This 8-day Croatia trip gets your heart pumping and your eyes bulging as you explore the country’s most picturesque natural sights, reached on foot, on the water, and by bike.
Consider booking an extra day or two in Split to see what all the fuss is about (when you arrive and catch your first glimpse of the ancient buildings and sparkling coast, you’ll wish you had). Then transfer to Starigrad, ready for your first hike. Explore Paklencia National Park, one of Europe’s most scenic climbing regions. Next, hit the crystal blue waters of the Zrmanja River, admiring the surrounding cliffs as you canoe or white water raft your way through them, subject to conditions.
This is also a superb region for biking. Return to Paklencia, this time cycling the trails for a different look at the mountainous landscape. Feel free to push yourself, because your reward is a rest in the azure waters of the Adriatic, and some time to explore the charming town of Zadar. Now that you’ve got a taste for these beautiful waters, enjoy a day out on them with a sea kayaking adventure in Paklenica Bay.
Finally, visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, a bona fide Croatian treasure known for its range of lakes and waterfalls. Spend a day surrounded by nature, then return to Paklencia for departure.
