Discover Croatia: 10 Must-Experience Activities for Your Croatian Adventure
BY Travel Department Partnership
1st Nov 2023 Travel Guides
7 min read
A Croatian holiday is a captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes along the Adriatic coast. With its rugged mountains, charming towns, and turquoise waters, Croatia stands as one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and a top sun destination.
To make the most of your visit to this enchanting land, we've compiled a list of the top 10 activities you must experience when you’re visiting Croatia.
1. Take a Guided Dubrovnik Walking Tour: Explore the "Pearl of the Adriatic"
Dubrovnik, often called the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is a city of astounding beauty. Its hillside location, shiny limestone cobbles, red-tiled roofs, mediaeval architecture, and the azure sea lapping at its old city walls create a mesmerising setting. In the evening, the town comes alive with vibrant activity, making it the perfect time to savour a drink at one of the numerous bars and cafés, watching the world go by. Game of Thrones fans can embark on a Dubrovnik Game of Thrones tour to visit the series' filming locations.
2. Witness the Ston Walls: Europe's Second-Longest Wall
Ston, located about an hour's drive from Dubrovnik, is renowned for its well-preserved 15th-century walls, often referred to as the "European Great Wall of China." It's the second longest wall globally and is famous for its salt mines and delectable Ston oysters.
3. Explore Roman Ruins: A Glimpse into Ancient History
Croatia boasts remarkable ancient Roman sites. In Split, you'll find Diocletian's Palace, a 3rd-century wonder that could be considered a town in itself, with its vast expanse, housing over 3,000 people. The amphitheatre in Pula, built in the 1st century and used for gladiator fights, is one of the world's largest, well-preserved Roman amphitheatres. The former Roman colony of Poreč is rich in history, showcasing classic Romanesque architecture and Venetian Gothic palaces.
4. Explore Croatia's National Parks: Natural Splendours
Croatia boasts eight remarkable national parks. Krka Park, situated northeast of Šibenik, offers boat rides through its 35,000-acre expanse, providing breathtaking views of spectacular waterfalls. Visitors can explore this park independently, taking advantage of leisure days on our Croatian Dalmatian Coast Holiday.
5. Visit Šibenik: A Hidden Gem on the North Dalmatian Coast
Less renowned than Dubrovnik and Split, Šibenik, a charming seaside town, beckons on Croatia's north Dalmatian Coast. St. Michael's Fortress, perched high above the town, offers panoramic views and serves as a venue for numerous cultural events. Šibenik Cathedral, a UNESCO Heritage Site, stands as another architectural masterpiece.
6. Savor Croatian Cuisine: A Culinary Delight
Croatian cuisine is a delectable blend of locally sourced ingredients, seasonal vegetables, seafood, and fruity olive oil. Whether you're a fan of fresh fish, stuffed veal, roasted lamb, pheasant, or pork, Croatian restaurants have you covered. Vegetarians will also find plenty of options, with dishes like dumplings, goulash, gnocchi pasta, and herb-infused delicacies. Don't miss out on traditional favourites such as smoked ham and cheese, Dalmatian octopus salad, black squid ink risotto, and mouth watering pršut (air-dried ham).
7. Unwind in Istria: A Tranquil Retreat
Istria, the largest Adriatic Sea peninsula, boasts rolling green hills, lush valleys, and sparkling seas. This region is famous for its high-quality wines, thanks to its fertile soil and sun-drenched hillsides. Explore the beautiful Istrian countryside, enjoy wine tastings, and savour the peaceful ambiance of this serene locale.
8. Discover Zagreb: Croatia's Cultural Capital
As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Zagreb is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. Known as the "city of museums," it boasts more museums per capita than anywhere else globally. Explore the rich cultural heritage of this colourful city.
9. Experience Island Hopping: Discover Croatia's Coastal Beauty
While sailing around Croatia's numerous islands is an unforgettable experience, there are shorter boat trips suitable for those not prepared for extended journeys. For instance, from Dubrovnik, you can visit Lokrum Island, a nature reserve with botanical gardens and the remains of a Habsburg fortress. Another highlight is a boat trip to the Elaphite Islands, allowing you to explore these unspoiled islands by sea and disembark to take leisurely strolls.
10. Explore Rovinj: The "Blue Pearl of the Adriatic"
To reach the charming town of Rovinj, take a boat tour to experience the "Blue Pearl of the Adriatic." Characterised by tall houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and small squares, Rovinj is often referred to as "Little Venice."
Croatia, with its stunning coastline, pristine beaches, picturesque villages, beautiful islands, sunny weather, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural heritage, offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and history. It's no wonder why our selection of Croatia holidays is so popular.
Experience the magic of Croatia for yourself and create lasting memories in this captivating land.
Travel Department is delighted to partner with Reader’s Digest and offer readers exclusive discounts across any new 2024 holidays. Click here to reveal the current money-off offers, or simply call 0203 966 0527 and mention Reader’s Digest to learn more about the savings available.
Offers are non-transferable, subject to availability, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and have no cash value. All deposits are non-refundable.
Image with a discounted offer for Travel Department
Read more: Take a trip of a lifetime
To keep up with the top stories from Reader's Digest by subscribing to our weekly newsletter
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
