The 15 best things you can do in captivating Croatia

25.07.2023 - 15:17 / lonelyplanet.com

There’s much more to Croatia than its glittering Adriatic coast.

While you absolutely shouldn’t miss all those dazzling islands and the beauty of Dubrovnik and Split, the country also offers sophisticated culture in Zagreb, baroque beauty in Varaždin and a range of landscapes throughout the country that promise both beautiful views and hair-raising adventures.

As you plan your trip to this magical destination, keep in mind our list of the best things to do in Croatia. 

Sixteen lakes and countless waterfalls make walking through Plitvice Lakes National Park a dreamy experience. Over centuries, this travertine landscape has created a vivid world of shallow lakes and waterways shaded by beech forests, with every shade of blue and green reflected in its mesmerizingly clear waters. Follow the footpaths – many of them on raised wooden walkways – until you reach Kozjak Lake, where an electric boat awaits to take you across the glass-like water. 

It’s not often you see a Roman palace become such a fundamental and lived-in part of a city. The palace the Roman emperor Diocletian built for himself in the 2nd century CE soon fell into ruin and, by the Middle Ages, had become colonized by apartments and shops. Today, it’s the place to wander and stop for a coffee as you admire graceful columns and arches that are millennia-old.

Often visited as a day trip from Dubrovnik or Korčula, lusciously green Mljet is worth a more leisurely exploration, especially its national park. Taking up nearly a third of the island, the park is dominated by two saltwater lakes fringed with pine-shaded trails, offering plenty of places to stop for a swim. Hike to the top of Montokuc at 256m (840ft) for sublime views while breathing in the scent of Aleppo pines.

Detour: Don’t miss the chance to take the little ferry to St Mary’s Island for a wander around its church and monastery. 

These magnificent medieval and Renaissance ramparts curve around Dubrovnik’s old town for nearly 2km (1.2 miles), leading you up and down stone steps and past hulking forts and defensive towers. Set aside at least 90 minutes to wander along the walls, taking in glorious views of the Adriatic, Lokrum island and the town’s sea of terracotta rooftops while peeking into the gardens and terraces of the houses below.

Planning tip: Avoid the crowds by turning up first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon. 

Spreading across north-eastern Croatia by the Serbian border, the vast wetlands of Kopački Rit Nature Park offer some of the most serene landscapes in the country. For a wonderfully soothing experience, hop on one of the boats that gently float through this peaceful nature reserve, where the Danube and Drava rivers meet – the birdlife is quite extraordinary. 

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