{"id":43732,"date":"2019-02-15T10:00:44","date_gmt":"2019-02-15T18:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=43732"},"modified":"2022-02-24T15:43:32","modified_gmt":"2022-02-24T23:43:32","slug":"croatia-adventure-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/croatia-adventure-travel-guide","title":{"rendered":"Croatia Adventure Travel Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hugging the Adriatic Sea on the western edge of the Balkan Peninsula, Croatia sits at a rare intersection. Here, unspoiled geography meets ancient, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">but living<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, culture. It&#8217;s no wonder that traveling to Croatia is on the top of many adventure seekers lists.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mountains run along a coastline guarded by over one thousand islands. Repurposed palaces and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">millennia-old<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Roman street plans anchor urban centers. Hillsides are laced with terraced vineyards and olive groves, their harvests to be paired with boat-to-table seafood hauled in by fishermen in skiffs. And lakes and rivers crisscross the landscape, connecting pristine national parks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a trip to Croatia is calling you, this guide will highlight the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#why-visit\">Why Visit Croatia?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#top-sites\">The Top Places to Visit in Croatia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#top-outdoor\">The Top Outdoor Activities in Croatia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-to\">How to Plan Your Trip<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_43782\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-43782\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-43782\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/02\/CIH_020218_44468.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"South Dalmatia - Elaphiti Island. The island of Sipan (also Sipano, Giuppana) situated near Dubrovnik.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-43782\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ready to dive in? The island of Sipan, southern Dalmatia.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cCroatia is a melting pot of history and culture; a dreamy blend of heritage, cuisine and tradition that can be seen in its architecture and lifestyle,\u201d says Janel Jensen, REI Adventures program coordinator. She adds: \u201cYou get everything from incredible travertine waterfalls and crystal clear lakes and rivers to primeval forests, quaint villages, thousands of islands with beautiful beaches and aquamarine water, ancient walled towns and the Dinaric Alps.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The country, once a republic within Yugoslavia, has been ballyhooed in recent years for its islands and the walled city of Dubrovnik. However, a case can be made that this southeastern European nation, stretched between Italy and Slovenia to the north and Montenegro in the south, is among the continent\u2019s most underrated adventure destinations. No matter the mode of transport\u2014bicycle, kayak, sailboat or boots\u2014travelers should expect the unexpected in Croatia.<\/span><br \/><a name=\"why-visit\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Visit Croatia?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, the land of \u201c1,000 islands\u201d has <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/croatia.hr\/en-GB\/Destinations\/Islands\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more than 1,200<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This small country, the size of West Virginia, possesses one of Europe\u2019s longest coastlines, measuring around\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldatlas.com\/articles\/countries-in-europe-with-the-longest-coastline.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4,000 indented miles<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. From this perspective, if your only activity here was ferry-hopping between the mainland and the 50 or so <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inhabited isles<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you\u2019d be forgiven. But there is so much more to Croatia than sand and sun. Explorers will find a giant natural playground. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, guidebooks and blogs rightfully extol Dubrovnik\u2019s virtues. But after taking in the views atop the walls, kayakers will want to escape the crowds to paddle the coast of Dalmatia, as Croatia\u2019s southern half is called. This same stretch, framed by cliffs overhanging the mainland shore and islands bobbing in the blue sea, will beg to be kiteboarded or sailed. And as the sun disappears into the Adriatic, you\u2019ll likely be tempted to throw anchor and stay a little bit longer.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_43785\" style=\"width: 960px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-43785\" class=\"size-full wp-image-43785\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/02\/edited-e1550001300190.jpg?resize=950%2C633\" alt=\"A traveler takes in the waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park.\" width=\"950\" height=\"633\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-43785\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A traveler takes in the many waterfalls of Plitvi\u010de Lakes National Park.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Further inland, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Dinaric-Alps\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dinaric Alps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provide a different lens. Thru-hikes, treks and climbing routes abound, especially in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/croatia.hr\/en-GB\/experiences\/nature\/nature-park-velebit\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Velebit Range<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where mountain huts connect excursions between peaks and hidden villages. You can go entire days here without seeing another tourist\u2014only hospitable local mountaineers, willing to share homemade schnapps and trail stories.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.np-kornati.hr\/images\/brosure\/parks-of-croatia.