croatia tourist highlights

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

17 Top Tourist Attractions in Croatia

By Kaeylen McCrea · Last updated on March 22, 2024

With its rocky, indented shore and more than a thousand islands, Croatia boasts one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline that Europe has to offer. In addition, many of Croatia’s coastal towns and cities have a fascinating history and are filled with the historical remains of Roman and Venetian times.

Favored for the clear blue waters that have made it a desirable getaway vacation destination, Croatia should not be passed up on. Whether you desire a new vacation spot to tan on the beach and dip in refreshing clear waters or you simply want to learn more about ancient history, Croatia is the best place to do them all.

There are plenty of tourist attractions in Croatia that are enticing for history buffs, nature lovers, and active outdoor goers. From walking the sturdy Walls of Dubrovnik that protected the town of Dubrovnik for centuries to watching a live gladiator fight at Pula Arena, Croatia is full of rewarding things to do and adventures to take on!

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and living museum, Trogir is a town full of history waiting to be adventured. Considering the best preserved medieval town in central Europe, this historic town is scattered with structures featuring a blend of Baroque, Romanesque, and Renaissance-style architecture and art.

First, visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, built in the 13th century, and its impressive bell tower that stands as the tallest structure in Trogir. Next, take on Trogir Central Square, where local artists play local folk music, and locals and tourists come to sip coffee and enjoy gelato. Finally, admire Cipiko Palace, a 15th-century palace featuring Gothic art designs.

The town was also used as a filming location in the famous HBO series, Game of Thrones. When Daenerys Targaryen lands in Quarth to build her army, the scene was filmed at Trogir Harbour, when she first comes to Quarth.

16. Sea Organ

The Sea Organ in Zadar is a viral masterpiece. This architectural sound object was initially designed as an experimental musical instrument that has become a permanent attraction in Zadar .

As sea waves crash into the Sea Organ, the water enters the tubes underneath the marble steps to produce natural music. The organ pipes, or tubes, range in size and length. These organ pipes produce the sounds created by the waves continuously changing as the wave’s movements result in various sounds and enter the various-sized organ pipes.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Zadar

Swimming, strolling, or sitting by the Sea Organ are all popular activities done by locals and tourists alike who wish to experience the serenity of sound created by nature.

15. Biokovo Skywalk

The Biokovo Skywalk is a thrill-inducing glass-floored viewing deck located on a mountain ridge offering 360-degree scenery of the oceanside. As the first skywalk in the country, walking the Biokovo Skywalk is one of the most scariest things to do in Croatia and has left thousands impressed by its perfect pick for a location.

Visitors can stop by to take in the outstanding views of Mount Biokovo and read up on fun educational facts on the geological time chart, description of the rocks and their ages, and how the mountain was formed between admiring the view!

14. Ston City Walls

The Walls of Ston are a series of stone walls surrounding the city, designed to protect and guard the city against enemies.

The walls were built in 1333 when the city of Ston joined the Republic of Dubrovnik. The purpose of the walls was to protect the charming town from intruders, defend the Republic, and guard the peninsula. The structure consists of the Walls of Ston, the Big Wall and its three forts, and the Mali Ston city walls.

This sturdy defensive layout was used to defend the city until the 19th century and has since transitioned to being admired for its historical, cultural, and architectural value. Walking the walls is a favored activity of those visiting Ston. And from above, views of the Peljesac Peninsula, Saint Ilija Peak, and the alluring town of Ston can be admired.

13. Zlatni Rat

Referred to as the Golden Horn or the Golden Cape, Zlatni Rat is a spit of land located near the harbor town of Bol on the island of Brac.

Zlatni Rat homes one of Croatia’s most stunning beaches. Thanks to its spectacular appeal, it has been featured in renowned names like National Geographic and Lonely Planet.

People travel from all over the world to come vacation at Zlatni Rat. Though many simply enjoy bathing in the sun and swimming in the waters that transition from turquoise to dark blues within 10 meters from the shoreline, others can be found strolling through the century-old pine forest for relief from the sun’s rays. There’s also a cafe to refresh and re-energize for the day’s events!

12. Hvar Town

The island of Hvar is known for its yacht parties and the swathes of land covered in rich purples of lavender. On this stunning island is Hvar Town, set in a picturesque natural bay, with the Pakleni island chain protecting it to the south.

Dip into the waters for a swim, or rent a boat to cruise along the waters to explore more of Hvar Town’s beachfront. After working up an appetite, get a taste of the local cuisine and delicious signature dishes of Hvar, like gregada, a stew made with olive oil, fish, onions, garlic, and potatoes.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hvar

There are other activities and things to do in Hvar Town. Visit the Stari Grad Museum to learn about Croatia’s first civilization. Sail to the Pakleni Islands to swim, snorkel, and sail around hidden coves. Stroll through lavender fields to soak in the rejuvenating fresh scents native to the area.

Join the locals and fellow tourists in the heart of Hvar Town, Saint Stephen’s Square, often called Pjaca. This social hub is full of breathtaking historical architecture, like the Cathedral of St. Stephen, along with cafes and other local small businesses.

11. Krka National Park

Popularly known for Skradinski Buk, its series of seven waterfalls, Krka National Park is home to more waterfalls, historic sites, and scenic landscapes.

One of Croatia’s most visited and beloved national parks, it’s not hard to find picturesque views that inspire awe here. Many visitors come to Krka National Park to bask in the views of the impressive network that includes 17 waterfalls that drop into pools of emerald water. Others enjoy strolling through the park’s trails to bask in refreshing views of nature.

The park’s ethno village allows guests to learn about local history and culture and see water mills from the 17th and 18th centuries. In addition, there are often demonstrations of how wheat is milled into flour, along with other demos that include fabric weaving, blacksmithing, and more!

10. Kornati Islands

Also known as the Stomorski Islands or the Kornatic archipelago of Croatia, the Kornati Islands can be found in the northern section of Dalmatia.

The Kornati Islands are a collection of 140 uninhabited islands, reefs, and islets. It is the largest and densest archipelago in the Adriatic. Of the islands, 89 are part of the Kornati National Park, with the largest of these islands being Kornat, where the park obtained its name.

A trip to the island offers various activities like snorkeling, diving, swimming, hiking, recreational fishing, and wildlife watching. Some other notable landmarks found on the Kornati Islands include the Dry Stone Walls, created as a memorial to the victims of the Kornati tragedy when 12 firefighters died trying to save the national park from burning to the ground. Another is the ancient Fortress Tureta which has stood firm since the Byzantine period, and the Church of Our Lady Of Tarac, dating back to the Middle Ages.

9. Gornji Grad in Zagreb

A district in the town of Zagreb, Gornji Grad is a historical district found on the city’s hillside (the name translates as Upper Town). The district features medieval architecture and significant attractions like Lotrscak Tower, St. Mark Church, Zagreb Cathedral, and the Croatian Parliament.

Lotrscak Tower dates back to the 13th century. It was used to protect the south city gate. Visitors can climb to the top to bask in panoramic views of Zagreb . Zagreb Cathedral is the second tallest building in Croatia and the largest sacral building established in the Gothic style to be found southeast of the Alps. These are only some of Gornji Grad’s interesting historical attractions!

A favorite of the district is Tkalciceva, a famous pedestrian cafe street. The vibrant street is lined with boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Before WW2, almost every house that lined Tkalciceva was a brothel, making Zagreb one of the first cities in Europe to have a red-light district. Today, Tkalciceva welcomes locals and tourists to visit Zagreb craftsmen and traders, eat traditional foods and shop for local goods.

8. Euphrasian Basilica in Porec

The 6th century Euphrasian Basilica is the top attraction of Poreč, a 2,000 year old town in Istria. It is one of the best examples of early Byzantine architecture in the Mediterranean region and, for the most part, has retained its original shape, though accidents, fires and earthquakes have altered a few details.

Within the Euphrasian Basilica is the baptistery, atrium, bishop’s palace, mosaics, and remains of sacral buildings dated back to the 3rd to 4th centuries. The mosaics personify Byzantine art, produced during the Middle Ages, and can be found throughout the church.

Visiting the Euphrasian Basilica, you’ll first walk through the open-air atrium featuring columns imported from Constantinople. Next, you’ll head to the baptistery constructed in the 5th century with a baptismal pool in the center. Then, is the bell tower. This structure was built in 1522 when bell towers began trending in the Middle Ages. The bell tower offers scenic views across Porec and the coastline.

After the bell tower, you will be led to the bishop’s palace, a large building located on the edge of the water where the bishop once accepted guests. It is currently used as a museum space featuring intriguing artifacts.

7. Korcula Town

Known for having some of the best beaches in Croatia , Korcula is a small island with spectacular Mediterranean scenery surrounded by medieval architecture. On this island is Korcula Town, renowned for being the birthplace of the famous world explorer Marco Polo.

And the town’s reputation doesn’t end there. Korcula Town is a reputable wine town featuring local wine that makes for a unique touch when visiting this vibrant town and is favored for its country foods and Moreška dance performances.

Stop by this town full of treasures. Enjoy Michelin-starred meals, traditional knoboa, and local wine. Feel the thrill of the traditional sword dance of Korcula Town, the Moreška. Stroll through vineyards seaside. Or lay back and bask in the views on the beach.

6. Rovinj Old Town

A popular summer getaway destination, Rovinj is one of the most picturesque towns in the Mediterranean. With its pastel-colored houses clustered together on steep winding streets it is a great place to wonder around.

Surrounded by sparkling blue waters and lined with cobblestone, Rovinj is full of art galleries, unique shops, restaurants, a seafront bar and boisterous town squares. In addition, you can find some of the best gelato and seafood in this small lively town.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Rovinj

One of Rovinji’s notable landmarks is the St. Euphemia Church. Located on the top of the hill, the church has established itself as the town’s symbol. The old town offers a range of activities, like rock climbing at Punta Corrente Forest Park, romantic Batana rides on the water, scuba diving to visit famous shipwrecks like the Baron Gautsch, and seeing the many local shops and cafes for a unique experience.

5. Mljet National Park

The greenest island in Croatia , Mljet homes thriving vegetation, clear blue waters, and abundant wildlife. Mljet National Park is situated on the island’s northwest side, bordering Veliko and Malo Jezero, two saltwater lakes. On the Melita, a small island located in the middle of Veliko Jezero, is a former 12th-century Benedictine monastery that has been transformed into a popular restaurant.

There are plenty of fun activities to explore in Mljet National Park. From swimming and sunbathing to kayaking and hiking, tourists and locals enjoy the rejuvenating scenery of the Mljet coastline, surrounded by thriving nature.

4. Diocletian’s Palace

An ancient palace established for the Roman emperor Diocletian, Diocletian’s Palace makes up half the town of Split in Croatia.

Built in the fourth century AD, initially as an imperial residence that eventually added a military fortress and town, the palace is a stunning well-preserved Roman-age structure that should not be missed during your visit to Croatia . Diocletian had marble imported from Greece and Italy, as well as 12 sphinxes and columns from Egypt, used to construct the enigmatic palace.

Today, shops, restaurants, and apartments make up the ancient palace that is free to visit, though some buildings inside may require an entry fee. And for Game of Thrones fans, the palace’s substructure is where Daenerys Targaryen kept her dragons while in Meereen!

3. Pula Arena

The Pula Arena is one of the six largest Roman amphitheaters still standing and the only Roman amphitheater with all four side towers preserved. The Pula Arena was built around the 1st century AD and could seat over 26,000 spectators.

In the 15th century many stones were taken from the amphitheater to build houses and other structures around Pula, but fortunately this practice was stopped before the whole structure was destroyed. Today it is a popular Croatia attraction for history buffs, engineers, and architects.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Pula

There are many things to do at this preserved Roman amphitheater. Peer at the real preserved clothes and weapons used by gladiators in the subterranean gallery—Tour the underground Pula Arena, where beasts were kept before battles. Buy tickets for world-class concerts from stars like Sting and Elton John or experience the thrill of a live gladiator battle.

2. Plitvice Lakes

The Plitvice Lakes are considered to be one of the most beautiful natural destinations in Europe. Due to its natural beauty and significance, this system of 16 interlinked lakes and a large forest complex around it were set aside as a national park in 1949.

The beautiful Plitvice Lakes are famous for their unique colors, including azure, green, blue, and gray. The area around the lakes is home to an extremely wide variety of animal and bird species. Rare fauna such as the European brown bear, wolf, eagle, owl, and lynx can be found here, along with many more common species.

1. Walls of Dubrovnik

An impressive line of defensive stone walls, the Walls of Dubrovnik surround the city of Dubrovnik, part of southern Croatia, along the seashore.

The city became known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” thanks to the sturdy walls that shielded the city from attacks. The Walls of Dubrovnik date back to the Middle Ages. They proved their worth many times, including in the 9th century when the city was besieged for 15 months.

See also: Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

Today, the Walls of Dubrovnik are a popular tourist attraction and filming location of big-name movies and shows like Game of Thrones. Therefore, many travelers visit to climb and walk the Walls of Dubrovnik, which takes around an hour or two to complete, to bask in the spectacular views of the sea and city of Dubrovnik from above.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Croatia

Share this post:

19 Best Beaches in Croatia You Should Visit this Summer

10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Croatia

8 Most Beautiful Regions in Croatia

15 Best Croatian Islands You Should Visit

12 Best Places on the Dalmatian Coast, South Croatia

11 Most Awesome Places to Stay in Croatia

15 Most Charming Small Towns in Croatia

10 Best Beach Resorts in Croatia

Where to Stay in Croatia: Best Places & Hotels

12 Best Cities to Visit in Croatia

Beautiful Croatia – The 20 Best Things to See and Do

Written By: ThePlanetD Team

Updated On: February 8, 2024

With a coastline of powder-sand beaches, flanked by historic buildings and topped off by a series of exceptional national parks, it’s no surprise that traveling to Croatia is a dream of many.

The natural beauty is on full display as you venture from one historical city to the next. But such is the stunning architecture found within each city, it’s as if the buildings are as natural as the trees themselves.

Table of Contents

Top Things to do in Croatia

There are many amazing things to do in Croatia, from visiting the Roman Amphitheater to the unique Museum of Broken Relationships. In a country with so many unforgettable experiences, we’ve taken on the strenuous gig of narrowing it down to 20.

Our list will help you experience the best of Croatia. By exploring its history, culture, gorgeous beaches, and remote islands .

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Like a scene out of a fairytale, the Plitvice Lakes National Park features immense blue lakes all connected by tumbling forest waterfalls that guide you like a row of steps.

One of the best national parks in Croatia, and certainly the most visited, Plitvice National Park, was the first of its kind in the Land of a Thousand Islands. Taking from Croatia’s nickname, the spectacular park combines dense rainforest with inland waterways, which you can easily travel between on a series of footpaths and storybook bridges.

Plitvice Lakes are prime environment for many native and migratory animals, from wolves to bears and owls to falcons. There are many tours leaving from the nearby cities of Zadar and Zagreb, but you can also explore on your own whim.

The Blue Cave

Speaking of incredible water scenery, one of the best things to do in Croatia is to explore the Blue Cave on Bisevo Island. The cave is more than what may immediately come to mind. Enveloped by bright blue lights, with the water’s surface shimmering in the reflection, the Blue Cave is a sight to behold.

Getting to the grotto from the mainland can be a tricky exercise. The popularity of the attraction means you’ll have to book in advance and go on a guided tour. However, upon arrival, with the sun beaming down from above and the water gleaming back, it promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Trogir – UNESCO World Heritage Site

If you’re still working through what to do in Croatia, make sure you find plenty of room for Trogir on your Croatia itinerary. On Croatia’s impeccable Dalmatian Coast, Trogir has a rich history which dates back to the 4th century.

In 1997, Trogir became a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the preservation of Roman architecture that lines the narrow streets. Walking and admiring is a great thing to do here, plus you can enjoy the amazing Trogir Cathedral and the Church of St. Peter.

If you’re a fan of seafood, then you’ll also fall in love with the cuisine in one of Croatia’s most historic cities .

Zadar’s Sea Organ and Sun Salutation

When traveling through Zadar, on the Adriatic Sea, you must stop by the city’s sea organ. Playing the tunes of the ocean’s waves, the organ converts the rhythm of the water through 35 pipes built under the marble steps.

Each pipe is of different sizes and lengths, creating a diverse array of sounds that will delight the ear. While you can visit at any time of day, nothing beats enjoying a sunset on the water and a chance to appreciate the Sun Salutation.

Throughout each day, the Salutation, which is a large solar panel, absorbs the sun’s rays. It stores enough energy to light up all of Zadar’s waterfront once the sun has gone down.

Krka National Park

Spliced by the thundering Krka River, this national park features seven jaw-dropping waterfalls, each as picturesque as the last. Just an hour away from Split , Krka National Park is easily accessible.

After your brief drive into the park, you’ll feel a world away from the cobbled streets and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Surrounding you is vast, untouched wilderness with the ever-present roar of the river.

The highlights of the Krka National Park is the Skradinski Buk. Come here for towering waterfalls that cascade into a crystal-clear swimming hole. Hikers will also stumble upon Roman ruins.

Old Town, Dubrovnik

There’s a difference between a tourist trap and something that’s popular for a good reason. Dubrovnik’s Old Town may be one of the top tourist attractions, but it offers an amazing insight into Croatian culture.

With so much to do, you could set aside multiple days to explore. The medieval town was completed around the 13th century and is encapsulated by walls that stretch for 1.2 miles. Fit with towers and bastions, the wall was a fortress that protected Dubrovnik for centuries.

Besides seeing the walls, visit museums, art galleries and dine within ancient stone buildings.

Croatia is full of medieval towns that tell the story of many rulers. But the Istrian Peninsula on the Adriatic Sea has a strong connection to the Roman era. The city harbors some of the most spectacular Roman architecture found in the country.

Pula has long had popular tourist attractions, from back when visitors would arrive in great numbers to watch the gladiators at the Roman Amphitheater. Today, the ancient town hosts the Pula Film Festival within the amphitheater.

Other historical attractions include the Byzantine chapel, the town square, a Venetian fortress and the old city gates. The surrounding countryside is easy on the eyes, plus Pula has several beautiful beaches.

Gornji Grad, Zagreb

Visiting Croatia’s capital, Zagreb is one of the best things to do in Croatia. The reason travelers flock to the city is because of Gornji Grad, also known as the Upper Town.

Now an extensive metropolitan city, Zagreb’s rich history remains on display. Wander the cobblestone streets to experience the atmosphere at Ban Jelacic Square, roam the Dolac Market, or stroll along Strossmayer’s Walkway. Here musicians, artists and street performers go to work.

Popular destinations within Gornji Grad include the colorful Church of St. Mark, and the Tower of Lotrscak. Head here for spectacular city views.

Game of Thrones Tour

Croatia is home to many of the best filming locations for the hit TV show, Game of Thrones. From Mereen (Split) to King’s Landing (Old Town, Dubrovnik).

A great way to hit up all the sites while exploring Dubrovnik is on a walking tour. Your guide will take you to all the memorable locations while providing excellent historical insight. Stand in front of Blackwater Bay, or visit the location of King Joffrey’s wedding. If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, this is an experience not to be missed. Want to see more GOT locations? Check out the full list here !

Mljet National Park

Reached via ferry from Dubrovnik, exploring the dense forests of Mljet National Park is one of the top things to do in Croatia. It also make for the perfect day trip from Dubrovnik. The western side of the remote island encompasses two bright blue lakes.

Croatia has eight spellbinding national parks and Mljet lives up to the country’s reputation. There are several hiking trails that run through the park, including one that runs along the lake’s edge.

To get out on the turquoise water, you can rent kayaks. While you can also jump on a water taxi to visit the Benedictine monastery built in the 12th century.

From stunning natural lands to beautiful medieval architecture, there are no let downs when visiting Croatia. Off the Dalmatian Coast, the island of Korcula, home to the birthplace of Marco Polo.

The principal city, also called Korcula, was built under Venetian rule, with its bright orange rooftops offering similarities to the northern Italian city. Korcula is a dream to walk around, with the area within the city walls being pedestrian only.

Fun things to do in Korcula include visiting the Marco Polo House and experiencing a Moreska Sword Dance held in the summer evenings.

Spanjola Fortress, Hvar

In Hvar Town is one of the most spectacular medieval fortresses in Croatia. Providing epic views after a bit of a workout. Created in the 16th century, the Spanjola Fortress was originally a method of defense.

Now the fortress is home to antiquities and several exhibits that provide a wonderful insight into life under Venetian rule. From the top of the fortress, you will have unbeatable views of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast along with the old town of Hvar.

Diocletian’s Palace, Split

More a fortress than a traditional chateau, Diocletian’s Palace is the birthplace of Croatia’s second largest city, Split. The palace includes the city walls which come with four giant gates, one which can be accessed from the Adriatic Sea.

Roman Emperor Diocletian built and eventually retired here in 305ad. Today you can explore the Peristyle (the palace’s historic courtyard), along with the Cathedral of St Domnius. Enjoy the pedestrian only town and stick around for the illuminated ruins display at night.

Another must-see island on your travels around Croatia is Lokrum. For a memorable day trip from Dubrovnik, jump on the 15 minute ferry. On the island, you’ll soon discover that the only full-time residents are the local peacocks.

The paradise also features a sprawling saltwater lake, a brilliant Benedictine monastery and one of the several nudist beaches in Croatia. There are no cars here, or overnight camping, so it’s easy to find your own slice of paradise away from the crowds.

City Tower, Rijeka

A major earthquake may have brought down much of Rijeka’s historic buildings. But one that remains in the 21st century is the City Tower. With its famous bright yellow color, the tower was the original welcoming point for those arriving at the waterfront.

After the earthquake, City Tower received a few improvements, including the iconic clock which was installed in 1873. You will also notice the coat of arms along with statues of emperors come and gone.

After checking out the tower, check out the many small cafes and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Zlatni Rat Beach (Golden Horn)

In a country of amazing beaches, Zlatni Rat Beach is often rated as the best of the lot. Popular and stunning, the beach grants prime access to the Adriatic’s pristine turquoise waters.

