Top 10 Things to Do in Croatia: The Complete Guide To The Croatian Coast
Croatia is a small country on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. With its beautiful scenery and clear blue waters, Croatia is a popular tourist destination for both locals and travelers alike. As one of the top things to do in Croatia, the coast provides plenty of activities for you to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for beaches and swimming, water activities or nature hikes, there are plenty of things available to keep you entertained. Here's everything you need to know about the Croatian coast so you can plan your next trip!
Top 10 Things To Do In Croatia
1. Visit The National Park of Paklenica
This national park is home to the Velebit Mountain range, the largest and oldest mountain range on the entire Croatian coast. The Velebit Mountain range is a popular destination for fans of rock climbing, hiking and camping. The park is open year-round, but only accessible by foot from May through October.
2. Go Whale Watching
The Adriatic Sea is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for watching whales and dolphins. You can view them from the mainland or by taking a ferry to some of the nearby islands. Some great places for whale watching include: Rab Island (where you can also go snorkeling), Krka National Park, Mljet Island and Kornati National Park.
3. Visit The National Park of Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes is one of Croatia’s most popular national parks, located in central Dalmatia near the border with Bosnia & Herzegovina. The lakes are easily accessible by bus from Zadar, Šibenik and Split. The park is open year-round and offers a number of hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult.
4. Visit The City of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia, and for good reason! It’s a beautiful coastal city with world-famous attractions like the Old Town, Fort Lovrijenac, Onofrio’s Fountain and many more! Dubrovnik is also home to the Dubrovnik Summer Festival which takes place every July/August with outdoor concerts in the old
city.
5. Take A Trip To Korcula Island
Korcula Island is one of Croatia’s most popular destinations for tourists thanks to its gorgeous scenery, rich history and charming coastal towns. Some great places to visit on Korcula Island include: Vela Luka (where you can visit the Korcula Town Museum), Lumbarda, Komiza and the island’s famous wine cellars.
6. Visit The City of Split
Split is the second largest city in Croatia and is also home to one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations: Diocletian’s Palace. Most tourists visit Croatia for a chance to explore this ancient Roman palace, which has been converted into a luxury hotel, but there are plenty of other great things to do in Split such as exploring the old city, hanging out at one of the many beaches or hiking through nearby nature parks like Marjan Hill.
7. Explore The Old Town Of Zadar
Zadar is another popular tourist destination in Dalmatia with a fascinating history and lots to see! Some interesting places to visit while you’re there include: The Sea Organ, St Donatus Church, Guci Fountain and much more!
8. Visit Krka National Park
Krka National Park is a beautiful nature park in Croatia that features some of the country’s most stunning waterfalls. There are a few different places to visit at Krka National Park like: Skradinski Buk, Kravica Waterfall, Veliki Slap and much more!
9. Visit Paklenica National Park
Paklenica National Park is a beautiful nature park located in the south-western part of Dalmatia. Some of the main attractions at Paklenica include: The Paklenica Canyon, The Waterfalls and much more!
10. Enjoy A Day On Hvar Island
Hvar Island is another popular tourist destination in southern Dalmatia with lots to see and do! Some of the main attractions on Hvar include: Jelsa, Old Town, Stari Grad and many others!
What To Eat in Croatia
Croatian cuisine is typically a blend of Mediterranean and Central European cuisines. Many dishes use fresh fish and seafood, as well as a variety of vegetables and herbs to create flavorful meals that are perfect for a long hot day by the beach. Many restaurants in Croatia claim to be serving the world's best, or at least the best Croatian food. If you're looking for authentic tastes from wherever you are, here are some dishes you'll want to try:
Krumpiri - is a dish made with potatoes and milk.
Burek - This dish is made of phyllo dough that is filled with meat, cheese, spinach or other vegetables.
Sinjske jagode - A Dalmatian specialty, these are small, juicy grapes that are a popular summer treat.
Punjene Paprike - stuffed peppers that is usually served with meat and rice.
Sarma - stuffed cabbage made with pork or beef, rice and vegetables.
Soparnik - This dish is made from fried dough dipped in honey and walnuts. It is one of the most popular desserts at Croatian restaurants.
Povrce - Typical Croatian meals often include a number of side dishes called povrce . These include pickled vegetables, sauerkraut or other fermented foods.
Posip - A favorite among many Croatians, this is a simple meal of bread covered in olive oil and salt. It's especially good for dipping into soup as an appetizer or snack!
Čevapčići s pomiješanim rajčicama - This traditional Croatian dish combines ground beef and onions with raisins, sugar and cinnamon in meatballs that are then baked on bread.
Mlinci
Kranjce - Kranjce are doughnuts often served for breakfast.
Baklava - Baklava is a traditional Croatian dessert made from layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey.
Palačinke - these are small pancakes that are popular in Croatian cuisine. They can be served plain or stuffed with a variety of different fillings, including chocolate, lemon or even jam!
Smokvica - is a Dalmatian dessert made from figs that have been dried until they are almost candied. They are then soaked in wine and topped with cream and walnuts.
Knackebrod - This low-fat bread is crunchy outside and soft inside and can be filled with honey, jam or other sweet toppings.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or just want to add a little bit of adventure into your life, Croatia has something for everyone. This complete guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan the perfect trip. I hope you have a wonderful trip to Croatia and please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.