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eight national parks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> bridge the mountains and sea. The parks also provide up-close experiences with uninhabited islands, disappearing lakes, isolated canyons, mountainside botanical gardens and populations of bears, lynx and wolves. These protected areas also remind us that Croatia\u2019s secret is equilibrium: a balance of precious resources, preserved heritage, historic cities and agricultural prowess. This is not by happenstance. The country\u2019s adventure, culture and environment are all closely linked; this boomerang-shaped nation has made a career of living on the edge. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Croatia\u2019s geographical edge\u2014the Adriatic shore\u2019s mountainous cusp\u2014has attracted an array of cultures since time immemorial. Here, where the East meets the West, empires came, clashed and compromised. Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Hapsburgs, Ottomans and <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/croatia.eu\/article.php?lang=2&amp;id=21\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Austro-Hungarians<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> staked claims and were pushed out, but left enduring legacies. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visitors feel these legacies with museums, monuments, ruins and ancient architecture in cities like Zagreb, Croatia\u2019s capital; Pula, on the Istrian Peninsula; Zadar, in northern Dalmatia; and Dubrovnik, at the country\u2019s southern tip. They taste the area\u2019s legacy through ingredients that are grown, cooked, dried, cured, pressed and poured into dishes, liqueurs and wines. The ingredients that became the region\u2019s culinary anchors are now the country\u2019s gourmet calling cards.<\/span><br \/><a name=\"top-sites\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Top Places to Visit in Croatia<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Croatia is a fortuitous intermingling of culture and adventure. From the capital of Zagreb \u00a0to southern Dalmatia to the northwest\u2019s Istrian Peninsula, outdoor pursuits mix with history and gastronomy. The country\u2019s eight national parks stitch these areas together, and provide a natural showcase.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zagreb<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zagreb has a population of around <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">700,000<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but feels much smaller. The majority of the city\u2019s historical sites are tightly clustered around a perched, medieval center that rolls down to <\/span>Lower Town<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: a series of parks, developed during Austro-Hungarian rule, enveloping neo-baroque, secessionist and modernist architecture. Dozens of museums and galleries, theaters, traditional and international restaurants, boutiques, cafes, lounges and clubs are scattered throughout this walkable city in the Dinaric Alps foothills.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_43775\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-43775\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-43775\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/02\/Gaffney_100411_0956-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"A Croatian city hums with life. \" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-43775\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Despite the bounty of natural offerings in Croatia, the country&#8217;s urban areas hum at the pace of the 21st century.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Historic Center<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For much of Zagreb\u2019s nearly 1,000-year history, the area consisted of two hilltop settlements. <\/span>Gradec\u2014also known as Gornji Grad, or Upper Town\u2014was (and is) the governmental, merchant- and tradesmen-based hub. Kaptol centered on the Catholic cathedral and the clergy who served it. In 1850, the two unified to form Zagreb.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gradec, a tangle of cobblestone streets, is the site of Croatia\u2019s parliament. The district is also home to the tile-roofed, Romanesque and Gothic St. Mark\u2019s Church, dating to the 13th and 14th centuries. A two-minute walk leads to the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.infozagreb.hr\/about-zagreb\/basic-facts#history\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kamenita Vrata<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (stone gate), the medieval settlement\u2019s last remaining city gate. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is still Kaptol\u2019s anchor, one of the region\u2019s largest churches, and Zagreb\u2019s chief attraction. The cathedral has evolved radically over the last 800 years to its present neo-Gothic look. Today, the behemoth includes twin, 354-foot <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bell towers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tkal\u010di\u0107eva Street<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The middle ground between the hilltop settlements is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitzagreb.hr\/zagreb\/tkalciceva-street\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tkal\u010di\u0107eva Street <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(pronounced Tuh-call-chee-chay-vah). Once a stream, and the site of clashes between the districts, today it\u2019s a pedestrian-only avenue lined with cafes, restaurants and shops. Hard to say but easy to find, locals and tourists congregate and stroll here day and night.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Dolac<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located above the main square, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitzagreb.hr\/zagreb\/dolac-market\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dolac<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the central outdoor \u201cgreen\u201d market. Open daily, vendors pack into this open area to sell fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey, cheeses and liqueurs under a sea of red umbrellas. There are also indoor spaces dedicated to meats and fish. Besides edibles, stands sell souvenirs, such as soccer jerseys and wooden toys.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Lower Town<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zagreb\u2019s Lower Town, or Donji Grad, extends from the main square, called Ban Jela\u010di\u0107 Square, to the neoclassical train station, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitzagreb.hr\/zagreb\/zagreb-train-station-glavni-kolodvor\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">opened in 1892<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In between, travelers will find the most important thoroughfare and shopping street, Ilica, and the so-called \u201cGreen Horseshoe\u201d series of parks, designed in the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19th century<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Lower Town highlights include the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitzagreb.hr\/zagreb\/croatian-national-theatre\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Croatian National Theater<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014built in 1895, it stages ballet, opera and dramatic productions\u2014and the Botanical Garden. On Saturdays, all of Zagreb promenades along Ilica and the many cafes radiating from this main drag.