A Backpacker’s Guide [Hostels, Route, Island Hopping] • Indie Traveller

Croatia is certainly one of Europe’s most enjoyable backpacking locations, providing a mixture of cultural and historic highlights with loads of enjoyable within the solar.

Beware: the coast does get crowded in summer season, particularly August. Luckily, Croatia hasn’t seen the form of large-scale vacationer improvement that has ruined different Mediterranean coastlines (akin to in Spain), so whereas it may be busy in summer season it’s additionally very charming.

If you like cute Medieval cities, stunning islands and waterfalls, and historic cities, then Croatia will likely be simply your jam.

Why go backpacking Croatia?

There are a number of key causes to go backpacking in Croatia:

• Venetian and Roman-era historic sights. Once the center of the Ragusan republic, the Dalmatian coast is dotted with outdated forts, monasteries, church buildings, and metropolis partitions. Well-preserved Roman ruins could be present in Split and Pula.
• Beaches & island hopping. Croatia is a perfect summer season vacation spot with heat Mediterranean waters, nice pebble seashores, and probably the greatest areas in Europe for island hopping excursions.
• National parks & waterfalls. Don’t miss Plitvice, certainly one of Europe’s most stunning waterfalls, although Krka has rather a lot going for it as nicely.
• Great journey circuit. Lots of enjoyable backpacker hostels and straightforward transportation hyperlinks make winding down the coast a breeze.
• Music festivals. Croatia has made a reputation for itself with quite a few (principally digital) music festivals

If you’re from Europe, it’s a no brainer to journey in Croatia no less than as soon as. Cheap price range flights go to Split, Dubrovnik, and (to a lesser extent) Zagreb from everywhere in the continent.

If you’re from additional away, then Croatia makes for a extra authentic southern European vacation spot than the same old Italy or France.

What are the hostels like?

If you’re a backpacker who likes to remain in hostels then you definitely’ll be spoiled for alternative in Croatia.

The vibe within the hostels is simply as anyplace in Europe, although in Croatia you’ll typically have a mixture of ‘traveller’ sorts and people who find themselves on a vacation to a selected place on the coast.

For instance, within the seaside metropolis of Split, I’ve discovered the hostels to have many company carrying backpacks who’re travelling by Croatia but additionally fairly a number of with rolling baggage who’re there on a seashore vacation and who’re solely staying in Split.

(If you need solely pure backpacking vibes, think about backpacking in Bosnia or backpacking in Albania.)

Some hostels in Croatia are a bit like celebration hostels in the summertime; test descriptions to ensure the hostels have the ambiance you favor.

You can discover some particular recommendations for hostels in Split and hostels in Dubrovnik in their very own posts, plus a few of my private favorites beneath.

Best time to go to Croatia

Croatia is vastly seasonal. As I shortly found when travelling in Croatia in March, the coast could be just about 100% lifeless within the winter and is simply barely returning to life even in early-to-mid spring.

Unlike another nations, I’d not suggest travelling within the low season in Croatia, no less than in case you’re going to the coast. Apart from the capital and the hinterlands, it’ll be a little bit of a ghost city throughout this time of yr.

In the August excessive season, it turns into a madhouse with vacationers concentrated particularly in Split and Dubrovnik, so this era has its personal disadvantages.

Arguably the very best time to go to is September. The waters will nonetheless be heat however the loopy August crowds have dissipated by now. The second greatest time to go to is late spring in May or June.

Croatia backpacking map

Croatia is blessed with a 2000km lengthy rocky shoreline with a great deal of coves and islands, in addition to a number of Venetian-era historic cities alongside the Mediterranean.

While less-visited, I additionally preferred what I noticed of the nation inland. The extra Central European really feel makes these elements much less glamorous in a way, however not any much less fascinating. If you want travelling for the journey and to get an entire image of Croatia, it’s price together with a number of the inside.

The map beneath exhibits you a number of the key locations to go to in Croatia:

Places to go to in Croatia

I’ve had the pleasure of touring in Croatia not simply as soon as however thrice. The following are my notes on a number of the highlights in Croatia, overlaying them in roughly a south-to-north order.

As for the most well-liked backpacking locations in Croatia, I discover that Zadar at all times will get nice evaluations, and the island of Hvar is one other backpacker favourite. You may wish to give an additional night time or two in these locations.

Dubrovnik

The outdated metropolis of Dubrovnik was as soon as a maritime city-state with a wealth and affect rivalling that of Venice. Today, with its nonetheless intact Medieval metropolis partitions and its many church buildings, monasteries and palaces, it’s fairly presumably essentially the most picturesque place in Croatia.

