7 Best Things to do in Croatia

If we could live anywhere, it would be Croatia. Beautiful doesn’t begin to describe Dalmatia’s Adriatic coastline or Istrian vineyards that Napa should envy. Think cinematic Dubrovnik (aka King’s Landing on “Game of Thrones”), Rovinj perched on the tip of a peninsula, and harbor-side Hvar. This is a country where you can do an artisanal olive-oil tasting lesson, take a country walk a million miles from anywhere, and rest up afterward at a 5-star hotel by the sea, all in the same day. You’ll find it incredibly easy to engage with the locals. This is one of our favorite destinations and we are convinced that you will agree. Here are seven of our favorite things to do in Croatia.

#1 Explore the medieval city of Dubrovnik

Enjoy a day learning about Dubrovnik’s fascinating history and admiring its beautifully preserved limestone buildings with red-tiled roofs, quaint streets with charming shops and cafes, and massive walls that allow us to experience the city from many vantage points.

#2 Follow scenic coastal paths

 Just a short distance from Dubrovnik you can follow along scenic paths that have been used for centuries by shepherds. Almost every step of the way, the Adriatic is in sight, with olive trees and cypress to frame the view.

#3 Visit Lokrum Island

Just a short ferry ride, Lokrum Island is an uninhabited, beautiful nature reserve with botanical gardens, a fortress, and a lake in the middle of the island. Spend the day admiring the wonderful wildlife, and picturesque clear blue waters while taking the time to stop for a picnic and swim.

#4 Lunch & wine-tasting

Accept an invitation to our friend, Mario, and his father Teo’s winery. With our incredible hosts, participate in a tasting of the family treasures, accompanied by local cheeses, meats, olives, and fruits served in the cellar and tasting room.

#5 Stay at the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik

Built in 1895 and renovated in 2005, the hotel blends Belle Epoque style with comfort and technology. Spacious guest rooms, decorated in wood and marble finishes, overlook gardens and rooftops of old Dubrovnik.

#6 Scenic countryside walk

Venture out on a walk through lavender fields and olive groves that leads us to a working olive mill where we’re treated to a tasting of the locally produced olive oil and bread.

#7 Hvar & Jelsa

Capture the essence of Hvar, “as golden as the honey the island is famous for.” Vineyards, lavender fields and honey-colored buildings line our route to the coastal village of Jelsa. In Jelsa enjoy lunch at a local agriturismo.

If you’d like to do all these activities, plus a little more, without the hassle of logistics—join a Classic Journeys’ culture + walking or family adventure to Croatia. You’ll have the trip of a lifetime!