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Museums<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With more than 50 museums and galleries showcasing art, history and culture, Zagreb claims to have the \u201cbiggest number of museums per <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitzagreb.hr\/category\/museum\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">capita in the world<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d In Gradec, the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.mgz.hr\/en\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zagreb City Museum<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the place to learn the capital\u2019s history. The Museum of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/brokenships.com\/visit\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Broken Relationships<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, also in Upper Town, is dedicated to lost love. In the Lower Town, the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/amz.hr\/home.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Archaeological Museum<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> displays the prehistoric, ancient and medieval periods exhibitions. Just south of the Sava River, the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.msu.hr\/?\/en\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Museum of Contemporary Art<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> houses one of the region\u2019s largest collections.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Istria<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Istria, in the country\u2019s northwest corner, is Croatia\u2019s gourmet pantry. A popular destination for Central Europeans, the triangular peninsula\u2014hanging between Italy, Slovenia and Croatia\u2014mixes ancient coastal towns, vineyards and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">olive<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> groves. The most famous gastro delight produced in Istria is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.istra.hr\/en\/experience\/gourmet\/790\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">truffles<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Don\u2019t fret, adventure travelers will have ample chances to work off their culinary indulgences with hiking paths and cycling routes crisscrossing the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">landscape<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Istrian Cities and Towns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Noteworthy towns and cities lie around every hillside on the peninsula. The perched villages of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.istra.hr\/en\/destinations\/motovun\">Motovun<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.istra.hr\/en\/destinations\/groznjan\">Gro\u017enjan<\/a> both have medieval hearts. In the forests between, Istrian dogs sniff out some of the world\u2019s best truffles. On the coast, the town of Pore\u010d is home to the UNESCO-protected, 6th-century <a href=\"https:\/\/www.istra.hr\/en\/experience\/culture\/2494\">Euphrasian Basilica<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>To the south, the Italianate Rovinj, founded some 1,500 years ago, is an artist\u2019s (or a shopper\u2019s) dream with boutiques lining cobbled alleys leading to the hilltop <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rovinj-tourism.com\/en\/discover\/art-and-culture\/cultural-and-historical-sights\/477\">Church of St. Euphemia<\/a>. At the peninsula\u2019s tip, Pula, Istria\u2019s largest settlement, has a population of nearly <a href=\"http:\/\/worldpopulationreview.com\/countries\/croatia-population\/cities\/\">60,000<\/a> and 3,000 years of history. A few main sights include the Pula Arena, a Roman amphitheater built in the first century AD; the Forum, from the first century BC; and the Temple of Augustus, constructed around the year zero.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dalmatia<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For many, this is Croatia. Mountains and cliffs hang above isles that poke through the sea across the horizon. Moving from north to south across the country\u2019s southern half, Dalmatia\u2019s highlights include the ancient mainland cities of <\/span>Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. These three also act as regional, island-hopping hubs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Zadar<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than 2,400 years old, Zadar began to take its current shape during the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zadar.travel\/en\/about-zadar\/history#.XDvSARNKjs1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roman Empire<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Today, the original street grid remains, as does the forum, from the first century BC. Locals congregate in sunny cafes along Zadar\u2019s avenues to argue politics, fashion and sports.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inside the peninsular old town, don\u2019t miss the city walls, built by the Venetian Republic and placed on the UNESCO World Heritage <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.zadar.hr\/zadar-included-in-the-unesco-world-heritage-list\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">List in 2017<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and the Church of St. Donat, which dates to the nin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th century AD<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. On the western tip, the Sea Organ, constructed in 2005, is a series of steps jutting into the Adriatic. As water and air rush under the organ\u2019s stone stairs, pipes produce an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">otherworldly symphony<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>For active travelers, Zadar provides a perfect headquarters. The city is a 25-minute ferry ride from the tranquil islands of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zadar.travel\/en\/city-guide\/excursions\/28-12-2010\/the-islands-of-ugljan-and-pasman#.XDvaTxNKjs0\">Ugljan and Pa\u0161man<\/a>. The city is a 1.5-hour drive from four adventure-laden <a href=\"https:\/\/croatia.hr\/en-GB\/experiences\/nature\">national parks<\/a>: Plitvice, Paklenica, Kornati and Krka.