During my week-long vacation in Croatia last month, I found that even during a global pandemic, there was never a shortage of things to do, places to go, and people to see (how refreshing!) As I mentioned in my last blog “The Do’s and Don’ts of Visiting Croatia During COVID-19,” there was only ever a shortage of time. Even after feeling like we’d experienced and seen so much, we still didn’t get to knock everything we were recommended to do off of our bucket list. But fear not, in the article below I will be listing every hidden gem, adventure and thing to marvel at in the incredible country of Croatia.
This list will also include the sights I didn’t get to see for myself, but heard from various sources that they were all they were cracked up to be and more. I’m sure enough I’ll be back to to see them one day; but in the meantime, I highly encourage you all to use this list as a little black book to create your own Croatian adventures!
The Top Things to do in Split
Take an island Hopping tour and explore the Blue Cave.
There are multiple tours that will take you around the various islands surrounding the city of Split. So long as you like the idea of a fast and fun speedboat experience that basically feels like a day-long party, I recommend the 5 Islands & Blue Cave tour from GetYourGuide.
The 10-hour long tour will mesmerize you with the most gorgeous views of the Adriatic, and captivating architecture on islands like Hvar and Vis (where Mamma Mia was filmed!) Did I mention the Blue Lagoon Island has Donkeys? You can experience all this and more for only $118 USD.
Try a truffle burger at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar
The Croatian people have absolutely mastered the art of perfect truffle sauce, no matter what food article you try it on- it’s almost guaranteed to be delicious! However, my personal recommendation is to try it on a burger from Bokeria Restaurant in Split. It is easily the best burger I’ve EVER had, (or it maybe it was the 15% alcohol volume wine they were serving ;))
Visit Diocletian’s Palace and the Klis Fortress (GOT)
For any die hard Game of Thrones fans out there, or fans or roman ruins and incredible architecture in general, these places are a MUST to visit. A little background on each: most the Klis Fortress was used for many GOT Season 5 episodes when Daenerys conquered the city of Meereen. The Klis fortress is where most of the scenes in what soon became “The Bay of Dragons” were filmed.
The underground areas of Diocletian’s Palace also hosted many of the famous scenes from Daenerys’ time in Meereen, such as when Tyrion tried to “counsel” her rebellious dragon children, and hilariously failed.
Take out some Kuna to buy Hvar lavender and herbal liquers.
As I mentioned in my Croatian Do’s and Don’ts articles, going shopping in the markets in Croatia is a pleasantly surprising (and by surprising I mean affordable) experience. I found all kinds of unique goods that were native to Croatia but not to the US, so they made out for wonderful gifts for everyone (including myself ;))
We came across a Natura shop in Split that had a ton of Lavender and herbal liqueurs that were as strong as 40% in alcohol volume, but tasted delicious, and were made with herbs like lemongrass that are actually good for your body! Is that not pretty much the millennial American Dream of an alternative that isn’t a Tito’s and soda? (Because you want to get buzzed but also stay hydrated and you’re watching your figure ;))
And of course, if you’re an essential oil enthusiast like myself you’ll go crazy over all the lavender goods that are grown just nearby in the city of Hvar. Save room for market shopping, you won’t be able to avoid it. As I mentioned in my Packing like a Pro article, it’s better to wait and buy that fashion forward new item for your perfect IG shot while you’re abroad, now more than ever, small businesses and merchants need your help. If you’re going to enjoy all the pleasures of the country, give back by contributing to the local economy!
Enjoy dinner with a view at Dvor Restaurant.
Dvor is a Michelin star restaurant that is true to it’s title in food quality, but has an even more beautiful view for you to marvel at while you enjoy one of the more pricey meals you’ll have in Croatia. None of us like to read the word pricey, but I do recommend you set some Kuna aside for this dining experience. It’s a splurge worth fighting for, and in this relatively affordable country, you won’t be doing it much!
Take a hike at Marjan Hill and cool off at its nearby beaches.
A moderate to easy hike, Marjan hill is filled with unique flora and fauna to gaze at while you hike up in the fresh open air. Hiking Marjan Hill was actually an alternative plan after there was a weather cancellation for our tour to Krka, and although it was just a plan B, the day was still grade A! After a little exploring, we were able to walk down to Bene Beach, and then on to Kašjuni beach.
