Best multi activity holidays in Croatia: Rivers, Islands, Beaches & Culture

When you travel to Croatia why limit yourself to just one experience or activity? Life’s short and you may as well squeeze as much adventure into a trip as possibly. So we have pulled together some ideas for the best multi-activity holidays in Croatia that include exploring its rivers, islands, beaches and culture.

Croatia is one of our best destinations in Europe for varied activity breaks. It is a rousing land of contrasting environments, terrains and sights. You can combine the likes of biking, rafting, sailing, hiking, climbing, kayaking,  caving, kitesurfing, paddle boarding, paragliding and much more into your perfect adventure.

Best multi activity holidays in Croatia

To give you an idea of what adventure travel in Croatia offers we have chosen four destinations that offer rivers, islands, beaches and culture. Running north to south you could take them all in on a jam packed one week holiday or enjoy a more leisurely two week break.

River runs through it

The Mreznica River’s 25 square-mile basin is a treasure trove of adventure sports opportunities. Easy to moderate-level kayakers will appreciate the Class I-II upstream rapids. You’ll encounter a series of fragrant, warm-water pools, plus 93 waterfalls along its length.

The fertile explosions of foliage along the banks of the river hide a plethora of rare birds. Get the binoculars out to spot Great White Egret, Golden Eagle and Lesser Spotted Eagles plus much more.

Once you’ve had a paddle, this is also the perfect point of departure for a hike through the Plitvice Lakes National Park, the oldest in Croatia. There are 16 terraced lakes linked together by waterfalls in what has to be one of the most visually stunning places to visit during the best multi activity holidays in Croatia.

Peaks reach up to 1,640 metres offering trekking, climbing and mountaineering. While those who prefer ‘going underground’ will enjoy the numerous karstic pit-caves. Cadinka (203 metres deep) is challenging enough to warrant use of the Single Rope Technique, to descend and climb back out afterwords.

City of culture and adventure

Leave this area of Croatia and head south to Split, the second largest city in the country. From here you can explore the Dalmatia region which is rammed with culture and adventures. Chose one of great villas in the Split area as your base and head out on day trips.

Central Dalmatia is the Croatian cradle of culture, history and heritage. There are multiple UNESCO world heritage monuments at your fingertips, plus some of the oldest museums, galleries and libraries. In Split you’ll find ancient squares and forts, each with its own story. Plus it is a good place for a night out.

Canoeing, kayaking and and rafting on the Cetina River is exciting and popular. The Mosor, Dinara and Biokovo mountains are great for climbing, mountaineering, hiking, biking and much more. Plus skydiving, and paragliding in Split are possible. On the coast sailing, sea kayaking and scuba diving are worth getting involved in.

The Beach

Fancy some proper beach time with plenty of watersports? Then head to the magical western beach of Viganj for its perfect conditions. Located in the shadow of St Elias Hill the channel between Korcula and Peljesac creates windspeeds of 17 to 40 knots between two and eight every day from April to September.

It was the site of the 1989 Windsurfing World Cup and the 1990 European Championship. The town is a magnet for windsurfers, kiteboarders, paragliders and hang-gliders. There are plenty of schools offering kiteboarding and windsurfing courses in the area.

A yacht trip around the Peljesac Peninsular (on which Viganj lies) is well worth your time. You’ll pass gorgeous botanical gardens of sub-tropical flowers, attractive fishing villages such as Dol and Podac, and the cloud-touching peak of Svet Ilija (961 metres).

The Island(s)

For centuries Dubrovnik was one of the most important ports of Southern Europe. This legacy remains evident in its old city walls, elegant mansions and harbourside storehouses. It is well worth getting in a spot of culture, and nightlife, while in the city.

But it’s the nearby islands of Sipan, Lokrum and Mljet, that offer most for adventurers. There is good hiking, lots of biking opportunities, caving and watersports to try.

With its medieval monasteries, vineyards, olive gardens and pine forests, Sipan is a cyclist’s paradise with plenty of  leisurely trails. But the more committed cyclists will want to take on the mountain biking trail. Beginning at the island’s futuristic-looking radar station, it follows the ridge line down to Kalaberra Cave and then ascends to Suicide Cliff. It ends with single-track descent to the Marianas Country Club for a cold drink.

During the best multi activity holidays in Croatia you should try the two hour sea kayaking trip from the Old Port to the flora-filled island of Lokrum. You’ll get the best views of the Dubrovnik’s dazzling white city walls and, as you approach, treat yourself to a swim in a golden sandy cove.

According to Jacques Cousteau, Mljet is one of the best diving destinations in the world. While that is quite a claim, it is certainly one of the top spots in the Mediterranean. There are underwater caves, wrecks and wall dives to explore in crystal clear water with a rich marine life. There is also stunning sailing from Mljet to Lastovo and around Korcula.

We hope you found this guide to the best multi activity holidays in Croatia inspirational. If you want to book something then check out this wide range of Croatia activity holidays.