I can practically count the years that Croatia has been on my bucket list. I can’t imagine anyone who would say otherwise, with flashes of waterfalls, mountains and beautiful weather coming to mind as soon as we think about it.
Over the past few years the price of traveling to Croatia (even from the UK, despite it being inn Europe), has been rising, so when the opportunity came to go to Croatia, I took it with both hands.
My 4 day itinerary
day 1 – Tucepi riviera
I arrived at my hotel in Tucepi. It’s a small town on the Dalmatian coast around 5km from Makarska. It’s an easy bus ride to the center. The town is a beautiful little tourist destination, with lots of hotels and tourist activities but limited local interactions.
I arrived in the evening to my hotel. The first morning, when I woke up to the view, it was surreal. When i say Croatia has it all I am not joking. Tucepi is found on the Adriatic coast found nestled at the base of Mt. Biokovo, between Makarska and Podgora, has an amazing skyline, impressive by any means. On one side, mount Biokovo towers over you. It is the second highest mountain range in Croatia. The Adriatic sea, with its beautiful clear waves, is on the other side. It is never quite what you expect to see.
The city used to be a small hub of Christianity. Hence, there are a few churches scattered around the city, which afford a great hiking opportunity. The city itself is in a great spot for a base to stay. It is close to Split (roughly an hour by car) and Dubrovnik (about 2 hours). Both are doable as day trips from here, if you have a car.
Buses run regularly, as well as tours that go nearly every day from here, depending on the time of year.
There are some BEAUTIFUL hotels in Croatia, still, Tucepi does not offer too many.
I stayed in Bluesun All inclusive hotel in Tucepi. My genuine review of the hotel, is somewhat lacking. Although the location is beautiful as I mentioned, the food was lacking for an all inclusive hotel. Sadly, they only offered trips to the national parks once or twice a week. However, the transport links from here to the city were pretty good. It was also easy walking to Makarska if you had wanted to do that. The beach itself is also beautiful and the landscape is genuinely beautiful. If I was to stay again, I would not get the all inclusive option. Nonetheless, I would get bed and breakfast only.
Day 2 In OMIS
I was unlucky with the weather when I got here. The UK has about 10 different weather conditions. I genuinely thought I had escaped this. But, this was unfortunately not the case. The first two days after arriving consisted of both sunshine and torrential rainfall. It almost boasted of a monsoon season not often seen in Europe, particularly in early June. So sadly, my tour booked for that day was rescheduled. I found myself with a bit more time than I had expected. However, this meant it was the ideal time to explore the country. Omis is a nearby city. It was only an hour by bus. The city not only had lots of adventurous activities but also a lot of history. There was enough to keep me engulfed for the whole day.
Omis, known once to be the city of pirates, shrouded in mystery, crime and its own independent region when the pirate trade was strong. Although known as a legitimate career at the time, it was probably best to get there via bus or coach, instead of the traditional pirate ships, though I’m sure Blackbeard would have been disappointed in me.
The coaches to Omis departed from Makarska regularly, but for those who want to check the best way, as I always find that google maps doesn’t always work, I found the Rome to Rio app very helpful.
This managed to direct me very helpfully to Omis. FOr those who don’t drive, trust me on this, the drive is insanely stunning. The roads all curve around the Adriatic sea, and so every twist and turn is against the backdrop of magnificent blue, and with a good playlist in your ears, its easy to get lost in the scenery.
- Cetina River
The cetina river runs from the village of cetina, and runs roughly 100km to its opening in Omis into the Adriatic Sea. It is also known as the Eye of the Earth, named because the source at Cetina is said to be shaped like an eye with wondrous shades of blue.
The river itself opens up into a gorge, in Omis. This can be seen via a little boat trip, which I cannot recommend enough. Although I cannot vouch for the shades of blue here, I can easily see the shades of green. It was hard to take my eyes off them. This culminates in a beautiful waterfall, and worth going to see especially on a day trip!
2. St. Micheal’s square
The square itself has lots of restaurants and little shops for everyone to see. One of my favorite restaurants was found here. The food along the Dalmatian coast is mainly Italian from what I found. Although you would find a mix of all types of food, they make fresh pasta. I had the most delicious seafood pasta here. There are so many restaurants to try, with everyone so lovely and kind, the atmosphere is amazing.
3. adventure adventure adventure
- there are lots of activities to do, ziplining, hiking, water rafting, which can be done if planned well.
- a recommendation is to be aware of the weather changing, which may effect your plans. My ziplining adventure was sadly delayed to the point of cancellation. The rain caused the delay. However, this does not often happen.
Day 3– day trip to Hvar island
What trip is complete without at least one trip on a boat, with your swimming cozzy on and feeling the sun and water around you. The best way to do this is via a tour in Makarska. There are so many available out there. However, the one that I went on was through Get your guide. I’ll link this below.