While Dubrovnik may be very fascinating I additionally wish to warn you: it may be murderously costly.

It’s additionally insanely busy in the summertime, particularly in July and August. Many travellers arrive in Dubrovnik with sky-high expectations earlier than getting slapped by the crowds and excessive costs.

Go within the low season in case you can. I’ve been in Dubrovnik each in early spring and in mid-August and the distinction was enormous. You may discover Dubrovnik considerably tedious and aggravating in season or very nice exterior of it.

The metropolis is clearly of main historic curiosity. Known within the Middle Ages as Ragusa, it functioned as a key hub for commerce from the East, first underneath Venetian vassalage and later as an unbiased maritime republic.

At a minimal, be sure you stroll the traditional outer partitions and go to the world’s oldest working pharmacy on the Franciscan Monastery. A Dubrovnik Card gives you entrance to 9 main cultural-historical points of interest.

The excellent spot to observe the sundown over the shimmering azure sea is the marginally hidden Buza Bar [map], on the southern fringe of the Old City simply exterior its partitions.

Dubrovnik’s maze of little aspect streets can be enjoyable to discover, although don’t anticipate any grand discoveries right here aside from perhaps some stray cats and some extra vacationer eating places. Consider a strolling tour by the Old Town to realize a significantly better appreciation past simply seeing the outdated facades.

The metropolis is used commonly for location shoots for TV exhibits and flicks, most famously starring as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones.

Strangely, not even a single enterprising Croatian has considered capitalizing on town’s affiliation with this as soon as wildly well-liked TV present, so it’s all as much as you to seek out a number of the acquainted places.

I’m joking… there are Game of Thrones excursions freaking in every single place! They’re good enjoyable in case you’re a fan, even when the final season was such a letdown. This final Game of Thrones tour is by far the most well-liked and best-reviewed and can take you to all essentially the most well-known websites.

I truly as soon as occurred to go to Dubrovnik throughout the capturing of scenes for Star Wars: The Last Jedi and ended up having drinks with a number of the digicam crew and costume designers. Definitely not one thing I had anticipated!

Of course, Dubrovnik doesn’t want its popular culture fame to captivate you, as it’s stunning and fascinating in its personal proper.

A cable automotive [map] can take you up Mount Srđ, from the place you’ll have an outstanding view of the orange-roofed metropolis. Hiking up there may be additionally good, although the hills are totally uncovered so the warmth could be intense on a summer season day.

Next to the cable automotive station, you’ll discover a fortress and the Museum of Croatian War of Independence, which is extremely informative concerning the battle of 1991 and nicely price a go to.

By the way in which, my favourite hostel is unquestionably Dubrovnik Backpackers Club. It’s fairly exterior the outdated city however has an actual traveler vibe. For a extra fashionable hostel within the outdated city, try Hostel Angelina.

Budget journey tip for Dubrovnik: lodging costs skyrocket within the excessive season. In August, even a lowly hostel dorm mattress within the suburbs will price round 40 to 60 euro an evening (up from round 10 Euros in off-season). An fascinating cost-saving tactic is to remain in tremendous low-cost Trebinje, simply throughout the border in Bosnia, and take a day journey to Dubrovnik.

You might keep in Dubrovnik for a number of nights (I did this within the low season), although the consensus amongst travellers appears to be that one full day in Dubrovnik is sufficient to see the most important sights.

Hvar

The very first thing I observed about Hvar was the handfuls of superyachts docked within the harbor, a few of them even guarded by non-public safety. It made me really feel like I had arrived in some jetsettey place like Saint Tropez.

It seems Hvar is in actual fact a preferred port of name for the wealthy who come right here to see and be seen. The island city is thought for its nightlife, a few of it expectedly well-heeled.

But regardless of the presence of some millionaires, Hvar doesn’t require you to be one. Many eating places serve nice seafood at a still-reasonable value and the nightlife can mainly be as high- or as low-brow as you need.

Hvar is somewhat flashy however nonetheless somewhat cute as nicely. The wealthy principally hand around in their luxurious resorts and unique non-public coves, leaving the city itself to a extra numerous combine of holiday makers.

It’s price climbing as much as the fortifications above the city, and Hvar can be an excellent base from which to take day journeys to smaller surrounding islands.

Korčula

As essentially the most populated island within the Adriatic, Korčula has loads of amenities for actions like biking, kayaking, snorkelling, wine-tasting excursions, and extra.