Though it was all so close in proximity, each area had it’s own unique geographical characteristics that made them beautiful. If you ever have a leisure friendly day in Split, or your original plans get cancelled, you’ll find that Split has numerous (non-cancellation permitting) activities to enjoy, just hope it doesn’t make you fall more in love.
Visit Krka National Park
Though we weren’t able to add this to our list of Croatian experiences, almost every friend, follower, and acquaintance I know recommended giving Krka a visit and going to swim in it’s beautiful waterfalls. For me now, it will remain a daydream, but if you’re on the verge of planning your trip, it can still be your dream come true!
Top things to do in Dubrovnik
Take the Game of Thrones walking tour.
Once you arrive in the old city of Dubrovnik, you won’t be able to stop marveling at all of the medieval architecture, feeling like you’ve stepped into a time capsule. It’s almost overwhelmingly wonderful, it it is especially overwhelming if you’re a Game of Thrones fan like myself.
That’s why I highly recommend booking a ticket for the 2-hour GOT Walking Tour in the old city as soon as you arrive, this way you can knock out all of those curiosities when looking at every building and mysterious alley or staircase wondering if this is where “that one scene” was filmed. You can purchase these tickets for only $23 USD on GetYourGuide. Whether you’re a fan or not, go for the views, or go for the clout of being able to say you saw the places where television history was made.
Have a cliffside refreshment at Cafe Buza.
This excerpt is tailored especially for my IG followers that wanted to know about the best photo spots. Cafe Buza is your place. Even on a rainy day like the one we had, the views were nothing short of spectacular!
Eat a traditional Croatian meal with a view at Dubravka 1836.
This one is for my photo enthusiasts and foodies alike. Dubravka was recommended as a spot by our cab driver, and we were overjoyed when we got there. The menu boasts an abundance of tasty choices, and as for the views- I’ll let you check out these photos and see for yourself.
Take the Dubrovnik Cable Car to the top of the city.
The Dubrovnik Cable car will take you up to the Srd Hill to see a panoramic view of the city that you won’t find anywhere else for only $20 USD. While you’re up there, I highly recommend having a bite to eat at Panorama Restaurant for what has quite possibly, the BEST views in all of Dubrovnik.
Visit Lokrum Island to see more GOT, Peacocks and Bunnies.
Lokrum Island is only 15-minute boat ride from Old Town Dubrovnik and it is an absolute must for GOT enthusiasts! Lokrum has many of the most famous filming locations, including the Red Keep, Blackwater Bay, the Purple Wedding setting, and the home of the Iron Throne! For your travel buddies that aren’t familiar with the show, you can both enjoy interacting and watching the unique wildlife of Lokrum (mainly peacocks and bunnies, a wonderfully odd combination.)
Eat a delicious seafood dinner by the harbor at Gradksa Kavana.
Gradska Kavana was perhaps one of the tastiest meals I had during my stay in Croatia. The atmosphere was gorgeous and serene sitting fireside with a cozy blanket next to the harbor, and the food still makes my mouth water when I think of it. Definitely try the truffle mushroom pasta!
Indulge in the nightlife at Mama’s Bar.
My travel partner and I stumbled upon Mama’s bar by mistake when we were looking for a place to have dinner, and it was simple serendipity. We ended up spending that night and the night after at Mama’s, meeting travelers from all over the world, and sweet new Croatian friends. Being the only bar still open late post-pandemic, many would call it “the only place to be” on a late night in Dubrovnik.
Take a Day trip to these Croatian Islands
If you don’t end up taking a boat tour that lets you visit islands like Hvar and Korcula, make sure you set aside a day to visit them by bus or ferry. Hvar is the home of lavender fields, great nightlife, gorgeous architecture and incredible beaches. Korcula island, or “little Dubrovnik” is known for its beautiful forests and picturesque medieval architecture. Both are bucket list MUSTS!
Visit an underwater winery in Vice.
Last but not least, if you get a chance to visit Croatia, make sure you dive down to the Island of Vice to visit one of the ONLY 4 underwater wineries in this world, Edvivo Vina.
At Edvivo Vina, you can literally dive down to see where the wine you’ll be tasting is aged in the clear Adriatic waters. With very particular methods, this aging method that mixes the salt of the Adriatic is said to make the wine better in quality, and even more aesthetically pleasing to the eye, (the double corked bottles are presented with remnants from their natural habitats liked seashells and barnacles)
Even if you aren’t an ocean lover or wine enthusiast, a visit to Edvivo is surely a once in a lifetime experience; after all, isn’t that what we’re all traveling for?
