On our arrival back to Split, we disembarked off the ferry and continued on the second leg of our journey. To help plan our days in Croatia, I had purchased the Rick Steves Croatia and Slovenia Travel Guide. This guide helped us discover the best things to see and do with our time here. I highly recommend checking out his latest travel guide.

We made our way over to Klis Fortress which is just outside Split. We were very excited to check out this medieval fortress as it is very close to Split and was on our way to Trogir, which was our next destination. We had heard about Klis Fortress as we were avid fans of the Game of Thrones TV series and some of the scenes from the show were filmed here. We wanted to check out the site since we were in the area and it was easy to drive to. When we arrived there was ample parking spots available and it was just a short hike up to the fortress. We roamed around the ramparts and took in the amazing views of the surrounding area including Split and the Adriatic Sea. They did have some images of the filming that took place of Game of Thrones as well which was neat to see.

Visiting Trogir

We then made the short drive over to Trogir, a unique old town located on an island just off the mainland. Connected by bridges, it offered interesting sights such as the Kamerlengo Castle with aerial views from the ramparts, the Cathedral of St. Lawrence with the Renaissance Chapel of St. John, and the promenade along the water with its many restaurants and cafes. We were able to wander around the town and explore its picturesque alleys, adorned with charming stone houses and hidden courtyards. Additionally, Trogir’s rich history is evident in its well-preserved architecture and medieval town layout, which has earned it a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fusion of Romanesque and Renaissance buildings, along with the vibrant local culture, make Trogir a great destination to visit.

Cathedral of St. Lawrence (left), View from atop Kamerlengo Castle (right)

Upon departing Trogir, we ventured to our hotel near Sibenik. We stayed two nights at the Amadria Park Kids Hotel Andrija as this was a good stop on our way up the coast to the Istrian Peninsula in the north of the country. Hotel Andrija is the first children’s hotel in Croatia, and it has numerous amenities when traveling with kids. They have a variety of Kids Club Programs to keep the little ones entertained, along with outdoor fresh-water pools and a kids pool. Additionally, there is a beach area to unwind, allowing families to enjoy the coastal atmosphere. For even more fun, there is an Aquapark that features water slides, a lazy river, and playgrounds, providing endless entertainment for children and adults alike.

During our stay, we were not able to enjoy the outdoor pool activities as it was a little cool out, but during the summer, I’m certain it would be a blast to spend the day at the pools. Perhaps we will plan another visit during the warmer months to take full advantage of all the fantastic amenities offered at the hotel.

A Day of Outdoor Beauty at Krka National Park

We got up early the next day to drive to Krka National Park. Krka is a beautiful park located about a 20-minute drive from our hotel. The park is best known for its 7 cascading waterfalls. We had been to Plitvice Lakes National Park a few years back, and we had a wonderful time exploring that area. So, we were excited to see what this park had in store for us. I strapped our daughter on my back, and we set out hiking the trails. The park was truly amazing. We were able to admire the turquoise-colored waterfalls and the stunning scenery from up close as well as from above at certain points during the hike.

We spent about 5 hours wandering around the area, which gave us ample time to fully enjoy and absorb the natural beauty around us. As we made our way through the park, the sound of the cascading waterfalls filled the air, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. It was a truly enchanting experience.

After our memorable time at the park, we headed back to our hotel for dinner and to rest up, knowing that the next day would involve a significant amount of driving.

On to Sibenik and Zadar

Our final destination for this day’s travels was Opatija in northern Croatia, but we wanted to stop in a couple other towns on our way up. We first went to Sibenik for a quick stop to see the Cathedral of St. James, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries and is the main site in this town to see.

The Cathedral of St. James is renowned for its remarkable architecture. The cathedral is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans who built it during the Renaissance period. As we stepped inside, we were awe-struck by the grandeur of the interior, adorned with beautifully carved sculptures and stunning stained glass windows. The peaceful ambiance inside the cathedral provided a serene contrast to the bustling energy of the town outside.

After our visit to the cathedral, we continued our journey towards Opatija, and stopped in the town of Zadar. We parked outside the old town and made our way through the Land Gate to enter this beautiful town.

Land Gate in Zadar

Zadar has both Roman and Venetian ruins in its old town as well as many other sights including the pre-Romanesque Church of St. Donatus and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia with the tall bell tower. We were able check out the churches as well as climb the bell tower to get amazing views of the city from above. We spent most of the afternoon roaming the old town and stopping in shops to browse around.

Bell Tower (Left), Views from atop Bell Tower (right)

Church of St. Donatus

We also made our way out to the Zadarska županija which has awesome sea views of the Adriatic. It was there that we discovered the Sea Organ. This musical instrument is attached beneath a staircase and when the waves of the sea crash into the staircase it makes the sounds of an organ. Our daughter loved to run around this area and we all enjoyed listening to the sound of the organ play. The sounds were especially pronounced when we were there as the waves were higher the day that we visited.

Zadar’s rich history and diverse attractions make it a captivating destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in both cultural and natural wonders. The combination of ancient ruins with modern marvels like the Sea Organ offers a compelling glimpse into the layers of history and innovation that have shaped this coastal gem. We left Zadar with a profound appreciation for its beauty and a sense of wonder at the unique experiences it had to offer.

The drive from Zadar up to Opatija was about 3 hours and we saw some amazing scenery on our way up. During the journey, we were captivated by the picturesque landscapes and views of the Adriatic Sea. The last few days had showin us how beautiful this country is and how much it has to offer in regards to sights, history and culture. We were excited for what was in store for us coming up on our last leg of our trip.

Have you traveled to these locations in Croatia before or are you planning a trip to Croatia? Let me know in the comments below!