20 Things to Do in Croatia:

Croatia is a country at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe on the Adriatic Sea. This dreamy summer destination is famous for its gorgeous waterfalls and spectacular rocky coast. There are more than 1,000 islands in Croatia that you can go and see for yourself! We listed 20 things to do in Croatia.

My Experience:

I went to Croatia in September 2019 with my best friend, Ariana Gomez. We stayed in Split, Croatia, which is a unique city. We had the best time in Split because we explored the Old Town, strolled along the Riva Promenade, and climbed Marjan Hill. I highly recommend both excursions we took from Split, Croatia, including a five Island speedboat tour and a trip to see KRKA National Park! Listed below are 20 things to do and places to go in Croatia based on my experience and research that I have done!

Split, Croatia:

1- Diocletian’s Palace–

Diocletian’s Palace, built in 305AD for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, is a prime filming location for Game of Thrones.

2- St. Domnius Cathedral–

This cathedral is in Diocletian’s Palace. Climb the bell tower to get the best view of the city.

3- Riva Promenade-

One of the best sites to see in Split is simply walking along the Riva Promenade because there are tons of colorful buildings, a few palm trees, and a great view of the Adriatic Sea.

4- The Old Town–

The Old Town of Split is a maze of cobblestone streets surrounding Diocletian’s Palace. Cafes and restaurants surround People’s Square. At People’s Square, you can also see a view of the old town clock.

5- Marjan Hill-

We climbed to the top of Murjan Hill and I must say it truly is a stunning view of the city.

6- Trogir-

Trogir is a separate coastal city only 35 minutes away from Split, and you can take a car, bus, or ferry to get there. Wow, what a beautiful place to stroll.

7- Putalj Winery-

If you love wine, then visiting the Putalj Winery is for you. This place is located 20 minutes out of Split, Croatia.

8- Klis Fortress-

This ancient fortress has a long history of battles between the Knights Templar, Ottomans, and the Mongols. This place is another prime film location for the infamous TV series, Game of Thrones.

Tours from Split, Croatia:

9- Island Speedboat Tour– BOOK THE TOUR

Take the tour of a lifetime, also known as the five Island speedboat tour featuring the Blue Cave and Hvar!

What islands do you visit? The five islands that you visit are Hvar, Ravnik, Budikovac, Vis, and Biševo.

What are the highlights of the trip? A few highlights from the trip include visiting the Blue Cave, going to the fishing village of Komiža, swimming and snorkeling in Stiniva Cove, and exploring the old town of Hvar!

How do you travel to each island? You will travel by boat and see beautiful sights from the water. The professional guides are super informative and friendly!

My Experience: My favorite part about the tour described above was visiting ‘The Blue Cave’. This cave contains natural light from the sun shining through the cave. It was incredible.

Fun Fact: I also saved someone’s life on this tour. We had the option to swim out to a beach at Stiniva Cove. A few of us swam to the beach; however, one could not make it back. I was able to swim out and give him a life jacket. He made it back on the speedboat safe and sound! The tour guide was kind and gave me a free soda when we got to the next island.

Learn more: Croatian Coast Island Speedboat Tour

10- Kayaking and Snorkeling- BOOK THE TOUR

There are so many kayaking and canoeing adventure tours available in Croatia. There are full-day tour options available that will take you kayaking to the beautiful island of Dugi Otok. The guide will take you to the island’s spectacular cliffs, bays, and sea caves. They provide sea kayaks as well as snorkeling gear. After kayaking, you will go snorkeling near a shipwreck. You have time to relax at Sakarun Beach after you go snorkeling. Book your tour: Kayak and Snorkeling Tour

11- 8 National Parks–

There are a total of eight national parks in Croatia to see! We were able to go and see KRKA National Park, which is a MUST DO in my opinion, as I have never seen water so crisp and clear!

#1: Plitvice Lakes National Park

This national park is in central Croatia near the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The park is situated in the mountains of Lika-Seni County, making it great for hiking.

#2: KRKA National Park – VIEW PHOTOS

Another fun excursion that we were able to go and see is a trip to KRKA National Park. I wrote a blog post based on everything you need to know before visiting here.

Learn more: Krka National Park

#3: Brijuni–

This charming archipelago consists of two islands and is stunning.

#4: Kornati-

Diving underwater around the Kornati is a incredible experience. The Kornati Archipelago consists of 140 islands, and 89 are a part of the national park. The islands are not inhabited and have to be visited by boat.

#5: Miljet-

This mythical island is worth a visit and has been a national park since 1960.

#6: Paklenica–

This national park has two spectacular canyons, Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica, offering a stunning view of the sea below. This national park is also great for climbers.

#7: Risnjak–

This national park is an absolute treasure for nature lovers and offers many different hiking trails, a mountain lodge, and accommodation.

#8: North Velebit-

North Velebit is a national park home to ruins of old houses, pits, and caves, including Luke’s Pit, the deepest cave in the world.

Dubrovnik:

Dubrovnik is a city on the Adriatic Sea in southern Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea. It is an ancient, walled medieval city filled with world-class restaurants and cobblestoned streets.

12- The Dubrovnik Walls-

It takes two hours to walk the entire loop around the city. Highlights include climbing the Minceta Tower and reaching views over the Old Town.

13- Old Town of Dubrovnik–

The narrow streets have restaurants as well as small shops.

14- Stradun-

Stradun is the prime filming location for Star Wars Episode IX.

15- Lovrijenac-

Lovrijenac is an ancient fortress that was a Game of Thrones filming site.

16- Take a Tour of King’s Landing-

St. Dominika is where Cersei made her walk of shame. Minceta Tower is where Daenerys recovers the dragons stolen from her.

17- Gornji Ugao Tower–

Gornji Ugao Tower provides a look at the history of the city.