Zlatni Rat essentially is two stretches of golden sand and pebbles that connect, forming a triangle tip better known as Golden Horn. The fragile tip changes depending on the currents and prevailing winds, but never fails in providing epic photography. Sun bathing is the prime attraction, but you can also venture out on SUPs, kayaks or even windsurfing.

Batana Eco-Museum, Rovinj

North of Pula along the Istrian Peninsula is the coastal town of Rovinj. With colorful homes that rise out of the water’s edge, Rovinj is a traditional fishing village that also features a beautiful bell tower that soars above the skyline.

There are many beautiful beaches nearby, but the top thing to do in town is to visit the Batana Eco-Museum. On the waterfront, the museum explores the history of the batana, a traditional fishing boat used by villagers over many centuries.

Later, explore the tightly packed town with exceptional seafood restaurants and local art galleries.

Museum of Broken Relationships

In Zagreb, the nation’s capital is one of the most unique and surprising museums you’ll come across on your travels. The Museum of Broken Relationships shines a light on love that didn’t go the distance.

As you wander through the halls and by the many displays, you’ll find hundreds of items left behind from breakups from all around the world. Accompanying each piece is a short story providing context which elevates every item to a piece of art.

There are two other sections. One is a virtual museum where people from around the world have uploaded their own items to be viewed. Second is the Confessional, which is exactly as it seems.

Nothing in Croatia gets quite as much promotion as Yacht Week. Where scantily clad men and women dance upon the ocean with plenty of booze in hand. But what if there was something more your speed? More adventurous with the same amount of island hopping. Welcome to Sail Week.

Bid adieu to the hangovers and explore Croatia’s many islands with a clear mind. Kayak along Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, or try your hand at SUPing. Later, hike inland before taking helm and sailing off-shore, with the help of your skipper, of course.

The Vineyards of Istria

If you enjoy your wine or simply can’t get enough of the countryside, one of the best things to do in Croatia is to visit the many Vineyards in the Istrian region.

The local landscapes are stunning and provide access to many ancient villages that are off the typical tourist trail. White wine is prominent in this region, however, the vineyards here offer some of the best orange wine going around. Yes, orange wine is a thing. Get in on the action by visiting Roxanich Winery.

More Information about Croatia

With the best things to do in Croatia covered, what else should you know about exploring this amazing country?

Getting to Croatia

The simplest and often cheapest way to get to Croatia is by plane. Croatia has five major international airports, with Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik airports being the biggest.

For more scenery and an instant glimpse of Croatia’s epic coastlines, catching a ferry is also common. Ferries from Italy and Greece leave regularly to major coastal cities, including Split and Dubrovnik.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Croatia?

Each season in Croatia will bring a different experience to your travels. High tourist season runs through the European summer (June to August) and for good reason. Arrive in the summer for perfect weather, festivals and prime sailing. Direct flights are more prevalent at this time of year, however, you’ll have to book accommodation in advance.

Spring and fall are also great times to visit Croatia. These months bring lower temperatures, which will make longer hikes and outdoor experiences more appealing. You’ll also enjoy quieter ‘old towns’, while attractions that shutdown for the winter remain open.

The winter is not the best time to visit Croatia. With colder temperatures, it’s hard to enjoy the beautiful coastline and sandy beaches. However, if you must, there are many festivals to attend, especially around Christmas. Plus the Olive Oil Fair in November. If you’re willing to battle the cold, national parks like the Plitvice Lakes can be explored essentially by yourself.

Where to Stay in Croatia?

There are many exciting cities and small towns to experience on your travels in Croatia. From Old Town Dubrovnik to the Istrian Peninsula. Below, we have listed three great places to stay in Croata to suit each budget.

• Budget – Within walking distance of this well-appointed guesthouse, you’ll find many of Zagreb’s top attractions. Rooms at Houzzz21 come with free WiFi, private bathrooms, kitchens and often a balcony or terrace.
• Mid-Range – At Villa Sigurata II, walk out your door and immediately be in Dubrovnik’s spectacular Old Town. With airport shuttle included, free WiFi and help with tours, you can check your worries at the door. Within a minute walk be at Onofrio’s Fountain and the St Saviour Church. For an extensive look into where to stay in Dubrovnik, read our guide .
• Luxury – Radisson Blu Resort Split – A luxury base to explore the Adriatic Coast. Located on the beach this resort and spa has three restaurants, private beach, swimming pools

Now that you’ve seen the best things to do in Croatia, ready to explore further afield? Check out our list of the best places to visit in Europe .

Photo of Museum of Broken Relationships Patty Ho , CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

• Where to Stay in Dubrovnik – Guide to the Best Neighborhoods
• Game of Thrones Filming Locations You Can Visit in Real Life
• Best Places to Visit in Europe

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

23 Incredible Things to do in Split, Croatia in 2024

14 Best Luxury Hotels in Dubrovnik, Croatia In 2024

20 Best Islands in Croatia to Visit in 2024

About ThePlanetD Team

Guest writers for The Planet D offer insider tips and information on destinations that they are experts in. We can't be everywhere at once, and it is important to have the highest level of travel information from local writers and experienced travelers.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

2 thoughts on “Beautiful Croatia – The 20 Best Things to See and Do”

Beautiful Croatia inside out .20/20 for the writer

If you plan to drive around the country in a rental car beware of the traffic police. They pop out at you unexpectedly and try to extract a high fine using dubious means (vague infraction laws, no set fine regulations, etc). I was targeted twice in three days.

Best Places to Visit in Croatia

By Caitlin Morton

Krka National Park

This national park encompasses nearly 27,000 acres along the Krka River in central Dalmatia, easily reached from the town of Split. It is known for its blue-green pools, winding walkways, and gushing waterfalls —the waterfalls are so popular, in fact, that the park has started to limit the number of visitors .

Zagreb has everything you could want in a capital city: pedestrian-friendly streets , museums, and galleries, outdoor cafes, and an ancient fortified center that rivals Budapest and Vienna. Don't miss the open-air Dolac Market, colorful St Mark's Church, or the Museum of Broken Relationships (yes, it's just as quirky as it sounds).

Mljet National Park

Mljet National Park covers the entire western section of Mljet Island (a nice day trip from Dubrovnik). Highlights include two gorgeous saltwater lakes, pine tree forests, and the small, picturesque villages of Pomena and Polače.

One of the country’s most popular islands for sunbathers and oenophiles, Hvar is renowned for its sunny beaches, lavender fields , and lush vineyards. It also features a beautiful city center, complete with Gothic palaces and marble stone streets. Bonus: It's also Croatia's sunniest spot .

Caitlin Morton

CNT Editors

Jessica Puckett

Plitvice Lakes National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage site is easily one of the most popular attractions in Croatia—with its turquoise lakes, limestone canyons, and hundreds of waterfalls, it's little wonder why. Just be sure to stay on the paths .

The star of this seafront city is its wealth of Roman architecture, namely the Pula Arena. Constructed between 27 BC and 68 AD, the amphitheater is remarkably intact and is still used as a venue for concerts and festivals. Even non-history buffs will enjoy the city's seaside cafes, Lighting Giants art installation, and Aquarium Pula.

Whether you know it as King's Landing or simply one of the world's most beautiful cities , there's no denying the appeal of Dubrovnik. Don't miss the city’s white limestone streets, the lovely old town of Stari Grad, or scenic Mount Srd (take the cable car to the top for some epic views). Looking for some exercise? We suggest getting on top of the surrounding walls to take in the city—they stretch completely around the Old Town, and you can walk their entire 1.2-mile length.

Located on the northern Dalmatian Coast, Zadar is a quirky addition to any Croatia itinerary. Aside from its historic old town and string of beaches, the city boasts two particularly unique attractions: Sea Organ , a structure that plays music using the movement of the waves; and The Greeting to the Sun , an installation that collects the sun’s energy during the day, then plays a trippy light show from sunrise to sunset .

Come to this seaside fishing town for the food—specifically for Monte , the first restaurant in Croatia to nab a Michelin star. Stay for the offshore islands, cobblestoned streets, and Mediterranean charm.

Zlatni Rat, Brač

Of all the beaches in Croatia , Zlatni Rat stands out for its unusual shape (which changes depending on the current) and material (it's actually made up of smooth, tiny pebbles). The so-called "Golden Cape" is a popular spot for windsurfing, jet-skiing, and stand-up paddle boarding.

Croatia's second-largest city is a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. Walk through the sprawling 4th-century Diocletian's Palace (pictured), where trendy clubs and boutiques alternate with ancient churches; or stroll along the Riva seafront promenade, which is dotted with cafes and souvenir shops .

The island of Korčula is known for its dense forests, olive groves, local white wine, and stunning old town with fortified walls and Gothic cathedrals (it's called "Little Dubrovnik" for a reason). Unlike Dubrovnik, however, its remote location keeps the vibe mellow and the crowds to a minimum, and the town has been named one of the most romantic in Europe .

Kornati Islands

With more than 140 uninhabited islands, the Kornatis are the densest and largest archipelago in the Mediterranean. The Kornati National Park boasts some of the cleanest waters in the country, making it an ideal spot for diving, snorkeling , sailing, and swimming. No permanent settlements exist here, but there are seasonal fisherman's cottages that you can rent for a true, deserted island vacation.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Croatia Travel Guide

The jewel of the Adriatic! Croatia boasts pristine beaches, age-old towns, and a blend of tradition, cuisine, and historic marvels.

Best time to visit Croatia

Best places to visit in croatia, plitvice lakes national park: croatia’s most incredible waterfalls, 9 best things to do in hvar, croatia, rastoke waterfalls: discover the waterfall village of croatia, 9 best things to do on brac island, croatia, map of croatia, weather in croatia.

Following a Mediterranean climate, Croatia’s weather is fantastic, particularly between May and October! Spring and Autumn are prime seasons to explore, offering mild sunny temperatures and fewer visitors.

Cities in Croatia

15 best things to do in split, croatia, 9 best things to do in trogir, croatia, 13 best things to do in dubrovnik, croatia, 10 best things to do in pula, croatia.

Islands in Croatia

Kamenjak national park (croatia’s natural gem), visiting the medieval truffle town of motovun, croatia, 10 best things to do in rovinj, croatia, national parks in croatia, krka national park, croatia: travel guide to the waterfalls, how to rent a car in croatia, best travel insurances.

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find Hostels via Hostelworld
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Croatia via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
• Get a Visa via iVisa
• How to pack light for your trip
• How to plan your trip our tips

Why is Croatia worth visiting?

Croatia is an absolute gem! From dreamy islands to historic cities, it’s a paradise for adventure seekers. Dive into sapphire waters, savor delicious cuisine, and soak up the Mediterranean sun.

Is Croatia cheap to visit?

Croatia has become more expensive in recent years due to its popularity, particularly in towns like Dubrovnik and Split; however, staying in self-catering accommodation, eating local, and visiting outside of the peak months can help you stay on a budget.

Can I drink tap water in Croatia?

The tap water in Croatia is high-quality and readily available, with beautiful water fountains dotted around many of the cities, so make sure to bring your reusable water bottle.

Do I need a visa for traveling in Croatia?

Most travelers don’t need a visa for Croatia for stays of up to 90 days. Check your country’s entry requirements in advance and make sure to have a valid passport ready for your Croatian adventure.

What language do they speak in Croatia?

While Croatian is the official language, English is like a second language to many who depend on tourism for their livelihood. Enhance your experiences by learning a few Croatian phrases, and the locals will warmly welcome your efforts to communicate in their language.

Do I need travel insurance for Croatia?

Travel insurance ensures peace of mind during your adventure through Croatia, protecting you from unexpected events. Hike through national parks, cliff jump off the rugged coastline, and kayak around beautiful islands with zero worries!

Is Croatia safe?

The crime rate in Croatia is low, and it is generally a very safe country for tourists. Exercise precautions as normal, and you’ll have an incredible trip filled with friendly locals and beautiful landscapes.

What power plug type does Croatia have?

Croatia primarily uses type C and F plugs, the European-style two-pin plugs with a voltage of 230V. Make sure to bring a plug adapter to keep you charged on the go!

Why do people love Croatia?

Commonly known as the Jewel of the Adriatic, Croatia is one of the best holiday destinations in Europe! With an incredible blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and warm hospitality, unforgettable memories are created here.

Travel to Croatia

Croatia, the Jewel of the Adriatic, is a captivating European destination known for its stunning coastlines, picturesque islands, historic cities, and incredible national parks. As one of the greatest vacation destinations in Europe, Croatia offers a diverse range of experiences, from the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik to the lush Plitvice Lakes National Park . Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or beach enthusiast, there’s something for everyone, making for an unforgettable vacation in Croatia!

How to plan your trip to Croatia

Follow our Croatia travel guides to plan an unforgettable road trip in this Mediterranean paradise. There are so many amazing things to do in Croatia, including historic cities like Split , natural wonders like Krka National Park, and charming islands like Hvar.

Short on time? Tick off the highlights of Croatia with our ultimate 7-day travel guide , road-tripping through ancient fortresses, UNESCO valleys, turquoise shores, and waterfall villages .

Ready for an incredible holiday in Croatia? The weather varies by season, and choosing the best time to visit depends on where in the country you’re planning to see and the kind of vacation you’d like to have.

High Season (July – August): If you’re dreaming of sunny days and beachfront relaxation, consider visiting between June and August. These are the peak summer months, with warm temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall. The coastlines are at their finest during this period, making it an ideal time for beach enthusiasts, and the party scene is at its best in Hvar , Brac , Dubrovnik, and Split for those looking for nightlife. This period brings crowds of tourists, so booking accommodations and tours in advance, particularly in well-traveled destinations like Dubrovnik, is definitely worth it.

Shoulder Seasons (May, June, September & October): If you prefer a more budget-friendly, less crowded experience, the shoulder seasons are generally the best times to visit Croatia. During these months, the climate in Croatia is pleasant, the tour operators and hotels are open, and the crowds are much more manageable in popular cities. May and June are also the best months to visit the National Parks when the lakes and waterfalls are flowing.

Croatia’s climate can also vary depending on the region. Central Croatia tends to be a little cooler than the coastal areas, so it is always worth packing layers if you plan to explore different parts of the country.

Whichever season you choose for your Croatia holiday, this beautiful country will not disappoint!

Coastlines and beaches in Croatia

Croatia’s coastline along the Adriatic Sea is a paradise. With a diverse range of beaches, from pebbly shores to secluded coves, there’s something to suit every traveler’s taste.

One of the best things to do in Croatia is to explore its stunning coastline, starting with the Dalmatian Coast. This stretch of coastline is famous for its crystal-clear waters and unique pebble beaches. Zlatni Rat, located on the island of Brač , is often referred to as the “Golden Horn” due to its distinctive shape and offers a picturesque spot for sunbathing and water sports.

For a blend of history and relaxation, Banje Beach in Dubrovnik is an amazing spot, only a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. With panoramic views of the city’s historic walls, it’s a unique spot to unwind and enjoy the Croatian sun. This spot is very popular, so come early to rent a daybed or find a spot on the nearby cliffs or visit Sveti Jakov Beach instead, a quieter spot in Dubrovnik closed off to boats, making it one of the best places to visit in Croatia.

If you’re looking for a more tranquil getaway, hop on a boat tour around Hvar Island, exploring the secluded beaches, natural caves, swimming in the crystal blue waters of Budikovac Lagoon, and taking in the picture-perfect scenery.

Whether you’re seeking a relaxing vacation or a crazy backpacking adventure, Croatia’s coastlines and beaches are out of this world!

Food, culture and religion in Croatia

Dive into the heart of this Mediterranean gem, and you’ll discover warm hospitality, distinct regional cuisines, and prominent architecture from its religious influence.

Food: Croatian cuisine is a delicious blend of influences from Central Europe, Italy, and the Mediterranean. As you travel Croatia, your taste buds will be treated to an array of flavors. On the coast, you’ll find food similar to Greek, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisines, with freshly caught seafood from the pristine waters and plenty of olive oil and fresh herbs. Further inland, food is known to be a little more hearty, with warming stews and decadent pastries.

Culture: Croatia has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with red and white checkered items, known as šahovnica, the coat of arms, featuring everywhere throughout the country, highlighting how proud locals are to be Croatian.

Religion: Religion holds a significant place in the hearts of Croatians, with the majority of the population following the Catholic faith. This influence is evident in the beautiful churches and cathedrals that grace the country’s landscapes, from the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Dubrovnik, to St. Stephen’s Church in the small hilltop village of Motovun .

Why you should travel to Croatia

One of the best European vacation destinations, Croatia’s charm is endless, with sun-soaked beaches, captivating cities, pristine islands, and breathtaking natural parks. As you navigate its winding roads, you’ll encounter UNESCO-listed valleys, wander through Game of Thrones Croatia film sets, explore ancient fortress cities, visit breathtaking waterfalls, and relax on the beautiful shores.

The country’s diversity is the standout feature of the country. The Adriatic coastline, dotted with pebble and sandy beaches, offers a seaside paradise for sun-seekers. While the coastline may steal the limelight, picturesque cities like Dubrovnik and Split, with their well-preserved historical architecture, beckon history buffs and culture enthusiasts. Additionally, the numerous islands, such as Hvar and Korčula, provide an idyllic escape from the bustling mainland, offering a laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere. The national parks, including Krka and Plitvice Lakes, display cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, and lush forests that provide a haven for nature lovers.

Croatia offers an enriching experience whether you’re a backpacking adventurer, a history enthusiast, or a sunseeker in search of the perfect vacation.

Safety and travel advice Croatia

Croatia is generally a safe travel destination, but it’s essential to stay informed about safety measures and travel tips when planning your trip to the country.

Natural Disasters: While Croatia is not prone to major natural disasters, occasional minor earthquakes and forest fires may occur. Additionally, heavy rainfall, particularly during the winter, can lead to localized flooding. To stay updated on potential emergencies during your trip, always follow the local weather and plan accordingly. Outside of the tourist areas, there may be unexploded mines from the past war, so always stick to marked paths.

Crime and Safety in Croatia: Overall, Croatia has a low crime rate. However, in crowded tourist areas, such as city centers and popular coastal destinations, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur. It’s wise to leave valuables at your accommodation and stay vigilant in crowded places. There have also been several reports of crime in taxis, so if you’re traveling alone, it’s advisable to take a photo of the number of the taxi and send it to a friend or family member.

Traffic and Driving: In the busier towns and cities, Croatia can experience traffic congestion, particularly during the high season. If you plan to drive a rental car in Croatia, always pay attention to traffic signs and adhere to local driving rules. Also, be aware that it is illegal to drive with more than 0.05% of alcohol in your system.

Travel Insurance: It is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance for your vacation in Croatia, ensuring peace of mind in case of unexpected events, such as hiking accidents or lost luggage. Find the best travel insurance to best suit your needs.

Best things to do in Croatia

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• best-things-to-do-in-croatia

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 07.12.2022

From its awe-inspiring coastline, mountains and lakes, to all those atmospheric Old Towns, Croatia is a hugely rewarding destination for every kind of traveller. There are plenty of reasons you voted it one of your most beautiful countries in the world , while our experts hailed Dubrovnik one of the best places on earth for 2022 .

1. Hike Plitvice Lakes National Park

2. enjoy a concert at pula amphitheatre, 3. experiencing zadar sunsets - one of the best things to do in croatia, 4. explore adriatic islands.

• 5. Visit Zagreb's Museum of Broken Relationships

6. Kayak the Dalmatian coast

7. spot nesting storks in cigoc, 8. mix it up in sibenik.

• 9. Walk Dubrovnik's city walls

10. Discover the untamed Kornati Islands

11. fall in love with little venice aka varazdin, 12. pig out on pag cheese, 13. live the high life in hvar, 14. soak up (and in) skradinski buk falls, 15. potter the peljesac peninsula.

• 16. Discover Split's Diocletian’s Palace

17. Visit Vukovar

• 18. Uncover Croatia's peka culinary tradition

19. Roam Italianate Rovinj

20. taste truffles in istria, 21. amble trsteno arboretum, 22. explore the elaphite islands, 23. relish rakija grape brandy, 24. go the distance on the premuzic trail, 25. visit mljet national park.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Croatia , your essential guide for visiting Croatia .

Given the richness of its offerings, deciding where to go in Croatia is no easy task. The same is true when it comes to deciding what to do, which is why we've compiled this list of things not to miss in Croatia.

For a snapshot, check out this video before diving into our ultimate list of things to do in Croatia.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Croatia, created by local experts

16 days  / from 5243 USD

Gorgeous gems of Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia

From the spas of Budapest to Lake Bled with its castle and further on to Croatia - this itinerary takes you across 3 countries, with a special focus on Slovenia's lake area and the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.

10 days  / from 2800 USD

Sailing Croatia

If you want to experience the Dalmatian coast from a whole different perspective, then this trip is for you! Hop aboard a beautiful cruiser and sail along some of Croatia's most stunning islands.

10 days  / from 2306 USD

Southern Pearls

This ten-day trip will take you around three adjacent countries, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Your tour starts in Split, Croatia, moving south (hence the name "Southern Pearls") over the island of Hvar and Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina to end up in Montenegro.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia's top natural attraction — an emerald expanse of lakes and forests with 12 hiking trails and more fairy tale enchantment that you can shake a walking stick at.

One of the reasons Croatia earned a spot in our round-up of the world's best adventure holidays for 2022 , Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that rewards solo ramblers, families, and travellers looking to take guided hiking tours. And, while you can’t cycle within the park, a fantastic network of bike trails is marked on its northern edge. 

Top tip : looking to experience a range of exhilarating outdoor activities in Croatia? Consider booking our tailor-made 9-day Ultimate Croatian Adventure trip .

Where to stay near Plitvice Lakes National Park:

• Hotel Jezero : looking like an oversized alpine chalet, Jezero is the best of the park-owned establishments near Entrance 2 – a resort-style hotel which has all the amenities you could want, from tennis courts to hairdressing salon.

Plitvice National Park is a top natural attraction in Croatia © Denis Kichatof/Shutterstock

The incredible amphitheatre in Pula is Ancient Rome’s greatest gift to the eastern Adriatic. Built towards the end of the first century BC, it’s the sixth largest surviving Roman amphitheatre in the world, with space for 22,000 spectators.

