There are two ways to make the most out of your travel through Croatia. The first one is to rent a car once you land at one of the major Croatian airports such as Zagreb, Split, Zadar or Dubrovnik (we recommend using Skyscanner and arranging a pickup service straight at the airport) or to use a railway system and ride a train.

Presuming you have landed in Zagreb and you have rented a car and are heading toward the dalmatian south, here are our TOP SITES and places to visit.

 1.Zagreb

Croatia’s capital is great to explore by foot or by its tram web, visit numerous galleries, go out clubbing, sip coffee in Tkalčićeva, or (window) shopping. Lots of history and culture. Things not to miss: Dolac market, events in Zagreb, Mirogoj cemetery, galleries and museums, St. Mark’s Church, Cathedral and Upper Town, Museum of Broken Relationships, Funicular railway. Just to name a few things and sites.

2.Plitvice Lakes

1. Croatia’s most famous and first national park was proclaimed on 8 April 1949. The process of tufa formation, which results in the building of the tufa, or travertine, barriers and resulted in the creation of the lakes, is the outstanding universal value, for which the Plitvice Lakes were internationally recognized on 26 October 1979 with their inscription onto the UNESCO World Heritage List.

   3. Split

   

   Our favorite Mediterranean port and town, bustling with life, home to Ultra Europe Festival. The Diocletian palace, UNESCO protected site, is amazing to explore by foot and famed Riva, a place where you can sit soaking up the dalmatian sun, sipping coffee at a leisurely pace during the day. Visit nearby Bačvice beach and watch a game of picking thrown around by local men. Food in Split is reasonably priced and generally very good and tasty. For lunch, try Fifa, and for dinner, especially if you do not mind splurging a bit Restaurant Re Di Mare. Bakeries in Split are also great. Try traditional soparnik, a famous specialty, a savory pie with a filling of Swiss chard.

   Life is concentrated on the Riva and in bars within the walls of the Diocletian’s palace until 2 AM, when the partying flock migrates to the nearby Bačvice beach and its numerous bars. Backpackers spot on Bačvice is Charlie bar.

   Split is close and well connected to other sites you may want to visit, such as Cetina river canyon rafting, Trogir, Krka waterfalls, Salona, and Klis. Just take it easy as the Dalmatians themselves. AS far as the accommodation is concerned, try Goli&Bosi Design Hostel and Split Hostel.

   ISLAND HOPPING

After Split, time to do some island hopping and visit some of Croatia’s most interesting islands.

4. Hvar

Known as the jet setting&partying island, as the island of lavender, Hvar is an hour of a ride by catamaran or ferry. Check Jadrolinija.hr for timetables. As Hvar profiled as the partying island, the two most famed partying spots are Carpe Diem and Hoola Hoola Beach Bar. Those interested in nature and beaches will also not fall short of spots such as Pakleni islands reached by regular water taxis from Hvar waterfront or beaches such as Dubovica, Lucisca, or sandy beach Grebisce. Foodie spots: Konoba Manego,  Fig Caffe Bar, and cheap eats at Dalmatino&Mamato. Book accommodation at Green Lizzard and Orange Hostel.

5.Korčula

The rumors with some scientific backup are that the world’s most famed and somewhat notorious traveler Marco Polo was born here. Island named by Greeks after a beautiful nymph Korkyra is as mysterious as Marco Polo’s travels and beloved by many tourists and guests who keep returning many times after the first, initial visit. The island is reached by ferry or catamaran from Split or Hvar or by a ferry from Pelješac peninsula (beautiful 15 minutes long ride). Make Korcula and Dragan’s Den your base for at least 4 or 5 days where you will reserve time just for yourself to chill&explore the island and nearby spots such as National park Mljet, enjoy emerald jewels in the form of numerous secluded bays and sandy beaches such as Pržina bay and Bilin Žal. Food-wise, Korčula’s main promenade around the Old Town is filled with top-class restaurants competing to make the next best dish. If in search of outstanding Mediterranean cuisine on your Dalmatian route, then Korčula definitely ranks very high! And do not be fooled. Korčula has its big partying moments too! Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are all about partying in Korcula in venues such as Boogie Jungle Club and Dos Locos and other numerous bars with live music programs.  Things to do&See in Korcula

6.Dubrovnik

Sugar comes at the end. Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic. King’s Landing. One of a kind. Apart from exploring the Old Town, you may want to visit the Elafiti islands in the vicinity, Lokrum island, Mlini in Župa Dubrovačka, and have lunch or dinner at Spaghetteria Toni Dubrovnik, Bistro Kamenice Dubrovnik, Nishta Restaurant, or Taj Mahal restaurant.

Check and download this small guide on Dubrovnik and his monuments and be free to get in touch with questions you might have regarding your holiday and travels around Croatia.

Have a good one!