I went to Croatia thinking it was just another European beach destination.
But man, was I wrong.
The first morning I woke up in Dubrovnik, I grabbed a coffee and walked the old city walls at sunrise, and something just clicked.
The light hitting those terracotta roofs, the Adriatic stretching out forever, the smell of salt and pine in the air—it hit different.
Since that trip, I’ve been back three times, and I’m still finding new places that blow my mind.
So if you’re planning your first visit and wondering what’s actually worth your time, I got you.
This isn’t some generic list.
These are the spots and experiences that made me fall stupid-hard for Croatia.
Walk the Walls of Dubrovnik at Sunrise
Look, everyone tells you to visit Dubrovnik.
But here’s what they don’t tell you: go at sunrise.
I’m talking 6 a.m., when the cruise ship crowds haven’t invaded yet and the city is just waking up.
You’ll have the ancient walls almost to yourself, and the light is absolutely unreal.
The full loop is about 1.2 miles, and yeah, there are stairs, but the views make every step worth it.
Bring water and your camera, because you’ll stop every few feet to take it all in.
One thing I learned the hard way: wear good walking shoes.
Those limestone steps get slippery, and the last thing you want is to twist an ankle while trying to get that perfect shot.
Also, if you can, grab a pastry from a local bakery before you start.
There’s nothing quite like eating a warm burek while watching the sun paint the Adriatic gold.
Trust me on this one.
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Island Hop to Hvar (But Skip the Main Town at Night)
Hvar is gorgeous, no question.
But if you only hit Hvar Town during peak season, you’re gonna think it’s just a party island for rich yachters.
And yeah, that scene exists.
But here’s my move: stay in Stari Grad or Jelsa instead.
These are quieter spots on the island where you’ll actually meet locals and find family-run restaurants that’ll blow your mind.
I stayed in Stari Grad for four nights, and every evening I’d grab dinner at this little konoba where the owner’s mom was still cooking in the back.
The grilled octopus was insane.
During the day, rent a scooter and explore the lavender fields.
Seriously, the smell alone is worth the trip.
And if you’re into swimming, there are hidden coves all over the island where you can have the water to yourself.
My favorite was a little spot near Dubovica Beach.
Just you, clear blue water, and the sound of cicadas.
Get Lost in Plitvice Lakes National Park
This place is surreal.
I’m talking 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls, all in shades of blue and green you didn’t know existed.
It feels like you walked into a fantasy movie.
I visited in early September, and even though it was still touristy, the trails were manageable.
You’ll walk on wooden boardwalks that zigzag right over the water, and at times you’re so close to the falls you can feel the mist on your face.
Wear waterproof shoes or sandals—you will get wet.
The park has different routes depending on how much time you have.
I did Route H, which took about six hours with stops for photos (and trust me, you’ll take a million).
Bring snacks and water, because the park cafes are overpriced and kinda meh.
One tip: enter through Entrance 1 if you want to see the best waterfalls first thing.
It sets the tone for the whole day.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Eat Your Way Through Zagreb’s Dolac Market
Zagreb doesn’t get enough love, and I don’t get it.
The capital has this cool mix of Austro-Hungarian charm and laid-back Mediterranean energy.
And Dolac Market?
It’s my favorite spot in the whole city.
Open every morning, it’s this vibrant open-air market where locals buy fresh produce, cheese, cured meats, and flowers.
The red umbrellas make it super photogenic, but it’s the food that’ll get you.
I’d go early, grab a coffee from one of the stands, and just wander.
You can try fresh cherries in summer, or grab some kulen (spicy sausage) and local cheese to snack on.
There’s also a fish market in the underground section that’s worth checking out.
After the market, walk up to the old Upper Town.
It’s quiet, cobblestoned, and has this church with a tiled roof that’s straight-up iconic.
And if you’re there on a weekend, stop by one of the cafes on Tkalčićeva Street.
It’s where locals actually hang out.
Sail the Kornati Islands
If you want to see Croatia the way it’s meant to be seen, you gotta get on a boat.
I did a week-long sailing trip through the Kornati Islands, and it’s still one of the best things I’ve ever done.
These islands are basically uninhabited—just raw nature, rocky coastlines, and water so clear you can see the bottom 30 feet down.
You can charter a boat with a skipper or, if you’ve got sailing experience, go solo.
We anchored in a different bay every night, cooked on the boat, and swam whenever we felt like it.
No schedule, no crowds, just freedom.
One night we anchored near Kornat Island and grilled fresh fish we’d bought that morning in Murter.
The sunset was ridiculous, and the only sound was water lapping against the hull.