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Split<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Split was built on the remains of a Roman emperor\u2019s retirement villa. Emperor Diocletian built his palace, a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/97\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UNESCO World Heritage site<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> since 1979, over a 10-year period beginning in the year <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/visitsplit.com\/en\/398\/the-history-of-split\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">293 AD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Occupation of the historic town passed between the Venetian Republic, Napoleon, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Yugoslavia before <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Croatia<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, Dalmatia\u2019s largest city\u2014with a population of about <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">180,000<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014is a stone-street maze crowded with bistros, shops and bars. Near the palace complex, with its Temple of Jupiter and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, don\u2019t miss the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/mestrovic.hr\/en\/mestrovic-gallery\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Me\u0161trovi\u0107 Gallery<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, dedicated to Croatia\u2019s most famous sculptor, and the leafy <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marjan Park<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with its seaside hiking and walking paths.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Split is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jadrolinija.hr\/en\/ferry-croatia\">main ferry port<\/a> for the popular central Dalmatian isles of Bra\u010d, Hvar and Vis. Bra\u010d, the closest to the mainland, possesses one of the country\u2019s most photographed beaches: Zlatni Rat, or Golden Horn, which juts into the sea next to the town of Bol, and provides kiteboarders a platform to ride Adriatic winds.<\/p>\n<p>Just beyond, Hvar, settled by Greeks some 2,400 years ago, celebrated 150 years of tourism last year. Long famous for its red wine, Hvar has become a haven for cyclists, kayakers, sailors and climbers. Vis, a two-hour ferry from Split, was closed to the public for decades for military purposes. Today the island is a great escape with fresh seafood and another famous beach, Stiniva.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dubrovnik<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Called the \u201cPearl of the Adriatic,\u201d Dubrovnik clings to rocks above the sea at the country\u2019s southern tip. Settled in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Dubrovnik\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seventh century AD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and inscribed as a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/95\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UNESCO World Heritage site<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in 1979, its famous walls, measuring <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Dubrovnik\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1.2 miles long and 80 feet high<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, were completed in the 16th century. There are few experiences that compare to walking the ramparts (tickets <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cost 200 kunas<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or around $31). The views of residents\u2019 gardens and lives inside the medieval city and the glittering sea beyond are guaranteed highlights.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_43776\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-43776\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-43776\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/02\/CRO_051316_48895.jpg?resize=1024%2C713\" alt=\"The walled city of Dubrovnik as seen from above. \" width=\"1024\" height=\"713\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-43776\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The walled city of Dubrovnik is a great place to take in some history and kick off a maritime adventure.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Visitors, however, will not be alone. Dubrovnik experienced a surge of popularity with cruise ships and its appearance on TV and in movies. Still, visitors stand in awe while walking the main, polished-limestone avenue, Stradun, which extends from west to east between the Pile and Plo\u010de gates. Visit the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tzdubrovnik.hr\/lang\/en\/get\/muzeji\/5687\/war_photo_limited.html\">War Photo Limited Museum<\/a>, to break free of the throngs. Afterward, duck into the 14th-century <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tzdubrovnik.hr\/lang\/en\/get\/muzeji\/5599\/franciscan_monastery_museum.html\">Franciscan monastery<\/a> and cloister for a meditative take on Dubrovnik\u2019s culture.<\/p>\n<p>Dubrovnik\u2019s port connects Dalmatia\u2019s southern islands. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.visitkorcula.eu\/\">Kor\u010dula<\/a>, the site of Marco Polo\u2019s origins, is home to some of Croatia\u2019s best wine and scores of hidden coves. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mljet.hr\/?l=eng\">Mljet<\/a>\u2019s westernmost third has been protected as a national park. And the Elaphiti Archipelago, a short ferry from Dubrovnik, is ideal for paddling in open water and between isles.<br \/><a name=\"top-outdoor\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Top Outdoor Activities in Croatia<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.worldometers.info\/world-population\/croatia-population\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">60 percent of Croatia\u2019s 4.14 million people<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> live in urban areas. For adventurers, this means much of the country is free of city trappings. Instead of concrete, travelers will find trails traversing mountains, routes sandwiched between cliffs and Adriatic seascapes with nothing but the tips of distant islands. From national parks to country roads, Croatia is meant to be explored.