Things to do
Blue Cave of Bisevo
The Blue Cave (Modra špilja) is situated on the eastern side of the island at Balun Cove. Although Croatian fishermen have known about the blue cave since ancient times, it wasn't until 1884 that a (relatively) simple entrance was blasted out with dynamite.Before this tiny hole in the side of the rock was opened, the only entrance into the cave was to dive in the correct place under the rock wall.
The cave on a sunny day is at its most beautiful from 11 am to 12 pm. The light blue glowing impact is produced when the rays of the sun reach the water and represent the cave's calcareous ground. The bright sun shines on the water, and the glowing ocean shines a brilliant blue on the cave walls, creating an ethereal glowing blue grotto.
Visit the sea aquarium in Pula
Pula is our favorite Croatian destination with nearby towns. We are still being called back by the shoreline, the ancient center and local food. It is located in a Verudela fort from Austro-Hungary and is larger every time we visit. You would never think that it was once used as an Italian company's dump site. Renewed now, it also hosts a sea turtle rescue center.
Fort is not stroller or wheelchair friendly, so we used our baby carrier. There is a designated stroller parking space outside. Aquarium has a small picnic space and a child playground at the ground level used to be the moat, next to the turtle pond.
Sea Organ
In the Croatian seaside town of Zadar, concealed beneath a set of large white steps leading into the water, is the Zadar Sea Organ.
Similar to the Wave Organ in San Francisco, California, and the High Tide Organ in Blackpool, England, the instrument consists of a series of 35 tubes and a large resonating cavity, which is played by the wind and the sea. The organ’s music is eerily reminiscent of the melancholy sound of whale calls.
The Sea Organ was designed by architect Nikola Bašić and completed in 2005. Just behind it is another art installation he created — the Sun Salutation — which has an ethereal pattern of glass panels that capture sunlight to power their own light show that is a tribute to the solar system.
St. Nicholas Fortress
One of the best-preserved fortresses along the Croatian coast is a treat for urban explorers. Connected to land by only a narrow walkway that just barely rises above the water, its arrow-like shape suggests that this fortress was not one to be messed with. The structure’s seemingly impenetrable exterior hides large, looming brick hallways that beg to be explored.The Venetians built St. Nicholas Fortress in the 16th century to block maritime Turkish attacks and keep any invaders from coming ashore. Constructed from a sturdy blend of brick and stone, its triangular shape and 32 resident cannons made it a truly formidable form of defense.
Top Destinations
Kvarner
The core of this area is Rijeka's port town overlooking the protected Kvarner Gulf and supported by Gorski Kotar's hills – selected European Capital of Culture 2020, Rijeka is destined to become a cultural destination of increasing importance. Close to Rijeka lies the sedate seaside resort of Opatija, with several grand late-19th-century hotels once patronised by Austro-Hungarian aristocracy. From Opatija, the lovely seven-mile Lungomare (coastal footpath) runs to Lovran home to elegant Secessionist villas set in lush gardens.
North Dalmatia
The focal point of this region is Zadar which contains a lovely old town and is home to several Romanesque churches plus the modern-day Sea Organ, built on a small car-free peninsula. Most of Zadar’s hotels lie outside the historic centre, along the coast at Puntamika and Borik. Near Zadar, Kornati National Park is an archipelago of uninhabited rocky islets, best explored by private sailing boat, but also accessible on an organised day-trip from the mainland.
Central Dalmatia
The highlight here is Split the splendid Unesco-listed old town within the ancient Roman walls of Diocletian’s Palace. Most visitors to the region fly into Split, then take a ferry or catamaran to the islands of Brac, Hvar or Vis, where the most popular resorts are Hvar Town on Hvar, with the boho-chic seafood eateries that make it a favourite mooring base for sailors, and the family-friendly Bol on Brac, where you’ll find the lovely Zlatni Rat beach plus excellent conditions for windsurfing.
Istria
Centring on Pula's port town, known for its Roman amphitheater of the first century, is a peninsula in north-western Croatia with close cultural and historical links to Italy. Istria’s top seaside resorts lie along its west coast, and include Rovinj where Venetian-era pastel-coloured houses ring a picturesque fishing harbour, and Porec home to the 6th-century Unesco-listed Euphrasius Basilica, adorned with golden Byzantine mosaics.
Rent a Car Zadar and road trip up the coast
When in Croatia, I highly recommend rent a car Zagreb and exploring the stunningly beautiful Croatian coastline between Dubrovnik and Split. Not only are the views out of the window incredible, but there are so many places you’ll want to stop at along the way. Whether that be to swim in a little cove with azure water and relax on white sandy beaches or stop at a little village where you can find some of the freshest seafood in the Mediterranean.
The beauty of a relaxed road trip is that you can be spontaneous and stop whenever something catches your eye so Rent a Car Dubrovnik and enjoy your trip.