Croatia

The 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. Ancient walled city with stunning marble streets and red roofs. UNESCO World Heritage site.

UNESCO World Heritage site with 16 interconnected turquoise lakes and spectacular waterfalls. Nature at its finest.

Vibrant coastal city with Diocletian's Palace from Roman times. Perfect base for island hopping adventures.

The lavender island with golden beaches, crystal clear waters, and amazing nightlife. Perfect for swimming and parties.

Island hopping paradise. Explore multiple islands with hidden beaches, traditional villages, and fresh seafood.

The capital city with stunning architecture, vibrant café culture, and amazing museums. Great food and nightlife scene.

Flew from Brussels to Zagreb early in the morning. After arriving, we decided to rest since we had heard that Zagreb wasn't the main highlight of Croatia. We took a leisurely walk through the city center to get oriented before settling in for the evening.

Departed very early at 6:00 AM from Zagreb and drove 4 hours through beautiful Croatian countryside to reach Plitvička Lakes National Park. Explored Route K with its stunning turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls. Stayed overnight near the park to recover from the long day and strenuous 20 km hike. Route K is definitely worth the effort - smaller routes are far more crowded and less rewarding. The natural beauty and waterfalls make this one of Croatia's must-see destinations.

Drove 4.5 hours from Plitvička Lakes to Split, passing through the picturesque Zagreb area. The scenic drive through Croatian landscapes was absolutely stunning and surprisingly not monotonous. Arrived in Split and explored the magnificent Diocletian's Palace and vibrant old town with its charming narrow streets and Mediterranean atmosphere.

Experienced a thrilling canyoning adventure at Centina River, just 40 minutes from Split. Abseiled down approximately 60 meters of stunning waterfalls and explored dramatic canyon formations in one of Croatia's most spectacular natural settings. The heavy rain from the previous day made the experience even more exciting with increased water flow. We planned this day trip to escape the city and immerse ourselves in nature - exactly what we wanted!

Took the scenic 1-hour ferry from Split to Hvar island. Explored the famous lavender island with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and hidden beaches. Watched spectacular golden-hour sunsets over the Adriatic Sea with unforgettable views. Note that Hvar is quite expensive compared to mainland Croatia, and it's crowded with tourists throughout the season - so plan your budget accordingly and expect busy beaches.

Paddled out to the stunning Pakleni Islands from Hvar using kayaks. Discovered hidden coves with crystal-clear waters, snorkeled in secluded spots, and experienced the raw beauty of the Dalmatian archipelago from sea level. This activity was quite exhausting but far more adventurous (and cost-effective) than expensive boat tours. Be prepared - you need to be in reasonably good physical shape as the paddling distance is significant. The reward is worth every stroke!

Traveled to Zadar to explore this historic Adriatic gem and charming coastal city. Walked along the beautiful seaside promenade and visited the unique Sea Organ - a wave-powered musical instrument that creates soothing sounds. The Sea Organ was quite busy but provided a peaceful retreat. Nearby are several springboard platforms perfect for swimming and jumping. This area is excellent for discovering local restaurants serving authentic Croatian cuisine.

Day trip to Krka National Park - a beautiful but touristy destination. Explored stunning waterfalls cascading through lush canyon landscapes. While scenic, the park was very crowded with tour groups and lacked the challenging hiking or adventurous elements we had hoped for. Compared to Plitvička Lakes, this destination felt more commercialized. Still worth seeing for the waterfalls, but manage expectations accordingly.

Flew from Zadar back to Brussels, concluding an incredible 9-day adventure filled with natural wonders, thrilling activities, and unforgettable Adriatic experiences! One tip: Zadar airport facilities are basic - the departure hall is housed in a large container, so arrive early and manage expectations for amenities.

Breathtaking turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls - Plitvice Lakes National Park

You only get this view if you do Route K ;) - Plitvice Lakes National Park

A waterfall at Krka National Park - another natural gem in Croatia

Looking down into the canyoning from a cave during an exhilarating canyoning tour! - Centina River

Golden hour on the lavender island of Hvar with crystal clear waters - Hvar

Taking a 9-meter jump into the river - Centina River

Use FlixBus to travel throughout the country - ferries between islands are lovely, but having flexible bus connections provides more freedom and options

Book canyoning and water activities in advance, especially during peak season - these tours fill up quickly and slots are limited

Book accommodation early in peak season (June-August) - popular spots fill up quickly and prices rise significantly

Early morning starts are worth it - you'll beat the crowds at natural attractions and have the best conditions for water activities

Island hopping is the best way to experience the Dalmatian coast - each island has its own unique character and charm

Try local wines, especially from Istria and Dalmatia - Croatian wines are phenomenal quality and surprisingly affordable

Pack sunscreen and a hat - the Mediterranean sun is intense and UV exposure can be severe on the coast

Visit national parks (Plitvice, Krka) early in the morning to beat tour groups and enjoy a more peaceful experience