The Ultimate Croatia Travel Guide
Are you looking for the perfect getaway destination? Look no further than Croatia! This hidden gem in the heart of Europe is the perfect spot for a holiday. From stunning national parks to charming coastal towns, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country.
In this post, I’ll be sharing my ultimate Croatia travel guide for the must-see destinations in Croatia, including Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar, Split, Brac, and Dubrovnik, and give you some ideas on the fun activities you can do in each place. So, grab your girls, you mom, or you man, pack your bags, and let’s dive in!
zagreb
First stop on our itinerary is the capital city of Zagreb, where Croatia’s international airport is located. This charming city is full of history and culture, and is the perfect place to start your Croatian adventure. One of the highlights of Zagreb is the Upper Town. This area is full of beautiful architecture, charming streets, and incredible views. Take a leisurely stroll through the Upper Town to see the stunning St. Mark’s Church and the historic Cathedral. And, of course, no trip to Croatia would be complete without trying the traditional food. So, be sure to grab dinner at a traditional Croatian restaurant, and enjoy a night out in one of the city’s lively bars.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Next up, we have Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to stunning waterfalls, lakes and hiking trails, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers.
Plitvice Lakes is truly a must-see destination, and probably my favorite of the entire trip.
Make sure to get an early start, as the park is massive, and don’t forget your camera. You will be surrounded by 360 degrees of stunning views.
There are built in boardwalks, making the adventure pretty easy, but be sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring water!
Check Out My 3 Minute Plitvice Lakes Video Below!
Zadar
Zadar is a coastal city that is known for its Roman ruins and beautiful waterfront. You can’t visit Zadar without stopping to listen to the sea organ, it’s truly remarkable.
Don’t forget to stop admire the sun salutation installation along seaside before heading out to explore the city’s Roman ruins.
Zadar isn’t a huge city, and you can easily explore it on foot in an afternoon. I highly recommend checking out the Zadar Archeological Museum, it’s one of my favorite museums I’ve ever been to, and is filled with a plethora of unique archeological finds.
There are plenty of dining terraces to choose from as well, and you’ll find no shortage of incredible seafood.
Split
Another one of my favorite places I visited while in Croatia is the coastal city of Split.
It’s a bustling city, with never-ending restaurants and bars lining the promenade.
There is no shortage of things to see and do in Split, but most noteworthily is Diocletian’s Palace.
if you’re a history buff like me, you’ll love exploring the Diocletian’s Palace, which is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world.
we opted for a guided walking tour of the palace. This is the best way to see the palace, and learn about the history of the city and the Roman Empire.
Check Out my Full Video on Diocletian’s Palace Below
Day Trip from Split
From Split, I highly recommend taking the 5 Islands Tour, where you will visit the infamous Blue Cave, Blue Lagoon, Stiniva Bay, and Hvar. This is the most efficient and fun way to see this stunning archipelago, because you have the opportunity to visit multiple islands in one day.
If you’re on the fence about taking the boat trip, absolutely do it. Visiting the Blue Cave and Blue Lagoon is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Make sure to bring a swimsuit, change of clothes, towel, and water shoes! The beaches can be rocky. I have a full vlog on this tour which I will link below.
Check out My 5 Islands Tour Vlog Below
Brac
If you’re looking for a pristine beach to spend the day swimming and soaking up the sun, then look no further than the island of Brac.
More specifically, Zlatni Rat Beach, also known as the Golden Horn. This beach regularly tops the list of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe, and when you visit you will see why.
To get here, you will take a ferry from Split. From there, you can either catch a bus to Zlatni Rat, or call a taxi, which is what we did.
This ensured we wouldn’t be rushed, and could enjoy the day swimming and lounging on the beach.
I would recommend getting the taxis’ phone number, that way you can schedule a pickup time with them to bring you back to the ferry.
Check Out My Zlatni Rat Video Below
Dubrovnik
This wouldn’t be the ultimate Croatia travel guide if I didn’t include this next destination. Jutting out into the Adriatic Sea is the city of Dubrovnik, which is the last stop on this Croatian tour. This medieval city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and home to the iconic City Walls, Rector’s Palace, and of course the famous Kings Landing filming location from Game of Thrones.
We spent the day touring the walls at our own pace, stopping often to admire the breathtaking 360 views and take photos.
This took us about 2 hours to complete the entire wall. It wasn’t very crowded and definitely a must-do activity in Dubrovnik.
Inside the walls you will find Old Town Dubrovnik, which is known as one of the world’s finest and most perfectly preserved medieval cities in the world.
There is no shortage of things to do and see within the city walls. We spent the day exploring the old trading port, and popping into various shops and cafes.
We also visited the Cathedral of Dubrovnik, which holds what is believed to be an original piece of the cross Jesus was crucified on.
If you have time, I would also recommend renting a kayak to explore the nearby beach cave. This was a really fun activity to do, and it was close by.
Check Out My Dubrovnik Vlog Below
Croatia is a country full of natural beauty, culture and history. These are just a few of the must-see destinations in this amazing country, but there is so much more to discover. I hope this ultimate Croatia travel guide gave you some insight for planning your own vacation! So book your trip and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
This is so full of great stuff. Love all the videos which really bring all these great places to life! Thank you It’s wonderful!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it!