Several years ago, a coworker of mine asked if I’d be interested in going on a trip to Croatia with her. A few months later, we met up in the Istanbul airport and made the final flight together into Zagreb. We rented a car and off we drove to stay our first night in a Hostel near Plitvice National Park. 

My friend had sent me a link to the hostel that she had booked, which had group rooms and private rooms. I was a little overwhelmed when we walked into our room and there were five bunk beds. I hadn’t stayed in a room with so many people since summer camp when I was a teenager. 

Let me tell you about a few notes I made during my first stay in a hostel. First, before traveling to Croatia, I had purchased wax ear plugs. These things were legit. If you ever find yourself in a hostel, I would recommend picking up some wax ear plugs. I picked a top bunk and was actually able to sleep really well. Second, I had taken compression bags with me so that I could fit more into my backpack. In general these are great, but when you’re staying in a room with ten other people and you need to get something out of your bag while others are asleep, these can be really noisy. 

But most importantly, hostels provide amazing opportunities to create meaningful connections with other travelers. After walking into the kitchen area that was buzzing with many different people preparing their meals and having conversations, I watched intently as my friend masterfully engaged in meaningful conversation with other visitors. She went right beyond the surface level conversations and asked intentional questions … within a ten minute conversation, two of the girls were crying as they answered the questions that my friend had posed. To this day I remember that moment. As a traveler, getting to the point of meaningful conversation is one of the things I miss when I’m away from home. But this reminds me that it is possible. Instead of relying on other people to decide how deep the conversation goes, if I really want to have those great conversations, I can lead them in that direction by listening well and asking intentional questions. 

Plitvice National Park

The lakes are formed by travertine barriers, which are created when calcium carbonate is deposited from the water. The water is clear and blue, and the waterfalls are cascading and powerful. The park is also home to a variety of forests, including beech, fir, and pine.

There are a number of hiking trails in the park, which offer stunning views of the lakes and waterfalls. Visitors can also take boat rides on the lakes, or go for a swim in the clear water.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular destination for all types of visitors. Families with children will enjoy the easy hiking trails and the chance to see the waterfalls up close. Hikers and nature lovers will appreciate the stunning scenery and the variety of plant and animal life. And anyone who loves beauty will be mesmerized by the lakes and waterfalls. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park is the perfect destination.

ŠibenikWe only had an afternoon to explore before we had to hit the road. But before leaving the area, we stopped at a breakfast place where I ate one of the most memorable meals of my life. I had these crepe-like pancakes, with chunky hazelnut in the middle, that were soaked in a white wine cream sauce. I cannot describe to you how good this was. I can only hope to find these pancakes again one day. 

Šibenik

We left the Plitvice area to make the four hour drive to Šibenik. The drive was beautiful. Most of Croatia is beautiful, so you won’t be disappointed if you rent a car and drive across the country. 

We arrived at our hostel and I was blown away. It was brand new, and each room was like a hotel room with five beds; two bunk beds and one twin bed. The best part about it was that each room had its own bathroom. Sharing a bathroom with five people is way better than sharing a community bathroom with an entire hostel. Not only were the rooms great, but there was a beautiful pool and some really nice outdoor common areas. 

While in the city of Šibenik, we explored, ate delicious food, made friends at our hostel, and had so much fun. 

St. Nicholas Fortress

We eventually made it around the fortress to the entrance that was only open from the water side. We were amazed by the size and the condition of the fortress. It was clear that it had been built to withstand a siege.

We spent the next few hours exploring all sides of the fortress. We climbed the towers, explored the tunnels, and even found a few cannons. We had a great time exploring the fortress, and we were glad that we had decided to swim around to find an open entrance.

St. Nicholas Fortress is a fascinating historical site. It was built in the 16th century to defend the city of Šibenik from Turkish attacks. The fortress is made of brick and stone, and it is triangular in shape. It has 32 cannons, and it is surrounded by a moat. St. Nicholas Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Šibenik. Visitors can reach the fortress by boat or by hiking.

Split

Arriving in Split, things took a bit of a different turn. We had fallen in love with Sibinek, but Split, though incredible, was very touristy, and it just didn’t have the same raw, local culture that Sibinek did. 

The other downside to staying in Split for us, was the very old and small hostel. Unlike the other hostels we had stayed in, the community areas were very limited, so no one was hanging out or making connections. I’m guessing there are multiple hostels in Split, so there are probably other options to choose from. The lesson I learned is that when I book any hostel, I should always look for large and welcoming community areas and read the reviews. 

Even though Split was very touristy, it was still a beautiful city along the water. If you are into Game of Thrones, you’ll find a lot of hype around the topic throughout the city.

Music in the Square

There is nothing quite like listening to music in the square in Split, Croatia. The sound of the music echoes off of the ancient walls of Diocletian’s Palace, creating a magical atmosphere. 

