Ticking Croatia Off My Water Bottle Bucket List: A Journey Through Makarska and Krka National Park

Makarska - Where mountains meets the sea on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia

There’s something satisfyingly symbolic about peeling off a sticker and pressing it onto my Langford Bucket List Water Bottle. For me, it’s more than just a keepsake — it’s a badge of adventure. Croatia had been calling my name for a while, and finally, I got to answer that call with a journey that led me through the stunning coast of Makarska and the cascading beauty of Krka National Park.

Makarska: Where Mountains Meet the Sea

I arrived in Makarska with salt in the air and sunshine on my face. Tucked between the dramatic Biokovo Mountains and the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea, Makarska is one of those rare places where nature feels like it’s showing off.

The town itself had a laid-back vibe — cobblestone streets, fresh seafood, and friendly locals who always seemed to be one espresso ahead of me. I wandered through the charming old town, explored the St. Mark’s Cathedral square, and lingered at cafés where time didn’t seem to matter. But the real magic began when I walked along the coastal promenade and found a hidden cove perfect for an afternoon swim. Floating in that turquoise water, with cliffs on one side and open sea on the other, I felt like I’d found a secret chapter in a well-loved book.

Krka National Park: Nature’s Waterfall Wonderland

A few days later, I traded sea salt for fresh water and headed inland to Krka National Park — a place that redefines what waterfalls can be. Unlike its more famous cousin, Plitvice Lakes, Krka lets you get up close and you used to be able to swim near some of its falls. Walking the wooden boardwalks, surrounded by greenery and the steady sound of rushing water, I was struck by how untouched it all felt.

Krka National Park - Scenic views and beautiful waterfall

The highlight, of course, was Skradinski Buk — a massive, multi-tiered waterfall that looked like it had leapt out of a dream. Standing there, with mist on my face and fish swimming beneath my feet in the shallow pools, I understood why this park had made it onto my bucket list. I lingered longer than I meant to, trying to capture it all — not just in photos, but in memory.

The Sticker Moment

Back at my hotel, as the sun dipped behind the mountains, I pulled out the Croatia sticker and my Bottle. I peeled the sticker slowly, placed it just above my Italy sticker, and pressed it down — firm and final. The water bottle had new stories etched in it now. Each step from a rocky trail, each fingerprint from a long hike, and now, a bold sticker that read “Croatia.”

It felt like more than just ticking a box — it was a quiet celebration of movement, of saying yes to curiosity, and of letting nature shift something inside me.

Until the Next Drop

Makarska and Krka reminded me why I started this water bottle adventure in the first place. It’s not just about seeing places. It’s about feeling them — the warmth of the sun on the coast, the cool spray of a waterfall in the forest, the joy of a simple sticker sealing the deal.

Next up? Who knows. But that empty space on the back of my bottle is already waiting.