Croatia Adventure Holidays - Natural Croatia Adventure Travel

Rock Climbing Adventure in Croatia!

Despite its image as an athletic sport, you do not need to be super-fit to rock climb. Good technique is more important than physical strength, although the more you climb the stronger and ﬁtter you will become. Good footwork, body positioning and problem solving will get you up many more climbs than just brute strength. Climbing uses many muscle groups, both in the upper and lower body. Your back, abdominal and leg muscles all are exercised as well as your ﬁngers, shoulders and arms. Regular climbing can improve stamina as well as muscle strength. In addition, all the reaching and stretching for holds improves ﬂexibility and agility. Each climbing route is like a puzzle, which requires patience, planning and analysis to complete. Beginners will typically work out their ascent as they go up, but with experience, they learn to visualise their climb and spot tricky sections before reaching for their first hold.
Over time, regular rock climbing can help develop concentration, determination and problem-solving skills. As you improve, you will naturally want to push yourself further and try harder climbs. The amount of goals you can set yourself is limitless. Setting yourself goals and meeting them gives you a great sense of achievement, which in turn can help build everyday self-confidence.
While on one level rock climbing is an individual pursuit, it also has a very social component because you’re never alone. You will either be climbing with a group of friends, schoolmates, colleagues or family. You tend to develop strong friendships with your climbing partners due to the level of trust involved and through sharing challenges and experiences!

I see rocks, great grey and solid, with wonderful cracks, holes, gapes and handles to grab; small and even smaller, sometimes invisible steps (but holding) or big shelves to stand on! At that moment, it is just the rock, and me. I climb, higher I go more powerful I feel, I have conquered one more meter! I search high above myself what to grab, and then I find it, and keep going happy that I am climbing, that I CAN do it! With only wind in my hair, above small people on the ground. And then I reach top, I clip-in to the last spit, clip-into the stand and yell that final “take” to my partner! Winner again! At the top of the world! As my partner is lowering me slowly to the ground, I just want to do it again, and again, until my hands cannot grab anymore and they hurt, but the feeling of ascent and feeling of being braver than any fear, feeling of being better keeps me moving. Usually until it is too dark or too cold to climb…That is how I feel when climbing. It is a passion. You either like it or not. There is always fear. It is normal; our body tells us that being high above the ground is not safe. However, we manage the fear, and we get stronger! This feeling I would like to share with you on one of rock climbing tours in Croatia!
Petra Ban, the owner of Natural Croatia My experience of climbing

We climb OUTDOOR and sport routes only, which means approximately up to 30 m high, with all security bolts already in place fixed in stone and ready for climbers to clip into. Check out a video of one of our instructors climbing, see how it looks like from climber’s perspective!
Rock Climbing Croatia We climb outdoor

Is climbing safe?

Climbing can be as safe or risky as you like. There are different styles and levels – it is all about choice and experience. German researchers found that climbing had a lower injury incidence than many mainstream sports such as basketball, sailing or football. Important is always keep in mind the security measures! Use equipment in good condition, double-checking between partners - if knot is tied correctly, if belay device and karabiner are well set. Moreover, concentrate! Communication between climber and belaying partner is of huge importance. Do not yell just for fun, as on climbing area, there are other climbers and for smooth communication, there should be silence. Enjoy!

ACTIVITY LEVELS

Sport climbing routes in Croatia have length up to approximately 30m and are graded by Free climbing French grading system, from 3 or 4a being the easiest and till 9b+ being the hardest. Free climbing comparison table gives you understanding of French grades if you are using other grading system.

1 Easy

Climbing trips rated EASY typically have route grades from 3 to 4a, 4b, 4c (YDS - USA grades: from 5.3 to 5.4, 5.5, 5.6). Usually newcomers that didn't try climbing or didn't try outdoor climbing start with EASY level, and if climbing guide evaluates that they are capable of climbing harder routes, they can agree to try at the given moment. Climbing guide leads the route and climber climbs top-rope. Meaning only short distance fall is possible, as climber is secured all the time with the rope from the top of the route. EASY trips usually include up to 4 hours of active climbing, with rests between, depending on the capability of a climber. Suitable to try out climbing if you have never tried before.

2 Easy to Moderate

Trips rated EASY to MODERATE are designed for travellers seeking both EASY and MODERATE trip activity levels. Climbing trips rated EASY to MODERATE typically have easier rated climbing routes such as 4b, 4c (YDS - USA grades: 5.5, 5.6) with options for some MODERATE route levels (5a, 5b, 5c / YDS - USA grades: 5.7, 5.8, 5.9). In trips rated as EASY to MODERATE climbing guide leads the route and climber climbs top-rope. Typically, a person in better physical shape, or more talented in climbing techniques will be soon climbing this level of routes. Trips rated EASY to MODERATE typically last from 4 to 6 hours of climbing, including rest time and depending on a climbers capabilities. Suitable for newcomers in good shape.

