Croatia is a country full of history with an incredible blend of both sprawling historic cities and untouched and breath-taking natural beauty. It’s almost a tale of two worlds. You’ll find so much to see and do in the country and there’s something for everyone. Foodies will find tasty local cuisine; history buffs will get lost in the museums and galleries, and shopaholics will find no shortage of shops to visit. Let’s have a look at 7 of the top picks for things to do in Croatia while you’re visiting.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town Walls
No trip to Croatia is complete without spending some time in the city of Dubrovink, a medieval town and World Heritage site. The city still boasts the defensive walls that were built in the 16th century, surrounding the Old Town. You’ll likely enter through Pile Gate, an awe-inspiring structure completed in 1537, before finding parking Dubrovnik. While you’re in the Old Town, be sure to stop by the cathedral and gawk at some of the treasures held within and take a tour of Fort Lovrijenac, a strategically important castle contained within Dubrovnik.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
One of the most visited national parks in all of Croatia is the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Here you’ll find no less than 16 rich green-blue water lakes, all connected by rivers and immense waterfalls. Explore the area on the network of paths and bridges that snake around the entirety of the park, allowing you to wander freely around. You’ll also get a few boat rides included in the cost of your entry fee. This is a trip well worth taking.
Zlatni Rat Beach
The Zlatni Rat might just be one of the most photographed areas in the whole of Croatia. Translated roughly to mean ‘The Golden Horn’, this beach area found on the south coast of Brac is a must visit for any beach lover. In summer, it’s a hugely popular destination to take an umbrella and spend the day in the sun and sand – there’s no surprise that it’s considered one of the best beaches in the whole of Europe. You can hire kayaks and other boats to explore the area too. The more adventurous tourists might also appreciate the windsurfing available in the area.
Blue Cave of Bisevo
The Zlatni Rat Beach is accessible by ferry from Split, which is the same way you’ll start your adventure to get to the Blue Cave of Bisevo, one of the more off the beaten path destinations in the list. It’s found in the Balun Cove off the island of Bisevo and might be one of the most breath-taking destinations in all of Croatia. The cave has been known to the local population for hundreds of years and requires a short underwater dive to get to, but thanks to the new entrance to the cave being created in 1884, it’s much easier to get to now. The ocean rays reflecting from the limestone floor of the cave create an incredible blue glow that gives the cave its name, and being inside it feels almost magical.
Zagreb’s Gornji Grad
A trip to the Capital City of Zagreb should be on your itinerary, particularly to see the medieval Gornji Grad, or Upper Town district. This is where lovers of old architecture and amazing buildings will stand in awe at some of the structures built here. The Church of St Mark is a favourite for the incredible tiled roof artwork. Consider climbing up the Tower of Lotrscak too and experience a view of the city that you won’t get anywhere else.
The Sea Organ
The Sea Organ is a relatively new addition to the tourist attractions in Croatia, found in Zadar. It’s an architectural sound art creation built and designed by architect Nokola Bašić. It plays music as the waves of the sea manipulate the organ. The music it makes is quite random but beautiful. It works by harnessing a network of tubes and a resonating cavity. There are similar such art installations in San Francisco (the Wave Organ) and Blackpool (the High Tide Organ), but it’s well worth a visit if you find yourself in Zadar during your time in Croatia.
Croatia truly has something for everyone, and this list just proves it. Spend your holiday soaking up some rays, enjoy the scenery during the day, and hit the town when the sun goes down. Even if you only visit the city of Dubrovnik, you’re never going to regret your time spent in this amazing country.
