Croatia is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and friendly people. It’s also one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe for Americans thanks to its affordable prices and proximity to major cities like London and Dubrovnik.
The crazy things to do in croatia is a list of the best things to do in Croatia.
Croatia seems to have more to offer than Game of Thrones. I’m just joking since I’ve never seen the program, but some people go to this Southeastern European nation because they saw it on Game of Thrones and want to see the landscape in person.
After being vaccinated earlier this year, a few friends and I decided to arrange a long-awaited European trip, but not to any of the tourist traps. Croatia, which is underrated but well worth seeing, reawakened my urge to travel after what seemed like a 16-year hiatus.
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The Dalmatian Coast is home to the nicest of people (everyone we talked with remarked we were lucky to be there at a time when the towns weren’t overrun with visitors and cruise ships). There are no hazardous marine creatures (a.k.a. sharks) here, thus all roads lead to crystal clear, turquoise seas where you may swim without a worry in the world. For such a tiny town, there seemed to be more Michelin-starred restaurants within a short distance than in New York City. Although this is an exaggeration, there were quite a few.
If you’re considering a vacation to Croatia in the summer, be aware that it may be very hot. It’s also more costly since most individuals plan their lengthier trips around this time. If you go in the spring or autumn, the weather is ideal for watersports, ferry trips, and other outdoor/water-related activities. If you go in the summer, the weather is ideal for watersports, ferry rides, and other outdoor/water-related activities.
Because our vacation was just a week long, we remained along the Dalmatian Coast, island and city hopping every couple of days or so to see all the area has to offer. Are you planning a trip to Croatia? With advice, activities, restaurant recommendations, and more, we’ve got you covered.
From the rooftop restaurant Above 5, you can see Dubrovnik, Croatia (Photo via Allison Ramirez)
Dubrovnik
Booking an Airbnb in or outside of the walled city of Dubrovnik is your best option. Recognize that there will be stairs wherever you stay, which means dragging your bags up and down when you arrive and leave. If you prefer luxury, the Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, Villa Orsula Dubrovnik, and Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik all have stunning Adriatic views and are located just outside of Old Town and within walking distance.
The Above 5 restaurant is located above a boutique hotel, and yes, it is five storeys high. The hike, however, is well worth it for this Michelin-starred restaurant with panoramic views of the Old Town. Reservations are required since there are two timed seatings each night and a total of eight to ten tables. At this rooftop restaurant, order three or five dishes; the mushroom ravioli, as well as the sea bass and mango panna cotta, are outstanding.
D’Vino Wine Bar (where you can sample local and regional reds and whites in an alley), Bard and Buza Bar (two cash-only outdoor places directly next to each other on a cliff looking out to Lokrum Island), and D’Vino Wine Bar (where you can taste local and regional reds and whites in an alley).
Kayaking and day excursions to neighboring islands such as Lokrum are popular pastimes. Climbing the Jesuit Stairs from Game of Thrones is a must-do, even if you’re not a fan of the show, and make time for a cable car ride or a stroll around the Dubrovnik Walls for an even greater view of the city’s beautiful Old Town.
Croatian island of Hvar (Photo courtesy of Allison Ramirez)
Hvar
Take a three-hour ferry from Dubrovnik to the resort town of Hvar, or a four-and-a-half-hour car ferry if you’ve rented a car, and prepare to be wowed by this yacht-filled island with plenty of secluded beaches for lounging and pine forests for hiking and maybe even getting off the beaten path a little. Hvar is renowned for its lavender and wine, as well as its fig and olive trees, which can be seen producing fruit along the roadside nearly everywhere.
Book a room at the 4.7-star Hotel Park Hvar if you want to stay in the middle of the action. Breakfast is included at this hotspot, there’s a semi-private courtyard where you can enjoy a book, and there’s a little restaurant right outside the hotel called Black Pepper that serves up modern Croatian dishes with a twist. Central Park Club, also attached to the hotel, is a great place to end the night with drinks and live music; like everything else in Croatia at the moment, bars and restaurants here close at midnight daily.
Book a sunset sailing excursion in Hvar for an unforgettable experience with a guide who will be delighted to highlight their favorite local locations and will provide wine and refreshments for the voyage. The market in the square is a must-see for anyone looking for locally produced jewelry, lavender products, and more. A walk to Pachamama and Robinson Beach (there’s occasionally a water taxi that’ll take you back to town) and supper at Konoba Luviji Rooftop Restaurant were two of our other favorite things to do here. Whole-cooked fish, locally produced cheeses, and house-cured meats, as well as Croatian wines and, of course, dessert, are all must-haves here. We suggest staying in Hvar for at least three nights and stopping by Isola, a very adorable gift and design shop, before leaving.
Walking around the Croatian town of Korcula (Photo via Allison Ramirez)
Korcula
Take an hour-long boat ride from Hvar to Korcula, and make sure you’re well-hydrated and rested. Summer temperatures in the area may reach the 90s, so you’ll probably spend some time outdoors exploring the town and swimming areas. If you don’t have a vehicle, Korcula is an excellent location to rent one so you can travel across the island and find tiny restaurants with outdoor seating as well as all of Lumbarda’s vineyards. At the very least, there are a few. Grk is a local white wine made from a unique native grape found nowhere else on the planet. Bire Winery offers a wide range of wines, while Lovric Winery offers a white, rose, and red tasting that includes small bites like cheese-stuffed tomatoes and anchovies, as well as a shot of house-made grappa. Make the most of your time in Lumbarda or Korcula’s Old Town by renting an Airbnb or a rental property for a couple of nights. Prepare for the next leg of your journey by visiting Cocktail Bar Massimo, the Michelin-starred LD restaurant within Lesic Dimitri Palace, and Restaurant Filippi (not for the faint of heart, this rooftop bar on top of an ancient fort is accessible via a ladder).
Split is located in Croatia. (Photo courtesy of Allison Ramirez)
Split
Last but not least, Split. We took the ferry from Korcula to Split, which was pretty early in the morning, so be sure to check ferry/catamaran times and book accordingly. Azur Palace is a cool, small boutique hotel with an almost invisible entrance off a side street/alley across from an Asian market. Loft-style rooms are perfect for a group of two or four and the hotel has a quiet little courtyard and indoor library area with books and magazines available to borrow. This city felt the most touristy and bars/restaurants were pretty packed considering there were still no cruise ships docking at the time.
To get to Krka National Park, rent a vehicle or join a bus trip. Although swimming is no longer permitted, the waterfalls are still a sight to see if you have at least a half-day to spare. If you’re traveling back to Split from Krka, Bibich Winery is a lovely stop. Request a personalized sampling and don’t scrimp on the food – it’s delicious.
On foot, explore Diocletian’s Palace; you may spend hours meandering among the little gift stores, taverns, and alleyway bars. At Fig Split, you can’t go wrong with breakfast, lunch, or supper; the menu includes gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian choices, which may be a pleasant change of pace after a week of fish and cheese. Bokeria restaurant + wine bar is another exciting supper option. Croquettes, gourmet burgers, charcuterie platters, pasta dishes, and more can be found on the restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired menu.
If you’re not intending on doing more than a few of road trips, a couple of nights in Split should enough. If you’re flying home from Dubrovnik, you may take the boat or the bus back to the city. Be advised that the bus will stop once for a rest break/market and again for passport check in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Croatia is a country in the Mediterranean, with a coastline on the Adriatic Sea. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and was settled by the Illyrians in the 9th century BC. Today, it’s one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Reference: things to do in croatia – dubrovnik.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If youre interested in history, dont miss the Roman ruins of Salona.
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