Croatia

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Croatia isn’t the most popular tourist destination, but it’s a vibrant country with a rich history and culture. It's also home to a number of natural wonders, such as the Plitvice Lakes National Park, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Croatia isn’t the most popular tourist destination, but it’s a vibrant country with a rich history and culture. It's also home to a number of natural wonders, such as the Plitvice Lakes National Park, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It’s an astonishing, lush, ecologically unique location where you can see magnificent waterfalls in the summer or see those same waterfalls glimmer like crystals when they freeze in the winter. It’s the most popular travel destination in the country, so no trip to Croatia would be complete without paying the park a visit.
<h2>1. How to reach Plitvice Lakes</h2>
The two main methods to visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park are bus or train. The trip typically takes around two hours and embarks from Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. You may drive to the park, but personal automobiles aren’t allowed on the premises of the park. That doesn’t mean you’re required to get around on foot, though.

[caption id="attachment_33731" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/506338564.jpg" alt="The Great Waterfall of Plitvice Lakes" width="1200" height="800" /> nikpal / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. How to get around the park</h2>
For most of the year, you can move around the various lakes and forest trails by bus. Buses service the relatively flat Lower Lakes and the Upper Lakes and will ferry visitors across from one area to the next. However, the buses and boats cease operations from November to mid-April. This period is the slowest season for tourism, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good time of year to visit.

[caption id="attachment_33732" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/1126635917.jpg" alt="Boats docked in the Plitvice Lakes " width="1200" height="800" /> NanoStockk / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. When to plan your trip</h2>
The most active months for visitors to the Plitvice Lakes are July and August since this is when the weather is at its best. However, the weather is still excellent in May, June, and September; you can enjoy a much quieter trip through the park during these months. Heading to the Plitvice Lakes during the winter is the most difficult, as transportation is not available during this period. Nonetheless, the frozen lakes and haunting atmosphere of the parks during the winter makes for an experience out of a storybook.

[caption id="attachment_33733" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/658145580.jpg" alt="The frozen falls of Plitvice in winter " width="1200" height="801" /> nikpal / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Avoid the busiest hours</h2>
The crowds reach their height in the afternoon, and to avoid them you should plan to arrive early. The earliest buses out of Zagreb arrive around 9 am or thereabouts. If you don’t mind being up in time to catch the bus and if you get enough sleep, you’ll be amply rewarded for your efforts with a much more leisurely, relaxing nature walk.

[caption id="attachment_33734" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/585799972.jpg" alt="An aerial shot of Plitvice Lakes " width="1200" height="976" /> MikeMareen / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Dress suitably</h2>
One of the most important things to bring is solid, sturdy footwear. Sandals or shoes that are in poor shape are no-gos for a walk, much less for a fun hike. If you’re heading out during one of the hotter months, you should dress on the lighter side. It doesn’t get too hot, generally, so jeans and t-shirts are still reasonable. The Plitvice Lakes require extra layers during the colder months of the year, though, and the weather is subject to change during the spring and the fall. In this case, you should bring a change of clothes in your baggage to be prepared.

[caption id="attachment_33735" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/1126635911.jpg" alt="Walking trails in the park " width="1200" height="801" /> NanoStockk / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Pack accordingly</h2>
You should always have a change of clothes on hand, but that’s not all. Depending on when you visit, there’s a variety of other items you should have on hand. It’s a good idea to have sunscreen on hand during the summer, and bear repellant might give you some peace of mind, although the bears in Plitvice Lakes are quite shy and there are few or no known bear attacks there. If you’re planning a trip of any length, you should also be sure to pack enough food: trail mix, sandwiches, fruit, and plenty of water.

[caption id="attachment_33736" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/1093110112.jpg" alt="A winding pathway over the water" width="1200" height="800" /> Andrew_Mayovskyy / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Spend a whole day</h2>
The park is quite large and full of things to explore. To ensure that you have enough time to have your fill of the park, you should plan to arrive early and stay all day. If you’d like, you can even book a stay at one of three hotels in the park and resume your hiking early the next morning, when the park is nearly empty.

[caption id="attachment_33742" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-33742" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/GettyImages-606221292.jpg" alt="Autumn view of Plitvice Lakes, Croatia " width="2121" height="1414" /> <br />rusm / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Visit the Great Waterfall</h2>
One of the top sites on any trip to the Plitvice Lakes National Park is the Great Waterfall. It’s one of the largest waterfalls in Europe and makes for an expectacular view at any time of the year. You can head to the lower lakes where the water crashes down, and hike up to the top of the waterfall and enjoy the astonishing view from the Upper Lakes.

