This text could comprise affiliate hyperlinks the place I make a small fee for purchases you make from hyperlinks that you just click on from this text. By buying via these hyperlinks, you assist me at no extra value to you. Thanks on your assist.
Whenever you consider ‘journey to Croatia,’ what involves thoughts? Maybe the long-lasting Dubrovnik, island hopping, or the attract of Roman ruins. These are the everyday explanation why individuals journey to Croatia. However what if we may delve deeper, uncover distinctive experiences, and unearth the lesser-known treasures of this stunning nation? This was my aim—to journey to Croatia in a different way, to seek out distinctive experiences, and to focus on its out of doors adventures. Right here’s how I did it!
Croatia has turn into a extremely popular European journey vacation spot within the final decade. It had been 17 years since I had been to Croatia, and I used to be excited to get again and see the way it had modified. I additionally needed to see if I may get off the overwhelmed path and discover the lesser-known locations.
Croatia Tourism
Regardless of its turbulent historical past, Croatia is a remarkably secure nation to journey in. The tourism trade is well-developed, making it simple to navigate, with loads of glorious lodging. The guides, as I skilled, are really unimaginable. It’s a incredible European journey various to the extra fashionable international locations of Italy and Spain, providing a secure and handy journey expertise.
Since I didn’t have time to plan this journey, I turned to the specialists at Journey Life Journey. I want I may let you know that I got here up with this itinerary myself and located all of those nice, distinctive experiences—however I actually had nothing to do with it! It was my planner, Clara, at Journey Life, who organized every thing for me. Extra on Journey Life’s customized planning companies beneath.
Distinctive Issues to Do in Croatia
How do you’ve a incredible journey to Croatia, keep away from the crowds, however nonetheless do these quintessential issues that make Croatia an unimaginable European trip vacation spot? I’ve some options for you; they differ out of your typical issues to do in Croatia. These are journey experiences that make your Croatia trip distinctive and stand out among the many typical Croatia itinerary. That is the way in which I like to journey.
As an alternative of Seashores Go to Nationwide Parks
You might be stunned to study that Croatia has 8 Nationwide Parks. You don’t typically hear a lot about them as they reside within the ‘shadow’ of the Croatian islands and shoreline. I used to be excited when Clara prompt them as one thing totally different to see in Croatia. Since we have been on a customized non-public tour, we even had our personal guides at every of those parks, which made it even higher!
Plitvice Lakes Nationwide Parks
Plitvice Lakes, essentially the most visited Nationwide Park in Croatia, is usually thought-about essentially the most stunning. An internet of 16 travertine waterfalls and turquoise lakes flows via this magical park. The fixed movement of the park, with water flowing over limestone and chalk, creating pure dams and forming lakes, caves, and waterfalls, is a sight to behold. It’s a singular panorama that’s definitely worth the go to regardless of the crowds.
Nevertheless, if you see the crowds of individuals there, I’m certain it’s possible you’ll curse me and marvel why I mentioned this can be a distinctive place! I feel it’s a singular sufficient panorama (one I’ve by no means seen earlier than) to go see it and struggle the crowds. Our information, Jake, was completely unimaginable and knew the park in and out. He acquired us off the primary walkways and to some lesser-known trails. He additionally gave us his greatest suggestions for visiting the park and avoiding the crowds.
Tips on how to Escape Crowds at Plitvice Lakes Nationwide Park
- Begin as early as attainable – 7 AM is most well-liked. Have breakfast within the park to get a leap on the crowds.
- Go to the Higher Lakes when you have a restricted time. They’re extra unfold out, so that you encounter fewer individuals.
- Plan forward and get to the realm across the park and keep in a single day close to the park. Then begin early the following day earlier than the crowds/buses get there. Hike the Ok path—12 miles—it takes you round all the lakes and all the most stunning viewpoints, and you’ll escape the crowds. That is extra for individuals who like a little bit journey and are common hikers. It could be nice to have a information like Jake main the way in which!
- Spend a number of nights within the space and do the lakes at some point and the opposite climbing trails on the second day.
Sadly, we had a good schedule, so we have been solely in a position to discover the walkways of the decrease lakes. But when I had it to do over, I’d do it precisely like Jake laid it out: spend a day and hike the Ok path. It’s lively, and also you’ll get to see the whole park in a means few individuals do, making it a singular expertise!
Paklenica Nationwide Park Mountaineering and Therapeutic
Paklenica is the place you’ll get to expertise the mountains of Croatia! This park is especially identified by climbers, as its towering limestone partitions supply many nice climbing routes. Nevertheless, I’m fearful of heights and climbing, so I used to be there to hike, and fortuitously, there’s loads of that, too!
