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Why You Need to Visit Croatia

If you love islands, crystal clear beaches on the Adriatic Sea, breathtaking waterfalls, and ancient history, you need to visit Croatia.

By: Abby Shepard + Save to a List

Croatia moved to the top of my travel list after seeing an image of the famous waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes National Park. I spent two weeks touring the country, and was Croatia is one of my favorite destinations to date. 

Zagreb

Zagreb, the country's capital, is a lively, fascinating city. Be sure to hit the Museum of Broken Relationships for a unique museum experience

Split


Split is a very popular destination right on the coast. Stroll through Diocletian's Palace to experience some of the country's ancient Roman history. 

Dubrovnik


When visiting Croatia, don't miss Dubrovnik. The city is famous for its City Walls, massive stone fortifications completed in the 16th century. You can walk the walls or take a kayak trip to see the walls from the water. 

Šolta


Croatia is full of islands, each with their own unique vibe. It's easy to island hop with the ferry system, so take some time to explore one of the islands off the beaten path. I spent 3 days on the beautiful island of Šolta, where there were stunning views and very few other tourists. 

Krka National Park

Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both well known because of their waterfalls. However, the parks are completely different, and you should visit both. Krka is awesome because its falls are more concentrated, and you can swim in the waterfalls

Zadar

Zadar is a cool city with a blend of ancient architecture with modern attractions. Tour Old Town, listen to the waves play the famous Sea Organ, and watch the dancing lights on The Greeting to the Sun monument (pictured above). 

Plitvice

Plitvice is probably the most famous park in Croatia. While Krka is relatively small, you can spend all day (or multiple days) hiking in Plitvice. There are waterfalls and breathtaking views everywhere you look. 

Snorkeling+Beaches

Croatia has a huge coastline on the Adriatic Sea. There are beaches everywhere. The water is deep blue, crystal clear, and teeming with fish and other sea life. You can easily snorkel right off the shore. 

Ice Cream

Ice cream is plentiful, delicious, and cheap in Croatia. This dish cost the equivalent of about $1. Ice cream lovers, add Croatia to your list. 

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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