While it's unclear why such a massive theatre was built in a small Roman town of only five thousand inhabitants, today its size serves locals and visitors well. With stadium-style concerts typically sold-out through the summer months, and a major film festival held in the last weeks of July, you'd do well to check the schedule and book tickets ahead of your visit.

But the amphitheatre isn't the only thing this gem has to offer visitors — find out why Pula should be your next Croatian city break .

Top tip: book a guided walking tour of Pula's historic sites .

Where to stay in Pula:

• Hotel Amfiteatar : comfortable, affordable and central, the medium-sized Amfiteatar occupies a renovated nineteenth-century building, with rooms decorated in cool greys with contemporary furnishings. The top-floor rooms with porthole windows and sloping attic ceilings are particularly cosy

Exploring Pula Amphitheatre is one of our top things to do in Croatia © Shutterstock

Alfred Hitchcock raved about Zadar sunsets and you'll be bowled over by them too — not least because the natural beauty of the setting sun now comes with sound and light effects created by the Greeting to the Sun and Sea Organ art installations.

Sunsets aside, Dalmatia's ancient capital blends its medieval heritage with bustling café culture, fab bars, and a stylish seafront — find out why you need to visit Zadar .

Zadar also hosts several celebrated summer arts festivals, among them the St Donat’s Musical Evenings, and the Zadar Theatrical Summer.

Top tip: discover the beauty of the Zadar archipelago on a boat trip .

Where to stay in Zadar:

• Bastion Heritage Hotel : as the name suggests, this cute 27-room hotel is pressed up against the town’s medieval fortifications, bang in the centre of the Old Town. Rooms feature lush fabrics and crisp modern bathrooms.

Put Zadar sunsets on your things to do in Croatia list © xbrchx/Shutterstock

Boasting over 200km of azure waters and more than 1000 islands, Croatia's Adriatic coast is a beautiful destination beloved by couples, families and sailors alike.

If you've never sailed before, read our in-depth guide to sailing Croatia as a first-timer . Alternatively, if you'd prefer to keep your feet on dry land, discover the top ten Croatian island getaways . Also, read our practical guide about island-hopping in Croatia and find some useful tips.

From handsome, hedonistic Hvar to lovely Lošinj on Croatia's Kvarner Gulf , to Mljet's unspoiled nature reserve, your main problem will be deciding where to go first.

Top tip: Fancy taking to the sea, but don't know where to start? Take a look at our customisable Sailing across Dalmatia trip

Where to stay on the Adriatic coast:

• Mljet Island
• Hvar Island
• Lošinj Island

Mljet island, Croatia — a jewel of the Adriatic © Simun Ascic/Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

5. Visit Zagreb's Museum of Broken Relationships

Featured in our round-up of unusual things to do in Croatia — unexpected highlights that might just get you off the beaten track — the mould-breaking Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb explores human emotions from a very personal perspective.

At once moving, witty and philosophical, the exhibition began life as a travelling art installation and became a permanent museum in 2010. Comprising donated mementoes, exhibits range from garden gnomes to prosthetic limbs, with each item accompanied by explanatory text that explains its significance to the donor.

Interested in urban culture? Find out why Zagreb is Croatia's capital of cool .

Top tip: discover Zagreb from a different perspective with a Zagreb City Tour Hop On Hop Off panoramic bus.

Where to stay in Zagreb:

• Esplanade Hotel, Zagreb : situated in Zagreb city centre, right next to the Zagreb Main Railway Station, 5-star Esplanade Zagreb Hotel offers a fitness centre and sauna. Free WiFi access is featured throughout the hotel. Guests can enjoy a meal at the hotel restaurant's terrace or have a drink served by the award-winning cocktail bartenders.

Intriguing sights and delights await in Zagreb, Croatia's capital of cool © Globe Guide Media Inc/Shutterstock

It's said that Croatia's Dalmatian coast is best enjoyed from the water, and sea kayaking is the perfect outdoor activity in Croatia to put that theory to the test.

It’s also extremely easy to organize, with several Dubrovnik and Hvar-based travel agents arranging half- or full-day tours. Kayakers are led in a small flotilla by the tour leader. Apart from the few short minutes required to learn how to use a paddle, no training or previous experience is required.

Top tip: mix exploring Dubrovnik's historic sites with water-based fun and island idyll on a kayaking trip to Lokrum island

Where to stay on Dalmatian coast:

• Hotel Concordia : attractive fourteen-room hotel in an old stone house on the Riva. The en-suite rooms have TV and a/c but are a bit cramped. Some of the more expensive ones come with sea views.

Try sea kayaking on the impressive Dalmatian coast © lazyllama/Shutterstock

Located in the centre of Croatia, within Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, Cigoc is home to just over 100 people and 200 storks that nest in the village's charming wooden houses. Known as Cigoc Stork Village, this unique place is one of a clutch of specially-designated European stork villages .

While the area is beautiful year-round, you'll want to visit from mid-March to see the arrival of the storks. On the last Saturday in June, Stork Day is celebrated with a host of cultural and culinary events. The storks leave in mid-August.

Discover more about what to expect at different times of the year in our guide to when to go to Croatia .

Cigoc also affords visitors opportunities to step back in time through exhibitions of traditional tools and village households, with a handful of restaurants serving traditional Croatian food.

Top tip: Midway through the village, the park information point sells tickets for the park on an honour-based system (many people simply drive through), along with a park map. The team can also advise on trails leading east from Čigoč, and the other villages, out into the countryside, parts of which might be under water depending on the time of year.

The Rough Guides to Croatia and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Where to stay in Cigoc:

• Tradicije Cigoc : Tradicije Cigoc is a family-run hotel situated within the peaceful landscape of Lonjsko Polje Nature Park. Bicycles and boats are available to rent, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

Spot nesting storks in Cigoc from early spring each year © Stephan Morris/Shutterstock

A common Croatian conundrum is whether to visit Split or Dubrovnik first for a weekend break. Somewhat complicating things further, there are plenty of reasons Sibenik should be added to your wish-list.

Boasting magnificent Mediterranean architecture, island beaches and festivals cities like Split  and  Dubrovnik  are famed for, Sibenik is far less-visited, which means all the more space to enjoy its maze-like medieval centre.

Love beautiful buildings? Sibenik's cathedral is one of the finest architectural monuments in southeastern Europe.

Meanwhile, the islands of Zlarin and Prvić can be visited on easy day-trips, and the waterfalls of the Krka National Park lie just inland.

Top tip: explore the idyllic islands and beaches of Kornati National Park on a private boat tour from Šibenik .

Where to stay in Sibenik:

• Armerun Heritage Hotel : set in a former monastery right on the seafront, Armerun’s rooms combine ancient exposed stonework with sleek modern surfaces in shades of grey. Apartments, housed in an adjoining building at the back, come with sleek kitchenettes.

Don't tell anyone, but visiting Sibenik is one of the top things to do in Croatia © Hrvoje Bakovic/Shutterstock

9. Walk Dubrovnik's city walls

The briefest of strolls around Dubrovnik's mighty city walls serves as a reminder as to why the ancient city played a starring role in Game of Thrones. If that's grabbed your attention, read our guide to going on a real Game of Thrones adventure in Dubrovnik .

It really is the ideal city to explore on foot, with the Explore Guide to Dubrovnik  on hand to help you plan your romantic rambles. Talking of which, Dubrovnik also bagged a spot in our overview of  Croatia's best honeymoon destinations.

Beyond those walls, the city offers easy access to stunning islands, among them the nature reserve of Mljet, and historic, wooded Lokrum. In the unlikely event you need more convincing to visit, discover lots of things to do in Dubrovnik

Top tip: if you're into Game of Thrones in a big way, check-out our tailor-made Game of Thrones-themed trip .

Where to stay in Dubrovnik:

• Prijeko Palace : boutique hotel in the restored mansion of the IsusevićBraichi family, just a short climb above the Stradun. It’s a classy, intimate place featuring nine cosy rooms and apartments, each decorated with works by a contemporary painter or photographer.

It's no secret that Dubrovnik is one of the best places to visit in Croatia © SchnepfDesign/Shutterstock

If you're seeking off-the-beaten track isolation and unspoiled beauty, the Kornati islands could be your dream Croatian destination. Presenting the Adriatic at its most untouched, this group of largely uninhabited islands is one of Croatia's national parks.

With a sparse covering of shrubs and sage exuding an unearthly palette of grey, green and purple shades, the islands tend to be visited by yachting folk, or on day-excursions from the mainland.

Into nature? Read up on Croatia's national parks .

Top tip: from Zadar, experience the double delights of Kornati and Telascica Nature Park on a sightseeing cruise with food .

Where to stay near Kornati Islands:

• Hotel Murter : located in Murter, 700 m from Slanica Beach, Hotel Murter provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a fitness centre and a bar. Less than 1 km from Luke Beach and 1.8 km from Čigrađa Beach, the property features a garden and a terrace. The hotel offers an indoor pool and a shared lounge and free WiFi throughout the property.

Visit the Kornati islands to discover untouched Croatia © Ivan Pikunic/Shutterstock

With its opulent squares, palaces, and Baroque charm, it's clear to see why  Varazdin  is often called Croatia's Little Vienna.

Sitting pretty on the banks of the Drava River in northern Croatia, Varazdin's Stari Grad (Old Town) castle is a fairytale charmer, and home to a museum that glitters with art treasures. Then there's Sermage Palace, with its distinctive orange-and-white Rococo exterior.

Varazdin's architectural beauty greets visitors at every turn, with gorgeous gardens to stroll, and plenty of places to enjoy kremšnita  cake. In Varazdin, this fluffy custard and vanilla slice is served with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Top tip: Walk down the city’s streets with numerous palaces, villas and the oldest city hall in Europe with the tour to Varazdin Baroque Town .

Where to stay in Varaždin:

• Arbia Dorka Heritage Palace : located in Varaždin, Arbia Dorka Heritage Palace features a garden and a bar. This 4-star bed and breakfast offers a restaurant. The bed and breakfast also provides free WiFi and private parking at a surcharge.

Visit Varazdin for Baroque architecture and art © DragonPhotos/Shutterstock

From the mainland, Pag presents itself as a desolate island that looks as if it could barely support any form of life. In fact, around 8000 people live here, along with three times as many sheep that are responsbile for the island's tasty claim to fame — piquant Pag cheese.

Pag Town boasts an attractive historic centre, while Zrće beach near the modern settlement of Novalja is something of a centre for Adriatic clubbing.

As for that cheese, its distinctive taste — somewhere between mature cheddar and Parmesan — comes courtesy of the sheep's diet of wild herbs, and a unique production process. It's rubbed with olive oil and ash before being left to mature. That's why visiting Pag is a thing to do in Croatia for an avid cheese lovers for sure.

Top tip: book a sea kayaking trip to see Pag's non-cheese attractions — Gače Cave will take your breath away.

Where to stay in Pag:

• Hotel Plaza : located directly by the beach, the Hotel Plaza on the island of Pag offers an a-la carte restaurant and a swimming pool overlooking the beach. Free Wi-Fi is available, and Pag town centre is 1.5 km away.

You won't want to miss tasting tangy Pag cheese © Natalia Bratslavsky/Shutterstock

Unspoiled and blessed with beautiful bays and coves, the island of Hvar has something of a reputation as a glam celebrity haunt. Undoubtedly the swankiest resort town in the Adriatic, Hvar Town offers Renaissance architecture, chic bars, and glossy yachts. Appropriate enough for an island that's known as the Queen of the Dalmatian Islands.

Lively town experiences aside, Hvar also provides plenty of opportunities to find seclusion in calm coves and unspoiled countryside.

Fancy seeing a clutch of Croatia's Adriatic island gems? Read our practical guide to island-hopping in Croatia .

Top tip: Visit the highlights of the Adriatic Sea on this small-group speedboat tour . Stop by natural landmarks like the Blue Cave, Vis, Stiniva Bay, Budikovac Island, Hvar, and Pakleni Islands.

Where to stay in Hvar:

• Palace Elisabeth : is the oldest hotel on Hvar, framed by St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the famous Hvar Theatre in a beautiful setting surrounded by Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Free WiFi access is available in all areas.

Hvar Town, one of Croatia's glossiest island resorts © Kite_rin/Shutterstock

Located in Krka National Park , Skradinski buk presents itself as a series of seventeen mini-cascades over a 500m stretch. Backed by semi-submerged forests, it's another of Croatia's top nature attractions, with added enchantment, and opportunities for hikers and swimmers to satisfy their hunger for adventure.

The most impressive spot can be found up from the boat landing, where several tiers of falls tumble into a pool.

Elsewhere, Krka National Park is home to tiny Visovac island, which was settled by Franciscan monks in the 15th-century, Roski Slap falls, and over 200 species of bird.

Top tip: into nature and fine flavours? Take a tour of Krka with cheese and wine tastings .

Where to stay in Skradin:

• Hotel Skradinski Buk : Skradinski buk hotel, bang in the centre of the village, has swanky en-suite rooms equipped with cool Scandinavianstyle furnishings, TV and a/c.

Skradinski buk falls - an impressive alternative to Plitvice Lakes National Park © ZM_Photo/Shutterstock

Across the Pelješac channel from the island of Korčula , the Pelješac peninsula — a mountainous finger of land — stretches from Lovište in the west, to the mainland in the east.

Characterised by tiny villages, sheltered coves, and rugged mountains, development here remains low-key — for the time being at least. The area is also renowned for its robust red wines and seafood. The village of Mali Ston, for example, is especially known for its  kamenice  (European flat oysters) and dagnji  (mussels).

It's also a top spot to windsurf, with a great range of shore-side campsites beloved by independent travellers. Discover the best places for beachside camping in Croatia . Naturally, the Peljesac penninsula features.

Top tip: visit the birthplace of Marco Polo and other famous monuments on this tour to Peljesac Peninsula & Korcula Island

Where to stay near Peljesac peninsula:

• Villa Loviste Paradise : set in Lovište, 50 m from Denka Beach and less than 1 km from Kamenica Beach, Villa Loviste Paradise offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and air conditioning. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.

Medieval Mali Ston on the Peljesac peninsula © OPIS Zagreb/Shutterstock

16. Discover Split's Diocletian’s Palace

For history buffs, visiting Diocletian's Palace in Split should pretty high on lists of things to do in Croatia. Built by Roman Emperor Diocletian in 295AD, this former imperial pied-à-terre now forms the chaotic core of an intoxicating modern city.

While the palace remains the city’s central ingredient, beyond the tangled Roman-medieval mash-up of houses, tenements, churches and chapels, Spilt is one of the Med's most compelling cities.

It's a place of seafront cafés and ancient alleyways, of stately socialist-era housing blocks that look like something from a modernist architectural stylebook. The shopping's not bad, either, especially for shoe-lovers.

Top tip: discover the highlights of Split on a 1.5-hour walking tour through the historic city center , and see sights such as the Golden Gate, Diocletian's Palace, Jewish Ghetto, and much more.

Where to stay in Split:

• Private Apartments In Diocletians Palace : set in the very heart of Split, Private Apartments are located within the UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace. It offers modern-style accommodation with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

Diocletian's Palace — a highlight of Split, Croatia © Kirk Fisher/Shutterstock

One of eastern Croatia’s most compelling destinations, Vukovar combines contemporary museum attractions with sites commemorating the 1991, 87-day Siege of Vukovar that saw 2000 Croatian civilians defend the town for three months.

Located at the confluence of the Vuka and the Danube rivers, on the border between Croatia and Serbia, the town's history has a haunting, moving presence.

Prior to the 20th-century, Vukovar was best known for having Croatia's largest river port. It's also home to the magnificent Vukovar Municipal Museum, located in the Baroque Palace of Eltz.

Top tip: if you're interested in the region's history, explore our tailor-made 10-day best of the Balkans trip .

Where to stay in Vukovar:

• Royal Palace : situated in Vukovar, 29 km from Museum of Slavonia and 30 km from Museum Of Fine Arts in Osijek, Royal Palace features accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning and access to a garden with a terrace.

Elegant Vukovar © Shutterstock

18. Uncover Croatia's peka culinary tradition

if you've ever had the pleasure of sampling a hearty Croatian stew, chances are it will have been slow-cooked beneath an ember-covered metal lid known as a peka — the traditional Croatian way to create deliciously succulent meals.

Strictly speaking, peka can mean one of two things. It's either a meal of roasted meat — perhaps lamb or veal — served with potatoes and a colourful array of vegetables. Or it refers to the magic bell-shaped lid.

Either way, anything involving peka is a very good thing indeed. Look out for ispod peke  — meaning "under the lid” or "under the bell” — on menus.

Hungry? Feast on more info about Croatia's top foodie experiences .

Top tip: gourmands might want to take our tailor-made feel and taste Dalmatia trip to enjoy authentic food against spectacular backdrops of idyllic islands and historic cities.

Slow cooked succulence cooked using a traditional Croatian Peka © Shutterstock

A beautiful medieval port and an upmarket tourist resort, Rovinj (Rovigno) sees Riviera town-chic rub stylish shoulders with old world allure.

Known for its Venetian-style houses and elegant piazza, Rovinj is the most Italian of Istria’s coastal resorts — even the street signs are bilingual.

It's also been a magnet for artists since the 1950s, with studios speckling the Old Town's atmospheric streets to this day. Art-lovers will want to visit on the second Sunday in August, when the main street, Grisia, is transformed into an open-air art exhibition.

Top tip: discover how the city of Rovinj was born out of a historic coincidence on a guided walking tour of the historic Old Town

Where to stay iin Rovinj:

• Eden Hotel by Maistra Collection : surrounded by lush vegetation, Eden Hotel by Maistra Collection enjoys a peaceful location on the edge of the 100-year-old Zlatni Rt park forest in Rovinj. It offers outdoor and indoor pools and free beach chairs and parasols in the bay (subject to availability).

Visiting ravishing Rovinj is one of our things not to miss in Croatia © Shutterstock

The largest peninsula of the Adriatic Sea, Istria has long been popular with sun-seeking tourists, with a host of hotel developments to show for it.

That said, this stretch of coast, and the region's inland medieval hill settlements and stone villages, have retained a whole lot of charm.

For the past 80 years or so, Istria's place on the map has been further firmed-up by the truffles that were uncovered in the dense oak forests of the north. These so-called "black diamonds of Istria" draw gourmands from far and wide, with truffle-hunting season marked by festivities throughout September. 

For the ultimate foodie experience, head to Buzet in mid-September for Buzet Saturday, when the world’s largest truffle omelette is scoffed by an army of celebrants. Discover how to join the truffle trail in Buzet .

Top tip: wander between three stunning places. Pula, a Roman amphitheater, Poreč, a UNESCO protected Euphrasian basilica, and Rovinj, the Pearl of the Adriatic with this Istria day tour from Zagreb .

Where to stay in Buzet:

• Boutique Hotel Vela Vrata : a restored Old Town mansion harbouring comfortable and wonderfully soothing accommodation, with bright spacious rooms, modern bathrooms, big pillows and mildly kitschy (but never overpowering) furnishings. Also has a splendid restaurant.

Istria is the place to be for truffle season in Croatia © Alessandro Cristiano/Shutterstock

13km northwest of Dubrovnik, the coastal village of Trsteno is a must-visit destination if you’re interested in horticulure. Even if you're not at all green-fingered, it's anyway one of the best things to do in Croatia.

Trsteno's gardening glory days began back in 1502 when Dubrovnik noble Ivan Gučetić built his summer villa here. Maintained by generations of the Gučetić family, the villa and its gardens were confiscated in 1948 by a communist regime eager to destroy any prestige enjoyed by the Dubrovnik nobility.

Soon afterwards the Yugoslav (now Croatian) Academy of Sciences reclaimed the villa and created the awe-inspiring arboretum you'll adore visiting today.

Top tip: don't overlook the shore at the northwestern end of the gardens. It looks like a ruined palace but it is in fact a purpose-built nineteenth-century folly – commanding a superb view of the surrounding coastline, with the islands of Lopud and Koločep roughly opposite.

From here a staircase adorned with weird stone cactus sculptures descends towards a rocky beach and tiny harbour perfect for restful sunbathing.

Where to stay in Trsteno:

• Holiday Home Trsteno : situated 800 m from Trsteno Arboretum in Trsteno, this air-conditioned holiday home features a terrace and a garden with a barbecue and a sun terrace. Guests benefit from balcony. Free WiFi is offered .

Fountain Neptune in Trsteno Arboretum, Dubrovnik, Croatia © nadtochiy/Shutterstock

An easy ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s Gruž harbour, the lush Elaphite Islands present excellent opportunities to experience the Croatian Adriatic at its get-away-from-it-all best.

Meaning "the deer islands", and named by Pliny the Elder, only three of the islands are inhabited today — Koločep, Šipan and Lopud — the latter of which features in our overview of the best beaches in Croatia .

Despite all the day-trippers from Dubrovnik, tourism on the Elaphites remains low key, with an almost total absence of cars adding to that glorious stepped-back-in-time vibe.

Top tip: in Dubrovnik for a long weekend? Explore the Elaphite Islands on a full-day, three-island tour from Dubrovnik .

Where to stay on the Elaphite Islands:

• Lopud Island
• Kolocep Island

Lopud island is one of the best places in Croatia for relaxing © canvaspix/Shutterstock

There’s nothing like a shot of rakija to oil the wheels of an evening. While the term covers all indigenous fruit-derived firewaters, most  rakijas  are made from grapes.

For a truly heart-and-soul-warming experience, try herb-infused travarica or carob-flavoured rogačica. Common non-grape flavours include medica  (honey brandy) and  orahovača  (walnut brandy). 

Find out more about eating and drinking in Croatia .

Top tip: Into Croatian spirits? 30km from Split, Holiday Home Rustic comes with a swimmimg pool, plus a wine and rakija  cellar guests are free to sample.

Traditional Balkan plum brandy © t.sableaux/Shuterstock

While walking can be one of the easiest and most rewarding things to do in Croatia, the Premuzic Trail is a more serious hike.