Cute Korčula Town is unquestionably price a stroll. I additionally visited a home that was claimed to be the birthplace of famed explorer Marco Polo, although inside it was simply an empty home with none form of perception or data. I later discovered it’s extraordinarily uncertain Marco Polo ever lived right here not to mention set foot inside. I’d give this so-called Marco Polo home a tough move…

Sadly, there isn’t far more I bought to see in Korčula as I made a short cease right here on my island hopping cruise. I’d have preferred to discover the inside of the island as nicely!

Split

Hmmm, nicely, I’m somewhat break up on Split.

It is very fairly with its palm-lined boulevard alongside the harbor and its small historic centre constructed across the stays of a Roman palace.

Standing surrounded by the Diocletian’s Palace’s remarkably intact Roman arches provides you actual sense of historical historical past. It’s price springing for a information right here to present you some historic context and tales that may convey the place to life.

I like to recommend this particular 1.5 hour strolling tour in Split which gives you a number of insights you gained’t in any other case get in case you discover by yourself.

While it’s a fascinating place, the sights in Split could be seen in simply a day, after which I truthfully was left wanting extra. As quickly as you allow the harbor enclave, you understand it’s a not too terribly fascinating metropolis for essentially the most half.

I visited when there was a music pageant going down which made me lengthen my keep by one other day, however I could not have achieved this in any other case.

If you’re for need of a purpose, I can suggest going to the pine forest peninsula of Park Šuma Marjan [map] and climbing its hill for some nice views of the bay.

While I preferred Split fairly a bit (hey, that rhymes!), there have been different locations I preferred much more. Still, it’s a key journey hub (with its personal airport) and may make for an excellent launching level for journeys to Hvar and Krka National Park. Staying no less than an evening or two is price it.

I’ve visited Split on three totally different Croatia journeys. My favourite hostel is the Gravitas Hostel which is simply off the outdated city streets within the middle. You can test availability for Gravitas Hostel at Hostelworld.

Šibenik

It doesn’t function in lots of itineraries, however I got here throughout Sibenik whereas street tripping alongside the coast of Croatia. Located proper between Split and Zadar, it’s an excellent place to remain the night time.

It’s cute, not so crowded, and conveniently positioned close to Krka National Park. I feel it’s a beautiful different to a number of the extra well-known cities, and I extremely suggest a keep there in case you’re into locations that is probably not within the typical prime 5 however have their very own understated charms.

You’ll discover a ravishing UNESCO-listed cathedral, some remaining metropolis partitions from the Venetian period, in addition to two hilltop forts from the place you get an excellent view of Šibenik and its bay. There are additionally half a dozen good pebble seashores within the surrounding space.

Krka National Park

The waterfalls at Plitvice are Croatia’s most well-known, however I feel the smaller ones at Krka are equally price a go to.

From the great city of Skradin it’s about an hour’s hike alongside the river to the waterfalls. In season you may also take a shuttle boat up the river, and a few non-public yachts are available in right here from the Mediterranean in summer season as nicely.

Eventually you’ll get to Skradinski Buk, a large cascade of small lakes and waterfalls, and with quite a lot of paths snaking by the world. You are allowed to take a swim within the decrease lake.

You can hike additional onwards to Visovac lake, which options an island monastery. Getting there by foot can take a number of hours, however those that don’t like strolling may also take a shuttle boat through the river.

Zadar

Zadar shouldn’t be as huge as Split or Dubrovnik, however I feel it’s a beautiful place simply to be for some time. You’ll discover the historic primary city on somewhat peninsula bounded by Venetian metropolis partitions, and it’s sufficiently small to cowl simply by foot.

It’s a favorite amongst backpackers as Zadar has loads of appeal and isn’t as hectic or costly as Dubrovnik. You can stroll the atmospheric outdated streets, have a drink on the river entrance, and luxuriate in some good seafood.

Besides a slew of cathedrals and Venetian-era buildings, a really fascinating factor to see is the Sea Organ. Built in 2005, it’s mainly a set of steps alongside the seafront the place strategically positioned holes create a continuously altering melody from the waves flowing into them. It’s a beautiful place to observe the sundown.

A sight I don’t suggest is the native hospital, the place I needed to take my journey buddy after he drunkenly tried to make spaghetti on the hostel and slammed his palm flat-out onto the range to ‘check if it’s scorching’. The workers understandably couldn’t cover their amusement at these fool vacationers, although they did deal with my good friend’s burns very nicely. On second thought, I give the native hospital in Zadar 5 stars.

Several seashores close by present some alternatives to loosen up, and I assume they’re additionally an excellent place to move the time whereas your burn wounds are therapeutic.

