Most Popular Adventurous Activities In Croatia

Where do you find thrill and adventure in Croatia?

Croatia is not just a kingdom of cultural treasures but is also home to various geographical wonders. The glorious landscapes that adorn the country range from lofty peaks to sparkling seashores and from mystical forests to gushing waterfalls. These marvels of nature offer plenty of opportunities to the tourists to indulge in a variety of adventure sports.

These thrilling activities are perfect for achieving an adrenaline rush and for witnessing the raw beauty of nature at close quarters. Here are some of the exciting adventures that you must participate in, to conquer the diverse terrains of this alluring country.

Declared as the second National Park in 1949, Paklenica is a river canyon located at the southern slopes of Velebit mountain range, not far from Zadar city on Dalmatian coast.

Hiking

Some of the most challenging hiking trails of Croatia can be found at the gorges of the Paklenica National Park and at the staggering limestone cliffs of Bijele and Samarske Stijene. However, if you are a beginner, then you may prefer the easier but equally picturesque trails of the Plitvice Lakes National Park. The summits of Mount Ucka and the Biokovo Mountain offer a spectacular view that is worth climbing up the slopes for, while lush green meadows and rustic scenery are offered by the hiking trail through the Risnjak National Park. Packing a comfortable pair of shoes is a must if you wish to treat your eyes to these delightful sights.

The very first Croatian National Park, also designated in 1949, is the best known and most popular of Croatia's seven National Parks, with over one million visitors annually.

Diving

The coastline of Croatia is embraced by the sapphire blue waves of the Adriatic Sea, which is home to some breathtakingly vibrant marine life. Needless to say, diving is one of the most sought after activities in the country and there are several excellent sites to enjoy the same. The Bisevo Grotto (Blue Cave) is a unique diving site that provides a surreal experience due to the fact that this sea cave is illuminated by a brilliant blue light. Equally fascinating is the sea wreckage surrounded by corals and fishes that can be spotted by plunging into the waters at Rovinj. Other popular diving spots include those at the Kornati Islands and at the beaches of Dubrovnik.

One of the most unique beaches in the world and Croatia is Zlatni Rat beach, located near the town of Bol, on the popular Brač island, where you can also enjoy surfing.

Sailing

Croatia is blessed with some cool sea breeze and warm sunshine that create the perfect weather for sailing. Island hopping is the best way to explore the beauty of the tiny specks of land that dot the sea and sailing is the best way to go island hopping. Most of the popular islands have sheltered bays where you can drop your anchor to wander through the enchanting towns and sprawling vineyards. The island of Hvar offers fragrant lavender fields while Brac Island is known for its splendid beaches and limestone architecture. You can also sail to the Mljet National Park to take a dip in the massive salt water lakes that the park is famous for. This is one nautical adventure you will not want to miss!

Named after the river that runs through it, National Park Krka is known for its numerous lakes and waterfalls, where one of your adventure activities can be scenic off road cycling.

Off Road Cycling

If you wish to work out those leg muscles then mountain biking is the right choice for you. The slopes of the Biokovo Mountain and the Vidova Gora are tailor made for a challenging ride to the summit. Cycling is also the best way to admire the magnificence of the national parks of the region and most parks have dedicated cycling trails that are suitable for the entire family. The cycling trail at the Krka National Park offers vividly hued scenery and the cycling tour of Istria is a great way to explore the countryside. This is an excellent adventure sport for staying fit even while feasting on the Croatian delicacies.

Biokovo Mountain is the largest and the highest mountain range in Dalmatia, and the 2nd highest in Croatia, rising 1762 m above the sea level, popular with mountain cyclists.

Wave Surfing

Those who prefer riding the waves can head over to Bol on the island of Brac, a destination known for its favorable conditions for surfing. The waves near the island of Hvar are also quite high and the beaches of Vrboska are often frequented by surfers. Popular surfing spots on the Istrian Peninsula are the bays of Dajla and Medulin, where the waves are the highest from winter to spring. Accommodation can easily be found in the vicinity of these surfing spots and equipment can be rented from the stalls near the beaches. Additionally, these destinations also provide some fascinating views of the sparkling sea.

These wonderful activities will add some excitement and adventure to your Croatian vacation. If you are a beginner, you can sign up for lessons in these adventure sports that are offered by trained professionals. So, make your next vacation in Croatia invigorating by climbing to the peaks of the mountains and plunging into the depths of the sea!

Author

A guest post by Alisa, a graphic designer and a passionate traveler.

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