The park is situated an hour’s drive from Zadar and the coast, however the mountains tower as much as 5700 ft! We did a full-day hike with our information, Mirna. From the second we met Mirna, we have been swept up by her enthusiasm for nature. All I can say is that Mirna is exclusive – so particular – a form soul with a love affair with crops.
As we hiked as much as one of many mountain huts within the park, we stopped and realized about crops, rocks, animals, and bugs—she coated every thing! As well as, she collected a few of these specimens alongside the way in which for a particular lotion/balm that she was going to make us. She was not solely a naturalist information but in addition a loopy scientist!
After climbing up, up, up – we arrived on the mountain hut, the place we had pictures of cherry liquor, beer, and an enormous bowl of pasta Bolognese! (That is why I like climbing – as a result of I like consuming!) Whereas we ate and talked to the locals, Mirna unpacked her backpack of beakers, scales, and potion bottles. She added the weather we picked up alongside the way in which, and shortly, she concocted a batch of cream she known as “Paklenica’s Energy of Vegetation.” It was a cream for sore muscle tissue – an ideal present after a strenuous climbing day. It was a singular expertise to stroll away from an incredible hike with a cream created from the native crops, oils, and spring water that we hiked by.
This gorgeous park, with its towering limestone cliffs and a string of mountain huts, is a stupendous break from the recent Dalmatian coast and crowds.
Krka Nationwide Park
Residence to Europe’s largest (not tallest!) travertine waterfall and consists of a series of cascades, islands, and lakes alongside the Krka River. It’s considerably much like Plitvice Lakes, but it surely’s extra open and fewer individuals as I skilled it. It additionally has a sequence of boardwalks and trails that lead you throughout the cascades. We noticed way more wildlife as we walked across the park, even a big snake that appeared to have simply eaten lunch!
Recreation of Thrones in Sibenik
Some really feel that Recreation of Thrones put locations on the vacationer map. Croatia is actually a type of locations. Nevertheless, I used to be there earlier than the sequence ever got here out, and it was fairly fashionable again then, too! Recreation of Thrones attracts individuals to Dubrovnik for certain. Nonetheless, Dubrovnik is overtouristed already, so why not attempt a much less busy Recreation of Thrones cease in Šibenik?
This historic little city sits between Zadar and Break up alongside the Adriatic Coast. It’s the place the Krka River flows to the ocean. Sure, there are Recreation of Thrones websites right here (extra on that beneath), however the factor I cherished most in regards to the previous city alongside the waterfront was that locals nonetheless reside in it. It felt just like the Dubrovnik of previous that I keep in mind from my first go to 12 years in the past when locals nonetheless lived inside town partitions.
As we walked round with our information, Karmen, youngsters have been enjoying within the parks, and locals walked across the slim pathways, and it felt alive with on a regular basis life. Granted, I used to be there in Could earlier than the busy season, however the truth that individuals really lived there was an incredible signal.
My different favourite factor about Šibenik was their unimaginable Fifteenth-century stone Cathedral of St. James. Karmen identified why the Cathedral is so distinctive – it’s the world’s largest church constructed solely of stone. It has stone slabs and ribs with no binding materials; it’s a sight to see – even the roof is stone! Take time to go in and wander again to the baptismal room – it’s beautiful!
The Cathedral was featured in Recreation of Thrones because the Iron Financial institution of Braavos. In truth, different components of town are additionally featured. I additionally consider that Šibenik impressed one of many storylines within the present. That is simply my opinion, however it’s the very first thing I observed in regards to the Cathedral, and on the time, I didn’t even know that Recreation of Thrones was filmed in Sibenik!
You’ll discover that the Cathedral is embellished with 71 sculpted stone faces. They go throughout the constructing, and every one has a singular expression. The faces have been merely strange residents of Šibenik from the Fifteenth century. I instantly noticed them and considered season 5 of Recreation of Thrones and the eerie Corridor of Faces. I hypothesize that the writers noticed the Sibenik Cathedral and devised the bizarre Corridor of Faces motif that dominated season 5. What do you assume?
Go to the Walled Metropolis of Zadar
I do know it’d really feel like I’m selecting on Dubrovnik – I don’t imply to – however I dislike crowds and massive tourism. So, one more substitute for Dubrovnik is the little city of Zadar. Like Dubrovnik, it’s surrounded by an previous metropolis wall and is filled with Roman ruins.
It’s dwelling to an historical Roman Discussion board courting again to the first century BC. One of the shocking issues in regards to the ruins and descriptions of previous service provider shops was that they have been out within the open, the place anybody may stroll round and observe…even sit upon them. There was no ticket required, no gate—it was simply part of town’s structure now.
The Roman Discussion board has a shocking historical past. It was lowered to rubble and buried by an earthquake. Town was rebuilt on prime of the rubble, successfully burying all the ruins, and that’s the way it existed for hundreds of years. In World Warfare II, the Allies bombed town attributable to its important port, uncovering the ruins! Now you can stroll round and see how the medieval metropolis was constructed on prime of the previous Roman ruins. That is particularly evident if you have a look at the bottom of the Church of St. Donatus, which was constructed on prime of previous fallen Roman columns.
