I recently came back from a two-week vacation in Croatia and it was truly one of the best, if not the best, trips I've ever been on. This country is the perfect mix of history, old European culture, and relaxing days by the ocean. The best way I can describe it is as a blend of Italy and Hawaii. Some experiences in Croatia were particularly memorable, and ones that I would recommend to anyone.
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park
This was by far my favorite attraction in the entirety of the trip. Often referred to as "The Yosemite of Croatia," the Plitvice Lakes are a natural monument filled with different lakes and trails, countless waterfalls, and luscious plants. 16 lakes can be seen from the surface, and they are all connected by the same water flow. Depending on which path you decide to take, this can amount to a 6-hour hike.
2. Swimming on the Island of Stupa
Stupa is a small island off of the town of Korcula. Not many people live there, and the only way to get to this destination is by boat. Luckily, it is easily accessible and is only a fifteen-minute ride from Korcula. Stupa is a pebble beach with clear turquoise water. No matter the depth, you can see perfectly beneath the surface.
3. The Dubrovnik Wall and Tour of the City
Dubrovnik is possibly the most known town in all of Croatia, as the filming for "Game of Thrones" takes place here. This is a classic old European city filled with stone buildings, old churches, an aqueduct system, and streets in a grid pattern. Dubrovnik is filled with old and recent history, as much of the city was destroyed in the Croatian War of Independence of 1991. All of the houses that were affected by the destruction were rebuilt with a different color of tile, so it is easy to differentiate the old buildings from the new ones. Additionally, surrounding the old town is a massive wall and fortress that protected the city from the Roman Empire.
4. Motovun
Motovun is an old sleepy town that rests on top of a mountain. While this town isn't that active, it offers one of the best views I have ever seen of the Croatian countryside. The surrounding area is filled with greenery, making this town look picturesque. Truffles are the specialty of this town, and they are served at many of the restaurants there.
5. Skocjan Caves in Slovenia
While this is about a two-hour drive from Croatia, it is an incredible attraction. This guided tour takes you on a two-mile trip through one of the largest underground canyons in the world. The caves were formed by a waterfall and river thousands of years ago and are known as one of the natural treasures of this planet. The cave is filled with limestone, and at some points, it is 150 meters high.
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