I am heading to Croatia next summer after seeing so many friends explore the stunning country. I get a little bit of sea sickness but everyone I know has done sailing trips around Croatia and say they had the best time. I am really nervous about spending all that money just to be seasick the whole time. Is there much to do on the mainland of Croatia while still exploring the seaside and beautiful beaches?
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hi, Iâve been to Croatia a few times, and I also get seasick easily. you dont have to go sailing to enjoy the coastal towns, though!
the north has some lovely places I can recommend:
saeaside places like Rovinj, Vrsar or Umag in the north of the country are lovely towns with nice beaches, great food, walkable town centers. (but i havent been in years, so not sure if lots has changed!)
but if youâre looking for inland experiences, Plitvice Lakes is 1000% what everyone recommends (I havent been but itâs top of my list). Also, Zagreb has a great vibe, then you also have the Trakoscan Castle.
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This question was asked last September, but âMarthaâ wanted to visit this summer.
I doubt âMarthaâ will be coming back, but for anyone else with a similar question, here goes.
Croatia has a lot to offer on the mainland, and you do not need to do a sailing-heavy trip to enjoy the coast.
Coastal cities like Split and Dubrovnik have beaches right by town, and Croatiaâs mainland coast also has plenty of beach towns, seaside promenades, and easy day trips that let you stay close to land.
If boats make you uneasy, you can still have a very beach-focused Croatia trip without committing to island-hopping.
Croatiaâs mainland coastline includes sandy and pebble beaches near major cities, plus calm bays, and family-friendly swims where you can spend the day on shore rather than at sea.
Plitvice and Krka National Parks are also âmust-seesâ.
We stayed at the Hotel Jezero in Plitvice, to get in to the National Park before the tour buses arrive in the morning.
You may also want to check out other Croatia threads.
Plitvice National Park by Michel Guntern.
@martha If youâre prone to seasickness, Iâd honestly recommend exploring Croatia by land.
There is so much to see along the coast without needing to sail â beautiful towns like Split, Dubrovnik and smaller coastal villages are all easily accessible.
You can still enjoy amazing beaches and even do short boat trips during the day (which feels much easier than staying on a boat for days).
I think itâs a great balance without worrying about feeling unwell the whole time 
If youâre thinking about a coastal road trip, Croatia is honestly one of those places that just makes it easy 
Itâs not just about ticking off destinations, itâs about the drive itself, the stops you didnât plan, and how relaxed everything feels along the way.
A good place to start is Rovinj. Itâs small, colourful, and perfect to wander without a plan. You can grab a coffee, walk along the water, and just ease into the trip. From there, itâs a short drive to Pula, which has a completely different vibe with its Roman amphitheatre and a bit more of a city feel.
As you keep moving along the coast towards Rijeka, the scenery really starts to shine. This part of the drive is where youâll want to stop often, whether itâs for a quick swim, a viewpoint, or just because something looks too nice to pass by.
Heading further south, Zadar is definitely worth a stop. Itâs a great place to slow down for a night, especially for the sunsets and the relaxed atmosphere. If you have time, adding an island like Ĺ olta gives you that quieter, more local feel and a break from the busier spots.
And then thereâs Dubrovnik. Itâs more touristy, yes, but itâs still one of those places that lives up to the hype. Walking around the old town or seeing it from above at sunset is something you donât really forget.
What makes this kind of trip special isnât just the places, itâs how flexible it is. You can take your time, stop whenever you want, and shape the trip as you go. Croatiaâs coast is perfect for that kind of travel 
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Iâm thinking of going to Rijeka, because I will be in the area later this year. Are there any tips for things to see and do while I am there?
@DomiTravelini have you been there?
@roann I havenât been to Rijeka, but my friends go every year, and they absolutely love the food and boat tours along the coast.
Check the official visit Rijeka site, looks neat! Visit Rijeka Home EN - Visit Rijeka
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