Our information, Vlatka, supplied a traditionally thorough and entertaining tour of the previous metropolis. She additionally launched us to native artists, gave us restaurant recommendation, and even helped us chase down road kitties and meet a few of the residents who feed them! She’s the perfect!
Along with all the historical stones in Zadar, the previous metropolis additionally had a singular trendy facet. Alongside the waterfront, you’ll discover part of town that embraces whimsy, artwork, and nature. Zadar is dwelling to the Sea Organ and the Solar Salutation. These two nature-focused artwork installations have been definitely worth the cease in Zadar alone!
The Sea Organ seems to be like a easy set of steps alongside the waterfront. Nevertheless, it’s a musical instrument that performs random notes created by the rolling energy of sea waves. I cherished the randomness of the haunting tones. I cheered on close by boats to cross by the steps and create extra uncommon sounds!
You’ll additionally discover the Solar Salutation Set up subsequent to the organ. This artwork is fueled by the solar. It includes 300 multi-layered glass photo voltaic plates that take up photo voltaic power in the course of the day and create a spectacular waterfront gentle present simply after sundown.
Greater than something – I realized that Zadar was a metropolis of surprises that exceeded my expectations.
Go Inland to Zagreb
Most guests spend all of their time island-hopping round Croatia. Nevertheless, if you wish to expertise a unique facet of Croatia, don’t miss its capital metropolis, Zagreb. Zagreb has a wholly totally different really feel than Dalmatia. The previous a part of town is gorgeous to walk round in, with its many out of doors cafes, museums, previous metropolis partitions, and historical structure.
One of many principal causes I needed to see Zagreb was for a museum that I had heard about and at all times needed to go to. The Museum of Damaged Relationships didn’t disappoint – it was the very first thing I did after checking into my resort, and it was completely value it! This quirky, distinctive museum is filled with unhappy, humorous, heartwarming breakup tales for every type of relationships.
Wander across the previous metropolis partitions, get pleasure from craft beer, and benefit from the unimaginable morning Dolac Market established in 1930. This each day market is without doubt one of the loveliest markets I’ve seen in Europe. Positioned proper behind the primary sq., you’ll discover a sea of crimson umbrellas defending the contemporary produce from the solar. There’s even an underground part of the market the place you’ll discover butchers, fishmongers, and cheesemongers. As well as, there’s a contemporary flower market nearer to the primary sq..
I used to be there in Could and couldn’t consider the contemporary produce out there from native farmers. The tomatoes have been massive and luscious…in Could! The expertise made me want I had extra days in Zagreb to purchase native meals and prepare dinner at an Airbnb!
We additionally did a motorbike tour of the brand new facet of Zagreb to see the way it’s increasing. If you’re there on a Friday evening in the summertime, benefit from the native foods and drinks distributors in the identical sq. because the Dolac Market.
Go Truffle Searching – in Break up
Croatia is thought for its truffles. So why is truffle searching so distinctive? It’s not the searching…it’s the place you might be doing all your truffle searching that makes this expertise totally different. Most individuals assume that truffles in Croatia solely exist in Istria (even locals informed me this!) – a area on the northern coast. If you wish to do Croatia in a different way, why not attempt truffle searching in Break up alongside the Dalmatia Coast with an area household and their truffle-hunting canines? This expertise runs from floor to desk as you exit with knowledgeable truffle hunter and his canines digging up these gastronomy gems after which utilizing them in a 3-course meal.
We realized in regards to the humble truffle, the place it grows, how the canines have been skilled, and the way they’re utilized within the hunt. I discovered the whole course of so thrilling – plus, it was a stupendous stroll within the woods!
We (really – the canines) discovered a few dozen truffles that we took again to a small hut within the woods and proceeded to have a chef prepare dinner them up in a 3-course meal. Speak about contemporary – it doesn’t get any higher with regards to a singular Croatian meals expertise!
Lease a Bike and a Kayak
During the last 7 years, Croatia has turn into identified for its many bike and boat excursions. Massive teams keep on a ship/barge for every week, journey from island to island, and bike the scenic routes. My good good friend Jackie from Soar Adventures affords a tour like this in Croatia and Greece.
Nevertheless – if you happen to don’t need to do a complete week of biking and boating, you don’t need to! As an alternative, you possibly can escape of the norm and hire a motorbike, rent a information, and bike across the island of Hvar for a day! We biked all morning across the island via small coastal villages, stopping for ruins, lunch, and lavender gelato! Within the afternoon, we left the bikes. We went kayaking out within the sea – a unique solution to expertise the seashores and islands!
