Croatia Experiences

Edit experiences overview

Enjoy the best of Croatia with kimkim's handpicked activities. Experience Hvar's rich winemaking history that dates back to the ancient Greeks, or navigate the labyrinthine Old Town of Split, the unexpected home of Diocletian's 4th-century palace. Farther south, experience authentic Croatian culture firsthand with a visit to a family farm in Konavle, where you'll learn to prepare a traditional peka meal. And if you're a nature lover, don’t miss the hiking trails and scenic waterfalls of Krka National Park. Check out our recommended activities in Hvar, Split, Dubrovnik, and more for your Croatia adventure.

Ston
Oyster Tasting on Pelješac Peninsula
Private
Visit the picturesque Pelješac Peninsula, located between Split and Dubrovnik and jutting out from the Croatian mainland. It makes an excellent day trip from either city or the perfect stopping point when traveling between the two.First, make a stop in the town of Ston, where you can walk along...
Boardwalk leading to waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes
Explore Plitvice Lakes by Foot
The first Croatian national park (and the most popular), Plitvice Lakes National Park, is Croatia’s natural masterpiece. More than a park, it's a storybook locale conjured out of a romantic dream offering gorgeous views at any time of year. A must-visit for any traveler to Croatia, the...
Veliki Tabor Castle in the rollings hills of Zagorje county
Zagreb
Castles & Villages of the Zagorje Region
6 hours
·
Private
Just a few miles northwest of Zagreb lies Zagorje, a bucolic hilly region dotted with Renaissance and medieval fortresses, numerous baroque castles, and family-run vineyards and farms. It's a memorable, romantic landscape that will take you back in time to a sense of both the aristocratic past...
Grazing sheep at sunset
Rab Island
Hike on Rab Island
As the second-greenest Croatian island (after Mljet), Rab offers numerous and varied hiking and walking trails covering a wide range of landscapes. From dense holm oak forests (one of the last of its kind) in the southwest of the island to the barren ridge stone desert in the northeast and...
Paklenica National Park
Starigrad (Paklenica)
Hike in Paklenica National Park
Private
Nature and outdoor lovers rejoice! Rise early and make your way east to Paklenica National Park, the most accessible hiking area in the southern Velebit mountains. Made up of dramatic karst formations, the park is most known for two limestone gorges, Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica (literally...
Korčula
Cycling & Wine Tasting on Korčula
5 hours
·
Small group
Spend the day on a cycling tour across the island of Korčula, from the historic Korčula Town to the lush vineyards of Lumbarda. Along the way, you'll make several stops at beaches, scenic vistas, and wineries. First, you'll pick up your bike and meet your guide in Korčula; then, you'll head out...
Galesnik Island, the first in line of the Pakleni Islands
Pakleni Otoci
Sea Kayaking the Pakleni Islands
3 hours
·
Small group
Directly in front of Hvar Town sits a string of wooded islands known to locals as Pakleni otoci (Pakleni Islands). Pack your swimwear and towel and head to the town's beachfront for a sunset kayaking tour. The islands are the most beautiful part of the Hvar Riviera and a favorite retreat for...
Ancient Hilltop Town of Motovun
Grožnjan
Explore the Inland Villages of Istria
Discover Istria, the largest Croatian peninsula, known for its history, olive oil, wines, and truffles! Despite being a peninsula, Istria is the most developed region in Croatia and has plenty of tourism. The western coast features seaside towns, such as Umag, Novigrad, Poreč, and Rovinj....
Korčula
Walking & Culinary Tour on Korčula
4 hours
·
Private
Experience the rural side of Korčula Island on a walking and culinary tour! Learn about island life (past and present) while listening to stories about the historic village of Zrnovo. A passionate local guide will lead you around the town and surrounding countryside, passing through the village,...
Zadar
Explore Zadar's Historic Charm
Self guided
Explore the often-overlooked star of Dalmatia, the historic seaside city of Zadar. As the largest city on Dalmatia's northern coast, there's a lot to see and do. You can stroll the marble streets of Zadar's famous Old Town—once the mightiest fortress city in the Venetian Republic—or wander beyond...
The common sailboat in the Adriatic, accommodating 2-8 people
Korčula
Sail Around Korčula Island
8 hours
·
Pull up anchor and set sail around the entirety of Korčula island, taking advantage of the famous winds that rush through the Pelješac and Korčula channels. Sailing in the Adriatic Sea creates an exciting day of sun and water! As you make your way around the island, enjoy a different perspective...
Hvar Town and the Pakleni Islands at sunset
Stari Grad
Hvar Off-Road Tour
Enjoy a full day of off-roading fun with your partner, friends, or family as you cover Hvar's undulating island terrain, accented with vineyard-covered hills, thick olive groves, and fragrant fields full of rosemary and lavender. Set out from Hvar Town along a dirt road to the abandoned...
Vineyards on the Pelješac peninsula
Pupnat
Hike the Ancient Napoleon Path on Korčula
Today, you'll explore Korčula by foot and hike through a nature park full of amazing karst rock formations, dense forest, and wildlife. The walk is peaceful and leisurely and will take you to the ancient Napoleon path along olive groves, small vineyards, and beautiful fields of sage, oregano, and...
Kornati Islands at sunset
Zadar
Sail the Kornati Islands
Enjoy a fun and incredible scenic day of sailing from Zadar to the unique landscape of Kornati National Park. Nearly devoid of life, the barren and ruggedly beautiful 90 or so islands of the Kornati archipelago sit around the significantly larger Kornat Island. The area's highlights include...
Blue Cave
Biševo Island
