Croatia continues to pop up on more traveler’s radars as a hot destination. The medieval walled coastal cities are backdrops to popular TV Series and movies, while the region of Istria could be confused with Tuscany with its artisan products and hilltop towns. When I first visited Croatia back in 2013, I thought of it as an unheard of destination and to most Americans it was, but when I visited I learned of its longtime popularity with the Slavs, Italians, and Germans. In recent years, the secret appears to have gotten out to the rest of the world. When we returned in 2016 we found Americans gallivanting around every corner, and English being spoken in even the most remote of places. Croatia is no longer “off the beaten path,” and is moving on towards becoming a touristic juggernaut.  Almost everyone knows the small city of Dubrovnik, and Croatia became a member of the EU in 2013. We were able to spend five weeks in Croatia and embarked on the ultimate road trip to find the best of what the country has to offer during all seasons and help answer the question of where to go in Croatia. 

Zagreb

Many Croatian vacations may start and end in the capital city.  While the city has no major attractions like the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum, it hums with a certain energy that can’t be found anywhere else in the Balkans. Zagreb is surprisingly trendy, houses a large university population, and is an interesting blend of communist era buildings, pedestrians streets, and medieval architecture. Although this city is often overlooked, I have found that Zagreb is one of my favorite capital cities in Europe, and perhaps it is why I find myself coming back.  There are so many things to do and see in the Croatian capital that any visitor is sure to be entertained.

What to see in Zagreb

Zagreb Funicular

To get between Zagreb’s upper and lower towns take a ride on the Zagreb Funicular. This tram is one of the steepest in the world and only cost 10 HRK for a ride. A great view of Zagreb awaits you at the top. If you would rather get some exercise in you can also climb the stairs to the side of the Funicular and be met with a beautiful park. We spent a quiet afternoon there watching the city.

Museum of Broken Relationships

If you find yourself in Zagreb on a rainy day then head to this museum located in Zagreb’s Upper Town. The name says it all, this is a museum dedicated to broken relationships. The building is filled with trinkets and loved possessions that were donated by real people who found themselves in a “broken relationship.” However, the appeal doesn’t lie in the objects themselves, but instead in reading the hundreds of stories told by their former owners. Allow at least an hour to read all the sad, funny, and quirky stories there. All the softies should make sure to bring a box of tissues for the heartaches.

Dolac Market

Just north of Trg Bana Jelačića is a daily fruit and vegetable market. Dolac market is a lively place to observe, eat like a local, and support local business owners. Almost every city in Europe has its own form of a market, and it’s often a great way to get the feel of a city. Dolac Market operates Mon-Fri from 6.30am-3pm, Sat to 2pm, Sun to 1pm.

St. Marks Church

If you have just an hour free in Zagreb’s city center then make sure to take the funicular up to the upper town and see St. Marks Church. Sure, it may just be another European church but after seeing the roof I couldn’t help but feel impressed by this detailed craftsmanship.

Shopping

Did you forget your bikini? Go shopping in this metropolis before you head south to Dalmatia. Zagreb is a shoppers paradise. Here you will find all the name brand stores that you may be missing from your home country.

Where to stay in Zagreb?

Budget travelers can find a home at The Swanky Mint Hostel located in the heart of Downtown Zagreb. This new hostel is built in an abandoned loft and is tucked away from the main streets of the city.  Swanky Mint features an eccentric bar open to locals and guests, a fully equipped kitchen with a free espresso machine, excellent WiFi, and comfy beds. The hostel has energetic vibes and plenty of common areas that make it easy for all kinds of travelers to meet one another. Try the buffet breakfast in the morning! The Swanky Mint Hostel is a member of the Balkan Backpacker Network in Croatia, get 10% off for booking directly with the hostel. 

Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park is sure to be high on anyone’s itinerary when traveling through Croatia. The park’s lakes are stunning and something you must see before you die. The national park, Plitvice Lakes National Park, is the largest of Croatia’s national parks and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. The park is easily accessible from Zagreb, Zadar, and Split. With the abundance of accessible routes, there is absolutely no reason to not make a day out to the park while in Croatia. Plitvice Lakes are unlike any other place we’ve been to on earth. This is due to the phenomenon of karst hydrography. A unique example of geology in which limestone and dolomite have eroded over time into the water creating underwater tunnels and channels. The result is a set of 16 lakes at various elevations cascading down in turquoise waterfalls. The park is a series of endless elevated paths, thick moody forests, rare glimpses of wildlife and of course the unreal geography.  Seriously, photos do not do this place justice.

What to do in the Area

Visit Plitvice Lakes

As mentioned, there are 16 lakes in total that fall from many magnificent waterfalls to create a breathtaking natural formation. The park is huge and we recommend a full day to experience all that it has to offer. Rain or shine the park and the lakes are always stunning. The park is open year round and admission prices vary depending on the season. [Check up to date prices here] If you are not big on walking around all the day there are shuttles and ferry boats to take you around the park, but it should be noted that the best views require some walking. We suggest wearing comfortable shoes, bringing a camera (and a case – water is everywhere) and carrying a water bottle. Bonus, if you bring a LifeStraw Go water bottle you can fill your bottle up with some of the lakes fresh water.

Go Hiking!

There are plenty of great hikes around this beautiful region of Croatia. The hike up Plješevica Mountain reveals lush forests with a moderate to intense climb. For an easier trek take the afternoon and catch a sunset on Mrsinj Grad. The hike through Plješevica Mountain takes a full day; however, the hike up to Mrsinj Grad leads through an old fortress and only takes about three hours. Falling Lakes Hostel can organize a trip any day to either of these locations.

Zadar

Thanks to Ryan Air, the past five years have brought an influx of budget backpackers to Zadar, turning this Dalmatian city into a party town. Be warned, that is not the only reason one should travel to this lovely city by sea. For starters, Zadar is the biggest city of north-central Dalmatia and has a rich history. It was voted the Best European Destination for 2016 and even Alfred Hitchcock himself said that you can find the “best sunset in the world here.” There are tons of amazing things to keep visitors occupied throughout all times of the year.

What to see in Zadar

Old Town

It wouldn’t be a Croatian city without an Old Town.  The old town here is much smaller than in Split, but larger than Hvar. Nevertheless, it is easily walkable.  Exploring the old town will take at least half a day as there is an abundance of ruins, churches, and cafes to occupy time.  People’s Square, Narodni Trg, is the central meeting point in the old town and has been since the renaissance era.  It’s been said that sitting at a cafe in the center of town is the “hip” thing one can do. My favorite cafe bar  was “Sveti Lovre” literally set inside the well-preserved church of St. Lawrence. How many times have you ordered a latte inside a pre-Romanesque church?

Or take a coffee to go and stroll around the Roman Ruins located right next to the Church of St. Donatus.  For €2, you can gallivant into this old Church and marvel at the architecture that is now used for concerts and galas throughout the year.

Sea Organ & Greeting to the Sun

The Greeting to the Sun and the Sea Organ are two things that should not be missed in Zadar. Located at the end of the Old Town facing Northwest is the Greeting to the Sun, a giant 22-meter wide circle made up of three hundred multi-layered glass plates. The glass plates are solar powered and at night, the giant circle comes life to produce a spectacular and colorful light show. While this spectacle of lights is happening, you can hear sounds of the nearby Sea Organ creating a splendid atmosphere to celebrate the end of the day. The Sea Organ is exactly what you think, a musical instrument in the sea. Throughout the entire day, the organ plays music from the tubes located underneath a set of steps by way of the constant waves of the Mediterranean.

Nin

About 20 km away from Zadar, is the alluring town of Nin. Take the 30-minute local bus (17 HRK) to get there for a day trip just outside of Zadar. The town is charming and well known for its production of salt. However, the draw in our opinion are the medicinal thermal mud baths. Walk along the long and sandy Queens Beach and you will come to a more foraged part of water. There is no mistaking that you will know you are at the magical mud baths when you arrive. Don’t think – just jump in and slather yourself in the mud of Nin. For optimal results, let the mud dry on your body for 30 minutes, rinse and repeat. You may smell like a bag of farts, but your skin will thank you!

