Croatia attracts millions of visitors every year for good reason; the country is bursting with popular sights. But fortunately, there are plenty of hidden treasures to discover as well. Travel off the beaten path and get to know unspoiled nature, idyllic islands, charming villages and traditions of the country. Explore the beautiful mountain village of Motovun, dive into the rugged beauty of Paklenica National Park, enjoy traditional seafood on the historic island of Vis, discover the untouched wilderness of Dinara Nature Park or unwind on car-free Silba. Ready to be surprised by these hidden Croatian gems?
The most beautiful mountain village of Paklenica National Park: a paradise for hikers and climbers
Hiking enthusiasts are in the right place in Paklenica National Park, located some 45 minutes from Zadar. Expect rugged gorges, limestone peaks and spectacular views. The park was established in 1949 and is 95 square kilometers in size. The park includes the Velika Paklenica canyon and the highest peaks Vaganski vrh (1757 m) and Sveto brdo (1753 m). Especially mountaineers can reach highlights here, as the park has about 400 marked climbing routes. There is also a lot of hiking and special mountain bike trails to explore the area.
Beautiful Motovun
Motovun is located in northern Istria and is one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Croatia. The medieval village has just over 500 inhabitants and is situated on a hill some 277m above sea level. Motovun can be recognized by its historic city wall. Stroll through the beautiful city gates and settle down at one of the nice terraces for a magical view. Motovun is known for its truffles, which have been found for years in the wooded surroundings. So don’t forget to order a dish with truffles during your visit!
Traditional seafood, history and beautiful sunsets on Fish
Croatia has more than 1150 islands and Vis is one of them. Here you won’t find mass tourism, but authentic Croatian culture. From Split it is about 2.5 hours by boat to this beautiful island with blue waters and pearly white beaches. The island has a long maritime history and fishing was the main industry there for a long time. Take a bike tour of the island, book a wine tasting, plan a pit stop in the old fishing village of Komiža and taste the traditional Dalmatian fish dish Brudet. In the mood for history? Visit Tito’s Cave, where Yugoslav leader Josip Tito hid in the caves. For the best sunsets, head to beautiful Fort George!
A pristine wilderness experience at Dinara Park
In Dinara Nature Park, conservation of authentic nature is paramount. Think rich geological diversity and wild flora and fauna! Covering nearly 63,000 hectares, Dinara Nature Park is located in the Dinaric Alps in Croatia, near the border of Bosnia. From Split, it is over a 2-hour drive. The park was established on February 5, 2021 and is therefore still very new. From swamps, rocks, forests and even caves, the Dinara park keeps surprising you and is ideal for experienced hikers and nature lovers.
Come to rest on car-free Silba and climb the ‘tower of love’
Car-free streets, quaint villages and crystal clear blue waters. Silba is perfect for travelers looking for peace and simplicity. Silba is a car-free island and belongs to the North Dalmatian archipelago. About 600 people live on this small island and goods are transported by tractor. The easiest way to reach this hidden gem is by boat from Zadar, which is about an hour and a half boat ride away. Order fresh fish in the local taverns or enjoy the sun on the idyllic beaches with azure waters. You should not leave the island without visiting the “tower of love,” also known as the Marinić tower. This tower was built in 1872 as a symbol of love and fidelity. From the spiral staircase you have a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea!
