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Croatia had been on my travel list for a long time, and this year I finally managed to cross it off. After exploring destinations further away, including New Zealand, I realised there were still so many incredible places much closer to home that I had not experienced yet..
With a personal goal of discovering more European destinations, I started creating my own “must-visit” list, beginning with Greece in June and finally adding Croatia to the list. My first trip to Croatia started with a direct flight from Berlin, including a short two-hour connection, making it an easy and convenient destination from Germany. I decided to focus my visit around Split and Trogir, two beautiful destinations along the Dalmatian coast that offer a mix of history, beaches, great food and authentic Croatian experiences. Before arriving, I spent time researching unique places, local activities and hidden gems rather than only visiting the typical tourist attractions. During my trip, I discovered a few places and experiences that truly stood out and made my Croatian adventure unforgettable.
Choosing Trogir Instead of Split: A More Relaxed Croatian Experience
While Split is one of Croatia’s most famous cities, I decided to stay in Trogir and use it as my base for exploring the area. This turned out to be a great decision. Trogir offers a completely different atmosphere compared to the busy streets of Split. The historic old town, surrounded by medieval architecture and narrow stone streets, feels like stepping back in time. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trogir combines history, charm and a slower pace of life.
One of the things I appreciated most was the balance between convenience and tranquillity. Split is easily accessible from Trogir by car or bus, making day trips simple, while returning to the quieter streets of Trogir after a busy day was the perfect way to relax. For travellers who want to experience Croatia beyond the biggest tourist crowds, staying in Trogir is definitely worth considering.
Fig Restaurant Split: A Creative Food Experience in the Heart of the City
One thing I always look forward to when travelling is discovering good food. Local restaurants often tell a story about a destination, and Fig Restaurant in Split was one of my favourite discoveries during this trip.
Located inside the historic centre of Split near Diocletian’s Palace, Fig Split offers a charming atmosphere with a creative menu inspired by fresh ingredients and international influences. The restaurant is part of the Fig concept, which originally started with Fig Hvar in 2015 before expanding to Fig Starigrad in 2017 and opening Fig Split in 2019. The founders created the restaurant around the idea of a welcoming, travel-inspired dining experience combining Croatian ingredients with flavours from around the world.
What immediately stood out was how inclusive the menu was. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian or prefer meat dishes, there are plenty of options available. The breakfast menu is especially popular, featuring vegetarian and vegan-focused dishes that make it a great place to start the day. As someone who enjoys discovering new flavours, I really appreciated the creativity behind the dishes. The concept feels modern while still fitting perfectly into the historic surroundings of Split.
My personal highlight was the coconut lemonade. It was refreshing, unique and honestly something I want to recreate at home as inspiration from my Croatia trip. If you are visiting Split and looking for a memorable breakfast, brunch or dinner experience, Fig is definitely a place I would recommend adding to your itinerary.
Exploring Split by Retro Tuk Tuk: The Best Way to See the City in a Short Time
When visiting a city for only a few days, finding the right way to explore can make a huge difference. Instead of only walking through the main streets, I decided to join Retro Tuk Tuk Split tours and it became one of the highlights of my trip. I joined two different experiences: the See Everything Tour and the Romantic Night Ride.
The See Everything Tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want to discover as much of Split as possible without spending hours organising transport between different locations. The tour lasts around 150 minutes and combines famous landmarks, scenic viewpoints and hidden local spots. Stops include areas such as Marjan viewpoints, KaĊĦjuni Beach, Poljud Stadium and other locations that show a different side of Split beyond the historic centre.
What I loved most was being able to avoid crowded buses and reach viewpoints that would have taken much longer to discover independently. It gives you a great overview of the city while still leaving enough time for relaxing by the beach or exploring on your own. The Romantic Night Ride is designed mainly for couples, but I think it can also be a fun experience with friends. Seeing Split after sunset creates a completely different atmosphere, and the tour includes Croatian wine while enjoying the evening views. Retro Tuk Tuk Split focuses on private sightseeing experiences using vintage-style tuk tuks combined with local guides who share stories and hidden corners of the city. Their tours range from shorter city highlights to longer experiences covering more of Split. Current prices are approximately €50–€75 per person depending on the tour.
Have you ever considered painting your own artwork while travelling?
I decided to try something completely different and booked a Wine & Paint evening at Art Bottega Split. It was a great change from typical sightseeing and offered a more relaxed way to spend an evening.
The concept is simple: you receive all painting materials, follow guidance from professional artists and create your own canvas while enjoying unlimited drinks, including alcohol-free options. You do not need any previous painting experience, making it suitable whether you come alone, with friends or as a couple.
Art Bottega started in Split in 2018 and has since expanded to several Croatian cities, including Zagreb, Rijeka and Zadar. The idea behind the concept is to combine creativity, socialising and relaxation through guided painting experiences. I especially liked that it was an easy way to meet people and do something different in the evening. After a day exploring beaches, old towns and viewpoints, sitting down with a drink and creating something yourself was a memorable experience. It is also a great rainy-day activity or an alternative option for travellers looking for experiences beyond traditional sightseeing.
Final Thoughts: Why Croatia Should Be on Your Travel List
My first trip to Croatia was everything I hoped for: beautiful coastal views, historic towns, amazing food and experiences that felt unique rather than purely tourist-focused. Split offers the perfect combination of history, culture and nightlife, while Trogir provides a quieter and more authentic base to experience the Dalmatian coast. Adding experiences like a tuk tuk tour, a creative evening at Art Bottega and a meal at Fig Restaurant made the trip even more special. Croatia had been sitting on my travel list for years, and I am very happy it finally happened. It reminded me that sometimes the best adventures are not always the farthest away, sometimes they are just a short flight from home.
If you are planning your first Croatia trip, I would highly recommend exploring beyond the obvious attractions and creating your own list of local experiences. Split and Trogir are the perfect places to start discovering the beauty of the Croatian Adriatic.