Why A Good Information Makes All of the Distinction
What stood out to me on this journey was the standard of the guides I had all through the itinerary. An excellent information could make all of the distinction when touring.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C72CHwqRVX9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
The non-public guides we had organized via Journey Life Journey have been unimaginable. Not solely have been they specialists of their area, however they have been excellent hosts who cherished their nation and needed visitors to like Croatia as a lot as they did. Every of them occurred to be a middle-aged lady who guided as their major career! They have been our non-public guides, so we had our information in every location as an alternative of being caught on group metropolis excursions. I walked away from this journey with 9 new Croatian pals, a head full of information, and a physique proud of new experiences!
Certainly one of my favourite experiences was the Palace tour in Break up with our information, Marijana. She took us via the ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, constructed between the late third and the early 4th centuries AD. Usually, that is exactly the kind of stuff that I don’t actually get pleasure from; I’ve by no means been an individual who likes to tour ruins. Nevertheless, Marijana introduced all of it to life for me, answered my loopy questions, and satiated my curiosity about what it could’ve been wish to reside there centuries in the past. I can’t recall a time after I was extra into ruins – guides do make a distinction!
Why Let Journey Life Plan your Distinctive Croatia Trip
Journey Life is a journey company that has been round for 25 years. I traveled with them 12 years in the past in Patagonia and was impressed with them then. It was enjoyable to reconnect with their workforce once more and have them plan my Croatia trip.
That’s the great thing about them – they are going to plan every thing. You’ll have a couple of quick conferences with one among their specialists to share your journey type, funds, and concepts, and so they take it from there. I went forwards and backwards with my planner, Clara, a couple of instances till we nailed the itinerary to realize my journey type.
Throughout your journey, they’re there for you at any level the place you’ve a query, a change, or if issues occur out of your management.
The most effective half is that reserving via Journey Life doesn’t value extra. Nonetheless, as a part of their’ alumni’ neighborhood, you safe a 5% Previous Traveler Reward on all future journeys!
Study extra about Journey Life’s journey planning all around the world.
Study extra about Journey Life’s Croatia journeys.
Get $100 off if you point out you heard about them via OttsWorld
From The Journey Life Web site:
“In a world the place know-how typically breeds disconnection, we, a gaggle of passionate people, are decided to deliver again the human contact. Behind the screens and keyboards, we aren’t only a faceless firm; we’re individuals who genuinely care. Our objective extends far past merely answering your questions—we need to make a optimistic distinction in your life. So, the following time you determine to achieve out to us, keep in mind that you’re connecting with a fellow human being who’s right here to lend an empathetic ear, perceive your wants, and supply the assist you search.”
Distinctive Experiences in Croatia
Right here’s the deal: Most of the experiences I discussed above aren’t actually out there as stand-alone experiences—they’re a part of what Journey Life books as a whole itinerary. They work with an area journey firm in Croatia to provide you with these tremendous native experiences, such because the Break up cooking class and climbing/therapeutic in Paklenica or the particular truffle searching expertise in Break up. That is simply another excuse to contemplate having Journey Life aid you plan your trip.
Logistics Dealt with Flawlessly
On our journey, we had non-public drivers and a unique information every single day. We moved areas ceaselessly, and Journey Life dealt with all of those logistics. Logistics is their actual candy spot, in my view. After I first regarded on the numerous individuals we needed to meet with and make the most of on the itinerary – I by no means thought it could work out logistically. However each logistics level was met, and there was by no means a problem. I keep in mind this being the case after I additionally traveled with them in Patagonia. The logistics have been sophisticated – however dealt with completely! And this allowed me to have a trip. I didn’t have to fret about individuals displaying up on the proper time or organizing drivers, guides, or inns – it was all taken care of for me.
As well as, they included all the little issues that I by no means would have even thought-about—like making certain we had somebody who may assist us with baggage in Break up Outdated City, the place you possibly can’t drive a automotive. As an alternative of getting to lug our baggage to a resort inside Outdated City, they’d an individual choose us up, put our baggage in a golf cart, and whisk us away to the place we would have liked to be!
Greatest Time to Journey to Croatia to Keep away from Crowds
Like wherever in Europe, I keep away from it in the summertime months. I traveled there in Could, proper earlier than the summer season season, and there have been no crowds, plus the climate was fabulous. I extremely advocate touring to Croatia in April/Could or September/October to keep away from crowds and nonetheless have nice climate. If you wish to swim within the sea and do extra beachy issues, then September/October is greatest, because the waters will nonetheless be heat after their sizzling summer season.
Suppose you’re a traveler who likes to flee the crowds and discover distinctive experiences in a area. In that case, this listing of options to fashionable Croatia experiences is the way in which to go. And if you happen to don’t wish to or have the time to plan all of it your self, let Journey Life do the laborious be just right for you!