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Hiking and Climbing<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hiking and climbing often stay under the radar in Croatia\u2014and that\u2019s unfortunate. There is an off-the-grid feel to treks here. However, it is satisfying to scramble up world-class routes with sea views while the less-initiated tourists sunbathe and relax below on the lapping shores of the Adriatic. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Hiking<\/h4>\n<p><b>Plitvi\u010de Lakes National Park<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All of Croatia\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.np-kornati.hr\/images\/brosure\/parks-of-croatia.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eight national parks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> make unique and worthy stops. But, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/np-plitvicka-jezera.hr\/en\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plitvi\u010de<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (pronounced pleet-veet-say) has most captured visitors\u2019 imaginations. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/98\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">country\u2019s first national park and inscribed on UNESCO\u2019s list<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Plitvi\u010de&#8217;s biggest attractions are 16 lakes\u2014fed by rivers disappearing into the karst landscape\u2014defined by natural travertine barriers built over millennia and connected by show-stopping waterfalls.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_43757\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-43757\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-43757\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/02\/CRO_031609_51919.jpg?resize=1024%2C761\" alt=\"Terraced lakes bound in Limestone dot the enchanted realm of Plitvi\u010de Lakes National Park.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"761\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-43757\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Travertine-terraced lakes dot the enchanted realm of Plitvi\u010de Lakes National Park.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After walking along the national park\u2019s boardwalks, go off-piste for a trek into Plitvi\u010de&#8217;s backcountry. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/np-plitvicka-jezera.hr\/en\/plan-your-visit\/activities\/hiking\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u010corkova Bay<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> trail starts from one of the park\u2019s tram stops and passes the \u201cGreat Fall\u201d on the way to the boat dock on Kozjak Lake.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Risnjak National Park<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 24.5-square-mile <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/np-risnjak.hr\/en\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risnjak National Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, tucked under the Slovenian border, is named for the rare lynx that, along with wolves and brown bears, calls this corner of Croatia home. Stay in the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schlosserov Dom<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> mountain hut, located below Mt. Risnjak. The sunrise view from this 5,000-foot peak, above the densely forested park about 9 miles from the coast, is alone worth the visit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Velebit Hiking Trail<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most fabled trek in the country, the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hps.hr\/english\/velebit-hiking-trail\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Velebit Hiking Trail<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, is a 62-mile, weeklong thru-hike across the <\/span>Velebit Range. The hike takes in some of Croatia\u2019s most beautiful protected areas and has expansive peak-top views across the Adriatic from the northernmost reaches down to Dalmatia. The hut-to-hut experience starts in the Sjeverni (North) Velebit National Park and heads south across the Velebit Nature Park before ending in seaside Paklenica National Park.<\/p>\n<p><b>The Via Dinarica<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Velebit trek and Risnjak National Park route are both part of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/trail.viadinarica.com\/en\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Via Dinarica<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> hiking network, which <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.via-dinarica.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">connects the entire Western Balkans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> region and its highest peaks along the Dinaric Alps and adjacent ranges. The 1,243-mile route traverses Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Kosovo and Macedonia.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Climbing<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><b>Paklenica<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more than 80 years <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/np-paklenica.hr\/en\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paklenica National Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has been the country\u2019s climbing epicenter. Towering over the Adriatic, the park, established in 1949, spans nearly 37 square miles, has two canyons, more than 400 routes and ample faces to scale. Annually, in late spring, Paklenica hosts an international <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/np-paklenica.hr\/index.php\/penjanje\/medunarodni-susret-penjaca\/big-wall-speed-climbing\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Big Speed Climbing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> competition. Of particular merit is <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.climb-europe.com\/RockClimbingCroatia\/Paklenica-Routes.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ani\u0107a kuk<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014a 1,150-foot face with more than 100 multi-pitch routes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Istria<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After Paklenica, the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.climb-europe.com\/RockClimbingCroatia\/Istria.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Istrian Peninsula<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the place to scratch that climbing itch. Some 1,200 routes are scattered across this area between Italy and Croatia. There are solid spots near the sea on both the eastern shore and the popular town of Rovinj. Perhaps the area\u2019s best climbing is in the peninsula\u2019s central area near the town of Buzet, where effort is rewarded with wine and truffles.