Croatia is one of the top travel destinations in the world. If you’re looking for things to do in South Croatia, you are in luck. You don’t need to head up North to have a good time in the country. Even more, you can visit impressive islands in the South and still see new locations every day. Here are the top Croatian activities in the Southern part of the country.
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10. Visit Omis
Omis’ history is closely tied to pirates. Its location on the coast of the Adriatic sea allowed pirates to travel here from all around the world and especially from Italy and Greece. Today, the little town is an outdoor activity dream as you can hike, cycle, and climb within city limits.
A range of 13th and 15th-century buildings can be visited in Omis. Tourists normally choose the oldest buildings to visit, such as the Mirabella Fortress. But you can’t overlook the Renaissance Church of the Holy Spirit built in the 15th century either.
9. Sample salt in Ston
Ston is the place of ‘Europe’s China Wall’. Back in 1333, a large wall was built around the village’s salt main exploitation. The wall successfully protected precious salts from pirates. Even today, you can still see the wall standing high from an era where salt was a high-value commodity.
It’s probably the best time to visit Ston today following its major restoration process in 2004. Most of the city’s old walls are restored to their former glory. Even the Stone Bridge was rebuilt and it is not one of the main photo attractions of the city.
8. Visit fortresses in Trogir
The small island of Trogir is where you find a mixture of Romanesque-Gothic buildings. If you like to take street photos or if you simply appreciate beautiful buildings, you’ll need to climb the main church’s tower to find the best views of the island.
Like other cities in South Croatia, Trogir is dominated by a historic city center with buildings dating back to the 15th century. Some are even older, such as the 13th century Duke’s Palace. You can also walk through the City Gate (built in the 17th century) or alongside its historic walls visible today.
7. Try out local food in Split
If you like seafood, you need to visit Split. The city is famous for its Diocletian fortress which is now the place where hundreds of families live. But the city’s high number of terraces and restaurants also make it a top Croatian food destination.
Bokeria Kitchen is one of the most popular restaurants in Split. With its modern-baroque design, it serves various types of seafood as well as a range of local desserts such as tasty donuts. The restaurant is also known for its international wine selection on offer.
6. Follow celebrities in Hvar
Plenty of sun, a quirky town capital, and attractive lavender fields make Hvar unique. The island is now home for many celebrities who come here during the summer from abroad. For most tourists though, it’s the nightlife destination of the country.
5. Go swimming in Zlatni Rat beach
The popular Zlatni Rat beach features golden sand and unusual shapes around the Adriatic Sea. If you love sunbathing, you need to plan at least a couple of days here to enjoy clear blue waters.
Sylvester Stallone, one of the action-movie heroes of the 90s, is often seen around Zlatni Rat Beach. He’s normally followed by a small army of paparazzi’s but you can spot if you book a local boat tour in Zlatni Rat.
4. Sail in the Kornati National Park
Over 89 large and small islands are found in the Kornati National Park. Mostly uninhabited due to their rocky terrain, these islands look impressive. To see all of them, you’ll need to hire a boat locally.
When you take short sailing breaks, the National Park offers impressive Croatian fauna to admire. You’ll be specifically intrigued by the scented herbs here which include sage and feather grass. If you’ve never eaten olives off a tree, Kornati National Park might also be a pioneering experience for your taste buds.
3. Hike Vidova Gora
While you’re on Brac island, you can look for a high point for great views. Vidova Gora is a popular spot where you can catch the sunrise with your partner. It will only take you 5 minutes by car to get up there if you aren’t a fan of hiking.
As the highest peak of the Adriatic Islands, Vidova Gora offers the best views of the region. You might also want to plan a short layover in the nearby village of Bol for an authentic rural Croatian cultural experience.
2. Photograph Plitvice National Park Waterfalls
The waterfalls of the Plitvice National Park are a must-see in Croatia. There are various footpaths to take which bring you right in front of the best photo spots. You will need to buy a map of the park if you plan to venture off further into nature, however.
You will have to outrun thousands of tourists heading to the waterfalls, however. The best bet is to be there early as the most popular tourist trails open at 8 AM. But some say the Plitvice Lakes are worth the trip to Croatia by themselves.
1. Take long walks in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s old town walls are world-famous. Alongside old stone buildings dating back to 1537, you can find your way on cobblestone roads. Plenty of restaurants and cafes are there to meet you whenever you need to take a break from visiting one of the countries’ oldest fortress towns.
An excellent public transport system ensures you won’t miss any major Dubrovnik landmarks. You should know that you can plan to walk the busy city streets late as well. Most buses in Dubrovnik run until midnight which means you’ll easily get to your hotel from popular locations such as the Rector’s Palace or from Stradum (Dubrovnik’s main street).
