Croatia

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. We also wanted to focus on nature & coastal cities this trip.

Departed very early at 6:00 AM from Zagreb and drove 4 hours through 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 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 Zagreb area (but we will get there as final stop). Arrived in Split and explored the magnificent Diocletian's Palace and vibrant old town with its charming narrow streets and Mediterranean atmosphere. I didn't take many pictures of the city itself but we explored it a little bit. Also you can swim in a lot of places, which is also really worth it especially if the sun goes down.

Experienced a thrilling canyoning adventure at Centina River, just 40 minutes from Split. Abseiled down approximately 60 meters of waterfall 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 a 1-hour ferry from Split to Hvar island. Boat tours seemed boring and also were expensive so that's why we took the kayak. 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. 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! We also got a lift from some brits who helped us cross from Pakleni Island to Hvar mainland so that was also really helpful ;).

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 sounds and music. This was a real vibe at sunset, crowded but in a good way and peaceful. Nearby, you'll find several springboard platforms that are perfect for swimming and jumping into the sea. This area is also excellent for discovering local restaurants serving authentic Croatian cuisine. You can swim in many different places, explore the historic center, and even spot some really cute cats along your walk.

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 & if you have to choose between one of the two go for Plitvicka.

Flew from Zadar back to Brussels, concluding an incredible 9-day adventure filled with natural wonders, thrilling activities, and unforgettable Adriatic experiences. Zadar airport facilities are basic, the departure hall is housed in a large container and in my opinion also really expensive to buy there something.