18- Lokrum Island–

This island has a few beautiful beaches and gardens. There also Peacocks everywhere that roam the island.

19- Wine Tasting–

Did you know that Croatia produces delicious wine? Don’t miss D’Vino Wine Bar, located in Dubrovnik, where you can drink a wine flight and try meat and cheese platters.

20- Mostar + Kravice Waterfalls– BOOK THE TOUR

Visit Bosnia and Herzegovina from Dubrovnik and see three of the country’s top national attractions in just one day! You’ll see Mostar and the Kravice Falls with convenient round-trip transfers from your hotel!

LINK: Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls

I highly recommend visiting Croatia for it is stunning! From the kind people to the fabulous views, it was a trip I will never forget.
We listed 20 things to do in Croatia. Have you been to Croatia? I would love to hear about your experience!

Similar Post: 21 Facts About Croatia

21 Facts About Croatia

Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries to visit in the world. Croatia has over 1,200 islands at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe on the Adriatic Sea. Below are 21 facts about Croatia.

1. Money to use: Euro
2. Things to do:
   1. Five Island speedboat tour featuring the Blue Cave and Hvar- Take the tour of a lifetime called the Five Island speedboat tour featuring the Blue Cave and Hvar. The five islands that you visit are Hvar, Ravnik, Budikovac, Vis, and Biševo. A few highlights from the trip include visiting the Blue Cave, going to the fishing village of Komiža, swimming and snorkeling in Stiniva Cove, and exploring the old town of Hvar! You will travel by boat and see beautiful sights from the water. The professional guides are super informative and friendly!
   2. Kayaking + Snorkeling-I recommend this full-day tour that takes you to the beautiful island of Dugi Otok. The guide will take you to the island’s spectacular cliffs, bays, and sea caves. They provide sea kayaks as well as snorkeling gear. Post kayaking, you will go snorkeling near a shipwreck. After snorkeling, you have time to relax at Sakarun Beach.
   3. KRKA National Park – There are eight national parks in Croatia to see! We were able to go and see KRKA National Park, which is a MUST DO in my opinion, as I have never seen water so crisp and clear!
   4. Plitvice Lakes National Park- This national park is in central Croatia near the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 
   5. Visit the old town of Dubrovnik– Dubrovnik is a city on the Adriatic Sea in southern Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea. It is an ancient, walled medieval city filled with world-class restaurants and cobblestoned streets.
   6. Wine Tasting- Did you know that Croatia produces delicious wine? Don’t miss D’Vino Wine Bar in Dubrovnik, where you can drink a wine flight and try a delicious meat and cheese platter.
   7. Visit Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls- Take the tour of a lifetime to see both Mostar and the Kravice Falls with a convenient round-trip transfer from your hotel! HERE
3. Population: 4.2 million
4. Capital: Zagreb
5. Other main cities (by population): Split, Rijeka, Osijek, Zadar
6. Language: Croatian, using the Latin alphabet
7. Currency: Kuna
8. Size: 127th largest country in the world
9. Main religion: Roman Catholic
10. Ethnic group: Croatian (almost 90% of the population is Croatian)
11. Largest Islands: Cres and KRK
12. Largest Lake: Lake Vrana
13. Color of Lakes: Mint green, grey, and blue
14. National Flower: Iris
15. Highest mountain: Dinara Peak
16. Number of National Parks: 8
17. Hours of Sunshine: 2,715 hours
18. Smallest Town: Hum is the world’s smallest town, with a population of 20 people
19. Location: Croatia has borders with five other countries. ((Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia, Hercegovina, and Montenegro))
20. Oldest City in Croatia: The city of Vinkovci was inhabited for at least 8,000 years. Today more than 35,000 people are living there.
21. Alcohol Consumption: Croatians are the fourth heaviest alcohol consumers in the world per capita

We listed 21 facts about Croatia. Have you ever been to Croatia? Please comment below about your experience!

Similar Post: 20 Things to Do in Croatia

KRKA National Park is in southern Croatia along the KRKA river. Spending a day at this river is for you if you enjoy mesmerizing, untouched nature. The park has an abundance of waterfalls and a diverse amount of flora and fauna. Below are 6 facts about KRKA National Park in Croatia.

#1: How do you get to KRKA National Park?

The park is an hour and a half from Split, Croatia. We booked a tour with transportation included from Split, Croatia. The tour guide gave us enough time at the park to hike through the waterfalls, go swimming, and have lunch. Another option is to book a boat tour to get to KRKA national park from Split Croatia!

Tours: Compare KRKA National Park Tours Available

2. How Many Waterfalls Are at the National Park?

There are seven waterfalls to see. Each of the seven waterfalls at KRKA National Park has unique characteristics that make them different and special. Make sure you witness the highest waterfall or Manojlovacki!

3. How were the waterfalls created?

Krka river itself is a travertine phenomenon. Travertine is a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs created from rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate. The travertine formed the seven waterfalls.

4. How much does it cost?

We recommend booking a tour to get to KRKA National Park for $29.74! This includes transportation from Split, Croatia.

5. What can you do at the National Park?

You can swim under the waterfall. We went for a swim even though we did not bring bathing suits. My best friend Ari and I will forever be carefree, wandering souls! You can also take a bike ride, boat ride, or go for a long hike. The boat trip will take you to the Island of Visovac, where you will find the Roman Visovac Monastery, founded more than 570 years ago. 

6. When is the best time to visit?

The park gets extremely crowded during July and August. The best time to visit is May, June, September, or October.

Are you looking for more things to do in Croatia? Read: 20 Things to Do in Croatia

Have you ever been to KRKA National Park? We listed 6 facts about KRKA National Park before visiting. Please let us know about your experience in the comment section below!