What to visit in continental Croatia: vacation in Lika and Gorski kotar

If you are wondering what the perfect time to explore central Croatia is, the answer is - anytime! Central or continental Croatia is an excellent choice for traveling throughout the year. Many Croats and tourists choose inland destinations for their weekend trips.

Explore the magical castles of Hrvatski Zagorje, cycle through Slavonia or try the traditional gastronomy of Baranja. Excursions to continental Croatia could take you to relax in some of the numerous spas in central Croatia. If you are looking for an active vacation, enjoy the nature of Međimurje, or take a city break and visit Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.

Looking for more ideas? A vacation in Lika and Gorski Kotar will encourage you to discover numerous unexplored places and hidden beauties of Croatia.

What to do in Gorski kotar?

Are you looking for peace and relaxation or an active holiday? Do you want to breathe pleasant summer air surrounded by nature or spend winter evenings by the fireplace? Are you planning a weekend in Gorski kotar or a longer stay?

Vacation in Gorski kotar offers you everything - summer vacation, winter vacation, holiday for two or family vacation, rural or adventure tourism... Explore rivers, lakes, caves, canyons, mountains and forests.

Visit the unique Risnjak National Park

Are you looking for an idea for a trip to Gorski kotar? Find an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city in Risnjak National Park. Experienced mountaineers will try to conquer the highest peak of Snježnik, and lovers of natural beauty will enjoy a family walk or sport fishing.

Risnjak covers certain areas of the towns of Delnice, Čabar and Bakar and the municipalities of Lokve and Čavle. Large animals such as bears and wolves are inhabitants of this park, which was named after the most popular of them - the lynx.

Discover Fužine, a mountain town with a long tradition

In Fužine, you can enjoy the mountain air, and soon after, the sea air. From this city, you are only a 30-minute drive from the Adriatic coast! Explore Franjo Rački's house or the ethnographic museum. If you want an active vacation, there is the Vrelo cave, a place about 3.5 million years old.

New Year's Eve in Gorski Kotar is an experience you don't want to miss, and Fužine especially celebrates the welcome at noon. Spend New Year's Eve with music, champagne and a toast by Lake Bajer.

Gorski kotar on a plate

Food and drink lovers will not be disappointed! The gastronomy of Gorski kotar presents the autochthonous foods of this area in the best light. Berries, game meat, mushrooms, trout and potatoes are just some of the foods that will be found on the plates of the best restaurants in Gorski kotar.

Homemade drinks such as plum wine, blueberry, raspberry or blackberry liqueurs are an indispensable addition to the meal. End the meal with the popular blueberry pie.

Zeleni vir and Vražji prolaz are favorite ideas for a trip

Devil's Pass (Vražji prolaz) and Zeleni vir have been combined into a unique protected area due to their geological value and magnificent beauty. This picnic spot is one of the most beautiful parts of Gorski Kotar.

Devil's Pass Canyon is one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in Croatia. Zeleni vir is a rocky natural attraction with two waterfalls that create an unforgettable experience for all visitors. This one-day hiking trip will delight the whole family.

Luxury accommodation in Gorski kotar attracts more and more tourists

In addition to the natural beauty and content of larger towns, visitors choose Gorski kotar for attractive and unique vacation homes with jacuzzis. Wellness facilities are attractive throughout the year, and are especially sought after in winter. After a whole day of sledding and skiing, the benefits of the sauna delight all guests.

Luxury villas with a swimming pool are especially interesting for guests during their summer holidays in Croatia. Privacy, beautiful nature and pleasant surroundings enable them to have an unforgettable vacation in peace and quiet.

What to visit in Lika?

Lika is a favorite destination for tourists who are wondering what to visit in winter in Croatia. Winter sports, skiing and sledding, are not the only things that attract visitors to this region. There are as many as three national parks in Lika: Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica and Northern Velebit.

Spice up your weekend vacation in Lika and Gorski kotar by visiting some of the bigger places. The towns of Gospić, Otočac and Senj boast a rich history, cultural heritage and interesting attractions.

Be enchanted by the Plitvice Lakes National Park

Do you want to find out why millions of tourists visit this unique world natural phenomenon every year? Go for a walk along the well-maintained paths and enjoy the view of the incredible lakes, as well as the 78-meter high waterfall that will enchant you with its beauty!

In addition, the Plitvice Lakes are home to:

• more than 150 species of birds

• 350 species of butterflies and other insects

• more than 100 types of plants

This national park is considered one of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe and the world for a reason.

Visit the birthplace of Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla, the world's greatest inventor of all time, was born in a small town in Lika - Smiljan! Visit his birthplace turned into a museum and learn more about the life of this genius. The Nikola Tesla Memorial Center is an essential location for your weekend trip to Lika.

Discover the sanctuary for young bears Kuterevo

Near Otočac is Kuterevo, a well-known refuge for bears in mountainous Croatia. You can visit the little bears that have lost their mother during spring, summer and autumn. Get up close and personal with wildlife and the local mountain community and learn something new about bear habitat protection.

Ranch Dolina Jelena is a great idea for a day trip

In Drežnik Grad near the Plitvice Lakes, there is Ranch Dolina Jelena (Deer Valley). This family story has turned into a real tourist attraction. The hosts of this natural paradise will introduce their visitors to more than 50 fallow deer. Pet and feed these dear animals and connect with nature in a new way.

Explore Rastoke near Slunj

Rastoke represents one of the most beautiful landscapes in Croatia. Numerous waterfalls, rapids, wooden bridges, old houses and mills will take you back to old times. According to legend, fairies lived in this place and took horses at night. Celebrate the weekend in Rastoke in the best Lika restaurants and enjoy local delicacies such as fresh trout and Lika potatoes.

Excursion to the Gacka valley

Gacka valley is located between Velebit and Kapela. The best way to explore this region is by kayak or canoe. Discover the biggest sources of Gacka: Majerovo, Tonković and Klanac vrilo. Visit the old mills where the millers will present their knowledge. Buy homemade flour, and then continue enjoying the adventure! Photograph nature, fish and run through vast meadows and green forests.

Discover more ideas for vacations in Lika and Gorski Kotar:

• Try your hand at winter sports at the Čelimbaša ski resort in Mrkopalj.

• Take the family on a weekend vacation in a mountain house or cabin surrounded by nature.

• Take a walk through Ravna gora and discover natural beauty.

• Visit Baške Oštarije, in the heart of Velebit Nature Park.