Best Things To Do in Croatia

Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park is definitely one of the top things to do in Croatia. The 115 square mile nature reserve was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979 and will absolutely thrill nature lovers. The best way to soak up its lush landscapes, glistening waterfalls and jewel-hued lakes is on a guided walking tour, especially during the spring and summer months.

If you can’t get enough of the great outdoors, Krka National Park is another gorgeous spot. It’s found just an hour from Split and is famed for its seven stunning waterfalls. You’ll be able to fit in all of these tumbling cascades during a riverboat tour, plus there are also several spots along the water where swimming is allowed.

Fans of the HBO TV series Game of Thrones will no doubt recognize the glorious coastal city of Dubrovnik from their screens. Taking a tour of its ancient walls and pretty harbor is one of our top things to do in Croatia and Slovenia. The entire city dates back to the 16th century and has been incredibly well-preserved, with other major highlights including the Gothic Rector’s Palace and the Baroque Church of St Blaise.

Take a trip to Korcula, an island off Croatia’s Dalmatian coast that’s scattered with vibrant vineyards and enchanting forests. It’s also reputed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, one of the first Europeans to travel the Silk Road to China. Visit the house in Korcula Town where he was supposedly born and then head down the coast to Pupnatska Luka, a tranquil bay that’s perfect for a leisurely swim.

A string of over 140 islands make up Kornati National Park, a remote coastal region in northern Dalmatia. Set out on a sailing tour to soak up amazing vistas of these uninhabited islets and their crystal-clear waters. You’ll also spot old stone cottages on some of them which often host pop-up restaurants and guest houses for those who’d like to sleep on their very own island.

Croatia has an impressive history of wine growing and there’s no better place to sample some of its local bottles than Istria. The coastal peninsula stretches across Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, and its fertile soils have been producing award-winning wines for decades. Embark on a tour of the entire region or visit a vineyard handpicked by an expert for a tasting session.

If you’re unfamiliar with Croatian cuisine, prepare yourself to be blown away by flavorsome, seasonal dishes like rich seafood stews and fragrant risottos. The country is particularly known for its slow food culture which sees restaurants serving up feasts made from fresh, local and often specialist ingredients. Enjoy decadent and delicious meals at a relaxed pace, paired with Croatian wines.

Triglav National Park is Slovenia’s only protected nature reserve and it’s unmissable if you love untouched countrysides and fresh mountain air. The park is made up of lush alpine valleys, several small lakes and numerous dramatic peaks, including its namesake Triglav Mountain which soars up to over 2743 meters (9,000 feet). Other major highlights include the vast Lake Bohinj, the Soča Valley and the Vintgar Gorge.

Perhaps the most famous sight in Slovenia is the island found at the heart of Lake Bled. The glacial lake is in the north west of the country and completely enveloped by the spectacular Julian Alps. It’s a hotspot for hiking, plus you’ll find two heritage sites within its vicinity – the medieval Bled Castle on the lake’s shores and the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria on Bled Island. You can reach the latter on a traditional pletna boat and walk up its 90+ steps for stunning views.

Slovenia’s wine growing area, Goriška Brda, is nestled right on the Italian border and made up of rolling hills dotted with sleepy villages and lush vineyards. Begin your wine tour in its municipal town of Dobrovo. It’s home to the Goriška Brda Wine Cellar where you can have a lesson in local winemaking techniques and enjoy delicious tastings.

Nestled away in Slovenia’s southerly Karst Region, the Postojna Caves stretch over 15 miles and are packed with fascinating rock formations, including a five meter(16 feet) high white stalagmite. Animal lovers will want to stop off at the caves’ vivarium to view olms – rare aquatic salamanders which can live for up to 100 years. Budding historians may also enjoy exploring the magnificent Predjama Castle that’s built into the side of a cave a miles northwest of Postojna.  

For more exciting tips on the best things to do in Croatia and Slovenia, get in touch with our travel experts today.