Undiscovered Croatia: 7 Secret Gems of The Adriatic Coast

Pebbled beaches with beautiful crystal clear waters and breathtaking views is only one way of describing popular Croatia. While you might remember seeing some of its fantastic scenery in Game of Thrones, nothing compares to what a cruiser feels when they get to experience all the landmarks and visit some of the six World Heritage Sites you can find in this amazing destination.

Welcome to the Croatian Adriatic Coast, also known as the “Adriatic Riviera”

The Adriatic coast of Croatia is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. So what is it about this Balkan country that’s attracting swarms of eager tourists? Rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural wonders, to name just a few! And then, there are the beaches. Ranging in color from a brilliant topaz to deep azure blue, Croatia’s crystal-clear waters are a mesmerizing draw for millions of beachgoers each year. Croatia itself is a country located on the Adriatic Sea in Southern Europe. It was once part of Yugoslavia (which was itself part of the Soviet Bloc), but became independent from Yugoslavia following political instability throughout the 1980s. Today, Croatia is a republic and western democracy, and is currently a member of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). Croatia and its 4 million-plus duo-lingual (Croatian and Serbian) residents enjoy a robust economy based on tourism, agriculture, transport, logistics, food processing, and energy. The country’s beautiful beaches, historic cities, and rich culture make it a perfect place to explore.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Croatia depends on what you want to see and do while you are there. If you like to swim, then June through September is ideal because it’s warmer and less rainy than other months. If you want to explore historical sites and monuments, springtime (April through May) or fall (September through October) are great times for outdoor activities like hiking due to the mild temps. Be aware that July and August are crowded due to high season; it is also very hot.

Croatia’s Must-See Cities: Dubrovnik and Split

Let’s address these two cities straightaway, as they are two of Croatia’s most popular ones: Dubrovnik and Split. Featured in the insanely popular Game of Thrones, these former Roman outposts are practically bursting with ancient antiquities. Diocletian’s Palace in Split is like a walled city unto itself, encircling Roman ruins, medieval churches and trendy, modern boutiques. Dubrovnik, on the other hand, IS a walled city whose ramparts span more than a mile around its coastal perimeter. Dotted by defensive fortifications that date back to the 13th century, Dubrovnik has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979 because of its importance as an urban center during the Middle Ages. Dubrovnik is the most popular tourist spot in Croatia and the Mediterranean — and it’s easy to see why with this special sightseeing tour! What to do in Dubrovnik? Where to start: the city is filled with medieval architecture and surrounded by the sea on three sides. There are many historical sights In Dubrovnik worth visiting such as Fort Lovrijenac, Old Town Walls, and the Bell Tower.  GOT fans will be excited for a visit to many of the landmarks used for Game of Thrones filming locations, including Onofrio’s Fountains, the Memorial Room in Sponza Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and the Franciscan Monastery with its baroque church of St Blaise.

Split is a must-see destination for any traveler. It’s home to Diocletian’s Palace, an ancient Roman dwelling built around 305 AD that has been restored and converted into a cultural center with museums, galleries and shops. The city also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year including a theater festival and an international jazz festival.

7 Secret Gems of the Adriatic Coast

We’ve addressed the two most famous cities in Croatia, but there’s a hidden side to this country, a world of secret and secluded treasures just waiting for curious travelers … you just have to know where to go! Here are some areas that even the most well-traveled people don’t even know about. If you’re seeking an unforgettable vacation or novel things to do in Croatia, look no further than these seven secret gems of the Adriatic coast: 1) Plitvice Lakes National Park – this amazing park contains a series of 16 sparkling lakes connected by waterfalls and streams, and crisscrossed by a network of quaint and ancient-looking boardwalks that hover over its mesmerizing blue-green waters. While in the park you will see the many deer, wolves, bears, boars, and rare bird species that call this UNESCO World Heritage Site home. The park’s sheer cliff faces are speckled with caves and waterfalls that create a beautiful natural paradise and is a bucket-list experience for nature lovers! And you can see it from top to bottom on this once-in-a-lifetime cruise excursion. 2) Rijeka — Take a scenic walk down Rijeka’s pre-Roman era winding streets where you’ll discover the medieval Cathedral of St. Vitus with its vaulted ceilings, baroque marble altars, and towering stained glass depicting Christian saints. Along the coastline is Trsat Castle, a 13th century fortress with panoramic views of Kvarner Bay. If this medieval enclave sounds just your speed, you can see it all on one low-cost tour.

3) Opatija — Opatija was an elite resort town during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, whose history is reflected in the elegant villas dotting this coastal city across the bay from Rijeka. Opatija played host to world-famous writers and socialites including Lord Byron, James Joyce and Isadora Duncan. On this one-of-a-kind tour, you can explore the city’s public gardens and the gorgeous Lungomare promenade overlooking the Adriatic’s translucent waters. 4) The Golden Isle of Krk — The Isle of Krk, just off Croatia’s west coast, is known as the cradle of Croatian civilization. Medieval structures scale the mountainside, culminating in a Gothic bell tower that dominates the skyline. On a relaxing cruise excursion from Rijeka you can explore its meandering alleyways, where whimsical, patio cafés serve the island’s famous Žlahtina wine. Spelunkers can prowl among the otherworldly stalactites of Biserujka cave, while sun seekers can relax at the bars and beaches that line Krk’s sunny coast. It’s truly the stuff of fantasies.

