Beautiful towns, sunny beaches and historical sites – all well and good, but Croatia has much more to offer than just a relaxed summer vacation. For those who seek the perfect adventure, Croatia provides many outdoor activities that will provide the ultimate adrenaline kick during any season of the year. The extraordinary green landscapes, crystal clear waters and high mountains are home to a variety of sport activities – not to be missed if you like to feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins. 

Zip-lining in Omis

In Omiš you have the opportunity to increase the level of thrill even more and go zip-lining. Hanging 150 meters above the canyon off a steel wire and reaching a speed up to 65 kilometres per hour must be the ultimate kick. Furthermore Omiš is just 25 kilometres south-east of Split. The incomparable view of the Canyon of Cetina River paired with the excitement of flying through the air for a total of 2,100 metres, is clearly an adventure which you will never forget.  

For those who want more of an adrenaline rush there is Biokovo in the north of Croatia as well as Motovun in Istria, which offers you a paragliding experience you won’t forget. Gliding through the air after climbing up the mountain really feels like freedom. From up there you can not only see the beautiful flora but also admire the view of the nearby coastline with its picturesque villages.  

A unique paragliding experience

Whether you want the rush of high speed or just want to admire the beautiful view – Croatia is best seen from high above. 

While you’re in in the capital of Croatia you should definitely hop on a balloon and see Zagreb from a different perspective. Drift over the lovely scenery and enjoy the view or just take a break from the vibrant city life and fly over the hills of Zagorje. Time your ride for the sun rise in the morning hours or sun set in the evening, this marvellous view is worth a look.

Ain’t no waters wild enough!

Kayaking is splendid for those who want to access unreachable spots. Specialist agencies across the Adriatic coast organise half-day, full-day, and even multi-day expeditions with canoes. 

Mreznica River is ideal for an adventurous kayaking experience and gives you the perfect balance of physical activity and beautiful nature. Mreznica is one of Croatia’s most charming rivers and home to many exceptional plants and animals.

Clear water and numerous travertine waterfalls interspersed with calm water make it the perfect spot for kayaking and canoeing. 

Also the surroundings of Dubrovnik and the Elaphite Islands make a great spot for kayaking. Starting from Lokrum or Dubrovnik you can easily head to the islet of Koločep which is known for its pebble beaches. After this you can visit Lopud with its chapels and monasteries from the 16th century and Šipan which was once a favourite destination of Dubrovnik’s aristocracy.

Other good locations include the southern slopes of the island Hvar with its steep cliffs and untouched nature, the surroundings of Split with the possibility to see the city sights from the sea, the Kornati Islands with its archipelago of 147 small islands and rocks and the waters of the river Krka, Lake Prokljan and Zrmanja River which boasts crystal clear water, deep canyons and magical waterfalls.

Besides Premantura, right on the edge of the Istrian peninsula, Pelješac with the river Neretva and the channel between the Pelješac peninsula and the island of Korčula with its villages of Viganj and Kućište, there is also Zlatni Rat, near Bol on Brač, which is not only one of the best beaches to party on but has also a long surfing tradition and ideal weather conditions for kite boarding. This large and safe beach provides you with local clubs and companies which organise classes for beginners as well as offering all the necessary infrastructure and technical support of trained staff for experienced kiters too. 

Kiteboarding is all about technique and skills and the basics are pretty easy to learn. A perfect spot to ‘fly by board’ is Nin with its beach Ždrijac, located in the Dalmatian region of Croatia and only 15 kilometers from Zadar in the north of Dalmatia. The winds provide ideal conditions for kite boarders as well as for windsurfers and stand-up-paddlers. A number of surf and kite schools equip both the beginners and experts among the water sports fans with everything they need for a surf holiday to remember.

Windsurfing

Windsurfing only needs strong and constant winds and a warm climate. Serious windsurfers will love Viganj on Pelješac. During the season the maestral usually reaches five on the Beaufort scale in the afternoons, and on very windy days up to eight. The temperature of the sea doesn’t fall below 15 degrees, perfect for this type of activity.