[caption id="attachment_33738" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/494502784.jpg" alt="The Great Waterfall as the colors of autumn set in " width="1200" height="800" /> Remedios / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Explore the Peaceful Upper Lakes</h2>
Many visitors never set foot in the upper lakes, which is an unfortunate blessing. It’s unfortunate for them, as the Upper Lakes are one of the most beautiful parts of the park, and it’s a blessing for you since the Upper Lakes tend to be uncrowded even during the peak season. They’re a bit more out of the way and the terrain is more rugged there, but it’s an important part of enjoying the full experience at Plitvice Lakes National Park.

[caption id="attachment_33739" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/619063440.jpg" alt="The park, beautiful as ever during the off season" width="1200" height="800" /> Janoka82 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Hike through Corvoka Uvala Forest</h2>
Speaking of the full experience, the lakes are only a small part of the overall national park. The thriving forests around the lakes are mapped out in countless great forest trails that beg to be explored. You’d need a full day or more to enjoy all of the lakes, but the forest is worth coming back to so can wander in nature for another day or two. Corvoka Uvala, in particular, holds the distinction of being one of Europe's last virgin forests.

[caption id="attachment_33740" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/637065438.jpg" alt="The lovingly preserved and protected forests and waters of Plitvice Lakes National Park " width="1200" height="885" /> Jana_Janina / Getty Images[/caption]

How to Make the Most of a Trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park

From ancient cobbled streets to the mesmerizing turquoise of the Adriatic to world-class UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Croatia has a charm that appeals to every imaginable type of traveler.

From ancient cobbled streets to the mesmerizing turquoise of the Adriatic to world-class UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Croatia has a charm that appeals to every imaginable type of traveler. Whether its medieval hilltop hamlets appeal overlooking olive groves and nearby fragrant forests, its host of hiking trails, cycling routes, and rafting opportunities, there are undoubtedly plenty of things to do in Croatia.
<h2>1. Dubrovnik</h2>
The streets of Dubrovnik drip with charm. The city's formidable walls can be traced back to the 7th century; although much of what exists today dates back 500 years. Stately houses line the Placa or Stradun, the city's main street. These markers help you find your bearings heading towards the city's Baroque cathedral to admire the work of world-class Renaissance artists. When satisfied by Dubrovnik's cultural offerings, head for the beach. Pebbly it may be, but the crystalline waters of the Adriatic refresh and invigorate. Walk the pedestrian zone to try out the local cuisine with its host of restaurants and bars.

[caption id="attachment_1023202" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1083237774-1024x767.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1083237774-1024x767.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1083237774-300x225.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1083237774-768x575.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1083237774.jpg 1200w" alt="Delightful Dubrovnik" width="1024" height="767" /> stocklapse / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Plitvice Lakes and National Park</h2>
Croatia's Plitvice Lakes and National Park is a place hard to beat for its natural beauty with its stunning turquoise lakes, tree-clad hills, and waterfalls linking lake to lake. Signs indicate the whole park takes around 8 hours to walk. Given that fact, many visitors to this astonishingly beautiful place break it up over a few days. On the other hand, a good part of it can be seen on a day trip if you're in Zagreb or Split.

[caption id="attachment_1023203" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1074855208-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1074855208-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1074855208-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1074855208-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1074855208.jpg 1200w" alt="Plitvice Lakes - nature's bounty" width="1024" height="683" /> stocklapse / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Diocletian's Palace</h2>
Visit Diocletian's Palace in Croatia's second biggest city, Split. The imposing ruins are what remains of the structure the emperor had built early in the 4th century. The entire complex swallowed up garrisons nearby and straddled 30,000 square meters. As you gaze at the palace's lower tier, imagine that it was once submerged in water at the request of Diocletian who wanted to be able to sail straight into the palace without walking through the city. The ancient fortress now hosts numerous cafes and restaurants scattered throughout what is now the old town of Split with its windy and characterful streets.

[caption id="attachment_1023205" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/160326848-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/160326848-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/160326848-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/160326848-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/160326848.jpg 1200w" alt="Split by night" width="1024" height="683" /> traveler1116 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Hvar, Dalmatian Islands</h2>
The Dalmatian Islands are on the itinerary of many visitors to Croatia, and no wonder thanks largely to Hvar. Once under Venetian rule, the old town is devoid of cars and comes replete with a delightful square with a 16th-century cathedral. Add to this mix a pretty harbor, its hilltop fortress, some of the country's best hotels and restaurants, not forgetting the beaches, then it becomes easy to see the appeal and why many catch the ferry from Split to come and experience it.

