6 Things You Must Do in Croatia

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Croatia is a beautiful country on the Adriatic coast opposite Italy, wrapping inland around Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Though the country only gained independence in 1995 after a brutal war, Croatia is a well-functioning country with a huge tourism industry and an amazing nightlife.

If you're a first time traveler, here are 6 things you must do in Croatia:

See Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a port city located near the southern tip of the country that has been there longer than written history and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the larger region.

You’ll see this city on every list you look up about Croatia, and that’s because it deserves to be. It’s a walled medieval town, restored and maintained to retain its old world charm. You can take a walking tour along the wall (it’ll take a few hours), shop around at little stands or at the shops in town, or admire the old harbor.

Scuba Diving

Towns on the Croatian coast and islands over lots of opportunities for scuba diving, which is possibly one of the best places to get your feet wet if you’re usually hesitant about that sort of thing.

Croatian bays, having seen trade and ship traffic for millennia, tend to play host to a variety of shipwrecks including Roman galleys and old German submarines.

Island Hopping

Island Hopping is without a doubt, one of the 6 things you must do in Croatia. While you’re out in the sea make sure to check out some of the gorgeous Adriatic islands that dot the entire Croatian coastline.

As you go you’ll discover white sandy beaches, bright blue water, quaint little towns, and a lot of opportunities for beautiful nature pictures.

Check Out the Palace of Emperor Diocletian

Croatia was part of the Roman Empire for hundreds of years as part of Dalmatia, and was popular among Rome’s elite, including Emperor Diocletian who built a massive palace complex in Split.

It contained living quarters for thousands of people and various temples and ceremonial structures that are still in use for other purposes. While you’re wandering around in there you might also run into an Egyptian sphinx statue that was ancient even when it was imported to Split by the Romans.

The Arena in Pula

At the northern end of the coast you’ll find the city of Pula, which is home to some spectacular roman architecture, including a massive and well preserved arena that played host to countless gladiatorial “games”.

The town hall was originally a roman temple to Diana, but only part of the original structure remains and is incorporated into the current building, which is medieval and has been serving as an administrative building for many centuries.

Explore Plitvice Lakes

Further inland you’ll find one of the best sightseeing spots in the world. The Plitvice Lake National Park contains a series of lakes forming a long running sequence of beautiful waterfalls.

The water is unbelievably clear and full of fish (though you’re not allowed to fish everywhere, so do your research). The lakes aren’t just for visiting in the summer either. During the winter they freeze into blue-white crystalline brilliance.

Author Bio:

Meghan Pierce has a passion for cultural studies and an insatiable appetite for travel. Her dream is to be a full-time travel writer; she currently freelances for G Adventures, Croatia travel.


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