Take the ferry to Ugljan

Zadar is well-connected with a solid ferry system. Any day is a good day to take the ferry over to the island of Ugljan. The ferry will bring you into the town of Preko, and a walk along the coast will eventually bring you to the trail leading up to St. Michael Fort. The hike up is fairly easy, and takes about an hour, but the views over the neighboring islands are stunning. Don’t forget a bottle of wine, some dinner, and a travel buddy to enjoy the spectacular sunset.

Where to stay in Zadar?

We loved staying at the Lazy Monkey Hostel. The hostel is conveniently located to the bus station and perfect for those who do not want to be bothered by a long walk or an expensive cab ride with heavy bags. Lazy Monkey is only a 6-minute walk from the main bus station, 5 minutes from the ferry terminal, and 5 minutes from the best bar in the city (see above). This place is great for being…well, lazy! There is a massive open air common space, a beautiful terrace on the upper floors, a large well-equipped kitchen, a stocked bar, and is complete with hammocks scattered around the property.  The staff can help plan trips to both Ugljan, Plitvice, and Nin which came in extremely helpful for our travels!  The Lazy Monkey is a member of the Balkan Backpacker Network in Croatia, you get 10% off for booking directly with the hostel. 

Pag

The island of Pag is one of those places that you don’t find until you’re in Croatia and someone brings it up. The main town, Novalja, is known for primarily one thing – partying. However, there are other great activities asides from drinking your liver into despair. Needless to say, the shoulder season is the preferred visiting time in our opinion. You can enjoy things like the natural beauty, colorful sunsets, and general quietness of the island. Visitors will be a bit shocked when visiting Pag to find it is not lush like the island of Hvar. This is due to the strong winds and salt that is sprayed by Bora, killing almost any vegetation on the island. There is a certain beauty in the island’s natural rugged terrain.

What to do on Pag

Moped around the island

To get better acquainted with the island, try hiring a moped for the day to get around. Renting a moped allows one to see the small towns on the island and catch stunning vistas of the crystal clear waters. Petrol is fairly inexpensive in Croatia and a one-day moped rental will run you approximately 150 HRK in the off season and 250 HRK in June-August.

Making of Pag cheese

Anyone making the effort to reach Pag has to try the cheese.  The cheese is made from sheep’s milk, is hard, distinctly flavored, and is nationally revered. Before you dig in to try this amazing cheese it should be noted that the cheese gets better with age. We were able to visit Vidas, a local family producer, who produces and sells the world renowned Pag cheese. What is the secret behind the distinct flavors? Pag Bora. Or a strong, cool, dry wind on the island that carries the dry salt dust over from the nearby Velebit mountains. The free roaming sheep eat the salt while grazing, this salt carries over to their milk, the milk is used to produce the cheese, humans eat the cheese…you get the picture.

Zrće Beach

Zrće Beach is a long stone beach that draws the attentions of thousands of partygoers each year.  The beach is lined with clubs, bars, tattoo stands, and even a bungee jump operating until all hours of the night in the summer months. You cannot mention the island Pag and avoid Zrće. Even though Zrće has been named one of the best party places in Europe and has been nicknamed “The Croatian Ibiza,” the water is still crystal blue and it is still a great place to go relax during the day time. 

Stara Novalja

Stara Novalja is an old town (literally translating to “Old Novalja”) with a long sand beach and small town. Even though it was April I enjoyed lounging about here and making new friends while digging my toes in the Croatian sand.

Where to lay your head in Novalja?

You can find solace watching the sunset at the Big Yellow House in Novalja. This hostel is located right across the street from the port while still in the heart of Novalja (it’s a small town). It is three stories and has a popular bar right on the terrace to start the party early.  You can have both a quiet night here in the spring and fall, as well as make new friends in the large common room, bar, terrace, and fully equipped kitchen. I loved the fact that I could always get a hot shower, a strong WiFi connection, and a comfy bed here. There is also an iguana named Ceasar in the common room. Bonus! The Big Yellow House is a member of the Balkan Backpacker Network in Croatia, get 10% off for booking directly with the hostel. 