3 Moderate

Trips rated MODERATE typically have climbing route grades from 5a, 5b, 5c to 6a (YDS - USA grades: 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 to 5.10a). In trips rated MODERATE climbing guide leads the route, and climber climbs top-rope. Climbing can last up to whole day, and there is a possibility for a climber to lead the route if he or she is an experienced climber and has suitable level of climbing security education. Climbing guide will evaluate this option on-site.

4 Moderate to Strenous

Trips rated as MODERATE to STRENUOUS are designed for travellers seeking both MODERATE and STRENUOUS trip activity levels. Trips rated MODERATE to STRENUOUS typically have moderate rated routes with options for more strenuous activity levels. This would include routes graded from 6a, 6b, 6c, 7a up to 7b, 7c (YDS - USA grades: 5.10a, 5.10c, 5.11b, 5.11d up to 5.12b, 5.12d). Climbers should be experienced ones with knowledge of climbing security, belaying and climbing techniques. Guide will not lead the route; climbers are leading themselves. Typically climbing lasts whole day.

5 Strenous

Trips rated STRENUOUS typically have climbing route grades from 7b, 7c, 8a to 9b+ (YDS - USA grades: 5.12b, 5.12d, 5.13b to 5.15c). These routes are only for extremely experienced and capable climbers, with extensive knowledge and experience in rock climbing outdoors. Climbers lead the routes on they own. Trips typically last whole day.

Biking – in nature!

Biking is next most natural moving if walking is a bit too slow for you. On our biking trips, we like to use as much as possible off-road trails, or at least roads less populated with cars. To bike means enjoying the nature, moving through villages, hills and plains; climbing uphill and getting downhill, with the strength of our muscles. Bike is good for carrying luggage, and it can sometimes become small mobile home if you put a tent and a sleeping bag in your saddlebags. Biking is a great way of transport, healthy both for human body and for the environment. When biking our vehicle does not harm air, plants or animals around.
Natural Croatia offers bike routes that move through old villages to sense the culture, with choice of great views and beautiful trails. Most of the routes finish with rewarding classic local made meal!

We are all different, so if you do not find your idea of a trip in our offer - please check for option of creation of custom trip just for you or option of a customization already existing trip! We are here to help!
Natural Croatia Adventure Travel Custom tours

Keep in Mind

Biking is relaxing and enjoyable activity, but also carries some risks. Take in mind not to go biking in the summer sun at noon. Wear helmet! Put sunscreen and drink a lot of water. Energy bar is also smart thing to have!

Bike Check

If you decide to do the rental, our partners will do the technical bike check for you. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to do short bike check before heading onto trail! Just sit on bike, see if brakes work, make a short circle to check if all fits, it takes just a few seconds and can mean a lot more! Remember, you will run smoother if chain and derailleurs are well oiled.

ACTIVITY LEVELS

1 Easy

Trips rated Easy include shorter bike rides without serious elevation gain. Expect some short climbs and descents. Maximum daily height gain is approximately 250 metres and daily distances less then 50kms (32 miles), any longer days are often optional.

2 Easy to Moderate

Trips rated as EASY to MODERATE are designed for travelers seeking both EASY and MODERATE trip activity levels. Trips rated EASY to MODERATE typically have easier rated rides with options for more moderate activity levels on some days.

3 Moderate

Trips rated MODERATE require good health and beeing reasonably fit, suitable for occasional cyclist or as a relaxed trip for fitter riders. Moderate off-road trips require no previous experience. Distances are usually up to 70kms (43 miles) per day.

4 Moderate to Strenous

Trips rated as MODERATE to STRENUOUS are designed for travelers seeking both MODERATE and STRENUOUS trip activity levels. Trips rated MODERATE to STRENUOUS typically have moderate rated rides with options for more strenuous activity levels on some days.

5 Strenous

Trips rated STRENUOUS typically have 5-8 hours of activity per day, with rides more than 70 kms (43 miles) per day. Confidence in your ability and physical condition is required on this level of trip. Previous mountain biking experience is essential for off road rides as they will involve some technical riding.

Naslov

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Hiking – naturally!

When hiking, it is possible to move slow enough to experience the nature around, stop, feel the peace, enjoy the view, take a photo or just soak-in the moment. It is simple and enjoyable activity.
It is highly adjustable activity, moving faster creates it physically harder, and moving just a little bit slower, it can be easy enough for anyone to join! There is easy way to adjust level of socialization, moving closer to the group, there is a chance to chat, exchange experience with the companions, and with staying a little behind, there can be a complete silence!
Silence is something much appreciated today! On every tour, we try to have few minutes when everyone keeps quiet and hear the silence. So called “Time of silence” when everyone can have his or her deep experience of surroundings.
It is a chance to absorb sounds of birds and bugs; smell of grass, threes and herbs. These are moments to touch the surroundings: feel the texture of wood, moist of moss, to stop and emerge in experiencing the nature!
Hiking is also healthy and in the same time environmental friendly – nature is harmed the least!
That is why Natural Croatia prepared many hiking trips to choose from. We offer trips for the ones that have less time from one or two days, there are trips lasting whole week and cover few parts of Croatia. Days offered can be combined in week, and weeks offered can be combined in few weeks to cover more parts of Croatia.