Taking in mountain ridges and dense forests as it winds through Northern Velebit National Park, this is one of Croatia's most exhilarating long distance routes.

It offers a lesser-crowded experience than, for example, the trails around Plitvice Lakes — pretty essential for those seeking a true back-to-nature experience. What's more, walkers' efforts are handsomely rewarded by awesome views that recharge the soul while flexing the muscles.

Top tip: Admire the scenic natural beauty of Northern Velebit National Park on the River Canyon kayaking tour

Where to stay near Northern Velebit National Park:

• Apartment Božo : featuring garden views, Apartment Božo is located in Krasno Polje, around 22 km from Northern Velebit National Park. This property offers access to a patio, free private parking and free WiFi.

Serious hikers won't want to miss walking the lesser-travelled Premuzic Trail — one of best things to do in Croatia © Shutterstock

There’s no official entrance point to the Mljet National Park and by the time you arrive in Polače or Pomena you’re already well inside it. The park’s main attractions are its two forest-shrouded “lakes” (actually inlets connected to the sea by narrow channels), Malo jezero (Small Lake) and Veliko jezero (Big Lake), which together form a stretch of water some 4km long.

Both are encircled by foot- and cycle paths, and the clear, blue-green waters are perfect for bathing. If Polače is your point of arrival, it’s possible to walk over to the lakes by road or by a well-signed forest path (via the 253m Montokuc hill) in about 45 minutes. From Pomena, Malo jezero is ten minutes’ walk south, by way of a stone-paved footpath that heads over a wooded ridge just up from the port.

Once you hit the shore of Malo jezero, it’s another ten-minute walk to Mali most (Little Bridge), spanning the channel feeding into Veliko jezero, edged by magnificently soothing, tree-shaded pathways. Continuing along the bank of Veliko jezero takes you through fragrant mixed woodland before arriving at Soline, a cluster of houses presiding over a flat valley floor.

Top tip: discover the south Dalmatian islands of Mljet National Park on an adventurous day tour filled with biking, snorkeling, kayaking, walking, cave exploring, and a lot of fun.

Where to stay near Mljet National Park:

• Hotel Odisej : bland inside but beautifully located, this prim collection of whitewashed modern blocks contains a collection of ensuite rooms with a/c and TV. There is a café, restaurant and sports rental facilities on site

Mljet National Park is a popular island hop from Dubrovnik © OPIS Zagreb / Shutterstock

With its beautiful surroundings and plenty of activities to suit all tastes, Croatia is a real treat for honeymooners. Explore our guide to the best Croatian honeymoon destinations and find your perfect option.

Ready for a trip to Croatia ? Check out the snapshot of The Rough Guide to Croatia . If you travel further in Croatia, read more about the best time to go , the best places to visit and best things to do in Croatia. For inspiration use the itineraries from The Rough Guide to Croatia and our local travel experts . A bit more hands on, learn about getting there , getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Croatia without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

• Authentic Experiences
• Inspiration
• See & Do
• Where to stay

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Travel advice for Croatia

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Croatia

• Eating and drinking in Croatia
• How to get to Croatia
• Getting around Croatia: Transportation Tips
• National Parks in Croatia
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Croatia
• Travel Tips Croatia for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Croatia

Find even more inspiration for 36 here

Ready to travel and discover croatia, get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Itineraries
• Travel advice

• Work With Us
• Blogging Bootcamp

• Van Conversion Academy
• Campervan Shop
• Campervan Rentals
• Plan a Trip
• Itineraries
• Destinations
• Responsible Travel
• Family Travel
• Budget Travel
• Scuba Diving
• Travel Credit Cards
• Digital Nomad
• Teach English Abroad
• Blogging Resources
• Income Reports
• Travel Shop
• Meet Katie & Ben
• About Two Wandering Soles
• Personal Stuff
• Portfolio & Press

35 Absolute Best Things to Do in Croatia + 4 Adventurous Day Trips

Home » Blog » Europe » Croatia » 35 Absolute Best Things to Do in Croatia + 4 Adventurous Day Trips

With miles of cerulean coastline, a magnetic summer atmosphere, and captivating history, Croatia is a top travel destination. In this article we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Croatia, from the highlights to off-beat adventures.

As the Land of One Thousands Islands , there’s no question that Croatia is breathtaking. 

Spanning the entire country’s eastern edge, the Dalmatian Coast is Croatia’s crown jewel where travelers flock to take a refreshing dip from jagged coastlines, go island-hopping, and take part in every locals favorite pastime, leisuring on the beach.

But even if you’re not looking to slather on the SPF, Croatia’s sights stretch far beyond the Adriatic Sea. 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are defining pillars of even the smallest of coastal cities, ruins and stories fill the streets. And as foodies, it would be a crime to pass over the award-winning seafood, wineries, and olive groves.

In this article, we’re breaking down the best things to do in Croatia with must-know information and exciting day trips so you can plan the ultimate itinerary around this stunning country.

Best things to do in Croatia

If you’re looking for the very best things to do in Croatia, here are our top 5 recommendations: 

• Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Walk around Dubrovnik’s Old Town walls
• Go truffle hunting
• Discover Krka National Park

Keep reading for more detailed information on each of these things and more ideas of fun things to do in Croatia. 

1. Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arguably the most stunning and famous thing to do in Croatia is hiking in the world-famous Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Crowds of tourists flock to transport themselves into this fairytale land where emerald lakes are fed by cascading waterfalls settled in lush forests.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is seriously unlike anything we have seen before and it’s a must-see on any trip to Croatia.

However, planning a bit in advance is crucial to have a pleasant experience in the park as it gets insanely crowded. We’ve got all the best tips and everything else you need to know in our guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park . 

2. Walk around Dubrovnik’s Old Town walls

Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s most famed walled cities, so it’s only fitting to climb to the top of the stone barricades to get a bird’s eye view of everything from the outer rim.

It’s an excellent stop to make when you first get to the city since you can get a really good lay of the land and incredible views over Old Town in the process.

Psst! We have more spectacular sites you don’t want to miss in our guide, super fun things to do in Dubrovnik .

3. Go truffle hunting

Did you know Croatia happens to be the best (and one of the only!) place to find truffles in the world!?

It also just so happens that the Istria Peninsula is known as the truffle region of Croatia. So it’s no wonder that truffle hunting has become a bit of an experience to be had in the region. 

If you are visiting during the months of April – November, it is a great time to experience the thrill of the “hunt”! 

Karlic Tartufi , a local family business of 3 generations, offers a truffle hunting experience that we highly recommend. They were friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about all things truffle. 

You’ll come away from the experience filled with knowledge about truffle hunting, the process and how they train their dogs. 

…And before you ask, the answer is YES! The animals are treated very well . In fact, once the dogs have been trained to hunt truffles, they are considered extremely valuable and are given the doggy equivalent of the royal treatment. 

Plus they absolutely love the hunt! Their tails were wagging the entire time as they were free to roam about the forest and sniff everything in sight.

4. Discover Krka National Park 

Just inland from Sibenik, luscious foliage, travertine waterfalls, and turquoise water make up the famous Krka National Park.

Krka is a very popular stop, which means it can get really crowded, but it’s more than worth it to see its stunning beauty.

Boasting similar eye candy to Plitvice Lakes National Park, but a fraction of the size, it’s easily explored on a day trip from Split, Hvar, Zadar, and Dubrovnik.

We have all the tips and know-how for avoiding crowds, plus everything else you need to know to plan an epic trip in our guide to Krka National Park . 

5. Go sailing around the islands

What’s the best way to indulge in Croatia’s fine beaches, turquoise water, and Mediterranean sun? 

On a boat, of course!

Lucky for you, there are endless ways to take part in a sailing trip depending on your interests and travel style.

Most famously, The Yacht Week is the most popular way to sail around the islands and a quintessential summer experience in Croatia. 

Nicknamed “the floating festival”, you and 1-12 friends can fill or join a yacht, and spend a week island hopping in the Adriatic, partying till dawn with other twenty-something year olds.  

If getting boozy for a straight week isn’t your fancy, you’ll want to look towards Sail Week , which is essentially the same concept, except you’re swapping the drinks and nightlife for adventure and natural excursions like hiking and kayaking.

If peak summer crowds of both weeks don’t pique your interest (we don’t blame you!), you can rent your own boat or hire a private skipper to explore at your own pace and itinerary.

No matter what outlet you use to go sailing in Croatia, it will be one of the most memorable experiences in one of Europe’s top sailing destinations.

6. Discover Diocletian’s Palace

Built in the turn of the 4th-century AD, this stunning palace swallows almost half of Split’s Old Town. As one of the most impressive and well-preserved Roman ruins in Europe , it’s a must see while in Croatia.

With a network of squares, alleyways, ruins, shops, restaurants, and people, Diocletian’s Palace forms a confluence of old and new.

If you wander aimlessly through this massive complex, you’ll likely miss some of the most significant details that make this palace so spectacular, so we recommend booking a walking tour with a knowledgeable guide to really take the place in.

Psst! There’s so much to see in Split beyond this stunning palace. You’ll find a ton of other fabulous recommendations in our guide to the best things to do in Split ! 

7. Hit the beach

The beaches alone are reason enough to make a trip to Croatia.

Sandy and pebbled beaches line nearly 3700 miles (6000 km) of turquoise coasts, so there’s a lot to choose from to lather up on SPF, grab your favorite read, and leisure under the sun.

These are some of the most famous beaches in Croatia:

• Zlatni Rat (Brač Island): famous horned beach with golden sand
• Stiniva (Vis Island): a stoney beach hidden between a cliff-lined cove
• Saharun (Sakarun) Beach (Dugi Otok): hidden gem with famous white sand and clear water
• Havajsko (Pula): Long sandbar with azure water with a mix of pebble and sand
• Bačvice (Split): most famous swallowed-watered beach 

8. Climb the bell tower in Split

Spectacular views over Split await you at the top of St. Domnius Bell Tower.

While the journey isn’t for the faint of heart with wide open windows, narrow passageways, and steep staircases the entire way up, the 360º views at the top are more than rewarding.

The bell tower is in the heart of Old Town, which almost always guarantees long lines and crowds. Go in the early morning or late afternoon to bypass and get all the views to yourself. 

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Sundays 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Entrance fee: There are 4 types of tickets you can purchase to enter the St. Domnius Cathedral that grant you access to the bell towerX€ (~$X USD)

• Blue ticket (6.63€) includes 3 sites: The Cathedral, Crypt, Baptistery
• Green ticket (9.29€) includes 3 sites: The Cathedral, Bell tower, Treasury
• Red ticket (7.96€) includes 4 sites: The Cathedral, Crypt, Baptistery, Treasury
• Purple ticket (10.61€) includes all 5 sites: The Cathedral, Crypt, Baptistery, Treasury, Bell tower

9. Visit the Blue Cave on Bisevo Island

A tiny cave illuminated by brilliant blue light dancing off the bottom of the sea is one of the most popular things to do in Croatia.

While highly sought-after, it can only be accessed in favorable weather, through a narrow water-logged entrance made seamless with a small boat, so you for sure need to book a tour to visit.

We recommend booking one that gives you a head start in front of other tours and offers a refund in the event of poor weather. There are several fantastic tour options from Split, Hvar, Vis, or Dubrovnik.

This Blue Cave tour from Split gives you a head start into the cave so you can beat the crowds and it hits many other incredible Adriatic locations for a well-rounded day. 

What you need to know:

• Hours: 11 hours
• Price: $203
• Meeting Location  

What guests are saying:

“Incredible tour with limited guests (12 on our trip) that makes you feel like it’s a private tour. They don’t overlap with most other tours, the restaurant is private, great food, swims feel private as well, and amazing staff/captains…” –Traveler, Canada (August, 2022)

10. Don’t skip Zagreb

Both unsuspecting and welcoming, it’s a wonder how Croatia’s capital is missed by many traveling throughout the country.

While still a developing 900-year-old metropolis, the city’s unique eastern Mediterranean meets western continental Europe is something to indulge in and cherish.

Zagreb has the same feel as a small village, yet its boundaries are stretched encompassing rich culture, modern contemporary scenes, plenty of historic sites, and how could we forget the vibrant coffee and cafe scene.

The streets are best mapped on foot, where you can admire the eclectic mix of architecture and colorful street art in the Upper and Lower Towns.

11. DIY Game of Thrones tour

Croatia is famously known outside of Europe as the backdrop of King’s Landing in the much-adored HBO series, Game of Thrones. 

While you can find filming locations practically everywhere, Dubrovnik, Split, and Trsteno were used in some of the most significant scenes of the show, so they draw a ton of GOT-specific tourism.

You can join a Game of Thrones tour on almost any corner of Dubrovnik, but because the locations are so close together, they’re easily visited on your own.

These are some of the most popular filming locations in Dubrovnik and nearby :

• Old Town & City Walls (Dubrovnik): as the backdrop of King’s Landing
• West Harbour (Dubrovnik): as Blackwater Bay
• Lovrijenac Fort (Dubrovnik): as the Red Keep (pictured)
• Jesuit Staircase by Saint Ignatius Church (Dubrovnik): where Cersei took her infamous walk of shame
• Hotel Belvedere (Dubrovnik): as the location of the fight between the Mountain and Prince Oberyn
• Lokrum Island (Dubrovnik): as the city of Quarth, ruled by pureborn
• Trsteno Arboretum (Trsteno): as the palace gardens in King’s Landing
• Diocletian’s Palace (Split): as Daenery’s throne room

12. Rafting on Cetina River

From peaceful floats to class III rapids, a Cetina River rafting tour is one of the most exciting day trips from Split , and an ideal way to cool down from Croatia’s Mediterranean sun.

With an expert guide, you’ll paddle 9 km (5.5-miles) where you’ll navigate rapids, relax on beaches, explore caves and waterfalls, all along one of the most beautiful rivers in Croatia.

• Hours: 3-5 hours
• Price: $43 USD
• Meeting Location

“Fun and great value for your money! The short drive from Split was comfortable and the driver explained our day to us en route. […] We rafted 10km total, climbed and jumped through a secluded cave, rafted over rapids, swam in the icy cold Cetina river, and even swam/floated over some rapids too! […] Our guide, Christian, and his operatic singing brought a brilliant vibe and atmosphere to the trip too. […] Would absolutely recommend it to anyone!” – Anna, United Kingdom (October, 2022)

13. Hike to the Spanish Fortress in Hvar

Overlooking the Pakelni Islands, Hvar Town, and the cerulean waters of the Adriatic, the Spanish Fortress in Hvar offers sweeping views over this unspoiled hub.

It’s one of the best things to do in Hvar as the site has roots dating back to 500 BC and was one of Croatia’s main defense systems in the 16th-century.

While not in use today, you can ponder exhibits and antiques showcasing what life was like thousands of years ago.

The path to the fortress is straightforward and a little over half a mile out-and-back. It’s free to hike up there, but you’ll need to pay to actually get inside, so bring some spare euros with you.

The staircase to access the path is just north of town, along Ul. Higijeničkog Društva. Get location .

14. Discover the charming island of Korčula

Filled with olive groves, vineyards, and old-time charm , Korčula is a laid-back island whose medieval streets mirror much of Dubrovnik and Split, but without the overwhelming hoards of tourists. 

While here, indulge in Korčula’s famous dry white wines, local-food restaurants (bonus points for a dish with seafood, lamb, or goat), and its many pebbled beaches.

After having your fill of the walled Old Town, pick up a pedal bike or scooter rental to explore more of the east and western edges of the islands, and everything in between as your oyster.

15. Zlatni Rat (Golden) Beach on Brac

If you’ve seen any jaw-dropping postcard of Croatia, it’s likely you’ve already seen this horn-shaped beach jutting out into vivid, turquoise waters .

Zlatni Rat Beach is a widely recognized symbol of tourism in Croatia and consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in both Croatia and Europe.

Choose from two sides of the beach to sunbathe on or cool down by swimming, snorkeling, or renting a SUP, kayak or jet ski. 

16. Go wine tasting

Let it be known that Croatia is one of the world’s leading wine producers , particularly in the Istria and Dalmatia regions where the climate is ideal for different grape varieties.

The country’s renowned vino history dates back over 2500 years and even if you’re not an expert sommelier, you can appreciate the quality of a Croat pour. 

Each region around the country has a unique terroir, climate, and story behind their cellars.

You can explore some of the best regional wineries on a DIY tour, or join a wine tasting tour to get the full experience.

17. Learn about olive oil production

Just north of Pula is one of the best organic extra virgin olive oil producers in the world .

Luka and his family follow generations of skilled farming practices. 

On this olive oil tour , they share with you the ins and outs of the farm, teach you how to taste olive oil like a professional using their products, and how to pair different oils with complimentary foods. 

You’ll leave the farm an olive oil connoisseur, with the taste of internationally-awarded olive oil lingering on your taste buds.

• Hours: 2 hours
• Price: $27 USD

“First of all, thank you very much to Luka, who has taken far over the requirement, time (+1h) for us and our questions! […] Luka and his family really do a really great and culturally enriching work here with love and energy that takes so much time and strength into it. Not only does he speak perfect English, but he also has an extremely far-reaching knowledge and has informed us perfectly about the production and recognition of good olive oils and left no questions unanswered…”  – Max (November 2022)

18. Take an adventurous food tour

Unspoiled wilderness and gourmet cooking are two of our favorite things, and we were absolutely thrilled when we found this Adventurous Foodie Tour hosted by the world-renowned Secret Dalmatia. 

After navigating the swarm of tourists that accompanies a hot July day in Croatia, we were more than ready to get off the trodden path for a literal and metaphorical breath of fresh air in the countryside .

Our experience was nothing short of memorable, learning that Croatian food is all about letting the flavor of the ingredients shine as we picked fresh thyme and wild heather for our dishes. 

Cooking up a delicious meal using hand-picked ingredients with no one around was a highlight of our trip to Croatia and is a must for anyone looking to find solace in pure Croatian nature.

19. Visit a lavender farm

Fragrant and stunning lavender are a quintessential stop while exploring Hvar Island.

On a lavender field tour , you can wander the rolling fields, collect your own purple bundles, and take in spectacular views over the island’s natural beauty.

Do note the lavender field season is especially short from Late June to early July, so plan your trip accordingly.

• Hours: 3 hours
• Price: $140 USD

“Very enjoyable trip with a knowledgeable guide. We learnt a lot about Hvar culture and crops, and great lavender cheesecake.” — Traveler, (July, 2022)

20. Discover the Roman ruins in Pula

One of the greatest collections of Roman architecture outside of Italy is dotted in Pula’s streets. 

Easily the most impressive is the 1st-century AD Roman Amphitheater (second only to the actual Colosseum in Rome), but the Temple of Augustus, Arch of Sergii, and Gate of Hercules are all highlights of the Istrian city.

When not exploring the ruins, Pula offers a laid back and authentic atmosphere that makes for the perfect gateway to other gems on the peninsula.

21. Get lost in the alleys of Rovinj

While the rest of the towns along the Adriatic are brimming with visitors, Rovinj remains an up and coming gem that’s both enchanting and surprisingly Italian .

With bilingual streets signs and Venetian-style architecture, it mixes the timeless Croatian old-town allure with a modern hip flare.

Rovinj’s skyline meets at the hilltop Euphemia Church, and winds down into a series of atmospheric streets, alleys, and passageways that are a must-see if you want to ditch the mainstream crowds in Croatia.

22. Discover the Sea Organ in Zadar

Both a musical instrument and a hidden architectural thinking piece , the Sea Organ in Zadar resembles the sound of whale calls as it is played by sea waves.

Its 35 organ pipes of various sizes and lengths are hidden beneath marble steps descending into the Adriatic, creating the perfect scenery to stop and listen.

23. Go kayaking along the Dalmatian coast

As the glittering coast is Croatia’s most defining natural attraction, you’ll want to explore it the best way possible with a paddle in hand. 

Kayaking is an exciting and fun way to cool down on those scorching days and to get a little bit off the beaten path in sea caves, remote beaches, and ruins.

Luckily, most towns along the Dalmatian Coast will have rentals or tours available. Get Your Guide has top-rated kayaking tours in cities like Dubrovnik, Pula, Zadar, and Split. 

24. Rent a boat to explore the Pakelni Islands

Just across the Hvar Strait, nestled in an archipelago of 16 islands are unspoiled beaches, pristine nature , hip bars and beach clubs , and crystal-clear waters to soak up the Mediterranean sun for a day.

As one of the most popular day trips from the coastal hub, it’s best explored with your own boat where you can drop your anchor at your leisure and play skipper for a day.

Boat rentals are surprisingly very cheap and the ride is only 10-20 minutes away from Hvar’s port. Boats range from a variety of horsepowers and come with a brief lesson to get you going.

However, if you don’t have your boating license, you can join a full-day sailing tour around the islands where you can lounge, snorkel, and swim with similar leisure.

• Hours: 8 hours
• Price: $125 USD

“We had a fantastic day. The skipper was very friendly and caring,  took us to a great and fancy restaurant, made stops where we could go swim and use the stand up paddle and snorkels, and explained all of the regional details… We really had a lovely day. I would recommend this to anyone going to Hvar.” – Daniela (July 2022)

25. Try cliff jumping in Dubrovnik

The most ideal way to cool down during a hot summer day in Dubrovnik is an adrenaline-filled plunge into the cerulean waters of the Adriatic.

The city has a steep coastal area with plenty of amazing local spots to check out:

• Buža Beach Bar
• Danče Beach
• Bellevue Beach Cliffs

If cliff-jumping isn’t your style, you can take a dip and sip on a cold drink while watching locals and tourists take turns making a splash.

26. Explore Mljet National Park

This National Park takes up about ⅓ of the island of Mljet, right off the coast of mainland Croatia. 

There is a wealth of things to experience here: hike Mount Montokuc, snorkel and swim at Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero, and visit the Isle of St. Mary.

While it doesn’t boast the waterfalls and magic like Plitvice Lakes or Krka, it does make up for it with a fraction of the tourists, pristine waters, and miles of hiking trails that make for a peaceful experience.