Sailing Vis to Lastovo via The Blue Cave
Enjoy a scenic sailing excursion between the islands of Vis and Lastovo, a small islet just south of Korčula. Along the way, you'll make a slight detour west of Vis to Biševo Island to see the iridescent turquoise waters of Modra Špilja (the popular Blue Cave). Upon landing on the island, you'll...
Split
Authentic Croatian Cooking Class in Split
4.5 hours
·
Private
There’s no better way to experience Croatian culture than by learning to cook some local dishes! For a truly cultural experience, you’ll start by shopping at the city markets with your local chef. You'll find the freshest ingredients at Split's beloved fish and produce markets; then, you’ll walk...
Istria
Olive Oil Tasting in Istria
Explore the beautiful countryside of the Istrian Peninsula in search of some of the world's best olive oil. Istria has earned the title of the best olive-growing region more than once, rivaling its Italian neighbors. Your first stop will be the small town of Vodnjan for a visit to one of the...
The Ancient city of Sibenik
Šibenik
Day Trip & Traditional Meal in Šibenik
6.5 hours
·
Private
Enjoy exploring the charming seaside city of Šibenik, home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and several fortresses. Šibenik is a beautiful coastal town full of history and beauty. Wander through its quaint streets, visit local artisan shops, and enjoy coffee or tea at St. Lawrence Monastery...
Historical saltpans on Pag Island
Pag Island
Tour of Pag Island
Barren in its appearance from the mainland, the moon-like island of Pag is home to around 8,000 people looking after three times as many sheep, whose diet mostly consists of the grey-green carpet of sage that covers the eastern side of the island. While Pag is known for its cheese, it also has a...
Rovinj and surrounding archipelago
Rovinj
Sail the Rovinj Archipelago
Rovinj's archipelago consists of more than 20 large and small islands and islets. Your skipper will set sail and lead you through the islands sprouting off the coast of Rovinj, which stretch from the Cape of St. Ivana at the entrance to Lim Fjord, past Rovinj, and all the way south to the...
Pula
Explore the City of Pula
Discover the hidden historical gems of Pula, the biggest town in Istria. Although many visitors pass this city over, it's actually famous for an impressive 1st-century Roman amphitheater. This theater is one of the top 10 biggest amphitheaters built by the Romans and the only remaining theater to...
Lopud coastline
Lopud Island
Hike & Beach on Lopud Island
Explore beautiful Lopud, one of the Elafiti Islands set off the coast of Dubrovnik, home to one of the biggest and most beloved sandy beaches in the area, Šunj. You can either walk 30 minutes across the scenic island or take a local golf cart to get to the beach. Once at Šunj, enjoy relaxing on...
Zagreb
Hike in Medvednica to Zagreb's Medvedgrad Castle
4.5 hours
·
Private
Many European cities have castles, but not all sit atop a forested hill surrounded by hiking trails and a dense nature park. Well, Zagreb is one of them! For lovers of hiking, mountain biking, or the outdoors, you can enjoy a moderate trek through the Medvednica Nature Park to Medvedgrad, one of...
Courtesy of Huck Finn Adventure Travel
Korčula
Kayaking Excursion on Korčula
3.5 hours
·
Private
Enjoy an adventure at sea as you kayak along Korčula's stunning coastline and through parts of its archipelago, known as the Škoji Islets. This sea kayaking tour takes you around the islets of Badija and Vrnik to enjoy different perspectives of the area (which has some fascinating history...
SUP off the coast of the Kornati islands near Zadar
Kornati National Park
Paddleboard in Kornati National Park
Mottled with patches of sage, the 140 islands of the Kornati archipelago range in color from gravelly white to pale ochre, together comprising Kornati National Park, a nautical paradise for watersport enthusiasts, particularly the sailing community. An alternative way to enjoy the park is to...
Stunning aerial shot of Zlatni Rat beach
Pakleni Islands
Sail to Brač & Hvar Islands
8 hours
·
Private
Enjoy a boat tour of the scenic islands of Brač, Pakleni, and Hvar. Enjoy the scenes around you as you pass by rugged coastline, secluded coves, and forested islets. The most anticipated stop is the famous Zlatni Rat Beach on Brač Island, which juts out into the sea with a triangle of golden...
Koločep landscape
Šipan
Sail to the Elafiti Islands near Dubrovnik
8 hours
·
Private
Enjoy a scenic sailing trip to the stunning Elafiti Islands, also known as the Elaphite Islands, set just off the coast of Dubrovnik. The Elaphite is an archipelago consisting of six islands plus numerous smaller islets. The three main islands include Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. In total, the...
Old village of Brusje on Hvar
Hvar Island
Hike & Traditional Lunch in Hvar's Lost Villages
4 hours
·
Small group
Ditch the crowds, get off the beaten path, and enjoy a unique exploration of the island of Hvar. With a local guide, you'll hike through the island's stunning countryside, traversing hills, passing through hidden villages, and absorbing the traditional architecture. You'll learn about the...
Inlets off the coast of Rab
Rab Island
Sea Kayaking Tour to Goli Otok
Immediately to the east of Rab sits the historically important Goli Otok (Barren Island), a desolate rock of an island best remembered for its dark past as a political prison. Often referred to as "Tito's Gulag" or "Croatia's Alcatraz," the prison was in use when Croatia was part of Yugoslavia...
The Onofrio Fountain
Dubrovnik
Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
1.5 hours
·
Private
Embark on a tour of Dubrovnik's historical and enchanting walled city, complete with a 7th-century founding and a wealthy rise in the Middle Ages. Entering Old Town, you'll uncover centuries of the city's rich history as you learn information about local life, legends, and the importance...