We are always happy to create personal customized trip! All people are different and it is hard to find the itinerary which fist all, so – do not hesitate to ask for a custom-made trip just for you!
Natural Croatia Adventure Travel Custom trips

Note: When hiking in nature, be prepared for many surprising events! You may encounter bugs: spiders, ticks, mosquitos, snakes, or bigger animals such as bear, fox or deer.
Croatia has several venomous spiders (dangerous is crna udovica – black widow) and several kinds of venomous snakes, but also the non-venomous ones. Remember, we are in their home when we visit nature, respect them, do not touch or try to harm them. To protect yourself from bugs, wear long sleeves, or sometimes use small quantity of anti-mosquito repellent, which is also harmful for the environment, so do not overuse it.
Although rarely, if you get a tick, you could be infected with several dangerous diseases. After a walk in the nature, always check yourself, and your clothes for ticks, they look like small dark dots, sometimes hard to notice and easily can be mixed with stains. If tick already sticks to your skin, remove it with tweezers rotating in the opposite – clock direction, and clean the wound with the disinfecting liquid. Do NOT try to kill them (soak) with any liquid before removing!
For protection from snakes – wear long pants and high shoes - this will also protect you from scratches that can often happen even during the easiest walk.
There is no special protection from bears, foxes or deer. Do not approach them, ESPECIALLY if you see mother bear with cubs! If fox bites you, search for help immediately and note that you should get a shot of rabies vaccine as soon as possible!

ACTIVITY LEVELS

1 Easy

Trips rated EASY typically have 1-3 hours of activity per day, with hikes/walks less than 5 km (3 miles) on mostly flat terrain at altitudes of up to 900,00 m (3.000,00 feet).

2 Easy to Moderate

Trips rated as EASY to MODERATE are designed for travellers seeking both EASY and MODERATE trip activity levels. Trips rated EASY to MODERATE typically have easier rated walks/hikes with options for more moderate activity levels on some days.

3 Moderate

Trips rated MODERATE typically have 3-6 hours of activity per day, with hikes up to 16 km (10 miles) on mountainous terrain with some steep ascents/descents and uneven trails at altitudes of up to 1.800,00m (5.900,00 feet).

4 Moderate to Strenuous

5 Strenuous

Trips rated STRENUOUS typically have 5-8 hours of activity per day, with hikes up to 16-19 km (10-12 miles) on mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails at altitudes of up to 1.800,00m (5.900,00 feet).

Region of sun, sea, mountains and rocks

Dalmatia is usually seen on big posters, great sunny beaches, many small islands, big islands with boat parties, and there is more! Dalmatia hides also small deserted islands, great wild mountains and Dalmatian hinterland.
The great thing about Dalmatia is that it has good weather even in winter. Only one big enemy in the winter is heavily strong NE wind called “bura”. Bura in winter can go as fast as 220 km/h (137 mph)! Then it just takes everything apart, ferries stop operating, roads close, and no one is outside of the house. However, without bura, climate here is sunny, with mild winters and hot summers.
This gives Dalmatia great popularity as summer and beach destination. Dalmatia has the cleanest seawater and the most beautiful beaches in the world. Dalmatian mountains are high and wild; heaven for rock climber on magnificent limestone, and astonishment for a hiker as usual hikes give better sea views with every step higher you take!
When in Dalmatia, eat seafood, grilled fish (riba s gradela), fresh vegetables, do not skip eating blitva (Swiss chard), as it is so typical food for Dalmatia, that sometimes Dalmatians are called “blitvari” instead of “dalmatinci”.

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Hot climate is great for olives and for grapes, so Dalmatian wine and olive oil is something to enjoy while visiting! Dalmatian prosciutto (dalmatinski pršut) and dalmatian bacon (pancetta) are specially dried on bura wind during the winter so they can be served to you in the next season. Great speciality is Dalmatian peka, where meat (usually lamb and veal) is cooked and baked under the bell together with plenty of vegetables, which produces mouth-watering juicy and soft meal.
For dessert, good to try is sweet flan prepared with eggs and sugar, called rožata, and in some parts of dalmatia available cake Makarana, made with lots of almonds.

Note: The most frequent danger in Dalmatia is to get sunburn, sunstroke and dehydration. All can be avoided if taking in enough water, putting sunscreen and moving away from the sun in the midday in summer! Do consider that in the mountains there are venomous snakes, so walking barefoot is highly dangerous. Although rare, in the sea can be found sea urchins, so take care not to step onto one. If you decide to try fishing, do take in mind that there are also venomous fishes so if you do catch one, take care when holding it with hand!