Top Things to Do in Croatia

Take in the History

Dating to the seventh century, Croatia has a long history, having just declared independence in 1991.

Famous landmarks include the Palace of Diocletian (fourth century) in Dubrovnik; the Euphrasian Basilica (sixth century) in Poreč; Burg – Castle of Veliki Tabor (16th century); and the Cathedral of Saint James in Šibenik. Dubrovnik’s old city boasts remains from its time as a maritime hub in the 15th century; Trogir is one of the best-preserved Romanesque-Gothic complexes in central Europe; and Zadar still preserves its Roman forum and street plan. Everywhere you go in Croatia is steeped in history — something in which locals take pride and are likely willing to tell you about.

Get Outdoors

With a widely diverse geographical makeup, Croatia is comprised of Alpine mountains, Mediterranean coastline, Karst caves, lakes, forests and rolling hills. One of the best ways to experience all Croatia has to offer: Get outdoors.

Explore Plitvice Lakes and Krka national parks; hike up Mount Ucka in Istria, or the Biokovo or Kozjak mountains; try your hand at rock climbing in Paklenica National Park; go caving in Modrica Cave; or take to the sea for kayaking, diving among shipwrecks, snorkeling or sailing.

Island Hop

Croatia consists of more than 1,000 islands and islets, 48 permanently inhabited. The largest are Cres and Krk, but all offer unique geography, local customs and a storied past.

Ferries are readily available from the mainland to all major islands, though they won’t take you from island to island. The best way to experience the islands is to book a small island cruise through a tour operator or passenger-only catamarans (see Jadrolinija and Krilo Jet). Seaplanes are also growing in popularity in the region. For example, flights are available from Pula, Rijeka and Split to the islands of Lošinj, Lastovo, Hvar and Korcula. European Coastal Airlines is a great option.

Eat and Drink

Croatia offers a varied range of food due to influences of neighboring countries, but is primarily centered on two styles: the seafood-heavy cuisine of the Mediterranean and the filling, savory style of central Europe.

Lunch is the most important meal of the day in Croatia, and Italian-style pizzerias are everywhere. Meats and cheeses are staples inland, fresh-caught seafood on the coast and an abundance of bread everywhere.

Coffee is a staple; craft microbreweries are breaking onto the scene; and the wine industry is flourishing. Of the main wine-producing regions, Istria is renowned for its dry white Malvazija and, for rich reds, Teran, Refošk and Dalmatia.