Best Experiences in Croatia

Fort Lovrijenac, outside the city wall of Dubrovnik, Croatia
Map of Best Things To Do in Croatia
Best Things To Do in Croatia

Once a secret destination of in-the-know travelers, Croatia is bursting upon the international scene. And for good reason: This tiny country on the shores of the Adriatic Sea has more than its share of natural wonders, beautiful coastline and picturesque islands.

Sailing boat anchored along the Dalmatian Coast
Best Water Activities in Croatia

Croatia’s coastline runs more than 1,100 miles. Add the shorelines of 1,185 islands, plus its inland lakes, rivers, lagoons, and waterfalls, and it’s clear that the country is a paradise for watersports enthusiasts. You can sail among the islands, kayak the inland rivers and lakes, snorkel or scuba off the Adriatic coastline or kitesurf, fish, or even bungee jump during a vacation in Croatia.

Tour Croatia through its diverse culinary scene
Top Culinary Experiences in Croatia

Croatia's culinary traditions boast influences from many other cultures, including Italy, Austria, Hungary, and the Balkans. You'll find rich foods in the north, truffle-infused fare in Istria, and seafood along the coast. Zagreb is a haven for markets and contemporary cuisine, and distinct wine regions cover nearly the entire country. You can go truffle hunting, taste olive oils, or shuck oysters, all while sipping unique heritage wine varietals that thrive in Croatia's harsh soils.

Views of Dubrovnik
Top Historical Experiences in Croatia

Croatia is a prime spot for history buffs, with numerous cultural influences from centuries of various rulers and empires. In Zagreb, enjoy "mini Vienna" with grand Austro-Hungarian architecture and museums depicting life from the Bronze Age to the time of Yugoslavia. Head west to Istria for true Italian vibes, or venture south along the coast and visit some of Europe's most historical relics, including Diocletian's Palace in Split and the walled city of Dubrovnik. Even the islands host an abundance of unique rural history!

Istrian town of Motovun
Top Cultural Experiences in Croatia

Croatia's distinct shape, coastal location, and dynamic history have created a unique and diverse culture. So, whether you're hunting truffles in Istria's countryside with its Italian vibes or castle hopping near Zagreb with its Austro-Hungarian grandeur, there's an abundance of cultural activities to enjoy. Dive deep into the country's culture by meeting with the locals, taking day trips to smaller towns and cities, and eating traditional cuisine.

Hvar Town at Sunset
The Best Things to Do on Hvar

Hvar Island encompasses everything visitors love about Croatia: golden beaches, emerald waters, lavender fields, craggy peaks, ancient towns, and unique cuisine. For these reasons, it's one of the most popular islands. On Hvar, you can hike on medieval trails to scenic vistas, explore villages founded by the Greeks, go wine tasting, kayak to secluded coves, and visit neighboring islands. When hungry, eat a traditional meal cooked in a peka and take advantage of Hvar Town's buzzy nightlife.

