Croatia: A Journey Through History, Islands, and Sunsets
Some places you visit once, and some places make you come back. Croatia? Been there twice, maybe thrice. Not exactly a hidden gem, but somehow, it still feels like one—often less traveled, always breathtaking.
A country of medieval towns, deep blue waters, island adventures, and food that lingers on your palate long after you leave. It sits opposite Italy, and honestly? It might just have better food. If you think Europe isn’t vegetarian-friendly, Croatia will prove you wrong. (I’ll tell you where to get the best zucchini lasagna you’ve ever had—keep reading.)
So, are you ready? Let’s go on a trip to one of the best football teams in the world.
First Stop: Dubrovnik—A Fairytale You Can Walk Through
Close your eyes. Imagine a city where time stands still. No cars, only stone streets, winding staircases, and fortress walls rising over the Adriatic. That’s Dubrovnik’s Old Town—a real-life Game of Thrones set minus the dragons.
🔹 Walk the City Walls – Feel like a medieval guard as you circle the entire town from above. The view? Unreal.
🔹 Kayak at Sunset – Paddle into the sea as the sky turns gold, pink, and purple—a front-row seat to the magic of the Adriatic.
🔹 Eat at Nishta – Nestled in the old alleys, this vegan heaven serves a zucchini lasagna so creamy and rich, it might just ruin all other lasagnas for you.
🔹 Take the Ropeway to Mount Srđ – You have to do this. At the top, the best sunset in Dubrovnik awaits. Watch the light fade over the sea, and maybe, just maybe, fall in love with Croatia a little more.
Feeling adventurous? Stay a few days, soak in the history, and when you’re ready—take a bus to Split.
Split & The Islands: Where the Water Calls
If Dubrovnik is history, Split is the gateway to the sea. A city where old Roman ruins meet lively waterfront cafés, and where you can’t help but feel the pull of the islands beyond.
🚤 Hop on a boat and…
☑ Snorkel in the Blue Cave – You’ve heard of Italy, but as Robert Frost once said, take the road less traveled. Here, it’s not a road but the sea less traveled—dive into Croatia’s Blue Cave, where the water glows in shades of sapphire, and every ripple feels like a secret waiting to be discovered.
☑ Island-hop between Hvar & Brač – Find hidden beaches, sip Croatian wine, and let time slow down.
☑ Stroll the Split Promenade – The perfect spot for an evening walk, gelato in hand.
Want more? You have two choices—head to Zadar for the world’s best sunset or escape to Plitvice for a day of waterfalls.
Zadar: Where the Sea Plays Music & the Sun Bows Out
Some places have great sunsets. Zadar has the best one. Even Alfred Hitchcock said so.
🌊 Listen to the Sea Organ – Stand by the water’s edge and let the waves compose music for you. Yes, this is a real thing.
🌞 Sunset at the Greeting to the Sun – As the sky turns fire-red, the pavement below lights up in a solar-powered dance of colors.
💦 Jump into the sea – No rules. Just jump. There’s no better way to say goodbye to the sun.
Plitvice Lakes: Nature’s Masterpiece
If Croatia had a postcard moment, this would be it. Turquoise lakes. Waterfalls everywhere.
🥾 Walk the wooden boardwalks – They weave through the lakes, so you feel like you’re floating.
🐟 Spot the fish – The water is so clear, they seem suspended in air.
📸 Bring your camera – No filter needed.
Ready for an adrenaline rush? Let’s go kayaking!
Zrmanja River & Dugi Otok: The Wild Side of Croatia
🌊 Kayak 14 km down Zrmanja River – Rapids, waterfalls, and dips into icy blue pools. A challenge, but worth it.
🏝 Take a boat to Dugi Otok – An island so untouched, you’ll wonder if you discovered it yourself.
🏍 Rent a Vespa & explore – Nothing feels more free than zipping through island roads, wind in your hair.
🏖 Sakarun Beach – White pebbles, blue waters, and a place to just be. Stay the night or ride back to Zadar for one last sunset on the sea.
Croatia: A Place You’ll Never Want to Leave
A country that feels like a dream. One of history, food, adventure, and sun-soaked days by the sea. A place you visit once, and then again. And again.