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Kayaking, Kiteboarding and Sailing<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter how one slices it, Croatia is a coastal country. There is a seemingly endless supply of quiet coves and open sea\u2014depending on the mood. And with more than 1,200 islands, there is a perfect, if giant, slalom course for any craft. The Balkans\u2019 western edge is a prime spot to pick up an aquatic skill or challenge oneself.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Kayaking<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is virtually no end to Croatia\u2019s coastal sea kayaking spots. There are also plenty of places to rent solid gear and hire competent guides. However, be choosy with equipment and make sure tours guarantee manageable-sized groups\u2014especially during tourism season, when operators pack numbers.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_43761\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-43761\" class=\"wp-image-43761 size-article_body\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/02\/cih_02.jpg?resize=1024%2C576\" alt=\"Kayakers paddle the waters of the Dalmatian Coast.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-43761\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Dalmatian Coast offers sublime sailing and paddling for those hungry for exploration.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Dalmatia is a sea kayaker\u2019s dream. Zaton Bay, just upcoast from Dubrovnik, provides an excellent locale to get your sea legs in a sheltered body of water with islands in striking distance. Just beyond the bay, the <a href=\"https:\/\/croatia.hr\/en-GB\/experiences\/active\/canoeing-and-kayaking\/dubrovnik-elaphiti-islands\">Elaphiti Archipelago<\/a> beckons. The three main islands\u2014Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan\u2014are well spaced to paddle point-to-point and in the open sea. Further upcoast, just off the island of Hvar, another archipelago, <a href=\"https:\/\/croatia.hr\/en-GB\/experiences\/active\/canoeing-and-kayaking\/hvar-pakleni-islands-scedro\">Pakleni<\/a>, gives paddlers access to secret coves and beaches near one of the country\u2019s most sought-after destinations in Hvar Town.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Kiteboarding<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Because of channels that create wind tunnels between the mainland and islands, and turbulent thermal conditions, the Croatian coast was made for kiteboarding and windsurfing. Two spots are particularly renowned: the island of Bra\u010d, less than an hour\u2019s ferry ride from Split, and the end (western tip) of the Pelje\u0161ac Peninsula, north of Dubrovnik.<\/p>\n<p>On the island of Bra\u010d, head to the town of Bol to catch the summer\u2019s wind on the famous Zlatni Rat beach, which is headquarters for several outfitters. On the Pelje\u0161ac Peninsula, the town of Viganj is within shouting distance of Kor\u010dula island. Families from around Europe set up shoreside campsites for weeks at a time to surf from morning until night.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Sailing<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The classic <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sailing expedition<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> begins in Split (though many leave from Dubrovnik, \u0160ibenik, and Zadar); the journeys typically last for a week\u2014Saturday to Saturday. From Croatia\u2019s main coastal city, routes often weave between the central and southern Dalmatian islands, such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bra\u010d, Hvar, Vis, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kor\u010dula and Mljet. Many travelers opt for a skipper who has local knowledge of the sea and port protocol. To captain your own ship, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a maritime certification\u2014from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iytworld.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International Yacht Training<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rya.org.uk\/Pages\/Home.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Royal Yachting Association<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, for instance\u2014is necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Mountain Biking and Road Cycling<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mountain trails, cliffside paths overlooking the Adriatic and secluded village roads all conspire to make Croatia one of Europe\u2019s most unheralded cycling destinations. From one end to the other, the country boasts stunning bike touring and singletrack options. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Trans Dinarica<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extending from Slovenia through Croatia to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.transdinarica.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trans Dinarica<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a new cross-border mountain biking route. Established in 2016, the route\u2019s eventual goal is to network across the entire Western Balkans region, including Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Kosovo and Macedonia. The route can be adapted for most experience levels and surfaces (touring and gravel), but it\u2019s focused on singletrack mountain biking. The path heads through the northern, forested <\/span>Gorski Kotor region before connecting with the Velebit Mountains and seaside panoramas.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_43764\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-43764\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-43764\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/02\/Gaffney_100511_0743.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"A group of cyclists pedal through the placid Croatian countryside. \" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-43764\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A group pedals through the peaceful countryside.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>Istria<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Istrian Peninsula, in the country\u2019s northwest corner, is an adventure hub\u2014especially for the two-wheeled variety. R<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">outes crisscross the rolling landscape, where forests, vineyards and olive orchards provide a geometric and verdant apron for the many perched villages. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Konavle<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the far south, the Konavle region is wedged between <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Op%C4%87ina+Konavle,+Croatia\/@42.3748916,18.0676871,10z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x134c196b2b1d60cb:0xaa1c066200b3f5fd!8m2!3d42.3785116!4d18.3326648\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dubrovnik and the end of Croatia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Often overlooked by those beelining to the walled city, the area possesses some of the country\u2019s best road cycling. Riders find routes framed by mountains separating Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northeast and Montenegro to the southeast, and sheer cliffs diving to the sea. In between, country roads roll between villages and vineyards.<\/span><br \/><a name=\"how-to\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Plan Your Trip<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of its shape\u2014a long coast and a stretch that spans inland\u2014Croatia\u2019s climate is relatively mild with both Mediterranean and continental aspects. As one would expect, the seaside stays warmer than the country\u2019s interior, which can receive snow. For instance, the average year-round temperature in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/weather-and-climate.com\/average-monthly-min-max-Temperature-fahrenheit,split,Croatia\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Split<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> hovers around 60 degre<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">es <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fahrenheit<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, whe<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reas year-round temps in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/weather-and-climate.com\/average-monthly-min-max-Temperature,Zagreb,Croatia\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zagreb<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> average 50 degrees. Regardless of the region, summers are dry and sunny across much of the country.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Best Time to Visit<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is no surprise that June through August sees the most tourists. Popular locales, especially on the islands and in destinations like Dubrovnik, can be quite crowded. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best time to visit Croatia is during the shoulder months: late April through May, and September to early November. The number of travelers is reduced, and weather is often better, still dry and cooler than the summer months.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the winter, travelers should make their way to Zagreb for its popular Advent celebration, which takes place in December and January. The temps may dip below freezing, but the prospect of mulled wine and ice skating should keep fingers and toes warm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Croatia is part of the European Union (EU) and as such requires only a passport for most visitors (especially from Europe and the United States). Croatia is not, however, part of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/home-affairs\/what-we-do\/policies\/borders-and-visas\/schengen_en\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schengen Area<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so a passport must be shown at the border. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.xe.com\/currency\/hrk-croatian-kuna\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Croatia\u2019s currency is the kuna<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or HRK. ($1 = 6.49 HRK).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to Pack<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even for the most challenged packers, getting ready for adventure travel in Croatia is easy. In the summer, on the coast, bring a <\/span><a href=\"\/c\/swimwear\">swimsuit <\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and plenty of sun protection. The sea temperature, in August, will stay around <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seatemperature.org\/europe\/croatia\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">80 degrees<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. From late May until October, the old adage of \u201cpack half the stuff\u201d is a safe bet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re planning to trek, climb, cycle\u2014and be in the mountains generally\u2014be ready for a change in weather, especially during late afternoons. It makes sense to pack <\/span><a href=\"\/c\/rain-jackets\">rain gear<\/a>, <a href=\"\/c\/liner-gloves\">light gloves<\/a>, a <a href=\"\/c\/hiking-clothing-accessories\">hat<\/a> and <a href=\"\/c\/hiking-shirts\">extra layers<\/a>. Most obviously, don\u2019t wait to break in <a href=\"\/c\/hiking-footwear\">boots<\/a>\u00a0until after you arrive.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When in the cities, it will become apparent that Croatians take pride in their style. Influenced by Italy and Austria, Croats are not the sweatpants-and-sneakers sort. Pack a nice shirt, slacks, a light dress and a wrap for evenings out dancing and dining.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to Eat and Drink<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many visitors are unaware of Croatia\u2019s quality gourmet options. Simple, fresh ingredients mark the dining experience. And, because the country is long, there are multiple gastro zones.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the northern continental zone, stews and mixed-grill meats are common. On the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Istrian Peninsula<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, cheese, prosciutto, olive oil, mushrooms, wild asparagus, lamb, shellfish and truffles are in abundance. As one travels south, seafood remains the norm. As well as octopus, squid and lobster, the Adriatic is famous for tuna. Another classic meal, with sides, along the entire coast is fish (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sea bream<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or similar) served with Swiss chard and potatoes. Off the Pelje\u0161ac Peninsula coast, especially in the town of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mali<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ston<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, oysters are the main attraction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter where one travels in Croatia, two liquids are a must: wine and rakija. