Top 25 best things to do in Croatia
Croatia offers the seasoned traveler a perfect Mediterranean getaway with a combination of its quintessential clear blue seas, island retreats, graying medieval forts, pristine East European forests and sunlit basking points. What makes Croatia special is its tourist-centric economy that provides a range of things to do for visitors to the island.
Here is a carefully evaluated list of 25 best things to do in Croatia with a sub-focus on things to do when visiting the land-locked capital city of Zaghreb.
1) Go Island Hopping
So you have finally decided to explore the heart of the Mediterranean in one of the most beautiful chill-out spots on Earth and here you are, pondering over your next move. Head out to the seaside at once and explore Croatia offshore. Nestled on the edge of the Adriatic Seas, the Croatian coastline is dotted with a myriad of Islands numbering close to a 1000! Accessible by ferry, catamaran or one of the many local boats, these islands are mainly uninhabited and have well-preserved flora as well as fine hotels to dine in. If you love seafood, Croatia is a place to be. It is a must to try out some of the freshly grilled fish available at any of these dine-ins. Some of the most famous islands on the Adriatic Coast are Veliki Brijun (President Tito’s former retreat; now a designated national park), Sveti Nikola, Susak (famous for wild-growing oregano), Silba (island activities like snorkelling), Kornat (sage, olive and figs) , Šolta, Biševo (blue cave) and Lopud (seaside promenade for walks).
2)Sample food at a Konoba
Konobas are traditional Croatian restaurants that have stemmed from traditional Dalmation culture. These rustic eateries with their classic stone walls, dim lighting and romantic atmosphere are found all over Croatia. They look like medieval cellars where food was stored and served . Some of the dishes of note include: Crni Rizot – ink black squid rizotto, Cobanac -mixed stew of pork, baby beef, lamb, and pork hind feet, rozata- custard pudding, Palačinke – Croation crepe, Pašticada- slow 24-hour marinated Dalmatian beef stew with prunes and dried figs, Goulash – stew of meat and vegetables seasoned with paprika and Krostules – sugary deep fried dough.
3)Get in touch with Nature
Croatia is home to 8 National Parks and if you are a nature photographer, these are the right places to head to. One of the top recommended National Parks to visit in Croatia is the UNESCO-listed Plitvice National Park. With enchanting waterfalls cascading into clear waters, this park provides for some of the most scenic captures. If you are seeking waterfalls in particular, then Krka National Park is the place to be. If you love Hiking, then grab a pair of boots and head out to Paklenica National Park. Set amidst two torrent gorges, it also provides option for serious mountaineers. The Manita Peć Cave located in this park has brilliant outcrops of stalactites and stalagmites making it a place worth visiting.
4) Go Fishing
It is said that the fruits of one’s effort taste sweetest. Amongst the many fulfilling things to do, Croatia offers you the chance to catch and cook your own fish. Many big game guides provide quality services and advice on fishing local species. However make sure you follow the steadfast rule that the catch always belongs to the Captain. He is sure to provide a portion to you though!
5)Relive your Game of Thrones Fantasies!
If you are a GOT fan, then Croatia is the perfect place to head to. The numerous forts, castles and medieval ramparts across the countryside have been used as shoot locations for the popular series. Prime examples include the Dubrovnik Fort, Fortress of Kliss, Trsteno Arboretum, St. Dominic Monastery and Diocletian’s Palace. Travelling amongst these structures can be tiring and short breaks at some of the many eateries near these sites can be rejuvenating and also provide a backdrop to ponder over the series stills. Let your imagination precede you!
6) Pula Film Festival
If your visit coincides with the month of July, then make sure you hit the annual film festival held at an ancient Roman Amphitheatre known as the Pula arena. The event hosts public movie screenings as well as award shows. Ideal for movie lovers. Watching movies in an arena where gladiators fought tooth and nail in the days of yore. Who would have thought?
7) Get a tan
With the many beaches out there, a nice relaxing tan session would be apt for those seeking the Mediterranean look before heading home. Croatia has a wide number of beaches, yet one that stands out best amongst them is the Zlatni Rat beach also known as the Golden Horn/Golden Cape. A peninsular projection of land out into open sea, the beach is popular with tourists.
8)Dubronovic Summer Festival
Held in the season of festivals between 10 July and 25 August, the open air festival offers 70 different venues across the city providing an atmosphere to savor the arts. A hub for European culture at its finest display, visitors can enjoy the rich programs involving classical music, drama, opera, ballet and the fine arts.