Savudrija in Istria is one of the places which provides you with constant winds. As well as the protected bay of Preluk, between Rijeka and Opatija, or Baška on the island of Krk with their beautiful beaches. Likewise the south of Pula, on the Premantura peninsula, Cape Kamenjak always gives you perfect wind due to the configuration of the land. Whether it is a cold ‘bura’ (north-east) wind, which often reaches up to 40 knots, or the thermal maestral wind, which reliably blows every day during the season.

But there is again Bol on Brač which is attractive for windsurfers because of stronger winds from the south and west. The maestral, that gently blows in the morning and slightly stronger as the day goes on, is ideal for beginners, as well as serious surfers. During the summer season Zlatni Rat is a popular spot for many global surfing stars, international competitions are often held here; in 2014 the world windsurfing championship was held in Bol.  

Rafting

Rafting is perfect for those who seek a wild and extreme adventure. Perfect for this kind of activity is the Cetina River in the region of Split which flows into the sea at the old pirate town of Omiš. The local route for rafting is 12 kilometres long and stretches from the village of Penšići to Radmanove Mlinice. This is especially suitable for families with children because of its easy route. While you have the time of your life you will pass a magnificent canyon, see lush forests, waterfalls, caves and mills. There is also the opportunity to bathe in the clear river water, shower under the waterfalls at Studenci, jump from rocks and explore caves. 

In the Zadar region you will find Zrmanja River which is known as one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. This destination gives you a quiet and peaceful environment during the summer months and a suitable spot for rafting. The trip commences from the village of Kaštel Žegarski, where participants receive the necessary equipment and brief safety instructions. It continues with the mouth of the River Krupa in Zrmanja, followed by the 12 metre high waterfall of Veliki Buk. The tour finishes with the village of Muškovci where it is safe and easy for beginners.

Diving in Croatia

Diving can be the most beautiful experience in the Adriatic Sea of Croatia. Its crystal clear and transparent water, the many reefs, walls and caves, unique plants and animals, attractive underwater archaeological sites and shipwrecks offer a different adventure. The diving season in Croatia begins in the spring and lasts until November. Diving clubs provide you with the equipment and professional guidance and lead you to wonderful diving locations along the coast. Some highlights include the islet of Mrkanjac near Cavtat in the Southern Adriatic, the waters around the cape of Lenga on Mljet, the underwater cliffs of the islet of Bijelac near Lastovo and the area around Vis where the wrecks of numerous boats and several dozen aircrafts from World War Two rest.

A highlight would be the wreck of the Austro-Hungarian passenger liner the Baron Gautsch, which hit a mine and sank not far from Rovinj in 1914 and is at a depth of 40 metres.

Climb

A perfect spot to climb a mountain and enjoy the stunning view is the national park northern Velebit. It is very mountainous, thus hiking is the only way to really get to know it. The park area contains trails and paths for both tourists and experienced mountaineers, leading to the highest peaks of Velebit mountain range. While you enjoy the mountainsides with its wild animals you also get to see the coastal region which has deep sinkholes and caves. Also the European Commission has named the park as a European Destination of Excellence (EDEN). 

Paklenica National Park

While you are there don’t miss Paklenica National Park which is located at the southern slopes of Velebit mountain. Due to its close proximity to the Adriatic Sea, extraordinary geomorphologic structures and unique natural features, the area is the most visited climbing centre in Croatia. The Paklenica climbing site, which is mostly composed of limestone, offers about 400 well-equipped and marked courses of various difficulty grades, providing each climber with a route of his or her liking. 

But also cave lovers will have the opportunity to experience their passion in the Zadar region. In Rovanjska you’ll see Modrič cave which is almost completely untouched and is an impressive flowstone cave. The guided tour leads you through dark submerged shafts and to the fascinating setting of uncountable flowstones.