Rent a bike and cruise the island, hit the water with a kayak, or you can explore the park and the treasures of 3 different southern Dalmatia islands on this boating tour from Dubrovnik .

• Hours: 10.5 hours
• Price: $162 USD

“Had an absolute blast on Marko’s tour – you don’t want to miss out on this one! Mljet is stunning and one of the highlights of my time in Croatia. Marko has put together a really unique experience and was a fun, attentive, and knowledgeable guide. Great for solo travelers like me and small groups alike!” – Melissa, United Stated (August 2022)

27. Hike to Odysseus Cave

Nearly 3,000 years ago, one of the greatest ancient Greek poets, Homer, wrote that his hero Odysseus spent seven years seeking refuge in this haven on Mljet island .

While there’s stipulation among the Croats and the Greeks if this is the actual cave from the epic, one thing is for certain, it’s spectacular.

From the largest village on the island, Babino Polje, you’ll follow the trail heading towards the sea and arrive at the scene that captivated Odysseus. 

Use the steep rocky steps to access it by land, or take the hero’s way via a brave plunge into the sea, swimming through a small tunnel to get to the cave.

28. Take the cable car up Mt. Srd

At the top of Mt. Srd, take in incredible views over Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town and all the small islands dotting the Adriatic coast .

Although there are a few ways to get to the top, including hiking or driving, taking the all-glass enclosed cable cars is the most fun way to get up there as you have 360° views the whole way up the mountain.

Once at the top, you’ll find different tiered platforms to get the best postcard-worthy view, as well as the famous Restaurant Panorama, where you can relish in the views and get a unique dining experience. 

29. Climb Marjan Hill for sunset

Overlooking Old Town, the absolute best view of Split is atop this hill in the Marjan Hill Nature Park.

It’s the perfect sunrise or sunset location as it’s only 20-30 minutes to the top, where you can hear ABBA tunes from passing Mamma Mia boat tours below and get a slice of peace away from the city crowds. 

There are a few different ways to get to Marjan Hill, but the most convenient and popular is southwest of Old Town. Get walking directions

30. Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships

This quirky museum is dedicated to failed love relationships.

It started as a traveling collection of donated items, but as popularity rose, it gained a permanent home in Zagreb.

As you walk through the museum, you can ponder items collected from past lovers and brief descriptions that retell stories of heartbreak and melancholy .

31. Discover Šibenik

With a maze of medieval architecture, sand-filled day trips, and far less visited streets than Split and Dubrovnik, it’s a wonder how Šibenik, one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic , is overlooked by most tourists. 

As one of the only cities along the coast that established and maintained its very own Croatian flare after centuries of power trades, Šibenik holds a wealth of history worth delving into.

The heart of the city, a gleaming white stone cathedral, is a UNESCO-titled treasure, and the rest of the city, dotted with Game of Thrones filming locations, fortresses, and beaches that sit beautifully along narrow passageways and alleys.

With Krka National Park just inland and Zlarin and Prvić just a boat ride away, it’s also an excellent base camp for exploring more gems of the Dalmatian Coast.

32. Meander the Trsteno Arboretum

Just north of Dubrovnik in a small fishing town is the oldest and most exotic arboretum in Croatia .

Originally built as the centerpiece of a nobleman’s summer villa in 1494, it only recently gained popularity after its cameo as the Red Keep palace gardens of King’s Landing in the cult-favorite HBO series, Game of Thrones.

Don’t miss the two, 500-year-old Oriental Plane Trees, picturesque pavilion overlooking the Adriatic Sea, and Neptune’s Fountain.

33. Go glamping

Croatia is known for many things; historic medieval cities, turquoise beaches, and charming fishing villages, but glamping often doesn’t make the top of the list of things to do in Croatia.

However, camping is one of the most popular accommodation options in Croatia , and the locals have taken the experience to the next level with glamping.

A fine median between the nature and serenity of traditional camping and the modern, creature comforts of a hotel, glamping is popular all along the Dalmatian coast.

Find bungalows, countryside gems, and coastal escapes away from the crowds, but close enough to the main hubs.

34. Learn about the history of Tito’s Tunnels on Vis Island

Vis was an integral military base of the Allied Forces during World War II, resulting in a network of underground tunnels, passages, and caves.

The most popular secret hideaway was a cave dedicated to Josip Broz Tito, the leader of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia and the Resistance to Nazi invasion.  

You can explore the cave on your own, or ponder one of the most pivotal slices of Vis’s history as part of a larger military tour .

• Hours: 3-4 hours

“Brilliant fun! Honestly the best thing I’ve done in a while. It was the perfect amount of information, sightseeing and humor, so there’s something for everyone. I went on the tour with Toni and his little companion Benni who were both great! There really isn’t a better way to discover all of Vis’s beauty and history.” – Reviewer (July 2022)

35. Take a road trip

The best way to see all of these magical things to do in Croatia is on a full fledged road trip around the country with your own rental car. 

It gives you the ultimate freedom , and you don’t have to rely on local bus schedules to plan your itinerary.

Our favorite way to find cars around the world is with Discover Cars . They consistently get us really great deals and we love that we can compare across the top companies to get the best price.

It’s no secret that we love campervanning, both at home and around the world. Croatia is an excellent country for it and there are some seriously good deals on campervan rentals in Croatia . 

Bonus: Day trips from Croatia

Five different countries border Croatia, creating an excellent roster of day trips to consider. These are the most popular trips that are only a few hours drive from the biggest metropolises in Croatia.

36. Day trip to Mostar

Bosnia and Herzegovina is just a stone’s throw away from Dubrovnik and is one of the most popular day trips from the infamous walled city.

You can do a self-tour of Mostar, but if you really want to maximize your day we recommend booking a guided tour (see highlights).

Mostar is a gem filled with rich travel experiences that will have you booking a trip back to this tiny blip on the map as soon as you arrive.

Top highlights of Mostar

• Bata’s Crazy Tour : This full day tour is a gem that is considered a well-kept secret among travelers. Enjoy sightseeing, history lessons, adventure, and food tastings on this tour with none other than Bata.
• Kravice Waterfalls : Often compared to the waterfalls in Krka National Park, this series of falls cascade into stunning pools you can swim in.
• The Old Bridge : This bridge is the focal point of Mostar and one of the most famous bridges in Europe. 
• Sniper’s Tower : An abandoned bank building that was used as a sniper tower during the war. Tiptoe around and you’ll find local, thought-provoking art.

Psst! Use our guide to the best things to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina for other exciting destinations in this overlooked gem. 

37. Day trip to Kotor

From Dubrovnik, this coastal town is just a few hours away nestled in a country roughly the size of Connecticut.

If you don’t mind taking your time, there are a handful of buses with routes that go directly into town. Flixbus has multiple routes daily to Kotor.

Otherwise taking your own rental car is incredibly scenic and will shave off an hour or so. Be sure to add a little bit more time to your drive for the border crossing. 

Top highlights of Kotor

• Bay of Kotor : This fjord-like bay is the highlight of the city brimmed with medieval towns and charm. You can get the best views of the bay by riding to the top of Lovcen Mountain. 
• Explore Old Town : Walk to explore this preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with medieval walls, cobblestone streets, churches, and the three spectacular town gates.  
• Climb the Kotor Fortress : As a must when in Kotor, take the lesser known path up a series of switchbacks that takes you to the fortress through a small hole in the wall.
• Perast : Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stunningly preserved Baroque town, Perast is a must-see while in Kotor. Along its beaches you’ll find stunning views of Ostrovo Island holding a famous church built upon it.

Psst! Discover more amazing spots around this bite-sized country in our guide to the best things to do in Montenegro . 

38. Day trip to Slovenia

The northern border of Croatia hugs the vastly overlooked country of Slovenia.

It’s hands down one of the most underrated destinations in Europe since it’s overshadowed by its much more popular neighbors, but you’ll discover there’s so much to love about this country.

It’s the perfect way to get away from the bustle of coastal Croatian cities and immerse yourself in serene alpine nature. Plus, many of the best sights in the country can be reached in only a few hours from Croatia with your own rental car .

Top highlights of Slovenia

• See the charming Ljubljana : Wander one of the cutest capital cities in Europe in search of its famous dragons, Ljubljana Castle, gorgeous architecture, and traditional Slovenian food.
• Take in the views at Lake Bled : This tranquil lake surrounded by lush forests and mountains is one of the most iconic places in Slovenia. 
• Go hiking in Triglav National Park : Nestled against the Italian border, this is Slovenia’s only national park with towering peaks, carved glacier valleys, and high alpine lakes.
• Explore Boveç : This northern mountain sanctuary is filled to the brim with adventure and an excellent place to try some water sports. You’ll find turquoise gorges, waterfalls, and stunning vistas no matter which way you choose to wander. 

Psst! We’ve got a whole blog post of the top things to do in Slovenia you don’t want to miss!

39. Day trip to Venice

Did you know you can get to Italy from Croatia in just 3 hours!? 

There are 2 ferries that run between Pula and Venice, Italy 8 times every week. The price varies by season but the trip takes just 3 hours and is well-worth it if your travel schedule allows. You can check the ferry schedules and buy your tickets online at Direct Ferries .

You might just find a lot more similarities than you’d guess between Venice and the Istria region of Croatia.

Top highlights of Venice

• Getting lost in the network of canals and bridges: 149 neighborhood canals and over 400 bridges offer the most beautiful views around Venice. The Bridge of Sighs and Rialto Bridge are two staples overlooking the Grand Canal. 
• Explore St. Mark’s Square: This is the social heart of the city, where you can access most of the main highlights directly from this bustling square. Marvel at St. Mark’s Basilica, climb to the top of Campanile di San Marco, visit the Clock Tower, or relax at a cafe with the city’s trademarked drink, the Aperol Spritz.
• Visit the Doge’s Palace: One of the most famous landmarks and museums in Venice with an opulent interior and admirable views of the city.
• Go on a gondola ride: Quintessential Venice, this experience is easily a trademark of the floating city. Board a long and narrow gondola boat and take in the views as your gondolier navigates through the city’s canals and colors.
• Get off the beaten path in Canareggio : Charm aside, Venice is also known for its crowds, the Canareggio neighborhood will help you leave the bustle behind among quiet local treasures.

Best Things to Do in Croatia

Here’s a recap of all the best things to do in Croatia so you can see everything in one place.

• Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Dubrovnik’s Old Town walls
• Truffle hunting
• Krka National Park
• Sailing – Sail Week and Yacht Week
• Diocletian’s Palace
• Hit the beach
• Bell tower in Split
• Blue Cave on Bisevo Island
• DIY Game of Thrones tour
• Rafting on Cetina River
• Hike to the Spanish Fortress in Hvar
• Discover the charming island of Korčula
• Zlatni Rat (Golden) Beach on Brac
• Wine tasting
• Learn about olive oil production
• Take an adventurous food tour
• Visit a lavender farm
• Roman ruins in Pula
• Get lost in the alleys of Rovinj
• Discover the Sea Organ in Zadar
• Kayaking the Dalmatian coast
• Rent a boat to explore the Pakelni Islands
• Cliff jumping
• Mljet National Park
• Hike to the legendary Odysseus Cave
• Take the cable car up Mt. Srd
• Climb Marjan Hill for sunset
• Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships
• Trsteno Arboretum
• Tito’s Tunnels in Vis
• Day trip to Mostar
• Day trip to Koto
• Day trip to Slovenia
• Day trip to Venice

Are you planning a trip to Croatia?

We have lots of resources on travel in Croatia and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Croatia Travel Homepage  for everything you need to know, or start by reading some of our favorite Croatia articles here:

• Croatia: A Completely Honest Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Croatia: When to Go & When to Avoid!
• Fun Things to Do in Dubrovnik + Advice for Traveling
• Plitvice National Park: Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

Save this article on Pinterest for later!

We want to hear from you!

Which of these things to do in Croatia is on the top of your list? Are you planning a trip to Croatia and still have questions? Leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Ultimate 7-Day Croatia Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

Last Updated on November 23, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning the perfect Croatia itinerary is essential to ensuring you have the ideal trip to this incredible country.

Croatia is becoming an ever more popular European destination year after year as it has firmly cemented its beautiful Adriatic Riviera onto the pages of travel magazines, websites, and Instagram feeds. This incredibly diverse and welcoming country has endless opportunities to offer travellers.

While most visitors set their sites on Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands, they fail to dig deeper and explore the seemingly endless wonderful places to visit if you have 7 days in Croatia.

Croatia is a lot bigger and has a more diverse climate than most visitors expect, so it is essential to properly plan out your route before you go.

So if you’re visiting Croatia, these three itineraries are perfect guidelines for having the best trip possible.

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Croatia

Contrary to popular belief, Croatia isn’t all sunshine and sea every day of the year and the vast majority of the country really does experience all four seasons.

While winters in Dalmatia and on the coast tend to be mild compared to that of other European countries, the north of Croatia — in places like Zagreb or the Slavonia region — can expect to experience fairly heavy snowfall and average high temperatures that linger just above freezing.

It is also worth noting that a good majority of Croatia isn’t perennially blessed with endless sunny days. Zagreb, for instance, is actually quite wet and it is best to expect at least a few rainy days on your trip along the coast as well — depending on the season you are travelling.

In the most popular coastal cities in Croatia — like Split and Dubrovnik — you can expect a significant amount of rain in the winter months.

If you do want to avoid the hordes of tourist crowds, then winter can be an appealing option, especially if you’re not one to enjoy lazy beach and swimming days. It is worth knowing that many restaurants and tourist attractions are closed in the winter due to low demand.

The summer months of late June-August are the most popular times to travel to Croatia and if you plan to hit the most visited cities in the country, you can expect them to be very crowded. Temperatures can reach well over 30ºC (86ºF) on the coast and expect it to be even hotter in the capital.

Prices also mimic the high temperatures in the Croatian summer with everything from accommodation to restaurant costs inflated to take advantage of the tourism revenue. Places to stay tend to book out early, especially in July and August, so it is essential that if you’re planning a trip to Croatia , you plan well in advance if you are set on travelling in peak season.

Ideally, the best time of year to travel to Croatia is in the shoulder seasons directly surrounding summer. May and September have some of the best weather in Europe, where you can expect warm temperatures averaging around 25ºC (77ºF) and for the majority of your days to be sunny.

Most seasonal restaurants and tourist attractions will begin to open their doors again through the months of March-October so you will be able to see and eat everything that you could in the summer with a fraction of the crowds.

Getting Around Croatia

If you are only planning a one-week Croatia itinerary and want to make the most of your time, you need to be able to optimise your transport so you spend more time sightseeing and less time in transit.

If you want to rely on public transport when getting from point A to B in Croatia, then you’re going to need to get to know the bus network. Like many Balkan countries, Croatia doesn’t have an advanced train system and the majority of inter-city transport is dominated by the humble bus.

Bus connections between major cities are frequent, but they can book out early during the summer months. There are a number of different transit companies to choose from, some of which allow you to book tickets online.

Others might require you to buy a bus ticket at the station. You can check bus timetables and routes throughout Croatia on Busbud . Another thing to keep in mind is that most buses do charge to put luggage into hold — usually around €1-2.

If you can and your Croatia budget allows for it, a far better transportation option for one week in Croatia is to rent a car.

This will allow you to be more flexible with your departure times and reach places that aren’t as well-served by the bus network. Driving in Croatia is easy and going on a Croatia road trip is one of the best ways to see a lot of the country in a short amount of time.

If you only have a week, you are going to want to see as much of the country as you can and it isn’t always possible to do with irregular bus timetables and long travel times.

You can browse Rentalcars.com which compares car hire prices across major companies. Alternatively, check out Localrent which can connect you with smaller companies or individuals renting their cars.

If you’re flying into Croatia and are not hiring a car, you can organise a private transfer from the airport here.

Classic 7-Day Croatia Itinerary

If it is your first time visiting Croatia, then this is the one-week itinerary you should follow. It covers all of the main tourist highlights of Croatia with possible day-trip options to nearby national parks and beautiful islands.

We do recommend renting a car for this route, however, if you want to save money, a car is not necessary for the Zagreb portion of this trip. You can go ahead and rent a car when leaving the capital and save a couple of days of fare and parking fees.

Day 1 – Zagreb

The most logical place to start this route through Croatia is in the vibrant capital of Zagreb . For many years, tourists have treated Zagreb as merely a place to fly into before making a beeline for the coast — maybe spending a night there if their flight arrives late and leaving first thing in the morning.

However, in recent years, Zagreb has really come into its own as a tourist destination, which is why we recommend spending two days in the Croatian capital.

Zagreb has a gritty, artistic feel to it and has a number of interesting things to do. Take a walking tour of the city to get your bearings and explore some of the main historical sites like St Mark’s Church, the Stone Gate, the Zagreb Cathedral and strolling through the lush Green Horseshoe Park.

Where to Stay in Zagreb

Casablanca Boutique B&B   – This boutique bed and breakfast is one of the best places to stay in Zagreb if your budget allows for a little bit more than a hostel. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available, it is located very close to the city centre and all of the main tourist attractions, and breakfast is included in the room rate. 

Hostel Mali Mrak – This locally-run hostel is one of the best places to stay in Zagreb if you’re travelling solo or on a budget. They have an incredibly friendly staff, great common areas that make it easy to meet other travellers and have both dorms and private rooms available. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Zagreb

Day 2 – Zagreb

Though you can certainly see the majority of the highlights of Zagreb within the confines of one day, spending two days in the city is ideal if you want to go at a slower pace and get your bearings in Croatia.

If you spent your first day in the Old Town there are plenty of other places you can visit on the second day.

For instance, consider hopping on a bus to see the massive and sprawling Mirogoj Cemetery. Or, if you’re a craft beer fan, there are plenty of great brewpubs to hop between. Those who love quirky museums will also like the Museum of Broken Relationships.

Zagreb is also an excellent place to educate yourself on the Yugoslav Wars, which were particularly devastating here. Many people tend to forget the horrific conflict of the 1990s when visiting Croatia, but it is important to see how far the nation has come in the past 30 years.

Two days in Zagreb is a perfect amount of time to spend in order to really get a feel for the city and will probably lend to you longing to return one day!

Day 3 – Plitvice Lakes National Park

The iconic and gorgeous Plitvice Lakes National Park is the second-most visited attraction in Croatia (after Dubrovnik) and it is for good reason — it is absolutely spectacular.

This massive network of lakes and waterfalls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is enough to charm even the most ardent of city people and visiting is a highlight of any trip to Croatia. While it can get very busy in the summer months, it is still an unmissable area to explore in Croatia.

While many people visit Plitvice as a day trip from Zagreb or Split, we recommend spending a night near the park so you can get there as early as possible, avoid the inevitable tourist crowds, and spend as much time as you can in the park.

You need at least four hours to see the majority of the park, but you can easily spend longer. Because of this, we recommend leaving Zagreb in the evening, spending the night near the park, visiting Plitvice Lakes in the morning and then driving onto your next destination by the afternoon or evening.

If you don’t have a car, you can organise a guided tour  from Zagreb or a group tour that includes transport from Zagreb to Split.

Where to Stay in Plitvice Lakes

House Turkalj — This cosy family-run guesthouse is an excellent affordable option for those looking for a little bit more than a hostel. They have a handful of private ensuite rooms available along with self-catering facilities. They also offer complimentary beer and rakija.

Falling Lakes Hostel — This is a great option for backpackers, budget and solo travellers who want a place near Plitvice Lakes. They offer both dorm and private rooms, self-catering facilities, and will arrange a shuttle to the entrance of the lakes should you not have your own vehicle.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Plitvice Lakes!

Day 4 – Split

After spending two days of your week in Croatia soaking up the arts, culture, and nightlife of Zagreb and another day at the incredible Plitvice Lakes National Park, it’s time to head to the coast and Croatia’s second-largest city of Split.

The drive to Split is absolutely beautiful and there are lots of places in Croatia to stop and enjoy along the way, so make sure to spend your day taking advantage of seeing all there is on the Croatian coast.

Spend the next day taking advantage of all of the great things to do in Split . Walk around the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, stroll along the seaside promenade, enjoy a glass of Croatian wine at an outdoor cafe, or take a hike up Marjan Hill.

Where to Stay in Split

Il Giardino Luxury Rooms & Suites – If you’re looking for a little bit more luxury, then you can’t go wrong with this boutique hotel. They have a number of spacious and comfortable rooms on offer, are located close to both the centre of Split and within walking distance of the beach and have breakfast included and a restaurant on site.

Tchaikovsky Hostel  – This hostel is a great option if you’re travelling solo or on a budget. They are centrally located, have excellent ratings, and offer both dorm and private rooms.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Split

Day 5 – Split

On your second day, consider taking one of the many potential day trips from Split . You could head to the towns of Sibenik or Trogir (the latter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), visit the beautiful Krka National Park, or even make a trip to one of the islands off the coast — enjoy the laid-back nature of Brac or the lavender fields of Hvar for a day!

If you choose to visit Krka National Park, get an early start to beat the crowds – it’s located about an hour from Split. Here you can enjoy gorgeous lakes and waterfalls, swimming spots and nice walking trails.

The town of Sibenik is only about fifteen minutes from Krka, so it’s easy to also visit here. It’s small, but absolutely charming with great seaside views and plenty of winding, cobbled streets to get lost on.

If you want a jam-packed day, you could also tack on the town of Trogir on your way back to Split. This is an historic town on its own island (there is a bridge to get there) that is an absolute joy to explore.

Alternatively, consider taking a day trip to an island like Hvar or Brac. Brac is closer to Split but is a bit more sleepy – though it is home to the iconic Zlatni Rat Beach.

Hvar is a bit further away, but fast passenger ferries from Split can allow you to spend the day exploring the charming Hvar Town and swimming around the Pakleni islands.

If you have more than a week to dedicate to this particular itinerary, this is the time where it makes sense to spend more time. Spend an extra day or two in Split, for instance, and you can easily go on all of these day trips. If you have longer, head to an island like Hvar or Korcula for a few days before moving on to Dubrovnik.