9) Go horse riding
The July-August months mark the season for events held across Croatia and the third weekend of August gives you an insight into an event that hearkens back to Medieval Europe when such was common practice. The village of Barban holds the traditional Knights joust where competing knights on horseback aim for a target known as a prstenac. Whats more, you can try some horse riding yourself on one the local ranches and what even more, you get to swim with your horse at the end of the sojourn!
10) Get Spiritual
The Black Madonna housed at the shrine of Marija Bistrica is a popular place of pilgrimage in Central Croatia. The Neo-Renaissance style architecture of the church is a wonder to behold even for those less spiritual but who have a fine eye for art.
11) Dive into a shipwreck
Among the many strange, yet wonderful things to do in Croatia is an opportune moment to snorkel amidst a sunken wreck of a World War II German Ship seen just below the water surface at Zavratnica Bay, near Jablanac Port. The site has crystal blue waters surround by rocky sun-bleached hills; an ideal spot for some photography.
12) Go Truffle Hunting
If you are lucky you can get hitched on an expedition into the Motovan forests of Istria, accompanied by trained hounds in search of highly prized truffles.
13)Olive oil
Being at the heart of the Mediterranean, Croatian climate is perfectly suited for olive plantations and produces some of the finest olive oils in the world, mainly around the Istria region.
14)Go on a road trip
What better way to travel the countryside than by road? Croatia has many rental car companies that can cater to your requirements.
15) Adventure water-sports
Wind and Kite surfing are popular water sports in Croatia and is one of the most popular things on the to-do list. Istria and Viganj are popular destinations for these sporting activities.
16) Tour the Capital City of Zaghreb
Zaghreb, as the capital of Croatia set in its interior heartlands is world of its own. Ideal for city-lovers, it is a perfect get away to immerse yourself in various activities. A walk around the city can be an occupying experience as you come across various new things to do.
Things to do in Zaghreb include:
17) Museum of Broken Relationships
One of the many quirky things to do Zaghreb has to offer is a visit to the Museum of Broken Relationships. Started in 2003, it houses relics left over by former lovers along with descriptions of the items, images, documents and personal confessions. This is an art museum and if you are one who falls in the category of having suffered a “broken relationship” , a visit to this museum may help you discover the answers you seek.
18) Involve yourselves in some špica
The Saturday morning ritual of špica takes place between 11am to 2pm by the flower market on Cvjetni trg. Heres your chance to sip some kava (coffee), look sharp and interract with people around you.
19) Taste some Local Wines
If you are an amateur connoisseur of wine and do not wish to travel out deep into different regions across the countryside to get an idea of Croatian wines, then Zaghreb is the place for you. A short 2-hr tour to the oldest win shop and bar in Zaghreb will familarize you with the different wines produced across the region as well as a wine tasting session.
20) Nightlife at Tkalčićeva
The street of Tkalčićeva is the perfect spot for some Croatian nightlife. The street is lined with an array of local cafes and pubs provide you with the perfect night-time getaway to socialize and have a good time. The Funk Club is one such venue with a live DJ at night time.
21) Get down with some Rakija
Alcohol enthusiasts can visit the Rakija Bar at Tkalčićeva where they can get a taste of the local Rakija ; a grappa-like fruit brandy made from grapes and plums. The drink has a high alcohol content at 40 per cent and may go higher.There are some other local alcoholic drinks as well, made from honey and mistletoe leaves.
22) Croatian Cheese
A wide variety of cheeses from Zagorje are up on sale at the Dolac market by the central square. Kumica is a variety of cream cheese particularly popular in the region and goes best with some corn bread.
23) Museum of Illusions
Art enthusiasts can get mind-boggled in this museum which provides a dream-like world where staircases lead to nowhere and perspective is redefined.
24) Party at Sirup
Owned and run by Vedran of Pozitivan Ritam, this surreal club at Koturaška hosts DJ’s from near as well as international and is the perfect getaway to loosen up a little and have a fun-filled night with other party animals.
25) Visit the Tallest building in Croatia
The Zaghreb Cathedral is the tallest structure in Croatia built in Gothic style and houses the shrine of St Mary as well as the Kings Saint Stephen and Saint Ladislaus Its towering spires are visible from most parts of the city.