Croatia Bucketlist for First-Time Visitors

Creating a specific bucket-list for a Croatian trip seems to have been on everyone's minds since Game of Thrones first took us there. As for me, I have spent the better part of the past four years in the Balkans but I am yet to properly explore Croatia. This is because Croatia is part of the EU (unlike most of the rest of the Balkans) and I have limited time in the EU as a British citizen. But, with my residency in an EU country hopefully being approved any day now, I will be able to finally go to Croatia without worrying that it will eat up my days in other EU countries!

Visiting Croatia for the First Time: What to Do 

Hence why today I am bringing you a bucket-list for Croatia which will be perfect for first-time visitors. If it's not your first time in Croatia, I hope that this will still be useful to you, perhaps there are some things that you haven't done or even head of yet:

1. Rock Climbing in Paklenica National Park

Paklenica is a paradise for climbers, offering over 400 climbing routes for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. Even for people like me, who have mostly only climbed indoors and want to start climbing outside, this is the perfect place. The park’s dramatic karst formations and vertical cliffs make it not just one of Croatia’s top climbing destinations but one of Croatia's most beautiful spots. The Velika Paklenica canyon is a highlight, with routes like the iconic Anića Kuk, a 350-metre cliff perfect for experienced climbers. Even if you, or the people you're travelling with aren't into climbing, you can enjoy breathtaking hiking trails and immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

2. Cruises in Croatia

A cruise along Croatia’s coastline is a probably the best way to explore the country’s stunning islands and coastal towns, and is hence at the top of most people's bucket-lists, including mine. You will surely enjoy unparalleled views of the turquoise Adriatic Sea! Popular itineraries often include stops at Hvar, known for its lavender fields and vibrant nightlife, the peaceful beaches of Vis and the medieval charm of Korčula.

Many cruises also offer swimming in hidden bays, visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the chance to savour local delicacies on board.

3. Try some of the best restaurants in Croatia

One thing Croatia seems to be better at than most of its Balkan neighbours is having lots of different vegan restaurants (I won't name names, but some of its neighbours only have one in the whole country!) I can't wait to try, for example:

• Shambala in capital Zagreb, to try ethical Croatian food;
  
• Nishta in Dubrovnik: a raw and gluten-free place with a salad bar - perfect for hot, hot weather by the sea. 
• Pandora Greenbox in Split, for the beetroot risotto;
• Zrno Bio Bitro: also in Zagreb, also serves Croatian food!
• Falafel, etc in Zagreb to try their falafel, of course.

Traditional and accidentally vegan Croatian dishes include:

• Blitva s krumpirom: generally a side dish (but watch me order it as a main) of boiled Swiss chard and potatoes, drizzled with olive oil, garlic and a touch (or more, this is the Balkans) of salt.
• Soparnik: similar to Serbia's pite, they have savoury pies filled with Swiss chard, onion and garlic, wrapped in thin dough. Like the Serbian posne pites, these are traditionally accidentally vegan as these dishes were made during fasting periods.
• Ajvar: although I've tried this in Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro and Northern Macedonia, I want to try it in Croatia too. It's a condiment made from roasted red pepper - great as a dip or slathered on fresh bread!

I am also eager to try pogača (flatbread) again as well as punjene paprike (stuffed peppers) and grah (bean stew) - as these are both not vegan, but very easy to veganise I hope to be able to find a fully plant-based version and will report back here if / when I do!

4. Private Tours in Croatia

Whilst I usually like to explore by myself, I think private tours in Croatia would be more appropriate for a really immersive and personalised experience. A private guide can take you through Dubrovnik’s Old Town, revealing its rich history and hidden gems or lead you on a day trip to the serene Plitvice Lakes or Krka waterfalls. Tailored experiences could include a guided kayaking adventure around Rovinj, a bespoke hiking excursion in Paklenica National Park or a culinary journey through Istria’s vegan-friendly wine and olive oil estates.

5. Give back where you can

One thing I always try and do abroad is help out wherever I can, whether that be by volunteering with FoodNotBombs or simply helping someone who asks for help, I think it's really important and if you only take one bucket-list item from this list let it be this. I know you work hard and this might be your only time off this year, but if we all help look after each other the world will be a kinder place!

6. Go to the markets (tržnice)

One thing I like to do wherever I go is explore the farmers' markets - particularly the vegetable and fruit markets to pick up fresh produce. Apparently these are the must-try fruits and vegetables in Croatia:

• olives;
• figs;
• citrus fruits(!) like lemons and oranges;
• pepper (both hot and bell);
• aubergine;
• Swiss chard;
• grapes;
• pomegranates;
• cherries;
• apricots;
• peaches;
• cabbage;
• tomatoes;

Lavender, rosemary, sage and thyme are also grown all over Croatia and are used in traditional recipes!

7. Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park

I think no Croatia bucket-list is complete without the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Here you will find turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls connected by wooden walkways. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wrap Up: Our Advice for Visiting Croatia for the First Time

I hope you have found this post about visiting Croatia for the first time useful, hopefully it has given you some food for thought on what to do and how to explore this interestingly shaped country. As well as given you some insider food tips.

What about you, have you ever been to Croatia? Feel free to share any tips & advice below! (Second photo by Markus Clemens on Unsplash)

Share this:

ABOUTME

We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.