Day 6 – Dubrovnik

The most popular place to visit in Croatia thanks in no part to  Game of Thrones , no trip to Croatia that covers the tourist highlights of the country would be complete without including the city of Dubrovnik .

Dubrovnik is the premier place to visit in Croatia and the image of its beautiful city walls is what automatically fills people’s imaginations when thinking of this Adriatic country. Keep in mind that Dubrovnik is small, can be very crowded, and is noticeably more expensive than anywhere else in the country.

That is not to say it’s not absolutely gorgeous and it is absolutely worth spending time in the city, especially if it’s your first time visiting Croatia. We recommend spending at least two days in Dubrovnik, one where you can stroll along the well-trodden tourist sites and another where you can try to explore outside of the Old Town.

Spend your first day in Dubrovnik taking in the highlights of the Old Town. Get an early start to beat the crowds on the City Walls and then continue on to visit the Pile Gate, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and the Rector’s Palace.

There are lots of day trippers and cruise ship crowds here, so the crowds can lessen significantly in the evenings. Take this time to enjoy a quieter side of Dubrovnik.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

Boutique Hotel Porto   – Located directly in the Old Town, this boutique hotel is a great option if you’re looking to add a bit of luxury to your time in Croatia. They have a range of clean, comfortable rooms on offer and it comes very highly rated. 

Old Town Hostel   — As the name suggests, this boutique hostel is located directly in Dubrovnik’s iconic Old Town. It is one of the highest-rated hostels in the city and has both dorm beds and private rooms available.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Dubrovnik

Day 7 – Dubrovnik

On your final day, you can use it as an opportunity to explore more of Dubrovnik and get a bit beyond the old town.

You could spend your day lounging on one of Dubrovnik’s beaches or, perhaps, visit lovely Lokrum Island located just a few hundred metres from the shores of the old town.

You can grab a ferry to Lokrun Island and reach it in about ten minutes from the centre of Dubrovnik. It is a nature reserve known for its lush greenery. There are also plenty of lovely, secluded swimming spots for those who want to splash in the water!

Dubrovnik is also a great base to take a few day trips. It is incredibly possible to visit the beautiful city of Kotor, Montenegro or marvel at the Stari Most in divided Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina . If you spend one day exploring the old town, it is totally possible to tack on a visit to either of the cities on the second day.

7-Day Adriatic Coast Itinerary

If you’re interested in spending time on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast and want to see the highlights that lie in the cities, towns and islands of the Adriatic Sea, then this is the route for you.

It skips some of the inland attractions and concentrates solely on the coastal region. Keep in mind that this route is much easier to execute if you have your own vehicle.

Day 1 – Zadar

Begin your trip in the lovely town of Zadar . This historic town is located in the centre of the Dalmatia region and is actually home to its own international airport, so you can easily get here from plenty of other destinations across Europe.

Zadar is small but there is a lot to see and do in the town and it’s worth spending at least an entire day exploring. The pedestrianised old town doesn’t attract the crowds often seen in cities like Split and Dubrovnik.

There is a lovely seaside promenade complete with a delightful Sea Organ – a series of steps that plays music as the waves crash against it. There are also Roman ruins and beautiful churches to take in, along with swimming spots all along the promenade. There are also plenty of great cafes and restaurants to enjoy.

Where to Stay in Zadar

Art Hotel Kalelarga   — This boutique hotel offers modern, comfortable rooms and free breakfast in the morning in a fantastic Old Town Zadar location. It is one of the highest-rated hotels in Zadar and it is a great option for those looking for a bit of luxury. 

Downtown Boutique Hostel  — This small boutique hostel is located in the centre of Old Town Zadar. They have a number of room options available — from dorm beds to privates  — and a friendly and helpful staff. This is a great budget option. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Zadar

Day 2 – Krka National Park & Šibenik

On your second day, plan to make your way to Split as your final destination. However, there are a couple of excellent places you can visit within easy reach of Zadar.

Start your day with a visit to Krka National Park. Though not located directly on the coast, this gorgeous natural area is absolutely worth a visit if you’re in this part of Croatia. Within the park, you will find beautiful waterfalls, swimming areas and walking trails.

Only about fifteen minutes driving from Krka, you will find the lovely town of Sibenik, which is our second destination for the day.

This is another excellently-preserved old Croatian town and it is a true delight to wander through. It attracts even fewer crowds than Zadar, so you can certainly have some of the quiet, pedestrianised streets to yourself.

From Sibenik, it’s about a 1-hour drive to Split, your destination for the next two nights.

Day 3 – Split

Your third day of this route should be spent exploring the highlights of the city of Split. Though it’s Croatia’s second-largest city, you can easily explore the compact old town in the confines of a single day.

Because you’ve spent the night here, you can beat the crowds in Diocletian’s Palace and get an early start!

You can also take the time to hike up Marjan Hill where you can get incredible views of the city below and of the surrounding islands.

Day 4 – Hvar

Try to get an early start and hop on the earliest ferry you can to get to Hvar , one of the most popular Croatian islands to visit. Car ferries from Split arrive in the port in the town of Stari Grad, which is only about thirty minutes from the far more popular Hvar Town.

Spend your first day exploring the sites in and around Hvar Town. Wander the delightful Old Town and then take the time to lounge on the beach – Pokonji Dol Beach is an excellent option!

Alternatively, you can also join a boat tour or hop on a water taxi to the lovely Pakleni Islands, little islands that lie just off the coast from Hvar Town. These are great places to swim and sunbathe.

Hvar Town is also known for its nightlife. So, if it interests you, you can party into the wee hours of the night at one of the many beach clubs. Those looking for a quieter stay will find plenty of other great places to stay elsewhere on the island .

Where to Stay in Hvar

Pharos Hvar Hotel – Located in Hvar Town, this 3-star hotel is a good option on the island. They have a number of comfortable rooms to choose from and a great location for exploring the island and the town.

Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel – This seaside hotel is a great luxury option in Hvar Town. They have an inviting swimming pool, an on-site spa and plenty of gorgeous rooms for guests to choose from.

Hostel Villa Skansi – This hostel is great for budget travellers looking to enjoy Hvar’s nightlife. They have a number of different rooms to choose from and social events organised each evening.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Hvar hotels!

Day 5 – Hvar

On your second day in Hvar, continue to explore this beautiful and tranquil island! Your second day should be spent on the gorgeous Dubovica Beach before wandering over to explore cool and quiet Stari Grad.

You can stop off at some iconic Lavender Farms before wandering over to Vrboska – a town that has a lot of charm but not a lot of tourists. It’s a great place to sample some local wines and get a great meal!

Day 6 – Korčula 

Day six of this itinerary sees you going to another gorgeous Croatian island – Korcula . However, if you’ve had enough of islands and would rather visit Dubrovnik, then consider heading there from Hvar instead.

If you decide to head to Korcula, it can also be a good idea to get an early start. The easiest way to get there from Hvar is to drive to the Sucaraj ferry terminal and take the ferry to the mainland, then drive to the Orebic ferry terminal and grab the boat from there to Korcula town.

Then, spend your first day exploring the beauty of gorgeous Korcula Town. Often marketed as a smaller Dubrovnik, this is an old and excellently preserved town that just oozes charm. There’s a lot to see here and there are also some great restaurants and lovely local wine bars to pop into.

Where to Stay in Korčula 

Apartments Milion – A great mid-range option in Korcula Town, this place offers both comfortable double rooms and apartments for guests to choose from. It makes for a great base when exploring the island.

Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel – This plush hotel in Korcula Town has a beautiful location right on the seaside. They have plenty of beautiful rooms and a great breakfast available in the mornings.

Hostel Korcula – Backpackers visiting Korcula will love this cool hostel in the centre of Korcula Town. They offer both dorms and privates and there are great common areas to enjoy.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Korcula hotels!

Day 7 – Korčula 

On your final day in Korcula, you can spend it lounging on the beach and, in the afternoon, enjoying some of the incredible wine that makes this island a dream destination. In the morning, head to the lovely Pupnatska Luka Beach and soak up some rays.

If you want to sample some local vintages, then consider heading to the inland town of Smokvica where there are several wineries that offer tastings.

In the second half of the day, make your way to the town of Lumbarda for more wine tasting. This town is also home to some of the island’s (and Croatia’s) only sandy beaches so you can enjoy this, as well.

7-Day Istrian Highlights Itinerary

If it isn’t your first time in Croatia — or even if it is and you’re keen to venture away from the well-trodden tourist path — then consider heading to the northwestern region of Istria.

This triangular peninsula is often considered to be Croatia’s gastronomic heart and it offers incredible ancient historical sites, beautiful coastal cities, and imposing hill towns to rival those of Tuscany. So, if you want to take the road less travelled, take a look at this Istria itinerary :

Day 1 – Pula

Begin your trip in the historic port city of Pula. Pula has an international airport that serves a multitude of airlines and destinations but if you don’t arrive by plane, it is also well-connected by bus.

Three days in Pula is sufficient in order to be able to see all of the incredible sites that the city has to offer while also giving you time to take a day trip or two.

Spend your first day checking out the amazing Pula Arena, visiting the number of interesting museums in the city, browsing the bustling Pula market and learning about Pula’s history.

Foodies will love the House of Istrian Olive Oil, which is a museum that explains the history of olive oil in the region and also allows you to have some tastings. There is some delicious extra virgin olive oil to enjoy here!

Of course, the Pula Arena is really the draw of exploring this city and it is truly spectacular. Excellently preserved, it is smaller than the Colosseum of Rome, however, it attracts far fewer people, as well.l You can climb all around the arena so it’s a very cool place to visit.

Where to Stay in Pula

Boutique Hotel Oasi  – This small hotel is located very close to the beach and a short distance from central Pula. They have a number of rooms on offer, a restaurant on site, and breakfast is included in the room rate. 

Boutique Hotel Valsabbion  – If you’re the type to travel in luxury, then this boutique hotel is the place for you. Boasting sleek modern rooms, a fantastic swimming pool, an on-site spa, a beachfront location and much more, this hotel is sure to give you a great experience in Pula! 

Crazy House Hostel   – Located in the centre of the Old Town, this hostel is the perfect place for solo travellers on a budget and there is a fantastic outdoor terrace to relax on. 

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other places in Pula!

Day 2 – Brijuni Islands

You can spend your second day either taking in more of Pula itself or going on a day trip to the wonderful Brijuni Islands.

These were once the summer home of former Yugoslav dictator Josip Broz Tito and today are a wildlife park and nature reserve.

To get to the Brijuni Islands, you must take a ferry from the nearby town of Fazana. This is a pedestrian-only ferry as there are no cars on the island.

Once there, it can be a great idea to hire a bicycle and ride around the island – it’s quite flat and there are plenty of secluded beaches to enjoy.

Day 3 – Labin & Rabac

On the third day, you can either take a day trip to neighbouring hill towns like Labin or spend the day lounging on a nearby beach.

There is a lot to see in this area of Istria so using Pula as a base for 3 nights really makes sense even if you only spend one full day exploring the city itself. The hill town of Labin, for instance, is located only about 45 minutes from Pula and it can be a delightful place to explore.

Nearby, if you want some seaside charms, head to the small town of Rabac, which is absolutely charming and with wandering through, as well. There are also plenty of beaches you could choose to visit should you wish to have a lazy day of sunbathing.

Day 4 – Umag

After spending some time enjoying the history and atmosphere of Pula, it’s time to head to one of the most underrated towns in Istria: Umag.

Umag is a small seaside town in the northwest of Istria and has a quaint and compact old town, a number of stellar swimming spots, great restaurants, and is close to some of Istria’s best vineyards. Two days here should be enough.

Spend the first day exploring Umag itself and maybe take the time to visit a local vineyard for some wine tasting. You can even head to the beach and swim in the warm Adriatic.

Where to Stay in Umag

Vilola  – A small boutique hotel located close to some of the best swimming areas in Umag, Vilola offers air-conditioned rooms with their own balcony and breakfast included in the room rate. 

Hotel Arte Casa  – Another boutique hotel in Umag, this one also has a great breakfast included in the nightly rate, air-conditioned rooms, and free parking on the premises. 

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other places in Umag!

Day 5 – Istrian Hill Towns

On the second day staying in Umag, take to the car and head inland to visit some of the most picturesque hill towns in Istria. Buje, Groznjan, and Motovun are all within easy reach of Umag.

Here you can also dine on truffles and pasta for a fraction of the cost of elsewhere in the world.

This area of Croatia is completely different from the most popular tourist destinations and it is sure not to disappoint.

Day 6 – Rovinj

After enjoying the hustle and bustle of Pula and the laid-back nature and nearby hill towns of Umag, it’s time to head to the most iconic Istrian town: Rovinj.

Rovinj is an absolutely beautiful seaside town in western Istria and boasts a number of interesting things to do. Its proximity to some of the best beaches in the region is an appealing reason to visit Rovinj as well.

Spend one day exploring the Old Town and take the time to just let your feet wander and get lost. Walk around the harbour, stop in for a drink at one of the many seaside cafes, and even climb the bell tower of St Euphemia’s Church.

Day 7 – Rovinj

On your second day in Rovinj and last day of this Croatia trip, you can either spend it laying on the beach and soaking up the bright Adriatic sun or you can hop in the car and go on another day trip.

The small hill town of Bale or the lively seaside towns of Porec and Vrsar are both appealing options, as is the beautiful Lim Fjord.

Where to Stay in Rovinj

Hotel Angelo d’Oro   – A small hotel in the middle of old town Rovinj, this place has a number of rooms on offer and comes very highly rated. Breakfast is also included in the nightly rate.

Rooms Barbieri – Located only five minutes from the old town, this charming hotel is a great option for a place to stay in Rovinj. The rooms are large and comfortable and it also includes breakfast in the room rate. 

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other places in Rovinj!

Croatia is an absolutely gorgeous and welcoming country that just begs to be explored. However, mapping out the ideal 7 days in Croatia itinerary is paramount to ensuring you have the best Croatian adventure possible!

Are you planning to visit Croatia? Have any questions? Let us know in the comm

Related Posts:

12 Best Stops on the Zagreb to Split to Dubrovnik Drive

The Perfect 2, 3 or 4 Days in Hvar Itinerary

Split or Dubrovnik: Which Croatian City to Visit?

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi, we are staying for 7 days. Our worry is that we arrive late at night around 00:30 in Zagreb. Do you suggest to immediately move out of Zagreb and then to return to Zagreb on the last two days (to avoid problems cause of the flight?) Also, at night which is the easiest way to travel and would Zadar be a good place to be based at? Thanks a lot!

Hi-is it reasonable to drive from Vienna to Croatia or is it better to fly & rent a car in Zagreb? Was thinking of focusing on Istrian area due to time constraints & found a hotel that caters to Vegan diets. Is there enough to do in that area for 6-7 days if your primary interest is pretty nature? Thanks

Hi Mark, especially if you’re heading to Istria and not further south in Croatia, it’s not unreasonable at all to drive from Vienna. In fact, it’s a gorgeous drive and you will have lots of opportunities for stop-offs along the way. The drive from Vienna to Pula is about 6 hours.

There is certainly enough to do in Istria to fill 6-7 days and I would highly recommend spending that amount of time there!

We are interested in visiting the Balkans at the beginning of November for about 11 days. We can rent a car but I would like to start from Sarajevo and end there. I thought of doing two countries only, maybe Bosnia and Croatia. Or Bosnia and a different country – which one? We would need to get back to Sarajevo. We are also interested in the Jewish background of the Balkans, both historically, after the expulsion from Spain through the Holocaust. Can you help me to put my head in order :-)?

For 11 days, I think you could easily visit some highlights of Bosnia along with bits of Croatia. Especially if you’re interested in Jewish history, Sarajevo can be a great place to visit.

Hi Maggie, we are planning a 20 day trip to Croatia late July/beginning of August with 3 kids (8, 12, 14). We are arriving and departing from Dubrovnik. We would like to end our trip in Dubrovnik and since there isn’t a convenient flight from Dubrovnik to Zagreb, we will have to hit the road as soon as we land. We would like to visit Istria, Lake Bled/Vintgar Gorge, Plitvice Lakes, Rijeka, Split, Hvar, Korcula, Dubrovnik with various day trips throughout. It would be nice to see Zadar and/or Zagreb as well but not sure if we will have time or if necessary. We love hiking, beaches and of course sight seeing. I’m trying to figure out what’s the best way to plan out our trip. Should we break up our initial 7 hour drive from Dubrovnik or go straight through? Where should we stop first and in what order should we make our remaining stops? I would like to see as much as we can but at the same time not be overwhelmed and have some beach time. Please help!

We are arriving in Croatia in the middle of June for 7 night staying in Lapad can you recommend where to start exploring first

We need to fly into Zadar or Zagreb either is fine and out of Split. Give or take a week. We don’t need a ton of hiking but would like to see some falls. Islands? Cities. We need a plan.

Hello Maggie,

As first, I want to say that I do like your overview of Croatia trip in general and thank you for it.

However, I must say that it is very sad how people focus only on coastal region of Croatia, with exception of Zagreb and Plitvice lakes, and completely ignore the continental part of it, which is definitely not fair.

Places like Vinkovci, the oldest settlement in Europe where two Roman emperors were born, then numerous wine cellars and vineyard, especially in the town of Ilok, whose wine was used during coronation of Queen Elisabeth II and on Price Harry and William weddings, city of Osijek with its baroque architecture, city of Djakovo with its royal breed of horses called Lipizzaner which are so beautiful – closest thing to Unicorns as they are called, then the City of Varazdin, called also a “Little Vienna”, formerly even a capital of Croatia (18th century) with a beautiful castle and mesmerizing baroque style architecture, Croatian Sahara, numerous castles all around, river sites, and as I like to say most important of all, the amazing food and the most warm and welcoming people of all. Of course, there are so many more that I didn’t mention, but I don’t want to keep this long.

At the end, this is not a criticism and have no negative connotations, but just maybe a pointer that there is another side of Croatia, that is far from the sea and common touristic spotlight, however still beautiful and wort to visit.

We are planning a trip to Croatia in March 2023. Our flight lands in Zagreb on 03/09. We fly out of Zagreb as well. Have about 8 days. I like your first itinerary, but we wanted to see Istria as well. We are not planning on going all the way to Dubrovnik on this trip. Any suggestions as to routes? Would like to hit Zadar, Split, Plitvice Lakes Park, and Istria. We will rent a car. Thank you!

Hi Sandy, unfortunately, it’s not very practical to include all you want on your itinerary – especially when considering travel times. Personally, I would suggest not planning on visiting Istria if you would like to see all of the other parts of Croatia, as well.

We are planning a trip next month for 7 days and interested into going to Montenegro from Dubrovnik. I think it would be too much to think we could get to the Plitvice National Park as well? What are your suggestions in Montenegro?

Thank YOU! Sharon

I am visiting Slovenia and Croatia next summer for approximately 8 days . We will arrive in Lublanja in the middle of the day and leave from Dubrovnik at noon the last day. We would like to spend 1/2 day in Lubalanja and 11/2 days in lake bled , a day in Novo Mesto, 1/2 day in Pula and2 days in Dubrovnik We we’re thinking of a tour to Mostar and Medjagorje one day Can we do this in the time allotted? We will not be driving Could you give us a time efficient itinerary that would make it possible?

Hi Jackie, this route seems far too rushed to be enjoyable and to actually spend any time in any of the places you’re keen to visit — you’ll be spending the majority of your time in transit. I would suggest planning to spend your entire time in Slovenia or visiting a bit of Slovenia and Croatian Istria. You can find our Slovenia itineraries here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/slovenia-itinerary/

Hi Maggie, Thank you for writing one of the most thorough blogs about traveling in Croatia! I’d love to get your advice on my itinerary. I will be going to Croatia from Slovenia and will have 7 days and 6 nights. I’d like this to be a more relaxed trip if possible…and am so torn between chilling on an island an skipping Dubrovnik or fitting Dubrovnik in! My flight is out of Split so I do need to get back there somehow and figure out what to do with the car I rent. What are your thoughts on the following:

Option 1: Fly into Zagreb/stay overnight > Zagreb to Plitvice overnight > Plitvice during the day and drive to Split (overnight or head to Hvar/Brac) > 4 nights in Hvar or Brac > Depart from Split

Option 1: Fly into Zagreb/stay overnight > Zagreb to Plitvice overnight > Plitvice during the day and drive to Split (overnight or head to Hvar/Brac) > Hvar or Brac for 2 nights > Dubrovnik for two nights > Split overnight > Depart from Split

Option 2 honestly sounds pretty intense. That said, do you think it’s doable? If I were to go with Option 1, do you have any suggestions between Hvar or Brac and where to stay?

Thank you so much!

Hi Gina, happy you’ve found this article helpful! I do think that your second option is doable, however, it does sound quite rushed and exhausting, especially if you’re looking to chill out a bit!. Personally, I would opt for the first option to have a more relaxing trip 🙂

Hey Maggie I hope my message finds you well! We are planning with my partner a 6 days 5 nights trip starting and ending from Zagreb airiport, at the end of August with Flix bus and Ferries. We arrive in Zagreb at 14:00 Day one and Im thinking of after spending 3 hours in Zagreb to leave for either Pula or Rovijn, spend the Night and few hours the next Day. After I was checking if there is a way to travel with Ferrie directly to Split, spend the next evening there and travel with Ferrie to Dubrovnik for night number three. Next evening I was thinking of catching the evening Flix bus for Plivitce lake, in order to get in early in the morning. Later get back to Zagreb for an early flight the next Morning.

Is it possible you thhink with Bus and Ferrie, what should I leave back or add, any advices.

Hi Zak – honestly, I think your itinerary is way too hectic for the short time you have. I’d recommend concentrating on one of the routes I have outlined above for a less stressful and easier to coordinate trip 🙂

Thanks so much for this blog it is awesome! We are a family of four with two teenagers. Are we too late to plan a visit this summer? We are environmental scientists so I am mostly interested in enjoying the natural beauty of Croatia. What is your favorite island? I am obsessed with swimming holes and also clear blue waters…. What do you think two teenage girls would like the best?

