15 Things To Do In Croatia To Make Your Vacation Perfect

By Dhruvalakshmi Paithankar on Jan 23, 2019

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and book something (there is never any extra cost to you for using these links).

If you are wondering whether it is safe to travel to Croatia, then know that it is one of the countries that has been hit by the Coronavirus epidemic. 8 cases have been detected in Croatia till this date. While the authorities in Croatia are taking all the steps to contain the spread of COVID-19, it is recommended to take precautionary measures while visiting Croatia. Also, we suggest that you check flight operations to and from Croatia as they might be affected amidst the virus outbreak.

Note: The Coronavirus statistics mentioned in this article are based on the updated reports available on March 3, 2020. These figures will be updated depending on how the outbreak unfolds.

A small country of Croatia is blessed with the long coastline that is dotted with numerous pristine beaches. Its rugged land is adorned with tiny villages, lively cities, unspoiled national parks, and ancient ruins. Islands like Lokrum, Hvar, and Vis offer a plethora of things to do in Croatia. Towns like Dubrovnik and Rijeka make for the well-known tourist attractions in Croatia. To make your Croatian vacation hassle-free, here is the list of places you can explore and the things you can enjoy in this beautiful country.

1. Reconnect with nature at Plitvice Lakes National Park

media_gallery-2019-01-23-4-765_26f0214407edf61004d55549e2854cc9.jpg Image Source: flickr.com

Plitvice Lakes National Park is designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Exploring this pristine, imposing beauty is one of the best things to do in Croatia. This oldest and largest national park in Croatia is defined by its cascading waterfalls that find their way through dense woods and steep rocks and more than 15 majestic lakes that are shrouded in legends.

2. Take a walk through the lavender fields at Hvar

media_gallery-2019-01-23-4-Hvar_7efb73717c82a1f9e374194a6a5e66fb.jpg Image Source: wikimedia.org

Hvar Island is known for its laid-back vibes that make it the ultimate party destination in Croatia. You will find a plethora of things to do in Hvar. The picturesque chain of Paklinski Islands, well-preserved Tvrdalj Castle, rustic town of Jelsa along with vast lavender fields and vineyards are some of the top points of interest in Croatia. You can know more about best islands in Croatia and then decide your destination!

3. Catch a concert at Pula Arena

media_gallery-2019-01-23-4-Pula_Arena_c880109edcb094d2d38f22fd0a884a7a.jpg Image Source: maxpixel.net

Pula Arena, located in the heart of the city, is one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the world. With a history dating back to 27 BC – 68 AD, it has become one of the interesting tourist attractions in Croatia. Today, this ancient arena is used for hosting different concerts and events.

4. Taste the scrumptious seafood at Istria

media_gallery-2019-01-23-4-Istria_310bfff0adb8ca554e120324bb85e99f.jpg Image Source: pxhere.com

Shared by three countries of Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia, the peninsula of Istria is a charming beauty. It is home to some postcard-perfect towns including Rovinj, Vodnjan, and Vrsar. You can go snorkeling at the pebbly beach of Rabac and visit the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica complex.

5. Take a walk at Walls of Dubrovnik

media_gallery-2019-01-23-5-789_900062d3249f2954b5f967d8ea75da23.jpg Image Source: flickr.com

A series of defensive stone walls around the town of Dubrovnik is known as the Walls of Dubrovnik. This is also one of the popular Game of Thrones filming locations in Croatia. You can take a cable ride as well to catch the panoramic vistas of the city. Refer to this essential guide to Dubrovnik while planning your trip.

6. Go surfing at Zlatni Rat

media_gallery-2019-01-23-5-780_124f126fd1c634a6bb1ad6d01663c652.jpg Image Source: wikimedia.org

Zlatni Rat is one of the best beaches in Croatia. Nestled in the town of Bol, this pebble beach is always bustling with people. It is a paradise for surfers and also offers numerous other family-friendly activities. Remember that a small part on the western side is approved as the nudist beach.