Zadar may not have so many points of interest (on paper no less than), however I feel this humble metropolis is a good place to remain, and presumably my favourite of Croatia’s main coastal cities.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Chances are, you’ve already seen Plitvice. Maybe not in particular person, however I guess you’ve seen it move by on Pinterest or Instagram. The waterfalls are tremendous photogenic and, I feel, deserving of the hype.

Paths and a few little boardwalks take you alongside all of the moss- and fern-covered cascades. You may also stroll up the hills for some overview pictures of the waterfalls.

The azure waters are crystal clear and simply jogged my memory of some tropical waterfalls I’ve seen in Asia or South America.

The park isn’t close to any cities so it wants a devoted day journey. There are a number of primary guesthouses and lodges that allow you to keep in a single day within the park, however most individuals simply go to Plitvice and return. Because it’s not close to a metropolis or city, it’s price reserving a guided tour with transportation from Split.

By the way in which, because it’s a protected space you possibly can’t swim within the waters. For that, you must go to Krka.

Karlovac

Most folks go to Croatia to see Instagram-worthy historic cities alongside the Mediterranean coast, not an unassuming city within the mainland. Away from the attract of Venetian historical past, Karlovac locations you in a decidedly lumpier Eastern Europe.

And but chances are you’ll discover it price stopping right here in case you’re not solely targeted on a sun-and-sea vacation.

In Karlovac, you’ll get to see a unique slice of Croatia, as it’s a place and not using a main tourism trade the place you possibly can extra simply rub shoulders with the locals. The metropolis itself shouldn’t be at all times the prettiest in a superficial sense, nevertheless it’s low-cost and surrounded by some less-known points of interest, forest trails, and a number of rivers inviting kayaking and swimming excursions.

I wasn’t actually gorging on grilled seafood in Karlovac, because it’s primarily sausage-and-mash sort meals right here as a substitute. I additionally wasn’t having drinks in fashionable cocktails bars, simply having a pint in an 80ies rock bar the place I met some guys who have been hitchhiking throughout Europe. I preferred it rather a lot in a down-to-Earth method and for the distinction it supplied to the coast.

I extremely suggest staying in Hostel Na Putu in Karlovac, which is run by a neighborhood couple and which has a real backpacker ambiance. They do an excellent job telling you about all of the issues to do in Karlovac as nicely. You can test Hostel Na Putu on Hostelworld right here.

Island hopping in Croatia

The southern Dalmatian islands are among the many hottest locations to go to in Croatia and many individuals go on an island hopping tour right here. A typical itinerary takes you from Split to Dubrovnik through Brač, Hvar and Korčula, with often a number of totally different smaller stops throw in as nicely.

To see the islands you could have primarily two selections: do-it-yourself by taking catamaran ferries to a number of the largest islands, or taking an organized 1-week mini cruise. Numerous corporations run island hopping cruises utilizing motorized yachts, and so they’re a enjoyable approach to have a lazy summer season vacation across the Adriatic coast.

The benefits of a cruise are that you just’ll sleep on the boat, see a number of the primary islands plus often some tiny ones (not serviced by ferries), and you’ll soar into the Mediterranean waters out of your boat every single day.

I did a Croatian mini cruise a bunch of years in the past once I was somewhat youthful. It was excellent for some unpretentious enjoyable within the solar. If you e-book by well-liked operators like Top Deck, Busabout or Contiki, know that you just’ll mainly be placed on a backpacker booze cruise. If you don’t thoughts a little bit of partying, you’ll absolutely get pleasure from it!

One draw back to the cruises is that you just’ll spend solely a short time in every place. Don’t e-book the cheaper decrease quarters except you wish to sleep subsequent to a operating engine.

Where to go after Croatia

If your journey shouldn’t be restricted to solely Croatia, then there are some wonderful different locations close by which can be extremely price testing.

Being so near the border of Bosnia, a visit into this neighboring nation is nicely well worth the minor effort of getting there. Visiting the Medieval city of Mostar from both Split or Dubrovnik barely provides any journey time and will likely be extremely rewarding.

I additionally love the laidback and off-the-beaten-path city of Trebinje, simply over the border in Bosnia from Dubrovnik. (If you assume Dubrovnik is just too costly, think about staying in Trebinje and go to on a day journey.)

You can learn extra about backpacking Bosnia in my different information. By the way in which, the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo is certainly one of my favorites in the entire area and is pretty simply reached from southern Croatia.

Just somewhat past Dubrovnik additionally lies Montenegro with its gorgeous Bay of Kotor. It’s an epic place and takes simply 2 ½ hours by bus from Dubrovnik.

Are you planning a visit by your entire Balkans, the area of southeastern Europe that Croatia is part of? Then don’t miss my suggestions for backpacking the Balkans.