Split

Many travelers on a tour of Croatia will probably stop off in the coastal city of Split, for good reason too. After Zagreb, Split is the second largest city in Croatia and is conveniently located in the center of Dalmatia between Zadar and Dubrovnik. The city makes for a great jumping off point for those heading to the island of Hvar. Split is beaming with coastal energy and from the moment you step off the bus, train, or ferry you will feel energized. Roaming past the waterfront cafes on the smooth cobbled streets seems like a great way to pass the day in Split. The capital of Dalmatia is the perfect place to soak up that laid back Balkan cafe scene by the water and chill out for a few days.

What to do in Split

Diocletian’s Palace

This ancient palace was built by the Roman emperor Diocletian and now makes up more than half of the old town in Split. It would be almost impossible to avoid seeing the beautiful palace while visiting. Diocletian’s Palace was also a filming location for the fourth season of Game of Thrones, acting as Daenerys’ throne room in Mereen for all you fans out there. We felt that just a wander around was enough to appreciate the sheer size of the palace. The star of Diocletian’s Palace is actually the basement where the best-preserved parts of the palace.

Bačvice Beach for bathing

Bacvice beach is by far the most popular beach in Split. The Dalmatian coast does not have many sandy beaches, but Bacvice offers you soft a sandy retreat and calm waters to relax. The cafes are perfect to sit, enjoy a cappuccino, and people watch the day away.

Get Active!

Besides strolling around Split you can also enjoy some of the area’s best outdoor activities. Try your hand at kayaking in the beautiful blue water, go mountain biking, hiking, rock-climbing, canyoning, diving, or go rafting for a day. You didn’t just come to Croatia to sit around, did you?

Where to stay in Split?

On two separate occasions in Split, I have chosen to stay at Tchaikovsky Hostel. I am all about location when it comes to hostels, and Tchaikovsky is right next to everything in Split. The hostel is small, cozy, and features an amazing TV set up with thousands of movies to watch when you are feeling pooped out. The staff here makes all the difference and they are helpful when it comes to recommending places to eat, see, and do while in Split. Our favorite part was at the end of a long sunny day in the city we could come back, mingle, and go to bed with a privacy curtain and my own outlet and lamp right at the side of my bed. Tchaikovsky Hostel is a member of the Balkan Backpacker Network in Croatia, you get 10% off for booking directly with the hostel. 

Hvar

A 2-hour ferry ride away from Split lies the sunny island of Hvar. Hvar is very well known for almost all tourist from those on massive private yachts to newlyweds, families, and the young coming for a party. Hvar is beautiful year round and even promotes itself as “the sunniest spot in Europe.” With over 2715 hours of sunlight in an average year, Hvar has some very tan locals and some of the countries best wine. Peak season is July and August, and you can look at the sky high prices to confirm that. We recommend going in April or September when the weather is warm, but tourists are scarce. (Read More: Our adventures in Hvar).

What to do on Hvar

Get moving!

The island provides some of the best adventure and outdoor activities in the region. There are many different trails and hikes around the island ranging from easy to difficult. Some very popular excursions include kayaking around the Pakleni islands and rock climbing.

Explore the whole island

One of the highlights of our time in Hvar was renting a powerful ATV and exploring the whole island on our own schedule! Roads go from paved to dirt, and sometimes you are literally right on the cliff overlooking your death – but we lived! If you really want to make the most out of your time and see Hvar, Jelsa, Stari Grad, and all that is in between we recommend carving out a whole day for the adventure.

Where to catch some zzz’s in Hvar?

The White Rabbit Hostel is central to all the action in Hvar, literally steps away from the town square. This young and trendy hostel has it all; comfortable beds, great WiFi, and friendly people.  We loved the large common are, the cleanliness, and the well-equipped kitchen. The White Rabbit Hostel is a member of the BB network, book directly with them for 10% off!

The article is copied from website: theworldpursuit.com

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