Thanks for your comment, April, and I’m so happy you’ve found this article helpful! I don’t think that you’re too late to be planning a trip for the summer at all! Unfortunately, I don’t have too much experience travelling to the Croatian islands (I hope this changes soon, though!), but I do think that the island of Brac sounds like a good fit for you. It’s easy to reach from Split and has lots of great swimming areas. Hope you’re able to have a great trip!

Looking at booking Croatia for July/August 2021 and wanting to spend 14 days touring the country. What airport would you suggest to fly into and what airport would you suggest to leave out of? We are avid hikers and defiantly enjoy our ocean and water days. Enjoy the finer hotels and spas also. Very excited being my great grandmother and grandfather came from Croatia I want to experience the finest places the country offers.

Pat Williams

Hi Pat, I would recommend flying into Zagreb and out of Dubrovnik (or vice versa) if you want to see a good portion of the country in 2 weeks. Hope you’re able to plan a great trip!

Hi Maggie. I am planning a trip of about 7 days to Croatia the first part of June. I have heard such wonderful things about Rovinj and the Iberia peninsula, but we also want to visit Split and Dubrovnik. Any suggestions or is this just trying to cram too much into a week? Most of the itineraries that I see online are an either/or for visiting those areas..

Hi Karen, unfortunately, it will likely be a bit too rushed if you plan to visit Istria and also Split and Dubrovnik in just one week. You can very easily spend a week just in Istria and even more in Dalmatia, so I would recommend weighing which areas appeal to you most and concentrating on those. You just might have to plan another trip!

Hi. What is the best way to tour the islands? Day trips or charter a sleeping boat for a few days? Want to enjoy the coastal scenery without feeling rushed by a group boat. And, when does Summer/high season officially end?

Hi Cindy, if you don’t want to feel rushed on the islands, then I would recommend spending a few days overnight on the ones that interest you rather than going on day trips. A boat charter is also a great idea if you want to island hop with more flexibility! High season is typically over by the end of September and you will start to see tourists clearing out and some businesses closing up by this time. The weather usually stays very nice through October, though, depending on where you are in the country!

I am planning a trip for 2 and most likely following a schedule similar to your “Classic Croatia” route. I was interested in visiting Krka National Park as well. Do you think it is worth it or is similar to Plitvice and not necessary?

Hi Holly, thanks for your comment! Both Krka and Plitvice are similar, but you can still get different things out of them if you want to visit both. For instance, you can go swimming at Krka which is not allowed at Plitvice. I personally think that both are worth visiting but Plitvice is more stunning than Krka in my opinion.

Hi Maggie, My wife and I are planning a 14 day motorhome tour of Croatia in mid September 2020. Our trip starts in Zagreb and ends in Dubrovnik. We currently have no Itinerary but would like to spend equal time travelling the coast and inland areas. Could you advise any web sites that show motorhome overnight parking. Regards

Hi Peter, sounds like you’re in the process of planning a great trip! Unfortunately, I don’t know much at all about motorhome travel, so I can’t advise you in that area. Hope you have a great time in Croatia!

Hi Maggie, I have planned my visit to Croatia from 25th Feb to 02nd March 2020. It is going to be me and my wife only. We will land in Zagreb on 25th Feb and would move out from Dubrovnik on the 02nd of March (Flights already done). Can you suggest what all places to be covered in this duration and how is the weather going to be like? Also, I am a bit confused b/w taking a rental car (don’t know whether it is left or right hand drive) or taking public transport like bus or taxis.

Hi Apoorv, I have covered a week-long itinerary starting in Zagreb and ending in Dubrovnik as well as the average weather to expect above. Croatia, like most European countries besides the UK, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, drives on the right-hand side. All major cities are well-connected by bus. Relying on taxis to get around is an option, however, it will be very expensive. Hope this helps and you have a great trip!

HI I’m travelling to Croatia in early May 2020. Land Zagreb, 7 days, finishing in Dubrovnik (probably fly into Athens from here I’m thinking). A friend told me that Plitvice Lake NP required 2days and to stay there a night. What’s your thoughts on this?? Many thanks Anne-Marie

Hi Anne-Marie, I think you would only need 2 days in Plitvice if you’re really into hiking and nature and that’s why you’re visiting Croatia. Especially since you only have 7 days, there are many more places to spend time in Croatia. Hope you have a great trip!

Where should one start its trip from? If we are skipping Zagreb, and want to cover places like Split , Plitvice, Dubrovnik. Any other place that should which is highly recommended?

Hi Archie, if you don’t plan on visiting Zagreb, starting in Split or Dubrovnik makes sense. If you want to visit another coastal town, Zadar will make a nice stop. Also, there are numerous islands (Hvar, Brac, Korcula, etc) that are worth visiting.

20 days in Croatia and neighboring countries

We are 6 active hikers booked a trip to Croatia for 10 days in early May, 20 2 nights Opatija 1 night Split 2 nights Dubrovnik 1 night Vodice 1 night Zagreb 2 nights Bled

We would like to stay 10 more days to go to neighboring countries as well as doing a little hiking, biking and kayaking the area.

We are planning our flight from Vancouver. Our trip starts at Opatija and ends at Bled. Any suggestions on a good itineraries for pre and post trip?

Thanks for your comment, Jennifer. For the rest of your trip, any of the itineraries in this article might be good for you. If you are curious about exploring more of the Balkans besides just Croatia and Slovenia, we also have some Balkan itineraries here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/plan-balkans-travel-itinerary/

Hi , I would be landing at zadar airport in september and planned for a 7 day trip, could you suggest how should we plan.. About us- Couple with no historical interests but love nature, scenery , beaches. Have to use public conveyance only for travel within croatia.

We are looking for a relaxed trip not a rushed one.

Thanks in advance.. Silky

Hi Silky, I would recommend you rework the Adriatic coast itinerary above to begin and end in Zadar rather than Zagreb. Going from Zadar-Zagreb-Split-Zadar or Zadar-Split-Zagreb-Zadar both work equally well and are all easily accessible via public transit. Hope you have a great trip!

I briefly read the article and maybe you covered it already. But most people will fly into Zagreb. With a 7 day itinerary using a rental car, you will start at the North and end in Dubrovnik. One has to account the time to get back to Zagreb. Any suggestions on how best to do this?

Hi Jacob, thanks for your comment. Because many people start and end their Croatia trips from different areas of the country (there are numerous airports that people will fly into, not just Zagreb!), I’ve left out how to get back to your beginning point. However, if you’re planning on renting a car in Zagreb and making your final destination in Dubrovnik, I see no reason why you couldn’t just drive back to Zagreb. It is often a lot cheaper to pick up and return a rental car to the same location. There are also numerous bus connections to Zagreb from just about every major city in Croatia, including Dubrovnik, if you don’t want to drive back to the capital yourself.

Hi Maggie, How’s Croatia in the dead if winter? January end Feb beginning? Where do you recommend travelling and what’s there to see. Thanks b

It depends on what you’re after, but the seaside towns will be pretty sleepy in the winter months. It’s a good time to visit Dubrovnik as you can experience the city with far fewer tourists than in the high season. Across the board, you will find accommodation prices to be a lot cheaper than in the more popular months, but some businesses may not be open in the middle of winter. Hope this helps!

Hello, Maggie! travellers plan to travel to visit Croatia in June, 2019, it would be around from June 26 to July 2-3 return,trip planned sbout 7-8 days at the destination. We are coming and driving a minibus (minivan) so ,it means we are very flexible on route and in any destinstion, we are free and sould move to any place any fay. As we primary memtioned, our start of the itinerary would be Zagreb, Split or Dubrovnik. Is it right if westart our trip from Riga by bus? By our plans we have to cross Latvia, Lithuania? Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and then somehow enter the Croatia. Could you corret me and suhgest me the best trip option (7-8days trip) for us as necessary?! Best regards, Ieva Lukina (ieva@21. lv)

Hi Ieva, I think that if you only have 7-8 days for your trip, trying to drive from Riga to Croatia is going to take up a good portion of it and give you very little time to explore Croatia itself. Maybe, if you can, try to allot more time for the trip or concentrate on travelling a little closer to home instead, this time around.

It’s tough making a decision, there are so many places to see that are gorgeous. I’m honestly not a big fan of Zagreb, it’s not the real Croatia to me. It’s Central Europe. Croatia for me is Central Dalmatia and to a smaller extent, Istria. For me, the highlights of the country range along the coast from Zadar (with an excursion inland to Plitvice) to Dubrovnik (from where I think Kotor is a must see as you mention). So many great spots on the way though: Sibenik, Omis, Makarska, the island of Vis…and that’s not even including the islands on the south. So much to see.

Thanks for the comment, Frank! I agree with you that it’s so hard to plan a route in Croatia…you could easily spend months there and not see everything!

I’m going to have to disagree with you about Zagreb, however. While I’m the first person to say that a capital city isn’t necessarily reflective of a country on the whole, I’m not sure it’s right to say that it’s not the “real” Croatia. It’s certainly much different than the cities in Dalmatia, but it’s still a fantastic place to visit and I think including it on a Croatia itinerary is important to get a feel for all sides of the country…even if you only have a short period there.

Great suggestions elsewhere…I’ve only been to Šibenik out of the places you mentioned and thought it was absolutely lovely. Like you said…there’s just so much to explore!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Switzerland
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United States

8 highlights of Croatia

Cetina River

Plitvice National Park

Dalmatian Coast

The Islands

Discover our Croatia tours

More blogs like this

6 must-have experiences in Croatia

7 questions answered for your first small-group adventure holiday

Your first small-group family holiday - top 7 questions answered

Croatia Itinerary: See the Best Places in 2 Weeks (+ Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 22, 2023

Are you planning a trip to Croatia, but are not sure where to start and how much time you need? Or maybe you are looking for the best Croatia itinerary that covers all the highlights and must-see landmarks, but also includes some extra experiences that make the trip truly memorable? Then read on!

In this article, we share our self-drive Croatia itinerary for 14 days. It covers some of the most popular tourist places in Croatia like Dubrovnik , Split , and Plitvice Lakes. It also includes a visit to Kotor Bay in Montenegro and also to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina . In addition, we also visited some of the most beautiful islands and National Parks that are often more special than the most popular tourist destinations…

I spent many hours and days planning this Croatia itinerary, because when we visit any country for the first time, we want to make sure that we see the absolute-best places that are worth the trip the most .

As I’m writing this on the plane on our way back home from Croatia, I have a feeling that it’s an itinerary worth sharing. We saw many amazing towns, stunning islands, and some truly beautiful nature destinations. We drove scenic roads and also visited some lesser known gems that you won’t find in most other Croatia travel itineraries…

Our Croatia itinerary will not bring you to all the best places in Croatia – 2 weeks aren’t enough for that. However, if you want to make the most of your first trip to Croatia and travel just a little bit deeper, then this itinerary will show you how to see most of the very best places in Croatia in 2 weeks. Find out!

Good to know: On most days of this Croatia itinerary, driving distances aren’t big. So you can easily adjust it depending on your flight times and also make a shorter trip by skipping some places that interest you less.

To make it easier to plan your own perfect Croatia itinerary, I also included some experience-based tips and practical information . You can find them at the bottom of this article, together with a map indicating every place mentioned in our Croatia itinerary .

We also share some tips for the best Croatia itinerary that you can do without a car .

But first – our detailed day to day itinerary for up to 2 weeks in Croatia . Read on!

Croatia itinerary – OVERVIEW:

Day 1 – arrival and dubrovnik, day 2 – dubrovnik.

• Day 3 – Kotor day trip
• Day 4 – Dubrovnik area or Ston & Korčula Island

Day 5 – Mljet Island

• Day 6 – Mostar day trip

Day 7 – Brač Island

Day 8 – split.

• Day 9 – 5 Islands, Hvar and the Blue Cave day trip

Day 10 – Krka National Park

Day 11 – plitvice lakes national park, day 12 – zadar and šibenik.

• Day 13 – Trogir and Klis Fortress

Day 14 – Split area and departure

• Practical tips

Croatia itinerary on the map

Croatia itinerary without a car.

Here’s a suggested 2-weeks Croatia itinerary:

If you start your Croatia itinerary in Dubrovnik, you’ll need to pick up your rental car immediately after landing in Dubrovnik airport. It’s located half an hour drive from the city, so unless you are planning to take organized day trips from Dubrovnik, you’ll need a car from the first day.

TIP: For the best price, rent a car well in advance . Prices vary a lot depending on when you travel and how long in advance you book. We were lucky to find an incredible deal and paid just 182 EUR for a big family car for 11 days, full insurance included. We use and recommend this search engine for the best car rental deals . Just keep in mind that the prices have increased a lot in the last few years…

Depending on what time your flight lands and how much time you have in Dubrovnik, you can already do some sightseeing on the first day. Here are some suggestions on things you could do in Dubrovnik in half a day, based on what we did upon arrival in Dubrovnik.

View from Fort Imperial

Fort Imperial is located high on the mountain above Dubrovnik and offers the best view over the city and the surrounding coast. It can be reached by the Dubrovnik cable car.

Alternatively, you can also drive up the mountain by car, but the road is extremely narrow. We did this and even in April it was very busy, so I really don’t know if it’s advisable in high season. The view from the top is simply incredible!

Dubrovnik City Walls

If there is one thing you absolutely have to do in Dubrovnik, it’s walking the City Walls . The whole walk will take at least 1-1,5hrs, but you can also just do part of it. There are several entrances where you can enter or exit the walls, but your ticket only gives one access and I really recommend doing the entire tour.

We were there just before the closing time and were lucky to have the City Walls all to ourselves, but it can get really crowded in summer. For fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, you may want to do this early in the morning instead. TIP: Don’t throw away your ticket – it includes the entrance to Fort Lovrijenac.

Accommodation. We stayed in Dubrovnik for 3 nights. For sightseeing, I recommend that you stay within walking distance of the Old Town. Look for a place that has car parking, as parking is really expensive in Dubrovnik. We stayed at Apartments Villa Falkoni and would do it again – the location is great and the apartment – spacious and extremely well equipped. With 3 kids, we opted for self-catering apartments for this entire Croatia trip. If you rather stay in a hotel, Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik is by far the best-located hotel in Dubrovnik, but it comes with a serious price tag.

No matter how long your Croatia trip is, I recommend spending at least one full day in Dubrovnik. As already mentioned, the City Walls are a must and the view from Dubrovnik Cable Car is amazing (see day 1 of this itinerary).

Below are some other things I recommend to do in Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik Old Town

Take at least half a day to explore the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Don’t miss the beautiful Pile Gate , Jewish fountain , Sponza Palace , Dominican and Franciscan monasteries , and the main old city square Luza .

Dubrovnik old town is a labyrinth of narrow picturesque streets . To us, strolling these narrow steep streets was one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik. 

TIP: At the tourist office, you can get a free map that has some suggested walking itineraries.

Old Port of Dubrovnik is also a nice area and many boat excursions and day trips to the nearby islands depart from here. If you are visiting Dubrovnik with kids, Dubrovnik Aquarium might be worth a short visit.

Fort Lovrijenac

Fort Lovrijenac has become famous as one of the Game of Thrones filming locations . The fort itself isn’t that impressive, but the views over the Old Town of Dubrovnik and the coastline are well worth the climb. Note that Dubrovnik City Walls ticket also includes entrance to Fort Lovrijenac, so hold on to those tickets.

TIP: To many, Dubrovnik is an ultimate Game of Thrones destination. If you are a fan, consider joining this 2-hr Game of Thrones walking tour .

Dubrovnik West Harbor and Kayaking

Dubrovnik West Harbor , between the Old Town and Fort Lovrijenac, is extremely picturesque. In summer, you can rent kayaks here. If the weather is good and you have some time to spare, I think that kayaking is one of the nicest ways to explore Dubrovnik’s stunning coastline.

Short boat trip from Dubrovnik

If you feel like escaping the hustle of the city, consider taking a boat to the nearby Lokrum island. Cavtat town is also a nice half-day excursion from Dubrovnik.

Boats depart from the Old Port of Dubrovnik, where there are many companies selling tickets for all kinds of short excursions by boat.

Restaurant recommendation. If you can secure a table, I can highly recommend a Bosnian restaurant called Taj Mahal. We had lunch there based on the fantastic reviews on the internet and it was absolutely amazing. For the best views in town, try Above 5 Rooftop Restaurant.

Day 3 – Day trip to Kotor, Montenegro

There are countless day trips that you can take from Dubrovnik, but probably one of the best ones is that to Kotor Bay in Montenegro . Below is a short summary of places to visit.

Perast is a small picturesque village along the Bay of Kotor. The main thing to do in Perast is to take a boat to the nearby island Our Lady on The Rocks . Little taxi boats charge around 5 EUR per person and the whole trip takes less than half an hour.

Kotor is a well-preserved medieval town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a much smaller town than Dubrovnik, so you don’t need more than half a day here.

The Old Town is absolutely lovely and not to be missed. However, the best thing to do in Kotor is to climb the city walls . The steep path leads you to the Castle of San Giovanni (Fort of St Ivan) and the incredible views from the top are well worth the climb.

Depending on how much time and energy you have, you can opt to visit Budva , one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic Coast. The days were still quite short in April and so we didn’t go that far.

Most organized Kotor day tours from Dubrovnik include Budva in their day itinerary and they all mention a ferry that they take back, but I wasn’t able to find any information about the direct car ferry from Budva to Dubrovnik. Maybe they mean the car ferry that we took (see below).

Southern part of Kotor Bay

After visiting Kotor, we drove along the Southern coast of Kotor Bay, passing the little town Prčanj .

Afterwards, we took Lepetane car ferry that saved us quite some driving on the way back to Dubrovnik.

Good to know. Montenegro isn’t part of the EU, so check if you need any special travel documents or a visa for this day trip. Strangely enough, they do use Euro as their local currency and most places will only accept cash.

Day 4 – Dubrovnik area, Ston, or Korčula Island

There are many ways to spend this fourth day of your Croatia itinerary. If you rather stay in Dubrovnik a bit longer, you can hit the beach, or visit one of the islands from there.

Below are several suggestions of places that you could consider visiting today. For example, Trsteno Arboretum and Ston or Ston and Korčula island. If you want to do all three, it might be possible, depending on how early you start your day and on where you stay the night.

TIP: If you rather just take an organized day trip from Dubrovnik, I recommend this Korčula & Peljesac Day Tour .

Trsteno Arboretum

Trsteno Arboretum is a popular half-day excursion from Dubrovnik. It’s located about a 30-minutes drive from Dubrovnik, about halfway on the way to Ston.

Korčula island

Korčula is one of the nicest island destinations that you can easily visit from Dubrovnik. If you come by car, you’ll need to take a car ferry 634 from Orebić to Dominče (Korčula island) – check the ferry schedule here .

By far the best place to visit on Korčula island is Korčula town itself, the jewel of the Adriatic coast and the place where (supposedly) Marco Polo was born.

Half a day is enough to see the main highlights in town. Because ferries are frequent and only take 15-20 minutes, Korčula is an island that you can easily include in your Croatia itinerary.

Ston & Mali Ston

Ston is a small medieval town dating from the 14th century. It’s popular with tourists for – you’d never guess – city walls. You can also visit Fort Kaštio – it’s included in the same ticket price as the city walls

The walls in Ston are nowhere as impressive as the walls of Dubrovnik or Kotor, but the area and the views are really nice. The walls follow the mountain and lead you to another village nearby – Mali Ston . You can hike there on the walls and come back via the main road.

Mali Ston is a nice little town by the inlet of the sea. You could easily make a half-day trip if you decide to visit both these towns and walks the City Walls between them.

Accommodation. If you follow this itinerary by car, I recommend staying in the Ston area for 2 nights. It’s a good location for both – Korčula and Mljet islands, and also to continue your trip to Mostar afterwards. We stayed at Apartment Ston . Alternatively, Hotel Ostrea in Mali Ston is the only hotel in the area and it has very good reviews.

Mljet island was described in our guidebook as one of the undiscovered gems of Croatia. An island you must visit before the rest of the world finds out – just the right place for us!

In summer, you could spend a few days on Mljet and the island is becoming more and more popular with locals and foreigners alike. But in low season, Mljet is deserted. We were visiting in April on a cold rainy day and we hardly saw any people at all.

Mljet National Park

If you come to Mljet island just for a day, as we did, the main thing to do here is to visit Mljet National Park . There are lots of hiking and bicycle trails, and two lakes where you can swim in. A popular thing to do is visit the church and Benedictine monastery on St Mary’s island on one of the lakes. There is a boat that brings you there in just a few minutes and it’s included in your National Park entrance ticket price. 

If you have some time to spare, you can also hike to the top of Montokuc mountain . It’s the highest point of Mljet island offering great views over the azure-blue lakes below.

In the evening take the ferry back to the mainland, to your accommodation in Ston.

Practical information: If visiting Mljet island by car, you’ll need to take car ferry 832 from Prapratno to Sobra. It takes about 45 minutes one way, but only runs a few times a day, so make sure to check the schedule in advance . TIP: In high season you can also visit Mljet island as a day trip from Dubrovnik .

Day 6 – Day trip to Mostar

One of the most popular day trips in this part of Croatia is a visit to Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina . From Dubrovnik, you could take an organized day trip to Mostar and Kravica waterfalls (a private day trip is also possible).

If you are driving, as we did, below you can read more details about visiting Mostar and other landmarks of this part of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It takes about 2 hours to drive from Ston to Mostar, but do yourself a favor and don’t follow Google Maps as we did (unless you’re feeling very adventurous and want to try some narrow gravel mountain roads through a very barren landscape). Instead, follow the signs to Mostar and drive via Neum and Komarna and via E73 and then the same way back in the evening again.

The main reason to visit Mostar is to see the famous Old Bridge . The 15-16th-century bridge was completely destroyed in the recent Balkans war in 1993. Ten years later, it has been restored to its former glory and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Mostar Old Town is quite small and there isn’t all that much to do there. Walk around, admire the bridge from various vantage points, and make sure to also check the historic Kujundziluk street with its colorful Bazar.

I highly recommend visiting Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque . The view from the minaret of this mosque is without any doubt the best view over the Old Bridge in Mostar!