5) Medieval Stone Villages of Istria — The longest peninsula on the Adriatic Sea, Istria is home to plentiful stone villages built by giants (according to legend). On an excursion from Rejika, you can set off in search of these mythical villages, starting in the “world’s smallest town” of Hum with its gastronomic wonders including Biska, a traditional Istrian brandy made from a 2,000-old recipe. Just down the road you’ll discover Motovun, a hilltop fortress city known for exquisite local wines, and (you guessed it!) abundant truffles. Next, it’s on to the port city of Rovinj with its sparkling beaches, medieval architecture and narrow back alleys. 6) Pula— At the tip of the Istrian peninsula is Pula, where you’ll experience lavish Italian gastronomy with a distinctly Croatian twist. Istrian prosciutto, sumptuous fish stew and Croatian risotto are just the beginning. A short ferry ride from neighboring Venice, Pula has the best-preserved Roman ruins outside Italy’s borders. In the center of town, the Pula Arena is the best preserved Roman amphitheater on the planet, dating back to 27 BC. This amphitheater has been used for various purposes throughout history – from gladiator fights to bullfights – but today it’s used primarily as an open-air theater venue. Add in the coastal cafes, laid-back bars, and the Old Town Square offering endless possibilities for cruise enthusiasts, and it’s no wonder Pula is definitely worth checking out.

7) Rovinj — Rovinj has become popular over recent years for its gorgeous Venetian architecture and charming streets full of cafes and shops. This small town was once a fishing village but now attracts visitors from all over the world thanks to its stunning architecture, winding alleys, and waterfront promenades. There are plenty of things to do in Rovinj — from taking a boat tour around the historic city center to visiting its many museums, galleries, and churches. Start exploring Rovinj with this cultural excursion.

If you have the time, these sights are also worth a look:

The Museum of Broken Relationships, which opened in 2010, is just as it sounds: a museum collection of items donated by people who have experienced break-ups. Its permanent collection includes an entire room dedicated to love letters, and the museum has hosted numerous traveling exhibits highlighting all kinds of relationships — even with pets! The Blue Cave, located on the island of Hvar, is well known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. Measuring 300 meters long and 45 meters deep, it was formed by sea erosion over time. The cave is so blue because of the reflection from sunlight shining through its entrance as well as algae that live inside it! The Cetina River Spring/Eye of the Earth Croatia is a river spring on the Cetina River in Dalmatia. The spring is believed to be the source of this long and fast flowing river which flows into Makarska Bay near Split after some 100 km (60 miles). The Sea Organ (Croatian: Morski orgulj) is a series of pipes that are placed under the main promenade in the city of Zadar. The organ uses waves caused by boats passing through channels to create musical sounds ranging from gentle ripples to loud blasts which can be heard up to 5 kilometers away.

Popular Tourist Spots in Croatia

Here are some of the more visited spots to consider when rounding out your Adriatic Coast experience: Zadar is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe (dating back to at least 3000 BC.) and had a substantial presence during Roman times. During the Middle Ages, Zadar became one of the most important cities in Dalmatia, and today it is Croatia’s fourth-largest city with a population of about 70,000 people. The capital of Croatia is Zagreb – a bustling city home to around 750,000 people (making it one of Europe’s largest capitals). Zagreb has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its many museums and galleries. If you’re interested in art and history then this is definitely somewhere worth visiting! Korcula Island is located off Croatia’s Adriatic coast and has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Its main town — Korcula Town — was the hub for stone masonry for several centuries. Today, UNESCO has placed Korcula on its list of World Heritage Sites.

 Must Try Croatian Dishes and Drinks

With more than 5,000 years of culinary history, there are so many wonderful foods in Croatia! Some of these dishes are simple like mixed salad or grilled fish but others can be very complex and take days to prepare. Here are some of the top dishes to try: Peka — Croatia’s main dish is a yummy blend of roasted lamb or fish, potatoes, and vegetables cooked up in a cast-iron pan Istrian Yota (pronounced YO-tah) — this traditional dish is made of potatoes and eggs combined with bacon and baked in an oven until the top crusts over. It’s served with sour cream or yogurt and parsley štrukli — these delicious dumplings are made of dough and filled with cottage cheese, and usually served with sour cream or yogurt on top Fuži are a type of pastry made from sweet and salty dough. They can be stuffed with cheese or meat, but are usually served plain. Fuži are especially popular in Dalmatia, where people eat them for breakfast or as a snack Bucknica is a traditional Croatian dessert, made from dried figs, walnuts and honey. It can be served hot or cold and topped with whipped cream In Croatia, you can’t leave without trying their national drink: rakija. It’s a fruit brandy that comes in many tantalizing flavors such as plum and pear. On the wine front, try malvazija or traminac (red) wines or a Sauvignon Blanc varietal to explore the quality and diversity of Croatia’s wines.

What to Pack

Being on the coastline, Croatia’s vibe is relaxed and casual — so you can be, too! When packing, consider the season: lightweight clothes for summer, layers for the winter. A windbreaker or other jacket is a good idea anytime, especially along the coast. Don’t forget your swimsuit, cover up, sunscreen, and insect repellant! Outside of that, bring some water shoes as the coastline is rocky and the beaches are pebbly. A microfiber towel for fast drying off is always a plus. And a full toiletry bag is a must, as the hotels provide only the bare basics (soap and shampoo).

Disembark Your Vessel, and Embark on a Croatian Adventure.

Cruise excursions are one of the most affordable and accessible ways to explore the hidden treasures of Croatia. We’ve gathered some of our favorite off-the-beaten path things to do in Croatia that are worth exploring if you’re looking for something different on your next cruise. When it’s time to embark on your next Croatian adventure, start your search with Shore Excursions Group.