If sailing isn’t your thing, you can also do day trips from Zadar or Šibenik.
But honestly, spending a few nights out there is a whole different vibe.
Drive the Coastal Road from Split to Dubrovnik
This drive is iconic.
You’re hugging the coast the whole way, with the Adriatic on one side and dramatic mountains on the other.
It’s about three hours without stops, but you’ll want to stop constantly.
I rented a car in Split and took my time, pulling over at random viewpoints and small towns.
One of my favorite stops was Makarska, a beach town with a long promenade and crystal-clear water.
I grabbed lunch there and went for a swim before continuing south.
You’ll also pass through a tiny slice of Bosnia and Herzegovina (bring your passport), which is kinda cool.
And don’t skip Ston—it’s famous for its ancient walls and oyster farms.
I stopped at a roadside stand and had the freshest oysters I’ve ever eaten, straight from the bay.
The drive is beautiful, but it can get narrow and winding in spots, so take it easy.
And fill up on gas before you leave Split, because stations are sparse along the way.
Swim in the Blue Cave on Biševo Island
This is one of those bucket-list experiences that sounds touristy but is actually incredible.
The Blue Cave is a sea cave on Biševo Island, near Vis.
At a certain time of day, sunlight filters through an underwater opening and turns the whole cave this glowing electric blue.
It’s wild.
I went on a boat tour from Vis, and yeah, it’s a bit of a production—you wait in line, they ferry small groups in on tiny boats, and you only get a few minutes inside.
But those few minutes?
Worth it.
The color is so intense it doesn’t look real.
After the cave, most tours hit the Green Cave and stop at Stiniva Beach, which is this tiny hidden cove surrounded by cliffs.
It’s stunning.
Book your tour early in the season if you can, because summer gets packed.
And bring motion sickness meds if you’re sensitive—the boat ride can be choppy.
Drink Wine in the Pelješac Peninsula
Croatia makes killer wine, and not enough people know about it.
The Pelješac Peninsula is where some of the best reds come from—especially Plavac Mali, which is bold and fruity.
I spent two days driving around the peninsula, stopping at small family wineries.
My favorite was Grgić Wines in Trstenik.
The guy who founded it actually worked in Napa Valley before coming back to Croatia.
The tasting room overlooks vineyards and the sea, and the wine is seriously world-class.
But honestly, even the tiny, no-name wineries are worth visiting.
You’ll sit with the winemaker, taste straight from the barrel, and leave with bottles that cost half what they would anywhere else.
Pair your wine with local cheeses and prosciutto, and you’ve got yourself a perfect afternoon.
If you’re into oysters, stop in Mali Ston (on the way to Pelješac) and hit one of the oyster farms.
Fresh oysters and white wine by the water—can’t beat it.
Wander the Roman Ruins in Split
Split is chaos in the best way.
The whole old town is built inside and around Diocletian’s Palace, a Roman emperor’s retirement home from the 4th century.
It’s not a museum—it’s a living, breathing neighborhood.
People live in apartments that are literally part of ancient Roman walls.
There are bars in old cellars, shops in former temples.
It’s bizarre and amazing.
I stayed in an Airbnb inside the palace walls, and every morning I’d walk out and just get lost.
You’ll stumble on hidden courtyards, street musicians, and tiny cafes tucked into corners.
Don’t miss the basement of the palace—it’s this massive underground space that gives you a sense of how huge the original structure was.
For food, skip the touristy spots on the main square and head to the Green Market or the streets just outside the palace walls.
I found this hole-in-the-wall place that served the best cevapi I’ve had in my life.
And if you need a break from the crowds, walk up Marjan Hill.
It’s a forested park with trails and viewpoints over the city and sea.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Stay in a Small Island Village (Not a Resort)
Look, I get the appeal of a nice hotel.
But if you really want to experience Croatia, skip the big resorts and stay in a small village.
I spent a week on Korčula Island in a guesthouse run by a local family.
My room was simple—clean, with a balcony overlooking olive groves and the sea.
Every morning the owner’s wife would bring fresh bread and homemade jam to the terrace.
She didn’t speak much English, but she’d sit with me while I had coffee and we’d communicate through gestures and smiles.
The village itself had maybe 200 people, one small grocery store, and a tiny konoba where I ate dinner most nights.
It was quiet, real, and exactly what I needed.
I’d spend my days hiking, swimming in empty coves, and talking to locals who were genuinely curious about where I was from.
That kind of connection—you don’t get it at a resort.
So when you’re booking, look for small guesthouses or apartments in villages, not tourist hubs.
You’ll save money and have a way better experience.
