Paddle in a transparent kayak, pedal on a cable above Dubrovnik or enter a secret Cold War-era airbase: in Croatia, getaways are often anything but ordinary. Here are 7 unusual activities you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.
1. Pedal in the air above Dubrovnik
You thought that cycling was always done on the floor of cowsheds? Then you obviously never tried the Sky Bike in Dubrovnik. Starting from Mount Srđ, the most daring can ride a bike that rolls on a cable stretched above the ground. The course includes two 150-meter trips, offering spectacular views of Dubrovnik, the surrounding mountains, and the Adriatic Sea. Rest assured, you will be securely strapped in throughout the entire journey, but the experience of pedaling in the air will still be unusual.
Find out more: https://skybikedubrovnik.com/
Photo SkyBike Dubrovnik
2. Cocktails… with olive oil
Olive oil pairs perfectly with a salad, don’t you agree? In Vodnjan, in the south of Istria, they also pour it into a shaker for an extraordinary MixOILogy experience. The concept begins with a walk through the olive groves and a discovery of the production of extra virgin olive oil. You then learn to enjoy the oil like a pro, but also to prepare drinks with spirits from local distilleries. The result: three surprising cocktails where olive oil brings its own unique touch. An original way to bring together two great culinary traditions of the region.
More information: Visit Istria
3. Dive into a wine cellar at the bottom of the sea
On the Pelješac peninsula, one of the most exceptional wine cellars in Croatia is not located in a wine-growing area… but in the Adriatic Sea! The wines of the region are aged in bottles or even in traditional amphorae placed on the seabed. When they are brought to the surface, they are covered with a natural layer of seashells and other marine organisms. Each bottle is therefore unique. Certified divers are allowed to swim among these sunken treasures. But if you prefer to stay dry, you too will have the opportunity to discover – and taste – this exceptional wine.
Find out more: https://www.edivovina.hr/
4. Swimming in an illuminated aquarium
The sunset over Pula marks the beginning of a quasi-supernatural adventure. It is at this moment that some embark on fully transparent kayaks equipped with LED lighting. The goal? To observe the seabed of the Adriatic Sea, which lights up just below. When the sky begins to change color and night falls, one paddles at the surface of water whose depth varies between four and eight meters. With the impression of crossing an immense aquarium, without having to enter the water. This guided tour starts from Verudela and is accessible to beginners and families.
Find out more: https://www.mettafloat.com/
5. Penetrating a secret airbase
Right next to the Plitvice Lakes lies the Željava Air Base, which was one of the best-kept military secrets of the former Yugoslavia. The underground base was built deep within the mountain and housed aircraft, troops, and a vast network of tunnels. Today, visitors can explore the disused airstrips, a historic C-47, and parts of the underground complex. The tunnels stretch for approximately 3.5 kilometers inside the mountain. Due to their vastness, the darkness that prevails there, and their complex structure, it is recommended to visit the site accompanied by an experienced guide. A fascinating blend of history, adventure, and mystery related to the Cold War.
Find out more: https://aerodrom-zeljava.com/
6. On a zip line above the Pazin cave
At the foot of the Pazin Castle, the Pazinčica River disappears into a spectacular gorge and a mysterious underground cave. The most daring way to admire this natural phenomenon is to be suspended by a cable. The zip line includes four routes above the gorge. The longest line measures 280 meters and its speed can reach 50 kilometers per hour. During the descent, one enjoys breathtaking views of the cave and the castle that seems to maintain its balance above the precipice. This Pazin site appears in Jules Verne’s novel «Mathias Sandorf».
More information: Visit Istria
7. Wandering around Mars without leaving Croatia
With its bare rocks, astonishing formations and its almost complete absence of vegetation, part of the island of Pag resembles a distant planet more than an island in the Adriatic Sea. It is no coincidence that the region’s most famous hiking trail was named «Life on Mars Trail». The route passes through the spectacular landscapes around Metajna and passes by the beaches of Ručica, Beritnica, Slana and Seline. Hikers will encounter white rock formations, isolated coves and sparkling blue waters. And if you’re looking for a little more adrenaline, try the one hundred-meter-long via ferrata. It is located just a meter or two above sea level and connects the Slana Bay to Cape Sušac. A unique hiking experience that lives up to its unusual name.
More information: Visit Novalja
More information about Croatia: https://croatia.hr/.