I have always found this the best way to see new spots, especially when you are not the person to want to stay in hostels, and therefore meeting people can be hard!
ON every tour I have been on as a solo traveler, it is so much easier to meet new people, and generally have people to hang out with when you’re there.
Enjoy a sunset on Biokovo skywalk
To finish the day off, I cannot recommend going up for an evening sunset tour to Mount Biokovo.
People do drive up here by themselves, however, I would be careful when doing this, as the roads are very windy, but clear and not requiring more than a small car. I went on a tuk tuk tour up there, and we had a lovely guide with us, who explained the lovely history behind the national park.
There are many hiking trails that come up here, as the land is now mainly farmland, or used for educational purposes. The view is worth the visit!
The skywalk is located roughly 1200m above sea level, is a horseshoe glass platform on the mountain itself, allowing breathtaking views of Tucepi.
the tour itself was only 2.5 hours, and worth the trip to see the majestic sunset over the sea. If only my camera could capture this!
https://www.getyourguide.com/makarska-l1331/makarska-biokovo-sunset-tour-by-tuk-tuk-t459745/
day 4– Krka national park and Sebinik
Just close your eyes for a minute, imagine a land filled with wooden bridges over running rivers, fish swimming through serenely, dragonflies and butterflies flying around you as you walk through this land, and as you get to the end of the bridge, you are greeted by a magnificent waterfall. Does it feel like Neverland? Harry Potter’s Forbidden Forest?
This is just a glimpse of the breathtaking views of Krka National Park. I think anyone who has ever been to Croatia would tell you that one of the things that separates it from other countries in Europe is the beautiful national parks that it boasts. Krka National Park is one of the eight national parks in Croatia, and easily one of the top three to visit.
The park is located in the Sibenik- Knin County, near the city of Sibenik, the park is 109sq km of lush greenery, waterfalls and wildlife. To put this into perspective, that is almost the size of Manchester (UK), which needs to be kept in mind when planning a visit here.
There are many ways to get
The park has 5 main entrances with shuttle buses to each different part of the park, and even boat trips for those interested!
Highlights of the park
- Skradinski Buk
This is the waterfall that easily comes to mind when you first think of Croatia, and one of the most famous attractions of Krka National park. It is characterized by breathtaking cascades and greenery. The wooden bridge that leads to the fall allows us to get incredibly close to the waterfall, and means you can truly feel like you’re in another world.
2. Roški Slap
Another gem within Krka National Park is RoÅ¡ki Slap, a less crowded, yet equally stunning waterfall. Here, you can appreciate nature’s beauty from several viewpoints and even take a refreshing swim nearby. The area features small islands, crystal-clear pools, and scenic walking paths that make for an unforgettable experience.
3. Ethnologic Museum
Take a break from the natural scenery and visit the Ethnologic Museum near Skradinski Buk. This museum offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the region, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that reflect the cultural heritage of the local people.
Sibenik Town
Sebenik Town: A Hidden Gem in Croatia
Sibenik is a stunning coastal town located in the heart of Dalmatia, known for its rich history, breathtaking architecture, and vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere. Nestled between the Krka River and the Adriatic Sea, Sibenik serves as a gateway to some of Croatia’s most beautiful national parks and islands, making it an essential stop on any Croatian itinerary.
Sibenik boasts a rich history that dates back to the 11th century, making it one of the oldest towns in Croatia. Its historical significance is highlighted by the UNESCO World Heritage-listed St. James Cathedral, a stunning masterpiece of Renaissance architecture that draws visitors from around the globe. The cathedral, constructed from local stone, showcases intricate sculptures and beautiful stained glass, reflecting the impressive artistry of the time.
Attractions to Explore
- St. Nicholas Fortress: Located at the entrance of the Sibenik harbor, this fortress played a vital role in defending the city against invasions. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into the town’s military history, along with panoramic views of the sea and surrounding coastline.
- Sibenik’s Old Town: Wandering through the narrow, winding streets of Sibenik’s Old Town is an experience in itself. With its charming stone houses, local shops, and cozy cafes, the atmosphere is perfect for leisurely strolls and discovering local gems.
Local Cuisine
Sibenik is not just known for its sights; it also offers a delightful culinary scene. Visitors can enjoy traditional Dalmatian cuisine, characterized by fresh seafood, Mediterranean herbs, and local wines. Make sure to try the famous black risotto, as well as fresh grilled fish sourced from the Adriatic Sea, paired with a glass of Žlahtina, a local white wine.
So can you do Croatia in such little time?
Well, I think you can cover a lot in a short space of time, and see so much in this time without a car! it is totally doable. However, it does require a lot of planning. There are so many sights I wish I could have seen in Krka, but just as with any country you go to, a good experience will bring you back for more. SO stay tuned, as I’m sure my travels will bring me back… the wish to see at least Plitvice national park, Dubrovnik (oh, how game of thrones calls me) and so much more!
Two Medics And A Camera 