Croatia

Croatia boasts a breathtaking, jagged coastline dotted with thousands of islands and ancient, walled coastal cities. Beyond the deep blue waters of the Adriatic, the country’s interior is defined by lush, towering mountain ranges and spectacular national parks. Venturing away from the historic stone streets of Split and Dubrovnik, we headed inland to explore the country's incredibly preserved natural landscapes, trading the coastal heat for the thundering power and emerald pools of Croatia's world-famous waterfalls.

Highlights from Our Days in Croatia

  • Exploring the Coast: Taking time to walk through the incredible Roman ruins of Pula, listening to the unique Sea Organ in Zadar, and exploring the ancient, walled alleys of Split and Dubrovnik.

  • Island Hopping to Rava: Escaping the mainland crowds to spend time on the quiet, incredibly picturesque island of Rava, surrounded by crystal-clear Adriatic waters.

  • The Power of Plitvice Lakes: Walking the extensive network of wooden boardwalks right over the cascading turquoise lakes and massive, terraced waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • Swimming at Krka National Park: Heading south to Krka to take in the dramatic Skradinski Buk falls, enjoying the lush, shaded trails running alongside the rushing river.

  • Unwinding by the Water: Embracing the slower pace of the national parks, finding quiet spots along the riverbanks to take in the incredible scale of the falls and the dense surrounding forests.

Front view of a historic church with gray stone facade, large arched entrance, and a rounded dome, surrounded by parked cars and city buildings under a cloudy sky.
A historic building with ornate architecture, columns, statues, and decorative carvings, with a flag on top, and a few people walking nearby in an urban setting.
Waterfalls cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by dense green forest, with a viewing platform and people at the bottom.
A scenic view of a turquoise river surrounded by lush green trees and rocky cliffs.
A serene landscape featuring a body of turquoise water surrounded by green trees and a steep rocky hillside under a misty sky.
A natural landscape featuring a calm body of water with green plants in the foreground, surrounded by tall bushy trees and rocky cliffs in the background.
A lush green landscape with a small waterfall flowing into a pond, surrounded by dense trees and plants.
A young man sitting on a wooden bridge in front of a waterfall, wearing a maroon shirt and striped shorts, with lush greenery surrounding him.
A small waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by green trees.
A river with turquoise water flowing between lush green trees and a rocky cliff in the background
A scenic view of a lush green landscape featuring waterfalls cascading into a clear blue-green body of water, surrounded by dense trees and foliage.
Nighttime image of a partially constructed stone wall with construction scaffolding. Surrounding buildings are visible in the background.
Night view of ancient Roman aqueduct with arches illuminated, next to a modern building with lit windows.
Night view of an ancient stone archway with three levels, illuminated from below, against a dark sky.
A view of a coastal town with red-roofed buildings, boats in the harbor, and small islands in the water, seen from a high vantage point.
A man sitting on a dock by the water, overlooking boats and a seaside town with hills and mountains in the background, under a clear blue sky.
A lively outdoor evening scene with people dining at tables under street lights in a historic city square surrounded by stone buildings with multiple windows and shutters, and a clock tower visible in the background.
View of a historic European city with stone buildings and terracotta roofs, with people walking along a balcony or terrace overlooking the cityscape under cloudy skies.
Fortress on a rocky cliff by the sea, with trees, boats, and a building with red-roofed terraces in the foreground, under a partly cloudy sky.
A coastal scene featuring a historic stone fortress on a rocky outcrop overlooking the deep blue sea. There is a stone wall with tourists taking photos, and a picturesque harbor town with red-tiled roofs and lush green hills in the background under a
People walking in a park with the ancient Roman Colosseum in the background, partially obscured by trees.
Ancient stone walls and arches of the Colosseum, with a clear blue sky and some modern structures and people visible in the background.
A city square with a yellow clock tower, a building with retail stores including Zara, and people walking on a wet pavement under cloudy skies.
A scenic view of a lush green valley with waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs, surrounded by dense forest under a foggy sky.
A scenic view of a small waterfall cascading down a rocky hillside into a greenish blue lake surrounded by dense trees and vegetation.
Waterfalls cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by lush green trees and vegetation.
A waterfall flowing down a rocky, green hillside surrounded by lush trees and vegetation.
Lush green forest surrounding a waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs into a river below
Waterfalls cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by green trees and foliage.
A scenic view of a river with turquoise water surrounded by green foliage and tall rocky cliffs.
A scenic landscape featuring a waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by green trees and foliage, with a body of water at the base and a foggy sky overhead.
A scenic view of a river through green trees and rocky cliffs with overcast sky.
People stand near a turquoise lake at the base of a rocky mountainside with waterfalls and lush green trees.
A scenic view of a turquoise river flowing through a lush green canyon with rocky cliffs on either side and trees overhanging the water, with a narrow dirt path at the lower left corner.
A lush green landscape featuring a calm, turquoise river bordered by dense vegetation and trees. In the background, there is a rocky cliff wall with a group of people walking along a narrow path.
A scenic view of a turquoise lake surrounded by green trees and gray rocky cliffs.
A man standing on a dirt and rock shoreline next to a calm, greenish-blue body of water in a forested area with hills or cliffs covered in trees.
A serene river or lake surrounded by lush green trees on steep rocky hills, with tall grass in the foreground and fog or mist in the distance.
A tranquil turquoise lake surrounded by lush green trees and forested hills in the background.
A serene landscape with a calm, clear river flowing through a lush green forest surrounded by tall hills or mountains with rocky cliffs. Tall grasses in the foreground.
A lush green landscape featuring a small waterfall flowing into a pond, surrounded by dense trees and flowering plants, with rocky cliffs in the background.
A lush green hillside with trees, rocks, and a small waterfall flowing down the rocks, near a calm river or stream at the bottom.
A small waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff into a lush green landscape with trees and grass.
Tall waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by green trees and foliage.
A waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by green trees.
A waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by green trees and foliage.
A young man sitting on a wooden bench in front of a tall waterfall surrounded by lush green vegetation.
Two young men sitting on a wooden bridge in front of a waterfall surrounded by green trees.
A small waterfall flowing over rocky terrain surrounded by lush green trees and grass.
People walking on a narrow wooden path beside a green lake, surrounded by lush trees and a rocky mountain with caves and mist in the background.
People walking on a wooden pathway alongside a green lake with a cliff and a cave entrance in the background.
A creek flowing through a forest with a dirt trail on the left side, lush green trees and rocks covered in moss.
People walking on a trail alongside a waterfall in a green forest.
Waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by green trees, with a body of water and green plants in the foreground.
A waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by green trees and bushes, with a sign in front indicating the height of the waterfall.
A scenic view of a waterfall flowing over rocks into a calm green pool surrounded by lush trees.
A scenic view of a lake with clear blue water, surrounded by lush green trees and forested hills in the background.
Nighttime scene of a small European town square with outdoor seating, tables with umbrellas, and historic stone buildings with green shutters, some with balconies, illuminated by street lights.
Nighttime scene of a city square with historic buildings, some illuminated, and a few people walking near the parked cars, with umbrellas and outdoor seating visible.
Nighttime scene inside a large, classical-style church or cathedral with ornate architecture, arches, and columns, populated with people sitting and standing, some wearing yellow and black uniforms.
A tall, ornate clock tower illuminated at night, part of a historic building with arches and columns.
A historic building with classical architecture features, including columns, arches, and decorative stonework, illuminated at night.
A busy city square with people walking, motorcycles parked along the street, and historic white buildings with red roofs under a partly cloudy sky. A Croatian flag is visible on a building.
A busy city square with historic European-style buildings, parked cars, pedestrians, and a vending machine in the foreground. The sky is partly cloudy.
A city square with a historic church, colorful buildings, a flower bed with pink and white flowers, and a clear blue sky.
A city skyline viewed from a hillside with tall trees, a body of water, mountains in the background, and a partly cloudy sky.
A large stone statue of a bearded man with a pointed hat, holding a book, with a person in sunglasses and a graphic t-shirt smiling and pointing at the statue in an outdoor park setting.
Nighttime view of a historic church with a tall bell tower, ornate architecture, and a rounded dome, illuminated by exterior lighting in a city street.
