Our five-day journey through Croatia revealed the country’s remarkable diversity, from the cascading turquoise waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes to the historic walled city of Dubrovnik. With the freedom of a rental car picked up in Italy, we explored at our own pace, discovering UNESCO World Heritage sites like Diocletian’s Palace in Split and Dubrovnik’s perfectly preserved Old Town. Our adventures took us off the beaten path to hike Vidova Gora, the highest peak in the Adriatic islands, witness golden hour at the impressive new Pelješac Bridge, and even cross into Bosnia and Herzegovina to visit Mostar’s iconic Old Bridge. Each day presented a new facet of the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Plitvice Lakes: Complete Park Tour & Cultural Show
Plitvice Lakes National Park
We started our day at Plitvice Lakes National Park, gathering near Entrance 1 to study the topographical map. This UNESCO World Heritage site was our first major destination in Croatia, and we wanted to get our bearings before exploring. The orientation area provided a helpful overview of the park’s network of lakes, trails, and natural highlights. We took our time studying the layout, discussing which route would best showcase both the upper and lower lakes while giving us enough time to appreciate each area.
Plitvice Upper Lakes
We continued our journey through Plitvice by exploring the stunning upper lakes region and making our way to the Great Waterfall (Veliki Slap). The waters here were an incredible shade of turquoise, cascading over limestone and chalk barriers to create a series of waterfalls throughout the landscape. We paused at several panoramic viewpoints to take in the magnificent water features surrounded by lush forest. The clarity of the water was remarkable – we could see straight to the bottom of many pools despite their depth.
Klis Fortress & Diocletian’s Palace: Split’s Historical Treasures
Kliss Fortres
We dedicated our morning to exploring the historic Klis Fortress, which rewarded us with breathtaking coastal panoramas from its strategic medieval position. As we climbed the stone staircases connecting multiple levels of the fortress, we discovered excellent vantage points for photos at every turn. The ancient fortification sits perched high above the surrounding landscape, and walking through its walls gave us a real appreciation for the defensive architecture that protected this region for centuries. The views stretched out impressively in all directions, making it clear why this position was so valuable throughout history.
Smoke Diversion
Our plans took an unexpected turn when we noticed smoke in the vicinity of Stella Croatica. We had to pause our tour of the Klis area temporarily while the situation was assessed. This unplanned interruption gave us a moment to regroup before continuing with our day’s activities. The smoke was visible from where we stood, creating a brief moment of concern during our otherwise smooth journey.
Split to Brač Island: Vidova Gora Hike & Coastal Views
Split's Waterfront
We began our journey at Split’s bustling ferry terminal, where the morning air was filled with the scent of salt and a sense of adventure. The harbor around us buzzed with activity as we joined other passengers boarding the ferry bound for Brač island. As we prepared to depart, we took a moment to appreciate Split’s historic waterfront providing a stunning backdrop against the sparkling Adriatic waters. The excitement of island-hopping added an energetic start to our day.
Supetar, Brač’s Main Port
Upon arriving in Supetar, Brač’s main port town, we were immediately charmed by its Mediterranean character. We enjoyed a leisurely walk along the palm-lined waterfront promenade, watching fishing boats and sleek yachts bob gently in the marina. The town’s stone buildings glowed warmly in the sunlight as we strolled past. We passed several inviting seaside cafés that offered perfect spots to soak in the relaxed island atmosphere and beautiful sea views, though we were eager to continue our exploration.
Dubrovnik Old Town: Walls, Palaces & Sunset at Buža Bar
Dubrovnik Old Town
We began our day with an immersive walk through Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town. The iconic Stradun welcomed us with its gleaming limestone pavement as we strolled along this main street running through the heart of the walled city. We visited the Žitnica rupe (Granary Museum), an interesting 16th-century building that once stored grain reserves for the Republic of Ragusa. Inside, we discovered fascinating insights into the city’s historical food storage systems and glimpses of daily life from centuries past. As we explored the area, we caught our first views of the magnificent Walls of Dubrovnik, the impressive stone fortifications that have protected the city since medieval times. The morning light brought out the texture and color of the ancient stones all around us.
Church of St. George & Rector's Palace
We continued our exploration around Dubrovnik Cathedral, taking time to appreciate the architectural treasures in this area. The Church of St. George offered us a peaceful coastal setting with serene views of the Adriatic that provided a moment of calm during our busy day. Moving on, we were genuinely impressed by the magnificent Rector’s Palace, a stunning Gothic-Renaissance building that once housed the rector of the Republic of Ragusa. We wandered through its ornate stone carvings and elegant atrium, examining the historical artifacts that helped us understand Dubrovnik’s rich political and cultural heritage. The craftsmanship throughout the palace was extraordinary, evident in even the smallest architectural details.
Mostar’s Historic Bridge & Šibenik Coastal Evening
Mostar's Stari Most
We spent the afternoon visiting Mostar’s iconic Old Bridge (Stari Most), a remarkable 16th-century structure and UNESCO World Heritage site that gracefully spans the turquoise waters of the Neretva River. Standing on this elegant single-arch stone bridge, we appreciated both its beauty and its symbolic importance as a connection between the city’s diverse communities. From various angles, we captured spectacular views of the emerald river flowing beneath us. The bridge’s impressive architecture and historical significance made it clear why this is considered the must-see landmark in Mostar.
Old Town
We immersed ourselves in the bustling atmosphere of Mostar’s Old Town, wandering along its charming cobblestone streets surrounded by Ottoman-era architecture. The historic quarter revealed several notable sights including the distinctive Tara Tower. We found a perfect spot for a break at Konoba Mlinica, where umbrella-shaded terraces positioned us perfectly to admire the centuries-old stone buildings and vibrant marketplace atmosphere. The blend of cultures was evident everywhere we looked, from the architectural styles to the crafts for sale in the small shops we passed.