Activities and attractions in Croatia

Cycling

From the macadam field paths ideal for mountain biking and paved roads for easy bike driving for families, there is such diversity in Croatia, so that anyone can find the ideal cycling road for themselves. If you are unable to take your bike, you can always rent it and start an unforgettable adventure in the mountains, islands, and the Croatian coast.

Sailing and nautics

66 islands, 652 small islands, 389 cliffs, and 78 reefs are more than a thousand and one reasons for the sailing dream in Croatia. Ideally divided along entire Adriatic coast, the islands are not exceeding 10 nautical miles in distances from the mainland and from each other. With approximately 1500 bays and ports on the islands and the mainland, the Croatian Adriatic is equally ideal for sailing or cruising boats. 56 modern marinas with 16.000 moorings and 5,500 dry berths are available all year round. In most of these marinas, you can rent a sailboat or take professional courses of sailing.

Diving

The developed underwater world of Adriatic sea is around 50 meters deep in the north Adriatic and reaches to around 250 m depth near Palagruža, and not far from Jabuka it reaches depths of around 1300 m. Experienced divers can go on organized tours in search of attractions like attractive endemic flora and fauna of the Adriatic sea or sunken Roman galleys and warships. Beginners are offered the possibility of various professional courses and scuba diving.

Rafting

If you are looking for quality rafting in Croatia, remember the names of rivers: Kupa, Dobra, Mrežnica, Korana, Una, Zrmanja and Cetina. Numerous organized rafting tours in Croatia include a guide and all the necessary equipment for each crew member. By degree of difficulty, Croatian rivers generally have third degree, and only exceptionally in some parts rivers, Dobra and Una have a fourth degree which implies a great degree of technical readiness and capability. Rafting can also be fun and relaxing for entire family like for example on river Cetina in Dalmatia close to Omiš.

Canoe

Did you know that canoeing is the old tradition in Croatia? Traditional Croatian canoes so called trupice are still used for fishing and transport in the delta of Neretva river. Suitable for family and group excursions, canoe excursions with local guides will take you on scenic drive close to many castles and forts like Trakošćan, Ozalj and Dubovac, or Radman's mills on the river Cetina or Krka old mills. Special scenery awaits you on an island Visovac with a monastery which is located in the midst of lake formed by river Krka.

Kayak

Exciting river-kayaking adventures or calmer sea-kayaking scenic rides, Croatian waters have great potential. Almost every river offers varying degrees of severity. From rivers Dobra, Mrežnica, Una, Kupa, Korana in the north to the rivers Zrmanja, Krka and Cetina in the south, with a kayak you are discovering beautiful nature scenes. You can go on organized tours where you will get all the equipment or by yourself and go down the beautiful river canyons and over many waterfalls enjoying in pristine nature full of wildlife. Sea kayaking is also very popular and is offered along entire coast especially in tourist places like Dubrovnik where you can, for example, see Dubrovnik city walls from the sea. You can also visit numerous uninhabited small islands and enjoy in crystal clean Adriatic sea.

Horseback riding

The most famous equestrian centers in Croatia are located in Slavonia, Istria, and Dalmatia. From small family farms to the modern horse-riding centers with schools, and the increasingly popular therapeutic horseback riding, to the best-known traditional equestrian competition - famous Sinj Alka, Croatia offers a wide range of offer for horseback riding. In Djakovo in Slavonia, you can still find famous Lipizzaner horses that are grown here since the 13th century. You can explore many natural wonders of Croatia like Velebit mountain on horseback which is a unique experience when you completely connect with nature.

Flying

Gathered in private clubs and flight schools, Croatian flyers and Paragliders offer organized tours and international competitions. You can fly with a balloon over the Medvednica mountain near Zagreb to the Croatian Zagorje, Samobor or Žumberak and all the way to Slavonia. Suitable for paragliders are numerous mountain peaks like Učka and Ćićarija in Istria, Gorski Kotar, on mountains Velebit and Mosor and Dalmatian hinterland and also in southern Dalmatia like Biokovo and Rilić mountains and peaks of the island of Krk, Brač, and Hvar. Paragliding offers an unforgettable experience of flying and one of the best examples are on Biokovo mountain where you start your flying at the altitude of 1500 meters and end on one of the beaches of Makarska Riviera.

Speleology

As a true Karst region, Croatia is full of caves. The most famous and most magical are the Blue cave on the island of Biševo and Dragons cave on the island of Brač. Caves of Papuk, Kordun region, Lika, Dalmatia, and Dalmatian Zagora are open to visitors to enjoy in various forms of stalactites and stalagmites. The most attractive caves are located in Istria, Gorski Kotar, and Medvednica, and for the true lovers of the underground, we recommend Veternica cave near Zagreb, Cerovačke caves near Gračac and Luke's pit on Velebit.

Mountaineering

Croatia is a country with numerous hiking routes. Beginners can start already in the vicinity of Zagreb, Ogulin, Rovinj, Pazin, Split, and Omiš. Interesting hiking paths and mountains are also waiting on the islands like Mljet, Hvar, Brač, and Vis. Dedicated hikers can choose as many as 400 organized hiking trails some of them which are the most demanding in Europe. Top destinations await in Paklenica, Velebit, Ućka, Dinara, Mosor and Biokovo mountains, among which is 350 m high cliff Anića Kuk, Croatia biggest alpinist attraction. One of the most famous hiking trails in Croatia is certainly Premužić trail which is 60 kilometers long and passes through the most interesting parts of Velebit mountain with spectacular views on Kvarner and Adriatic sea.

Sports fishing

Did you know that the first harpoon for underwater fishing came to Croatia at the beginning of the 20th century and that the first world championship in underwater fishing was held long ago in Mali Lošinj in 1957? Whether you like fishing on the river, sea or underwater, Croatia will definitely fulfill all your dreams of fishing. From various marine species like sea bass, dentex, sea bream, tuna and freshwater specimens like trout or catfish, Croatia is an unrivaled top destination for sports fishermen.

Golf

The growth trend is each year higher and more and more people choose this sport as the ideal form of recreation and relaxation in nature. Although in Croatia currently there is no field with 18 holes except in National park Brijuni, and a few private golf terrains, with 9-hole fields. Because of its ideal landscape and mild climate, Croatia is planning to become a major golf destination in Europe.

Skiing

Immediately in the hinterland of Rijeka is ski center Platak, and a little further the Croatian Olympic Centre Bjelolasica at 620 m altitudes. In the vicinity of capital Zagreb, you can ski on the slopes of Medvednica on the newly decorated trails from its highest peak Sljeme. Here, since 2005. is holding an important international competition - Snow queen, which is named after our world ski queen Janica Kostelić.