[caption id="attachment_1023206" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/537259554-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/537259554-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/537259554-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/537259554-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/537259554.jpg 1200w" alt="Hvar's Venetian charm" width="1024" height="683" /> mbbirdy / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Rovinj</h2>
The pretty town of Rovinj is a delightful Venetian style town in Croatia's northwest composed of harborside houses of every pastel hue with the town's towering church overlooking pleasant vistas. A gentle mix of galleries, museums, seafood restaurants are waiting for you as you stroll streets of cobblestone. Situated as it is right by the clear waters of the Adriatic, it's an ideal place to swim. Although the beaches aren't the picturesque white sand, the quality of the water more than compensates.

[caption id="attachment_1023207" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/488118175-1024x698.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/488118175-1024x698.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/488118175-300x205.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/488118175-768x524.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/488118175.jpg 1200w" alt="Ronij doubles for Venice" width="1024" height="698" /> silverjohn / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Kornati Islands</h2>
More than a hundred largely uninhabited islands await exploration in the Kornati Islands. A few scattered stone-built cottages used by fishermen and shepherds now serve as quiet retreats for visitors seeking out the quiet tranquility of the place. On occasion, they may also be used as seafood restaurants on occasion. Bear in mind; if you choose to stay, you will have no running water or electricity. This is a real break from civilization! Undoubtedly the preferable way to explore the archipelago is by sailing boat. On the other hand, day trips are possible from the mainland leaving either Zadar, Split or Šibenik.

[caption id="attachment_1023209" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/157431638-1024x681.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/157431638-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/157431638-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/157431638-768x511.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/157431638.jpg 1200w" alt="Tranquility in the Kornati Islands" width="1024" height="681" /> technotr / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Zlatni Rat Beach</h2>
If beaches are your thing, be sure to visit Zlatni Rat Beach. The beach's name comes from its shape which means Golden Horn or Golden Cape rather than anything else. This paradise-like location forms a sort of mini peninsula formed by sediment and deposits of fine pebbles. The tip is continually changing its shape finding itself under the mercy of prevailing winds and sea currents.

[caption id="attachment_1023210" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1074861268-1024x766.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1074861268-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1074861268-300x225.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1074861268-768x575.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1074861268.jpg 1200w" alt="Zlatni Rat Beach - Golden Horn" width="1024" height="766" /> stocklapse / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Pula</h2>
Pula's history extends all the way back to Roman times, and it soon shows. Its spectacular Roman ruins dominate the skyline near the seafront. Most famously, the imperious and Coliseum-like amphitheater which was built for an audience of 20,000. Today it still plays host to various sporting events and concerts. And it is the most well preserved Roman ruin outside Rome itself. Add to the historical attractions the delicious cuisine, which is essentially Italian, since Istria was still a part of Italy until 1947, along with such sights as the Lighting Giants in the Uljanik shipyard featuring the strangely arresting sight of illuminated cranes on display between 9 pm and midnight, various music festivals featuring reggae to jazz, and you have the makings of a very unique and diverse city.

[caption id="attachment_1023211" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/998489380-1024x703.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/998489380-1024x703.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/998489380-300x206.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/998489380-768x527.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/998489380.jpg 1200w" alt="Pula's Coliseum-like ruins" width="1024" height="703" /> 4FR / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Stiniva Bay</h2>
Another one for beach lovers is Stiniva on the island of Vis. A few years back, it was named the best beach in Europe by the Brussels-based European Best Destinations organization. Unbelievably clear turquoise waters lap the shores of this delightfully secluded white shingle cove. Yes, it is remote, but those who venture here are in for a treat.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1023253" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/shutterstock_581447539-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Amazing Stinva beach of Vis island, Dalmatia, Croatia" width="1024" height="683" />


<h2>10. Hilltop Motovun</h2>
You will think you're in Tuscany when exploring some of the delightful medieval towns and villages that sit atop the hills overlooking idyllic olive groves and vineyards. Motovun is the perfect example of old Tuscan style charm. The hilltop walled city is a striking example of the Venetian colonial style replete with imperial looking stone lions guarding the gates.

[caption id="attachment_1023218" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/901570834-1024x691.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/901570834-1024x691.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/901570834-300x203.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/901570834-768x518.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/901570834.jpg 1200w" alt="Reflections of Tuscany at Motovun" width="1024" height="691" /> rusm / Getty Images[/caption]

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