Croatia is a wonderful destination for families
Top Family Experiences in Croatia

Croatia is a family- and kid-friendly destination, filled with hiking, paddleboarding, castle hunting, and plenty of beach time. The country's culture works well for families of any age, as it's slow-paced with tasty cuisine and activities that you can adapt to your interest. Discover waterfalls in national parks, go truffle hunting in Istria, or explore one of the numerous islands that dot the Croatian coastline. End each day with ice cream and a sunset.

Looking to Zagreb's Hilly Old Town
Best Things to Do in Zagreb

Many travelers skip Croatia's vibrant, youthful capital in favor of the coast, but Zagreb perfectly complements any Croatian itinerary. With grandiose Austro-Hungarian architecture, a never-ending calendar of festivals and events, the best coffee scene in the country, and nearby hiking and skiing, there's plenty to see and do in buzzy, authentic Zagreb.

Beautiful Zadar
Best Things to Do in Zadar

Zadar is a vibrant seaside city in Northern Dalmatia with roots dating back to the 9th century BCE. Discover influences from the Romans, Venetians, and Slavs, plus archeological gems, such as the Byzantine St. Donatus Church, and modern creations like the sea organ. But what makes Zadar so special is its location among several of Croatia's best natural environment, including Paklenica's canyons, Kornati's archipelago, Plitvice's waterfalls, and Sjeverni Velebit's craggy peaks.

The hilltop villages of Istria
The Best Things to Do in Istria

Istria is Croatia's largest peninsula, sitting in the country's northwest corner near Italy and Slovenia. Throughout the centuries, it's been ruled by the Venetian Republic, Italy, and the Austrian Empire, to name a few. With so many different cultural influences, you have a unique and scenic landscape filled with olive groves, vineyards, forests with truffles, beaches, Roman ruins, grand villas, fishing ports, national parks, and more.

Split's waterfront at sunset
Best Things to Do in Split

Split is Croatia's second-largest city, complete with a vibrant waterfront promenade, ferry connections to the Dalmatian Islands, and an Old Town nearly enveloped by the 4th-century Diocletian's Palace. In one day, you can explore the city's original Roman cellars, relax on a quiet beach along Marjan Park, discover the Illyrian Kliss Fortress, and nosh on fresh seafood. Enjoy your days meandering the marbled streets or hiking, kayaking, or taking day trips to the islands, national parks, and nearby medieval villages.

Stunning Korčula Town
The Best Things to Do on Korčula

Korčula isn't just beloved by tourists; it's also a favorite among Croatians. This is because Korčula combines the best of the country with its rich history, incredible scenery, and distinct culture. Enjoy lazing on secluded beaches, wine tasting across the island, kayaking along the shore, wandering the charming streets of medieval towns, eating makaruni (the island's signature pasta), and watching traditional Moreska dances, all in the same day.

Discover Croatia with an active excursion
Top Active Experiences in Croatia

With a diverse landscape filled with rocky mountain peaks, jagged cliffs, rushing rivers, and endless coastline, there's always something active to do in Croatia. Explore the country's idyllic scenery by paddleboarding through archipelagos, hiking to hidden viewpoints, kayaking along the coast, or cycling through vineyards. In addition, Croatia has some of Europe's most beautiful national parks, all perfect for an active outdoorsy itinerary.

Explore Croatia's renowned coastline
Top Beach Excursions in Croatia

With a stunning coastline weaving down the Adriatic Sea and more than 1,000 islands, you can bet Croatia is a beach destination. In the north, you'll find stretches of pebbles hugging the Istrian peninsula and the many islands off the coast of Kvarner. In the south, spend your time island hopping (and beach hopping) in Dalmatia, discovering some of Europe's most scenic sandy corners, including the famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) on Brač Island.

Sail along Croatia's stunning coastline
Top Sailing Experiences in Croatia

One of the most popular activities in Croatia is sailing, which should come as no surprise considering the country's long and narrow shape hugs the Adriatic Sea. With over 3,000 miles of coastline and more than 1,000 islands, the country is a prime spot for sailing excursions. So whether you're looking for day trips to the archipelagos or an entire itinerary sailing from spot to spot, you can find it in Croatia. Discover islets, caves, lagoons, and rugged coves all by boat.

One of Dubrovnik's Harbors
Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik

The history of Dubrovnik's walled city runs deep, back to the 7th century CE and Middle Ages, when it was a wealthy and independent republic. Step back in time as you wander the labyrinth of twisting alleyways and take in the views from atop the walls. Explore Gothic churches, 600-year-old synagogues, marble monuments, and a string of local beaches. Excursions along the coast, hikes into the hills, and adventures to small towns all compliment local food, wine, and legendary sunsets.