7. Take a tour of Diocletian's Palace

media_gallery-2019-01-23-5-Diocletian_s_Palace_a572606cd9390e724c534ea9b7b703cd.jpg Image Source: wikimedia.org

Diocletian's, built in the 4th century AD, is a popular ancient Roman palace that is known for its striking beauty. It has become even more famous after it was used as Croatia Game of Thrones locations. Visit this place and soak yourself in rich history, culture, heritage, and architecture that leaves a lasting impression.

8. Swim in the lakes at Krka National Park

media_gallery-2019-01-23-5-Krka_National_Park_4bd489df8a114e1017c44e8869f02f2b.jpg Image Source: wikimedia.org

Krka National Park was designated primarily to protect the Krka River. With a tiny island of Visovac tucked away in the park and hiking trails that take you to breathtaking waterfalls, you will never have to worry about what to do in Croatia while visiting this national park.

9. Go for a day-trip to Lokrum

media_gallery-2019-01-23-5-aa_1e4441c9240c54fb2e5420cccf70e3a1.jpg Image Source: flickr.com

A small island of Lokrum is located hardly 15 minutes away from the city of Dubrovnik. With a dense forest covering the land, this place has many attractions hidden away. Some of the must-see places in Croatia in Lokrum are the well-manicured botanical gardens and ruins of Benedictine Monastery.

10. Experience history and nature at Vis

media_gallery-2019-01-23-5-bb_8257bad9af1e6c8a4645c1d713ec6ef8.jpg Image Source: flickr.com

The inhabited island of Vis is home to the famous Blue Grotto, Green Cave, red rocks, and the vibrant Fort George. It has some of the famous Croatian beaches like Stiniva and Stoncica. Take a walk in the town of Vis and let it take you back in time with its rustic charm.

11. Explore the city of Zagreb

media_gallery-2019-01-23-5-45_6e4151481c95669593f938bf9715ca56.jpg Image Source: flickr.com

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a city that has something for every type of traveller. It has some of the most famous museums in Croatia including Archaeological Museum and Museum of Broken Relationships. You must visit Zagreb Cathedral and spend some time at the Ban Jelačić Square to be a part of the local canvas.

12. Soak in the local flavour at Rijeka

media_gallery-2019-01-23-5-Rijeka_7ae09b52eff22aee42881f4d845e0ae3.jpg Image Source: wikimedia.org

Those who are wondering what to see in Croatia must head to the city of Rijeka. It is the fusion of modern architectural buildings and ancient structures along with serene beaches and lively streets. Go to Trsat Castle, stop by Rijeka Cathedral, wander around City Clock Tower, and laze around on Sablićevo Beach.

13. Listen to the unique Sea Organ

media_gallery-2019-01-23-5-Sea_Organ_42d98d90dc6b746ec4f4988683a68dc3.JPG Image Source: wikimedia.org

Sea Organ at Zadar has become a unique point of interest in Croatia. Created by architect Nikola Bašić, this experimental musical instrument that uses a combination of tubes, whistles, and sea waves to create the music. This site is always bustling with tourists and locals alike.

14. Take a tour of St. Nicholas Fortress

media_gallery-2019-01-23-5-St__Nicholas_Fortress_25e90ea8a668bc13878a43d1bc89ebd9.jpg Image Source: wikimedia.org

Visiting the St. Nicholas Fortress that is being restored currently is one of the top things to do in Croatia. Built using white and red stones and surrounded by blue water deep, this fort looks picturesque. It was also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

15. See Jablanac Shipwreck

media_gallery-2019-01-23-5-See_Jablanac_Shipwreck_b608199fe9239242eafc9e123ec353a9.jpg Image Source: wikimedia.org

You cannot miss going to the village of Jablanac as it is known for a shipwreck from the Second World War that can be seen from the beach as well. Keep in mind that to see this sunken ship, you will have to walk for around an hour from the village.

It’s time to enjoy the combination of natural beauty, rustic villages, and bustling cities when in Croatia!

Here are the reasons why you should travel to Croatia for your next holiday!