Crowd of tourists walking on cobblestone square in historic European city, with old stone buildings, outdoor cafes, and church tower under cloudy sky.
A lively outdoor square with people walking and sitting under umbrellas, historic buildings with white shutters, a clock tower, and a hillside castle in the background. The ground is old cobblestone.
View of a coastal town with white buildings and red roofs along the shoreline, boats in the harbor, small islands in the water, and trees in the foreground.
View from a high vantage point overlooking a coastal town with red rooftops, a marina filled with sailboats, and several small islands in the background under a cloudy sky.
View of a coastal town with red-roofed buildings, a marina with boats, and green islands in the water under a cloudy sky.
A lively European town square with people walking, sitting at outdoor cafes, historic stone buildings, and a church with a bell tower. The sky is partly cloudy.
A historic church with a tall bell tower, located in a European town square, with people walking and gathering outside.
View of a mountain range with a water body in the foreground, boats docked along the shoreline, and a clear blue sky.
Stone church with red tile roof and a bell tower under a clear blue sky, with outdoor seating and umbrellas in the foreground.
A scenic view of a large lake with a historic church and red-roofed buildings along the shore, surrounded by green trees and mountains under a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of a mountain landscape with a calm blue body of water in the foreground. There is a small white boat floating on the water near the shore, and a rocky pier or platform in the foreground with stone benches. The mountains are grey and gr
A historic stone church façade with circular windows, a small balcony with decorative columns, and a bell tower against a partly cloudy blue sky.
A historic stone fort or castle situated by the ocean, with a curved tower and small windows, viewed from a nearby road or walkway with a white balustrade railing in the foreground, during sunset or dusk.
A coastal scene with rocky cliffs and a historic stone fortress overlooking the sea during sunset or dusk.
Night scene of a crowded historic street with people walking and sitting at outdoor tables, illuminated by warm streetlights, with old stone buildings on either side.
Crowded street scene in a historic European city with stone buildings, black shutters, and a visible clock tower in the background. People are walking, shopping, and sightseeing under a clear blue sky.
People gather outside a historic stone building with ornate columns and statues on the facade, likely a cathedral or church, under a clear blue sky.
A view of a crowded cobblestone square surrounded by historic stone buildings with red-tiled roofs. People are walking and gathering in the square, and there are outdoor umbrellas shading seating areas.
Historic stone fortress on a rocky hill overlooking a harbor with boats, surrounded by buildings with red-tiled roofs and lush green trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Cliffside with historic stone buildings overlooking the ocean, under a partly cloudy sky.
A scenic view of a coastal area with blue water, rocky cliffs, a fortress with stone walls, and houses with orange roofs on a hillside under a blue sky with wispy clouds.
A coastal scene featuring a historical stone fortress or wall along the shoreline with a view of the sea, boats, and distant hills, and a terrace with white umbrellas and people enjoying the area.
View of a coastal Mediterranean town with stone walls, white buildings with red-tiled roofs, and boats on a calm blue sea, with mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
View of historic stone buildings with orange tiled roofs, a courtyard with people, and a hillside with white houses in the background under a blue sky.
A coastal scene with a stone fortress or castle wall extending into the sea under a blue sky with wispy clouds. There are people on the wall and some sitting at tables along a stone walkway, with several kayaks in the water and a sailboat on the hori
A coastal town with white buildings and terracotta roofs situated on the hillside, overlooking a body of water with boats, by a rocky shoreline under a clear blue sky.
A harbor with numerous small white boats docked along the waterfront, surrounded by stone buildings with orange tiled roofs, a hillside village in the background, a clear blue sky, and a mountain covered in greenery.
View of old European city with terracotta rooftops, stone buildings, and a church steeple against a blue sky with wispy clouds.
View of a coastal town hillside with white buildings and red rooftops, a castle or fortress wall in the foreground, and a parking lot filled with white and silver cars, under a clear blue sky with thin clouds.
Panoramic view of a coastal city with stone buildings and orange rooftops, a harbor with boats, and an island in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A coastal town with a dense cluster of buildings with red-tiled roofs, overlooking the ocean with a small island in the distance, and a partly cloudy blue sky.
A coastal city with red-tiled roofs, a historic stone fortress, and a harbor filled with boats, overlooking the sea with a cruise ship in the water and green hills in the background.
Photo of an old Mediterranean town with a dense cluster of historic stone buildings and red-tiled roofs, surrounded by greenery and overlooking the sea.
Aerial view of a coastal town with red rooftops, surrounded by a harbor with boats, and an island covered in greenery in the sea. Rocky terrain with sparse vegetation in the foreground.
Aerial view of a coastal town with a historic fortress, red-tiled roofs, a marina with boats, and the sea in the background.
A scenic view of a mountain with waterfalls, trees, and green foliage near a body of water, under a cloudy sky.
Multiple waterfalls cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by lush green trees and vegetation.
A waterfall cascading down a moss-covered rocky cliff surrounded by green trees and foliage, with a small body of water at the base.
Stone building with a bell tower and red-tiled roof, surrounded by green trees and a clear blue sky.
A beach with white pebbles near a body of water, with mountains in the background and a clear blue sky.
Stone tower with a flag on top, stairs leading up to it, and people walking on the stairs, with a palm tree and lamp posts nearby under a clear blue sky.
A coastal town with red-tiled roofs along the water, a church steeple, and a mountain range in the background under a clear blue sky.
Panoramic view of a coastal town with red rooftops, a large body of blue water, mountains in the background, a clear blue sky, and greenery in the foreground.
View of a coastal fortress or castle on the rocky shore, with the sea and sky at sunset or sunrise, and a telescope on a railing in the foreground.
A narrow European street with stairs and outdoor cafes, crowded with tourists, surrounded by old stone buildings with shutters, against a backdrop of green hills with houses.
View of narrow street lined with historic stone buildings with red tile roofs, a clock tower, and a crowded street with tourists, with mountains in the background.
A view of a historic European city with red-tiled rooftops, old stone buildings, church towers, and a castle wall with a tower, set against a backdrop of green hills and a mountain.
Castle on a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean with a cloudy blue sky in the background and trees on the right.
A coastal scene featuring an ancient stone fortress on rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean with a sailing boat and a motorboat on the water, and a clear blue sky overhead.
A white, rounded lighthouse with small window, situated on a coastal walkway overlooking water, with a hillside town nearby and mountains in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
View of a coastal city with boats docked in the harbor and a hillside with buildings and trees in the background.
View of a coastal town with terracotta rooftops, a marina with boats, and hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
View of a historic cityscape with a tall stone bell tower topped by a cross, red-tiled rooftops, a harbor filled with boats, and a clear blue sky.
A panoramic view of a historic coastal town with terracotta rooftops, a church tower, and the sea in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Aerial view of a historic coastal city with stone walls, red-roofed buildings, a marina with boats, and surrounding waters.
View from a hilltop overlooking a historic coastal city with a harbor, old city walls, red-tiled roofs, and the sea in the background.
A historic coastal fortress with stone walls and towers situated on a rocky promontory overlooking a river or bay, with a hillside town in the background and a cloudy sky above.