So you’ve decided on Croatia as your next travel destination and you’ve been researching places and things to do for weeks or even months. You’ve spent countless hours developing the perfect itinerary, right down to the last minute, and you’re ready to pack up your things and jet off to this magical, far away land. You’ve planned to hit all the major sites and cities but…
...it’s just not going to work out. And here’s why…
...it’s just not going to work out. And here’s why…
The best little place to have a cold beer in Zagreb - Pivnica Medvedgrad
You fly into Zagreb or Split or Dubrovnik, check into your hotel then head out to discover the city as planned, first stopping for a quick bite to eat and cold beer before you begin exploring.
That’s your first mistake, because while doing so, you meet some locals and get carried away with some thought-provoking conversation & another round, only to look at your watch and realize your planned city tour ended two hours ago. You might need to reschedule.
That’s your first mistake, because while doing so, you meet some locals and get carried away with some thought-provoking conversation & another round, only to look at your watch and realize your planned city tour ended two hours ago. You might need to reschedule.
Vis - a unique, little gem of an island in Croatia.
You arrive on Vis Island and everything is going brilliantly. This is it - the place you’ve been dreaming about since you booked your vacation. The only problem is that you’re supposed to leave for Split in the evening...
No big deal, right? Wrong. Now you don’t have time to see that secret beach you just found out about from the local vendor who sold you a kilo of fresh figs for your journey to the mainland.
No big deal, right? Wrong. Now you don’t have time to see that secret beach you just found out about from the local vendor who sold you a kilo of fresh figs for your journey to the mainland.
Private beaches galore around these islands.
Looks like you’ll have to stay an extra day on the island. Your private beach is waiting...it would be rude to not check it out.
 Kayaking adventures! |  Definitely try paddling around one day! |
You didn’t envision the nightlife on Hvar being as lively as it was, and after watching the sun come up on the way back to your hotel, you realize your kayaking adventure for the following day begins in twenty minutes. You’ll probably want to push that to tomorrow morning instead.
You definitely did not anticipate the level of beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Yes, the pictures on Google that you found while planning your vacation were stunning, but it’s hard to grasp, in person, this...much...magic. You must stay another day or you’ll regret it for life.
This is ugly compared to what it looks like in person.
There are still so many paths you have yet to explore, and so many pictures you have yet to take - one of which will make a striking masterpiece above the fireplace at home. Ok, it’s decided, you’ll stay another day.
One of the most scenic hikes - Paklenica National Park
Bottom line - don’t try to plan too much in too little time. Let your itinerary breathe and leave room for the unexpected, the shocking beauty, and the abundance of activities you’re sure to stumble upon along the way - like a hike in Paklenica (featured above).
Happy travels,
Sarah
If you’re interested in reading a few of our other posts about Croatia:
Happy travels,
Sarah
If you’re interested in reading a few of our other posts about Croatia:
- 38 Local Tips & Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Croatia
- Travel to Croatia With a Toddler or Baby (From Experience!)
- Tipping in Croatia: a Complete Guide With Suggested Amounts!
- Croatia Travel Itinerary for 5, 7 & 10 Days
- How I Learned to Speak Croatian as an Adult (in 7 Steps)
- Driving in Croatia (a Helpful Guide With Practical Tips)
- Zagreb’s Flea Market, Hrelic: a Helpful Guide
- Croatian Money: KN or EURO, Exchanging $, and Daily Costs
- Top 5 Croatian Travel Snacks
- 8 Reasons You Should Never Swim in the Adriatic
- Top 10 Day Trips From Zagreb, Within 1hr Drive
- 5 Reasons Croatian Grannies are Cuter than Kittens
- 9 Reasons You Should NEVER Use a Travel Agent