Blagaj Tekija & Vrelo Bune

Since you don’t need more than a few hours in Mostar, you can easily visit a few other places in Bosnia & Herzegovina on this day trip from Croatia. I recommend Blagaj Tekke, just a few kilometers outside of Mostar.

Blagaj Tekke, Blagaj Tekija, or simply Tekija is a historic Sufi monastery perched in between the high mountain cliff and Buna River . The tiny monastery has a mausoleum and an old Turkish bath and only requires a short visit – a perfect addition to Mostar.

Vrelo Bune – the spring of the Buna River is the strongest karst spring in Europe. It looks as if the river comes out of nowhere, but if you look well, you see an opening in the mountain from where water runs with huge power. It’s an impressive and a bit scary sight, especially if you happen to visit in spring when the water is at its highest. Part of the area was submerged under water when we visited.

In April, the season was just starting, so it was still very quiet in Tekija. However, judging by the number of restaurants and souvenir shops, it’s an extremely popular place where many tourist groups visit as well.

Počitelj

Located along the main road to Mostar, Počitelj is another popular stop that most organized Mostar day trips include in their itinerary. You can stop here either on your way to Mostar or when driving back in the afternoon.

Počitelj is a historic medieval village that suffered a lot in the Balkan war at the end of the 20th century. It’s considered one of the most endangered monuments in the country and efforts are being done to restore and preserve it for future generations.

You can hike up to the citadel for nice views of the area and the whole visit will probably not take longer than 30-45 minutes.

Kravica waterfall

Kravica waterfalls might not be as well-known as those of Plitvice or Krka NP in Croatia, but they are absolutely stunning and definitely worth a short detour on this Bosnia and Herzegovina day trip from Croatia.

We left this waterfall for the end of the day and had it practically to ourselves. In summer, bring your swimwear and towels – it’s a great place to relax and cool off after a long day of driving and sightseeing.

Good to know: Bosnia and Herzegovina isn’t part of the EU, so check if you need any special travel documents or a visa for this day trip. They have their own currency, but all the places I mentioned here accept cash payments in either Croatian kuna or in Euro.

To Makarska

After visiting Mostar and the other landmarks of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we drove back to Croatia. We chose to stay in Makarska , because that’s the place with a direct ferry connection to Brač island – next stop on our Croatian itinerary.

Makarska is a very cozy seaside town with a very picturesque harbor area. There are several roads leading to Makarska and the fastest way to get there is probably by taking the main road E65, followed by a local road #76. We – once again – followed Google Maps and, since some local roads were closed for construction, ended up with yet another very adventurous drive (it was just one of those days…).

Luckily, the last part of the road that we took (#512) was absolutely spectacular and well worth the crazy drive we had to endure due to road works.

Accommodation: Spend 1 night in Makarska . We stayed at Apartments Elda , but there are also a lot of really nice hotels in town as well. In fact, Makarska is a popular vacation destination, so if you are looking for a more relaxing trip, you could add a day extra to your itinerary here. Valamar Meteor Hotel or Hotel Park Makarska both have great reviews and a good price-quality ratio.

The most popular way to get to Brač island is by taking a ferry from Split, but – as already mentioned – there is also a ferry from Makarska and it fits this itinerary better. Car ferry 638 from Makarska to Sumartin takes 1 hour and there are usually three ferries a day. We took the one at 9 am, which gave us plenty of time to explore Brač island.

Brač island is probably one of our favorites of all the islands that we visited on this Croatia road/island-hopping trip. It just felt so local, so authentic, so untouristy… To be completely honest, I think that it mostly has to do with the choices that we made and the places that we visited. It helped that it was low season as well.

I have a very detailed article about visiting Brač Island (check it out!).

So here is just a short summary of the places that are worth your time the most: Zlatni Rat beach , view from Vidova Gora , Blaca monastery (absolutely must-do), Škrip , Milna , and Supetar (very touristy, but the cemetery is absolutely worth a visit).

Accommodation: We stayed in Milna for 1 night and couldn’t have been happier with the choice. It’s the nicest, coziest of all the towns we visited on Brač island. Alternatively, if you prefer busier places, there are many more hotels in Supetar .

After a short visit to the earlier mentioned cemetery in Supetar, we took a 10.30 am ferry to Split. Ferry 631 from Supetar to Split takes 50 minutes and runs multiple times a day.

It’s a very popular route and when we saw the number of cars, buses, and trucks waiting for it, we thought we’d have to wait for the next one. Luckily, it’s a very big boat and it’s incredible to see how many vehicles can fit inside.

Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and it just looks too big to be enjoyable, but luckily the looks are deceiving. The waterfront area and the Old Town are absolutely lovely. It’s such a good mix of historic architecture and modern city life. Countless cafes and restaurants are just as popular with the locals as with tourists, which is always a good sign.

Split Old Town

Count at least 2-3 hours to visit the Old Town of Split, with Diocletian’s Palace as the main highlight. The palace takes up the biggest part of the Old Town itself – there is not one entrance or building – the whole area is the palace.

Don’t miss the Cellars of Diocletian’s Palace and the Cathedral (you’ll need a ticket for both), but also Peristilium , Vestibule , and just walk around and explore this incredible place.

If there is one place that I really would have wanted to have a guide , it’s in Split. There is so much history and so much to see that it feels like you are missing a great deal by not knowing what you see (and yes, we had a good guidebook, but in Split, it just wasn’t enough).

TIP: I highly recommend that you book a city walking tour or a guided Diocletian’s Palace walking tour . GOT fans might want to consider this highly-rated Split: Games of Thrones Locations Tour instead. Just make sure to book upfront, especially if you only have half a day in Split town, as we did.

Republic Square – a beautiful example of Venetian architecture – is also not to be missed in Split. If you like local markets, I also recommend you visit a market just outside the Eastern walls of Diocletian’s Palace. The market is called Zelena tržnica, the Green Market .

Marjan Hill

Marjan Hill or Marjan Park is not to be missed when visiting Split. You’ll have to climb quite some stairs, but the panoramic views over the city and the Adriatic sea are well worth it. On top, there is a café where you can have a drink and enjoy the views.

While most people just visit the viewpoint, there is actually much more that you can see here. Marjan Park is a popular place with locals, but we met just a few tourists. Yet, it’s such a beautiful area to explore – don’t miss it when in Split!

The walking path to the West from the viewpoint (the road called Marangunićevo šetalište – see map ) was mentioned as the Chapel Walk in our guidebook. It became our favorite place in Split. If you follow it all the way to the end, it will lead you to the end of the peninsula, but the entire walk will probably take at least 3 hours.

We walked past St. Nicholas chapel , then on to Bethlehem Chapel , and finally to the last and the most impressive of them all – St. Jere Chapel . It took us a bit less than 2 hours in total (there and back, including all the photo stops) and if it wasn’t for the fact that the sun was starting to set, we would have stayed much longer…

Accommodation: Stay in Split for 2 nights. I recommend a hotel within a walking distance to the city center. We stayed at Apartments Vinko and the location couldn’t have been better (e.g. Heritage Hotel 19 and Hotel Agava Split are in the same area). Here you can find a selection of other well-located hotels in Split .

Day 9 – Split day trip to Hvar and the Blue Cave

We really wanted to include Hvar in our Croatian itinerary. After all, it’s the most famous, most popular, and most sought-after island destination in Croatia…

After some research, we found that the easiest way to visit Hvar in just a day was by taking an organized day trip from Split. It came with a bonus – the Blue Cave , Vis island , and also many other amazing stops nearby . At the end of the day, we even saw dolphins…

We booked this highly-rated Blue Cave, Hvar, and 5 islands day trip from Split and it was a wonderful day. We saw so much and there’s no way we could have done it better ourselves.

Since it was one of our favorite days in Croatia, I have written a much more detailed post about it. Here you can read all about our Blue Cave tour from Split . If you have a day to spare in Split, I highly recommend this day trip.

Just an hour drive from Split, you can find one of Croatia’s most beautiful National Parks – Krka NP . We loved it here, much more than Plitvice (but more about that later).

Due to its proximity to Split, Krka NP is a very popular day trip and can get really crowded especially on the days when there are cruise ships in Split. I, therefore, recommend arriving here as early as possible. That way you can visit the most popular place of the park – Skradinski Buk – first, before the crowds arrive, and then explore further later in the day.

There are two main entrances from where you can reach Skradinski Buk – by boat, bike, or on foot from Skradin town or by shuttle bus or on foot from the car parking in Lozovac. Once there, follow the boardwalks to explore this beautiful area.

We took a boat from Skradin (and wasted lots of time waiting for it), had lunch, and spent about 1,5 hrs walking around the area. We then walked back to Skradin (which took about 50 minutes – faster than waiting for another boat). In total, we spent about 4 hours in this part of Krka NP.

Other nice places to visit in the National Park include Roški Slap and also Visovac Monastery . You’ll need to either take a boat or drive and then take a shorter boat in order to get to Visovac island.

Roški Slap is also quite far and will take at least half an hour to drive there from Skradin (plus the time there and the time to get back).

You can ask for more information and a map at the NP ticket office, but if you want to visit all these places, you’ll have to start early and count an entire day for Krka National Park.

If you follow the same itinerary for your Croatia road trip as we did, you will have a long drive ahead. It takes at least 2 hours to get from Krka NP to Plitvice Lakes. So keep this in mind when deciding which parts of Krka NP you want to see, so that you are not too tired to drive.

Accommodation: Stay in Plitvice Lakes for 2 nights. Hotels here are scarce and get fully booked months in advance. There are some really nice apartments, B&B’s, and villas as well, but they also sell out very quickly, so book your accommodation in Plitvice as soon as you have your trip itinerary planned. We stayed at Sweet home apartments , within an easy walking distance from Entrance 2 of the Plitvice Lakes NP. Hotel Plitvice and Hotel Bellevue are the best-located hotels in the same area.

To us, this was a no-brainer – any Croatia trip itinerary should include Plitvice Lakes National Park . Despite the long drive to get here from Split area and back, we thought it would be worth it. And I’m absolutely sure it will be for you, because most people say that Plitvice Lakes NP was an absolute highlight of their Croatia trip…

Unfortunately, it wasn’t for us…

We had such high expectations of Plitvice Lakes National Park, but we were just really unlucky to be there on the day when the nicest part of the park was closed for maintenance.

Furthermore, nature in this (higher) part of Croatia was just starting to wake up after the winter… Everything was so grey and it looked nothing like the pictures we had seen… I mean, it was nice, some parts quite nice, but nothing that we would say wow to.

I can only conclude that April is too early and not the best time to visit Plitvice. I think that May to September are by far the best months to visit Plitvice Lakes NP. Yes, it will be busy (it was unbelievably busy even in April – I can’t even imagine how busy it gets in the summer), but at least you’ll get to experience the amazing beauty of this place.

Don’t let our experience discourage you, but I wanted to share this, so that you know that the reality of travel is not always picture-perfect.

Staying near the entrance of the park gives you the advantage that you can start the day before day tourists arrive (and stay later in the evening). The nicest areas that you shouldn’t miss in Plitvice Lakes NP are: the Lower Canyon with the Big Waterfall – Veliki Slap . Also the Upper Canyon is really nice – there I suggest that you take a shuttle bus to ST3 stop and walk back following the signs to ST2 – you’ll pass all the nicest places along the way.

Good to know: Since we were flying out from the Split airport, we drove back South after visiting Plitvice Lakes. If, however, you are flying out of Zagreb, you can go there from Plitvice – it’s just a 2-hour drive.

In that case, you may want to visit Zadar, Šibenik, or Trogir before heading to Plitvice and not at the end of the trip, as we did… You can easily do that – just stay in Šibenik/Krka NP area a bit longer…

Before the trip, I wasn’t sure how much time we would have on this day and was trying to figure out which town is better to visit – Zadar or Šibenik. In the end, we settled on Zadar as our first choice. It turns out, you can easily visit both towns in one day and that’s what we ended up doing.

I can’t really describe what it is exactly about Zadar , but we really loved this town. It was less touristy, I suppose, with many locals in the streets and at the restaurants, and the atmosphere was great.

Start your visit at Land Gate (Kopnena vrata) – the main entrance to the Old Town. Don’t miss the 5 Wells Square , the market , the People’s Square, St. Chrysogonus Church , Church of St. Donatus , Saint Anastasia Church , and climb the Bell Tower for amazing views. There are also several interesting museums if you have more time.

One of the must-see (actually, must-hear) attractions in Zadar is the Sea Organ along the seaside promenade, Riva . It’s a sort of alternative music instrument that makes sounds that vary depending on the wind and the waves. Take the time to just sit here and listen to the sea – magical.

Restaurant recommendation: We had lunch at Restaurant Bruschetta and it was the best meal we had in Croatia. In general, the food was very good everywhere, so it really says a lot about this place.

Šibenik

About 1-1,5hrs drive from Zadar you’ll find another beautiful Croatian town, Šibenik . It’s couldn’t be more different than Zdar, but it’s also very cozy and picturesque and is definitely worth a visit.

The biggest part of town is built against the hill and it’s a real labyrinth of narrow and steep, but very picturesque streets . Some of the highlights not to be missed is the Saint James Cathedral and the beautiful town square around it, and also the St. Michael’s Fortress . If you have more time, you can also visit the nearby Barone Fortress – there is a ticket that combines these two forts and it costs just a tiny bit more than a single entrance.

On the way to St. Michael’s Fortress, we also passed the Medieval Mediterranean Garden of St.Lawrence Monastery . It’s just a very small garden with a nice cozy café. Take a break here and ask them for lavender lemonade. It’s just lavender syrup mixed with water, but it was so good…

We wanted to buy some of that lavender syrup to take home, but didn’t find it anywhere. Once back home, we found it on Amazon… So now we have a taste of Croatia at home. Every time I drink it, it feels like we’re back on vacation again…

We spent about 3 hours in Šibenik and then drove on to Trogir – the last stop on our Croatia two week itinerary. It’s a nice little town and is very well located for exploring more of the Split area. It’s also just 5-10 minutes drive from Split airport.

Accommodation: Stay in Trogir for the last 2 nights. We stayed at Apartments Svjetlana – a big apartment with private parking, just outside the traffic-free town center. There are just very few hotels inside the Old Town; if you want to stay there, XII Century Heritage Hotel or Heritage Hotel Pasike are the nicest options. In my opinion, it’s better to stay just outside the center (especially if you have a car). In that case, I recommend these hotels: Hotel Brown Beach House & Spa or Hotel Trogir Palace.

Day 13 – Trogir, Klis Fortress, and more

There are quite some nice towns and landmarks that you can visit in the Split area or you can just opt to relax and spend a few days by the pool or on the beach. We had a few places on our radar and ended up visiting Trogir and Klis Fortress , but I also included a few suggestions for if you have more time or if you really want to get the maximum out of your time.

Trogir is a very nice historic town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its main attraction is the beautiful traffic-free Old Town area. It sure attracts big crowds, so if you are staying in Trogir anyway, try to either visit it first thing in the morning or leave it for the late afternoon – evening.

Don’t miss the Trogir Cathedral of St. Lawrence  with its impressive and very decorative entrance door. Also the  Ivana Pavla II square around the Cathedral has some other impressive buildings. Don’t miss Cippiko Palace and the City Hall . You can visit Tower Kamerlengo for nice views over the town and surroundings. There are also several other churches, a monastery, and several museums.

Trogir is one of those typical European tourist towns with historic architecture and a web of narrow streets lined with all kinds of souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can see the highlights of Trogir in just 2-3 hours, or you can keep on coming back for the atmosphere and the lively cafés and restaurants… For us, half a day was more than enough here.

Klis Fortress

When you spend two weeks in Croatia and climb so many city walls and visit so many medieval forts, it’s difficult to still get excited about them. So we didn’t really have high expectations of Klis Fortress . However, since it was the peak of Game of Thrones last season madness when we visited Croatia, we decided to check it out. After all, Klis Fortress is one of the GOT filming locations in Croatia…

To tell you the truth, we haven’t seen a single episode of Game of Thrones, but we are always in search for the nicest places where we travel. I’m so glad we decided to include Klis Fortress into our itinerary! It was the nicest, most special, and probably the most authentic of all of the forts that we visited in Croatia. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Practical information: Klis Fortress is open daily, from 9 to 7 PM (might vary depending on the season). It’s just a short drive from Split, from Trogir, or you can also just stop here for a quick visit on your way to Krka NP on day 10 of this itinerary. Count at least 30-45 minutes for a visit; we spent more than an hour.

Vranjaca Cave, Solin & Kaštela

As mentioned before, there are many more nice places to visit around Split. We had shortlisted the following places, but didn’t visit them. I think that they are each worth a short visit if you are looking for somewhat less touristy experiences near Split.

Vranjaca Cave is a family-owned colorful stalactite and stalagmite cave, some 40 minutes drive from Split (see location on the map below). Many people call it a hidden gem of Croatia.

Solin (or Salona in English) is a town that dates back to Roman times and was one of the biggest towns in the area in the 1st – 2nd centuries. Don’t miss the city walls and the amphitheater.

Kaštela is located between Split and Trogir and consists of 7 smaller villages. They were built in 15-16th century as summer palaces by the rich families from Split. The nicest villages are Kaštel Gomilica , Kaštel Lukšić , and Kaštel Štafilić – well worth a short visit in this area.

Depending on what time your flight leaves, you can visit some of the places mentioned in day 13 of this itinerary that you haven’t seen yet.

To us, this was the last day of our two weeks in Croatia. We spent the morning in Trogir, where – luckily – we had some pancakes for brunch.

Split airport doesn’t have any restaurants after you pass security, so it’s best that you eat something in town. Apparently, there is a small restaurant at the airport, but you have to go there before you pass the security check. Lesson learned. For us, our last lunch in Croatia was a dry ham&cheese sandwich – the only food available in the departure hall…

Practical tips for planning Croatia itinerary

Best time to visit croatia.

We visited Croatia in April and it was perfect for sightseeing, but too cold for the beach. Nature was also just waking up too. The biggest advantage of traveling in April was that we had so many amazing places to ourselves.

While this Croatia itinerary will fit any time of the year, I recommend visiting in May – June or in September – October . 

July and August are the busiest and the hottest months. The rest of the year is perfect for towns, but too cold and sometimes too wet and too grey for nature destinations.

Which airports are best for this Croatia itinerary

Our 2-week Croatia itinerary starts in Dubrovnik and ends in Split , as that’s where we found the best flight deals for. However, it’s very easy to adapt this itinerary so that you start in Dubrovnik and end in Zagreb , or vice versa. Alternatively, you could also start and end in Split.

How much time do you need in Croatia

There are many ways to visit Croatia and there is not one best Croatia itinerary that fits everyone. Your trip will depend on your interests, the season, and of course on how much vacation time you have.

I’d say 5 days is about the minimum time you need in order to see just the main highlights of Croatia – Dubrovnik, Split, and Plitvice Lakes or some islands like Hvar.

7 days in Croatia will allow you to add several other places, like Kotor and Mostar. However, if you want to travel deeper and visit the country beyond the main tourist stops, I suggest 10-14 days for Croatia .

Getting around in Croatia

You can easily visit Croatia individually – driving in Croatia is quite easy. Some roads are narrow and the ever-changing speed limits can be a challenge to keep an eye on, but in general, nothing to worry about.

Parking can be a challenge in some towns; make sure you have some small change for the parking meters.

The easiest way to see all the places in this Croatia itinerary is to rent a car . You can find the best deals for car rental here . Don’t forget to ask for a green card for your car if you’ll be visiting Kotar or Mostar (it costs over 85 EUR extra).

If you want to visit any of the islands, you’ll need to take a car ferry or book organized day tours . Jadrolinija website is the best place to check ferry routes and timetables and GetYourGuide website is the best place to find and book organized day tours. I really suggest booking tours upfront.

We didn’t book any of the car ferries in advance. You can book them upfront, but the Jadrolinija website says that your place on the specific boat isn’t guaranteed anyway. So it’s best to just arrive at the ferry port well in advance and get your tickets there. I’m not sure if this applies for all the ferries and in all seasons though, so please check it yourself.

To make your Croatia trip planning easier, I created this Croatia travel map indicating all the main places mentioned in our 2-week Croatia itinerary. I gave each day a different color, so you have a better idea of what belongs together.

Please keep in mind that this is our itinerary that is based on our interests and the time that we had. Since we always try to make the most of every single trip, this Croatia itinerary reflects exactly that – it covers all the must-see places in this part of Croatia and also includes the best day trips to Kotor and Mostar . We also visited some really amazing lesser known places and I think they just made this trip even more memorable and special.

TIP: If you have less time in Croatia, just concentrate on the ‘musts’. In my opinion, any Croatia trip itinerary should as a minimum include the following places: Dubrovnik, Kotor, Mostar, Split, Hvar & the Blue Cave, Krka NP, and Plitvice Lakes NP.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Pretty much all the places mentioned in this Croatia itinerary can be visited as a day trip from either Dubrovnik or Split . So you could easily visit Croatia and make a very similar trip without a car .

In that case, I suggest that you stay 5-7 nights in each Dubrovnik and Split, and take a ferry between the two towns. Jadrolinija ferry 9811S runs between Dubrovnik, Korcula, Hvar, Bol, and Split, but only in high season from June 1 till September 30.

You could easily stop at one or the other island along the way and turn it into a Croatia island hopping trip. Please note that this is not a car ferry – passengers only. There is just one ferry a day, so you should probably book in advance.

Here are some suggestions for the best day trips from Dubrovnik and Split that bring you to the same places as the ones covered in our Croatia itinerary , but without having to rent a car.

Best Dubrovnik day trips to places mentioned in this Croatia itinerary:

• Day trip to Kotor .
• Korčula & Peljesac Day Tour .
• Day trip to Mljet National Park .
• Day trip to Mostar and Kravica waterfalls (a private tour is also possible). You can also make a similar day trip from Split.

Split day trips to places mentioned in this Croatia itinerary:

• Day trip to Mostar and Kravica waterfalls – also possible from Dubrovnik.
• Day trip to Hvar and the Blue Cave .
• Day trip to Plitvice National Park .
• