Croatia is a current “it” spot in the Eastern European travel scene – the country has gotten a lot of exposure over the past couple of years and tourism is sky-rocketing – and for good reason, the country is gorgeous. My own experiences were actually mediocre, but I hear the party scene is amazing and other RTW travel bloggers have raved – so consider these spots to make your own opinions!

Cities and Places in Croatia

Krka Waterfalls
Plitvice Lakes

General Croatia Travel Tips

Croatia has an enormous coastline so it makes sense that a lot of the activities in Croatia include the coastal cities and islands. The inner region of Croatia also boasts a UNESCO World Heritage site, Plitvice Lakes National Park, and many fantastically hikeable regions.

Vegetarian Friendly? Yes. The country is very European so although there is a bit of the meat culture of the Baltic States present in Croatia as well, the country’s restaurants will always offer up something for the vegetarian. Take into consideration though that while there are options, this is one of those countries you’ll want to carry fruit and snacks as a back up just in case it’s pasta for the sixth night in a row.

Internet Accessibility:  * out of *****. I did manage to hunt it down in every town and city, but it took a lot of internet research to find hotels offering even internet, let alone WIFI. There are not a lot of internet cafes in the smaller cities and you may have to beg neighbors and other nearby buildings for the password to their WIFI. There is internet access in the country, but it’s not as easy as to find as other places for travelers and backpackers.

Transportation: Croatia is a part of Europe so there is a train system into all neighboring countries and between even the smaller cities. If the train doesn’t go there, though, there is an extensive bus network as well. It’s easy to get around Croatia so there should be no worries. If you’re going to and from an island though, check timetables or you could be spending an extra night if you don’t catch the early morning ferry!

Need more general tips? Check out our Round the World FAQ Resource!

Travel Books You Should Read Before You Go!

Check out my recommended books, music, and movies to inspire and learn about Croatia – why not grab one and read it on the plane?!

If you can’t read any of these travel book recommendations then read up on the history of Croatia online before you travel there.

My Favorite Travel Experiences in Croatia

Navigating the Tourists at Plitvice Lakes National Park
Biking to Bribirska Glavica near Skradin
Not Hiking in Krka to see the Waterfalls
Milna, A Small Island and Friendly Locals

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Travel to Krka National Park, Croatia

Skradin is about 20 km from Šibenik and the town borders the Krka National Park. The buses and trains will drop you off in Šibenik and if you arrive too late you will have no choice but to cab it into Skradin (about Euro 40 as of 2009).

Krka is not on the beaten path and the only tourists here come for the Krka Waterfalls – you’ll only need one full day here to do the waterfalls. Bring a picnic lunch with you since you’ll be there most of the day!

Activities in Skradin and at the Krka Waterfalls

• Krka Waterfalls: The main attraction and normally the only reason you come to Skradin. Boats leave all day from the docks on the Krka and ferry tourists to the entrance to the park. This is, by far, the easiest way to see Krka. It drops you off right at the entrance and boats leave all day long (check times so you catch the last one!).
  **My experience exploring Krka to see the Waterfalls
• Biking to Bribirska Glavica: Not a “must-see” by any means, but a great way to pass the time if you’ve done Krka and you’re in Skradin for an extra day. Rent a bike from the bike shop on the riverfront and head West out of town. Bring snacks and water because there is nothing but houses along the way.
  **My experience biking to Bribirska Glavica near Skradin

Hostels and Guesthouses

Villa Marija: Highly recommended if you’re visiting the waterfalls at Krka National Park. It’s a great location, more of a hotel then a hostel but still very reasonably priced. Gorgeous patio off of our room and a great breakfast included! Friendly staff and free wifi.

Restaurants

• Italian Restaurant near the river: Best spot to find something vegetarian because they have pastas, salad, and lasagna.
• Cantinetta: Skradinskih svilara 7. Pricier than a backpacker budget but delicious seafood (according to my travel buddies). Considered one of the best kept local secrets.
• Zlatne Skoljke: Grgura Ninskog 9. It’ll do, it’s a solid choice.

Also check out all of my Croatia travel experiences.

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Travel to Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

You come to Plitvice just for the National Park – there is literally nothing else you need to stay for so two nights will likely do you well – arrive via bus by evening (the owner of your accommodation should pick you up) explore Plitvice Lakes all day and stay one more night (you’ll be tired) then leave on an early morning bus the next day!

Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

• Plitvice Lakes National Park: A UNESCO site it’s incredibly pretty. The stacked lakes take hours to explore and if you’re a nature lover you’ll enjoy it. The park has been designed for tourism though and there are a lot of tourists, so don’t expect to commune with nature too much as you follow the boardwalks for miles through the various levels of lakes.
  **Navigating the Tourists at Plitvice Lakes National Park

Hostels and Guesthouses

Villa Jezerka: Jezerce 12a, Plitvice Lakes. Run like a B&B, I highly recommend this place. Free wifi, impeccably clean and gorgeous gardens. Laundry access too. The owner is great – he brings you a free drink on arrival and will drive you one-way to the park, then it’s only a 20 minute walk back to his place. Bus stop to leave the area is walkable from here.

Restaurants

Pizza Place: There is a nearby restaurant with great to-go pizzas that you pass on the walk back to the guesthouse, starts with a “G” and the guesthouse owner will recommend it. That was the easiest option since there isn’t a lot walkable nearby – we ordered one on our way back then relaxed back at the guesthouse (wifi!) after such a full day of walking!

Also check out all of my Croatia travel experiences.

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