Top 10 unusual Croatia vacations
Any travelers looking to escape the crowded beaches and opt for a more unusual vacation in Croatia should consider this top 10 before they head off. We’ve compiled a great collection of vacations that will take you into Croatia’s lesser-known countryside and coastlines. From staying in rural stone cottages surrounded by vineyards to taking the train from London to Zagreb – here’s how you discover a side to Croatia that the cruise ships miss.
1. Sea kayaking around the Adriatic islands
Paddling around Croatia’s Adriatic islands in a kayak is the best way to get to all the out-of-the-way coves and beaches the cruise ships simply can’t reach. Local kayaking guides know all the top places to swim, snorkel and share a picnic, so all you have to do is follow their lead and dive right in. Staying in locally owned guest houses on the islands of Sipan and Lopud gives you plenty of opportunities to meet local people and get a real taste for traditional Croatian cuisine, without the overpriced menus.Our top selling trip: Sea kayaking vacation in Croatia
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2. Cultural homestay experience
Traveling as part of a small group, you’ll be invited to dine out at family-owned restaurants as well as spending the night in guest rooms that are rented out by local folk during the summer. Wherever you go – Dubrovnik, Korcula, Hvar or Split – getting to know local people is the best way to become immersed in the culture of Croatia.Our top selling trip: Croatia cultural vacation with homestay
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3. Road-tripping from city to coast
There’s nothing unusual about self drive vacations, but not many people choose to go self driving in Croatia. They’re definitely missing something – this is your chance to zoom down the new highway from capital to coast or (our preferred option) take your time meandering down minor roads between little-visited villages, vineyards and national parks. Tailor made itineraries give you every opportunity to get out from behind the wheel for hiking through coastal pine forests and kayaking around crystal-clear bays.
Our top selling trip: Croatia self drive vacation
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Read more: Croatia self drive guide
Our top selling trip: Croatia self drive vacation
See all our trips: Croatia vacations
Read more: Croatia self drive guide
4. Train adventure
Exploring the Balkans by train will appeal to old romantics and responsible travelers alike. This is an opportunity to relive Interrail adventures past as you cross from Ljubljana, Slovenia to Zagreb, Croatia by train, and then on to Vrpolje, Croatia, and across the border to Sarajevo. You’ll also get time in Dubrovnik. Spending nights off the train helps break up the journey, as well as providing plenty of talking points as you board the train the next morning and continue to ride the rails.Our top selling trip: Balkans rail vacation
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5. Self guided coastal walks
This wonderful week of walking is just the ticket for any travelers looking to make the most of Croatia at their own pace. B&B accommodation, detailed trip notes, luggage transfers and ferry tickets are all included, so all you have to do is put your best foot forward and explore. From the water mills and green hills of Konavle to the natural island charm of Lopud and Mljet – self guided coastal walks in Croatia are all about enjoying a daily dose of exercise and sea views.
Our top selling trip: Self guided Croatian coast walking tour
See all our trips: Croatia walking vacations
Read more: Croatia walking vacations travel guide
Our top selling trip: Self guided Croatian coast walking tour
See all our trips: Croatia walking vacations
Read more: Croatia walking vacations travel guide
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6. Active family vacation on the Split Riviera
Take your family off for a week of adventures in the mountains, lakes and waterfalls of Croatia. Stay on the Split Riviera, and you can try your hand at sea kayaking alongside schools of fish, tubing down rivers deep in the Dalmatia hinterland, and canyoning to the Gubavica waterfall, all under the watchful tutelage of local guides and instructors. An active family vacation in Croatia is a great way to get to know the country’s lesser-visited landscapes – and each other.Our top selling trip: Croatia activity vacation for families with teenagers
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7. Self guided cycling trip to secluded coastlines
Pedal off into the Croatian countryside and along secluded stretches of coast as you embark on this worthwhile week of self guided cycling. Luggage is transferred ahead as you ride and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get off the saddle and explore the restaurant and beach recommendations in your route notes. This cycling trip covers good distances, riding from Dubrovnik and Konavle Valley on the mainland to the Adriatic islands of Mljet, Sipan and Korkula – but also includes plenty of chances to relax and soak it all in.Our top selling trip: Croatia self guided biking tour
See all our trips: Croatia cycling vacations
Read more: Croatia cycling vacations travel guide
8. Exploring Croatia’s national parks
Joining a small group of like-minded travelers is a great way to meet new people and enjoy the protected rivers and mountains of Croatia at the same time. National parks such as Krka and Paklenica are ideal for finding out more about rural Croatia’s cultural heritage. Most people only get the chance to see them on day trips from the cities. Set off on the trail with knowledgeable local guides and stay in cosy but comfy hotels.
Our top selling trip: Northern Croatia walking vacation
See all our trips: Croatia walking vacations
Read more: Croatia walking vacations travel guide
Our top selling trip: Northern Croatia walking vacation
See all our trips: Croatia walking vacations
Read more: Croatia walking vacations travel guide
9. Sea kayaking & yoga in Vis
It doesn’t get much more relaxed than this. Start your day with an invigorating morning stretch, before filling up on a delicious plant-based breakfast, then heading out to explore hidden coves and snorkel in quiet bays along the Adriatic coast. Sea kayaking and yoga trips are all about going with the flow, and they’re perfect for those who love to be in the outdoors, in tranquil environments.Our top selling trip: Kayaking & yoga vacation on Vis
See all our trips: Yoga vacations and Sea kayaking vacations
Read more: Yoga vacations travel guide and Sea kayaking vacations travel guide
10. Cycling & wine tasting in Istria
A wine tour by bike is the perfect option for those who love to enjoy the finer things in life when they’re on vacation. Eight days of easygoing cycling around Istria are pleasantly combined with superb cuisine, visits to small, local wineries, and exploring beautiful medieval towns. Stay in carefully chosen hotels that welcome cyclists, and expect to ride an easily achievable 40km a day or so. And of course, also expect to enjoy some excellent wine.Our top selling trip: Croatia wine tour by bike
See all our trips: Wine tasting vacations and Croatia cycling vacations
Read more: Wine tasting vacations travel guide and Croatia cycling vacations travel guide
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