The square is always full of people, young and old, locals and tourists alike. Everyone is welcome to come and listen to the music, and there is always a sense of community and goodwill. 

One of my favorite things about listening to music in the square is the way it brings people together. It doesn’t matter where you are from or what language you speak, everyone can enjoy the music. It is a reminder that music is a universal language that can connect people from all walks of life.

If you are ever in Split, I highly recommend making time to listen to music in the square. It is a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Imotski

On my second trip to Croatia, my friend and I stayed in an Airbnb in a small town in the middle of nowhere. We were driving around Croatia, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the winding roads. We came upon the town of Imotski, and we decided to stop and explore. We parked our car and started walking around the town.

Imotski is a small town, but it has a lot to offer visitors. It is a beautiful old town with narrow streets and charming shops.

We decided to walk up to the castle, which is located on a hill overlooking the town. As we were walking up, we looked down and saw the most beautiful blue lake. We were amazed by the color of the water, and we couldn’t believe that we had stumbled upon such a beautiful place by accident.

The Blue Lake is a natural sinkhole lake. The water is a deep blue color, and it is surrounded by cliffs. The lake is also very deep, and it is said that it is bottomless. We swam in the crystal-clear water, and we hiked around the cliffs. We also visited the castle, which offers stunning views of the lake and the town.

It was a truly magical experience, and we were so glad that we stumbled upon Imotski by accident. It is a place that we will never forget.

Islands

Croatia is home to over 1,000 islands, making it one of the most archipelago-rich countries in the world. The islands are scattered along the Adriatic Sea, and they range in size from tiny islets to large islands with their own towns and villages.

Some of the most popular islands in Croatia include Hvar, Brac, Korcula, and Vis. These islands are known for their beautiful beaches, clear waters, and charming towns. They are also popular destinations for sailing, hiking, and cycling.

I didn’t have time to visit any of the islands during my recent trip to Croatia. However, I did do some research on the islands, and I was amazed by how beautiful they are. I would love to visit the islands someday, and I hope to explore all that they have to offer.

Accommodations

There are many different types of accommodations available in Croatia, to suit all budgets and preferences.

If you’re looking for a cheap and social way to stay, hostels are a great option. Hostels are a great way to meet new people from all over the world, and they often have shared kitchen and living areas where you can socialize with other guests.

If you’re looking for something a bit more private, there are plenty of hotels and apartments to choose from. Hotels can be quite expensive in Croatia, but there are some good deals to be found if you book in advance or during the off-season. Apartments are a great option if you’re traveling with a group or if you want to have more space to spread out.

Airbnb is also a popular option in Croatia, and it can be a great way to find affordable accommodation, especially if you’re planning a long-term stay.

No matter what your budget or preferences, you’re sure to find the perfect accommodation in Croatia.

Here are some additional tips for finding accommodations in Croatia:

• Book in advance: If you’re traveling during peak season, it’s important to book your accommodation in advance. This is especially true if you’re planning on staying in popular tourist destinations.
• Consider your location: When choosing an accommodation, consider your location. If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, you’ll want to choose an accommodation that’s close to the main attractions.
• Read reviews: Before you book your accommodation, be sure to read reviews from other guests. This will give you a good idea of what to expect.

Car Rentals

Renting a car is a great way to explore Croatia in your own time. The country has a well-developed road network, and the scenery is stunning. However, it’s important to be aware of a few things before you rent a car in Croatia.

First, you’ll need to bring your international driving permit (IDP). This is a document that translates your driver’s license into other languages. You can get an IDP from your local AAA office.

Second, be aware that the speed limits in Croatia are lower than in many other countries. The speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h (31 mph), and the speed limit on highways is 130 km/h (81 mph).

Third, be prepared for narrow roads and winding mountain passes. If you’re not used to driving in these conditions, it’s a good idea to take it slow.

Finally, be aware that parking can be difficult in some cities. If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, it’s a good idea to book your parking in advance.

I typically find my car rentals through Skyscanner. Skyscanner is a great website for comparing prices from different rental companies. They also have a lot of helpful information about renting cars in Croatia.

Here are some additional tips for renting a car in Croatia:

• Book your car in advance: If you’re traveling during peak season, it’s important to book your car in advance. This is especially true if you’re planning on renting a car from a popular rental company.
• Consider your needs: When choosing a car, consider your needs. If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, you’ll want to choose a car that’s small and easy to park. If you’re planning on driving on mountain roads, you’ll want to choose a car with good handling.
• Read the rental agreement: Before you sign the rental agreement, be sure to read it carefully. This will help you avoid any surprises later on.

Underrated

In my opinion, Croatia is a very underrated country. There is so much it has to offer. My favorite places were the ones that didn’t necessarily have a lot of hype or tourism, like Šibenik and Imotski. The Blue Lake at Imotski is one of my top three favorite places I’ve ever visited. 

If you have a chance to visit Croatia, I’d recommend going off the beaten path and exploring the quiet and more private areas of the country.