Adventure travel is alive and well in Croatia. Between its coastline, its eight national parks, underwater life, mountainous interior rivers and forests, Croatia offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Active travellers have a whole menu of choices to keep busy, fit and healthy.

Here are some great activities in Croatia:

Bicycling in Croatia

While you can rent a bike and ride anywhere in Croatia, Istria stands out as the top destination for cycling. Local tourist boards have strongly supported this activity, providing plenty of maps, brochures, and recommended routes. Whether you're tackling the rugged hills of northern Istria or enjoying a leisurely ride around Zlatni Rt park in Rovinj, there are options for cyclists of all levels. You can opt for a full-day tour along the Parenzana trail or cycle around Kamenjak near Pula, with the chance to combine your ride with a wine-tasting experience, among other choices.

Bike rental shops are becoming more common, especially in popular tourist areas, but it's best to check with the local tourist office for availability. Otherwise, try BikesBooking.com which has bikes, scooters and motorbikes available for rental in Dubrovnik, Pula, Trogir, Korcula, Split, Zagreb, Zadar and other locations throughout Croatia.

If you don’t bring your own bike, joining a guided cycling tour can be a great option—bikes are provided, and expert guides ensure a hassle-free experience while covering the best sights.

Before setting off, review the policies for bringing bicycles on ferries and catamarans in Croatia. Generally, bikes are allowed on all car ferries but on passenger ferries, it varies according to the company. Also, make sure your medical insurance covers cycling-related activities!

See more about cycling in Croatia

Diving in Croatia

Croatia's underwater wonders range from shipwrecks and coral reefs to hidden caves and thriving marine life. The country's top dive sites are often in deeper waters, so beginners should choose wisely. The shallowest areas, around the Istrian coast, reach depths of approximately 50 meters, while the sea deepens as you head south. The deepest point, near Jabuka Island, 70 km northwest of Vis, plunges to an impressive 1,300 meters.

The diving season in Croatia lasts from May to November, with September and October offering warm waters and fewer crowds. Winter diving is less appealing due to rough seas and colder temperatures.

In summer, surface water temperatures range from 22 to 25 degrees celsius but drop to around 19 below 12 meters. Even in the warm months, most divers prefer a wetsuit. In winter, the water cools significantly, reaching just 11 at the surface.

Croatian waters experience minimal tides and little surge, but wave heights typically range from 0.5 to 1.5 meters and can reach up to 5 meters. While currents are generally weak, divers should take extra care in channels and passages between islands. Check out the top 10 dives in Croatia

Hiking in Croatia

Croatia's stunning landscapes, filled with national and nature parks, offer hiking opportunities for everyone—from casual walkers to seasoned alpinists. With a strong outdoor culture, Croatians take pride in their well-maintained and popular trails. The country’s main mountain range, the Dinaric Alps, runs parallel to the coast, making it easy to blend hiking adventures with a beach getaway. The highest peak in the range reaches 1,831 meters.

The Velebit range dominates central Croatia, offering some of the country's most spectacular hiking. The standout trek is the Premuzic Trail, a 50 km route that follows a ridge at an average altitude of 1,000 meters. Stretching from Zavižan through the central Velebit range to the Baske Ostarije pass, it rewards hikers with breathtaking coastal views. Check out Croatia's top hiking spots.

Kayaking and Rafting in Croatia

Between an interior netted with rivers and an endless coastline, Croatia is a kayaker's delight. The best time for river kayaking and rafting is in spring and early summer when water levels are highest, offering rapids ranging from Class III to IV. The four rivers of Karlovac are renowed throughout Europe for excellent kayaking. Along the coast, the Cetina river is the most popular kayaking spot.

For sea kayaking, summer provides the most enjoyable conditions, but paddlers should be mindful of the midday maestral winds, the chilly northern bura, and the strong southeastern jugo winds. Check out my recommendations for kayaking in Croatia and rafting in Croatia.

Windsurfing in Croatia

Windsurfing in Croatia has grown alongside the booming sailing scene, thanks to the steady coastal winds that create ideal conditions. Over the past 20 years, the sport has gained widespread popularity, with top windsurfing spots stretching from Istria in the north to Dalmatia in the south. Many of these locations offer windsurfing schools, making it easy for beginners to take a course and get started on the waves.

Viganj, on the west coast of the Peljesac Peninsula, is the premier windsurfing destination in Croatia, thanks to the steady Maestral winds that sweep through on summer afternoons. This ideal wind pattern has made Viganj a top spot for windsurfing competitions. Meanwhile, non-windsurfers can unwind on one of Peljesac's best beaches. Other fantastic windsurfing locations include Bol on Brac Island and Kamenjak Beach in Istria. See more about windsurfing in Croatia.

Rock Climbing in Croatia

The highly porous karst of Croatia's mountains makes for excellent rock climbing. Serious climbers head to Paklenica National Park. There are nearly 400 routes to climb in Paklenica suitable for everyone from beginners to seasoned climbers. The most famous is the 350m-high cliff face known as Anica kuk. Marjan Park in Split, Zlatni Rt in Rovinj, Baska on Krk Island and Biokovo Park outside Makarska are other popular spots.

Need more? Check out the top outdoors destinations in Croatia.

Travel Insurance

No matter which outdoor activity you engage in, I highly recommend that you purchase a travel insurance policy. You'll get the best possible deal by going through Travelex The policies are flexible and can be purchased or upgraded at any point in your trip. Prices are highly competitive and coverage includes 24-hour emergency assistance, trip cancellation, theft, full medical reimbursement and an option for coverage of a wide range of adventure sports. There are also a number of extras such as travel alerts, language guides and on online travel journal.

More Travel Ideas
Children	Shopping
Cuisine	Skiing
Fishing	Solo travel
Gay travel	Spas
Golf	Wine

Recommended Experiences