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/tasteofcroatia.org\/en\/pantry\/bottled\/rakija\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rakija<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (rah-kee-yah) is a classification of strong schnapps or brandy that\u2019s often homemade and created from a variety of fruits and herbs. Some of among the most popular are made of plums, cherries, honey, pear and herbs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top-notch red and white wine is bottled in every area of the country, and nearly every Croat is an expert\u2014they either make it or are related to someone who provides them with a supply. The most famous grape varieties are grown in Istria and Central and South Dalmatia, but don\u2019t limit your choices. There are excellent varieties in the country\u2019s eastern area, Slavonia.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where to Stay<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lodging choices have grown dramatically in the past few years; \u00a0formerly, the possibilities were often relegated to mediocre hotels and homestays\u2014with locals waiting at bus and train stations, competing to corral travelers to their homes. Today, in cities and on the coast, there are a raft of affordable hostels, boutique hotels and Airbnb options.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_43778\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-43778\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-43778\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/02\/CIH_020218_78819.jpg?resize=1024%2C727\" alt=\"A tourist wanders the walls of Dubrovnik's Old Town.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"727\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-43778\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Completed in the 16th century, the stone walls of Dubrovnik&#8217;s Old Town make for a fascinating window into Croatian history.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Croatia boasts a solid system of mountain accommodations. When hiking, especially in the Velebit Range, take advantage of these dwellings, which range from staffed and serving basic food (mountain huts) or unstaffed (mountain shelters). These are also excellent places to learn about the trails from locals.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Phrases<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The language in Croatia is Croatian, which is a Slavic tongue very similar to Serbian, Bosnian and Montenegrin. Spellings can be intimidating but quite phonetic and each letter is pronounced. Croats are generally great with other languages and it is common to meet coastal folks who speak English, Italian and German. Nearly everyone under 50 speaks some English.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Dobro do\u0161li<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (doh-bro dosh-lee): Welcome<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>\u017divjeli<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (jee-veh-lee): Cheers<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Hvala<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (ha-va-la): Thank you<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Dobar dan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (doh-bar dahn): Good day<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Dovi\u0111enja<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (doh-vee-jeh-nyah): Goodbye<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hugging the Adriatic Sea on the western edge of the Balkan Peninsula, Croatia sits at a rare intersection. Here, unspoiled geography meets ancient, but living, culture. It&#8217;s no wonder that traveling to Croatia is on the top of many adventure seekers lists.\u00a0 Mountains run along a coastline guarded by over one thousand islands. Repurposed palaces [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":43748,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[388],"tags":[1478,1770,1127,270,707,1550,586,1771,12],"internal-tag":[1582],"class_list":["post-43732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-co-op-journal","tag-croatia","tag-cycling","tag-europe","tag-hiking","tag-international","tag-kayaking","tag-sailing","tag-travel","internal-tag-travel-guide"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/travel\/croatia-adventure-travel-guide","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Croatia Adventure Travel Guide","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/croatia-adventure-travel-guide","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/croatia-adventure-travel-guide"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/02\/CIH_020218_64519-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/02\/CIH_020218_64519-1.jpg?fit=2086%2C1000"},"articleSection":"Travel","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Beckindale"}],"creator":["Beckindale"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["co-op journal","croatia","cycling","europe","hiking","international","kayaking","sailing","travel"],"dateCreated":"2019-02-15T18:00:44Z","datePublished":"2019-02-15T18:00:44Z","dateModified":"2022-02-24T23:43:32Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"Croatia Adventure Travel Guide\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/croatia-adventure-travel-guide\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/croatia-adventure-travel-guide\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2019\\\/02\\\/CIH_020218_64519-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2019\\\/02\\\/CIH_020218_64519-1.jpg?fit=2086%2C1000\"},\"articleSection\":\"Travel\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Beckindale\"}],\"creator\":[\"Beckindale\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uncommon Path \\u2013 An REI Co-op Publication\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"co-op journal\",\"croatia\",\"cycling\",\"europe\",\"hiking\",\"international\",\"kayaking\",\"sailing\",\"travel\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2019-02-15T18:00:44Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-02-15T18:00:44Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-02-24T23:43:32Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/rei.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/02\/CIH_020218_64519-1.jpg?fit=2086%2C1000","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43732","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43732"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43732\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":175729,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43732\/revisions\/175729"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43748"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43732"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43732"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43732"},{"taxonomy":"internal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-tag?post=43732"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}