TOP 10 Things to do on the Croatian Coast
- by croatiaweek
- in Travel
Rovinj
You’ve seen the photos? You’ve heard about it? You know it’s supposed to be paradise on Earth, but you wanna see for yourself? Don’t wait any longer and visit the Croatian coast! Here are the top 10 things to do while exploring it:
1. VISIT AMAZING BEACHES
(photo credit: Tim Ertl)
Besides the fact that you won’t freeze your ass off, as the Adriatic is quite warm, the variety of the beaches is incredible. Whether you’re the sandy beach type or the rocks and deep sea type you’ll be more than satisfied. Here are some amazing beaches suggestions: STINIVA – Vis island, ZLATNI RAT – Brač island, LUBENICE – Cres island, SLANICA – Murter island, VELA PRŽINA – Korčula island, PUNTA RATA – Brela.
2. TRY THE LOCAL FOOD
When you travel to a new place you have to try the local food. And believe me, in Croatia we’re all about the food. So when you’re at the coast, look for places called KONOBA – small, traditional, rustic restaurants with awesome homemade food and wine. Order some of the following dishes and enjoy: DALMATINSKI PRŠUT and PAŠKI SIR as an appetizer; DALMATINSKA PAŠTICADA , HOBOTNICA ISPOD PEKE, ŠKAMPI NA BUZARU, RIBA S GRADELA, LIGNJE NA ŽARU or BRODET as a main course; and FRITULE or ROŽATA as a desert. No description necessary – just try it, you can thank me later.
3. KEEP HYDRATED
The temperatures can get pretty high and keeping hydrated is a must! Besides some fine homemade wines you can find in wine producing households in every village/town on the coast, don’t leave Croatia without trying RAKIJA – a traditional spirit with loads of different flavors (herbs, honey, different fruit…). Here are some rakijas worth trying out: MEDICA, TRAVARICA, ORAHOVAC, LOZA, ŠLJIVOVICA… Traditionally Croats drink a beer and then a shot of rakija – then repeat! Keep in mind to drink water while repeating this action, as we don’t want you to spend the next day hungover in bed.
4. LISTEN TO KLAPE
It might seem like an activity for older people but this traditional a cappella singing from the Dalmatian region has touched many younger souls as well. Beautiful songs, mostly about love, go well with some traditional food and wine in konoba restaurants. YouTube some of the following and see for yourself: KLAPA CAMBI, KLAPA INTRADE, KLAPA KAMPANEL. You can find these traditional concerts all over the coast.
5. DO SOME EXTREME SPORTS
If you were smart enough not to drink too much rakija last night, you might want to do some extreme sports in Croatia’s wonderful nature. Rent a jet ski and cruise around some bays, bungee jump from a bridge for an amazing upside-down view, wind-surf, kite-surf, go rafting or canoeing. Just make sure to be safe cause you’ve got plenty more things to experience in Croatia. We don’t have time for injuries in our itinerary.
6. HAVE A GREAT PARTY
A great number of the best underground electronic festivals in Europe are taking place on the Croatian coast this summer – HIDEOUT, GARDEN FESTIVAL, DIMENSIONS, SONUS… If you’re up for showing off your dance moves or simply enjoying some great beats, check this festivals out: 10 LOVELY UNDERGROUND ELECTRONIC FESTIVALS IN CROATIA (SUMMER 2015)
7. CYCLE
Nowadays it’s very popular to cycle in between different villages or towns in the Adriatic coast. Yeah it might seem a bit hard to cycle for tens or hundreds of kilometers, but what’s a bit of exercise compared to the amazing scenery, and taking breaks in hidden bays you wouldn’t get to see otherwise?
8. VISIT A NATIONAL PARK
Croatia is a home to 8 national parks and visiting at least one of them while you’re here is definitely a must. These are the national parks: 1) BRIJUNI, 2) KORNATI, 3) KRKA, 4) MLJET, 5) PAKLENICA, 6) PLITVIČKA JEZERA, 7) RISNJAK, 8) SJEVERNI VELEBIT. Try to check out the one nearest to you – all of them are bloody awesome and whichever you choose, you won’t regret it.
9. CHECK OUT THE CULTURAL HERITAGE
If you know a bit about history, you might have heard about our vast cultural heritage. There are 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 1) PLITVIČKA JEZERA, 2) HISTORICAL COMPLEX OF SPLIT WITH THE PALACE OF DIOCLETIAN, 3) OLD CITY OF DUBROVNIK, 4) EPISCOPAL COMPLEX OF THE EUPHRASIAN BASILICA IN THE HISTORIC CENTER OF POREČ, 5) HISTORIC CITY OF TROGIR, 6) CATHEDRAL OF SAINT JAMES IN ŠIBENIK, 7) STARI GRAD PLAIN IN HVAR. The remains of the Roman Empire, Byzantine art and Renaissance monuments will keep those in need of culture occupied.
10. GO SAILING
If you have a bit more money than an average backpacker in your pocket or you’re travelling with a group of people it’s a great idea to rent a sail boat. Sailing from the north to the south of the coast or vice versa will give you a chance to explore some of the amazing smaller islands that might seem out of reach otherwise. Plus – you’ll get to see some dolphins, which is quite cool.
The original article was posted on Nika’s blog Explore. Dream. Discover here
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