shoreline, the sea, and grand historic villas. It’s worth walking the entire length not only for the stunning natural beauty, but to watch windsurfers in the Bay of Preluk and marvel at the over 150 plant species from around the world in Angiolina Park, including sequoias, black bamboo, lemon trees, Japanese bananas, and bougainvillea. The Girl with the Seagull statue is also on the route, an iconic landmark popular for selfies. You’ll also find numerous idyllic beaches that invite one to relax or swim.

The heart-shaped Istrian peninsula is home to many beautiful hilltop towns with jaw-dropping views of a Tuscan-like landscape, including lush hills, vineyards, and olive groves. They’re more like small villages than towns, including picturesque walled Motovun in the Mirna Valley that looks like something out of a dream. It’s famous for its truffles, with many specialty shops that sell truffle products and menus featuring the rare delicacy in various creative dishes from pastas to desserts. Groznjan is another favorite, with similarly incredible vistas and cobbled streets lined with stone homes and buildings. An artsy town, there are many galleries here and it also hosts a popular summer jazz festival. Charming Oprtalj features homes with brightly colored facades and a Venetia loggia with stunning views.

Finally, one of the best things to do in Croatia for outdoor adventure lovers is a whitewater rafting trip on the Cetina River. Within easy reach of Split, you can escape the city and enjoy a tour along the grade 3 rapids while exploring hidden caves and even stopping to swim beneath pristine waterfalls. Trips follow a short section of the river near its mouth just a couple of miles inland from the coast, bringing the opportunity to view incredible canyons and dense forests from the crystal-clear emerald water. Rafting the river is one of the best ways to see hidden parts of the country you normally wouldn’t. There’s no experience necessary and you’ll find many outfitters to choose from.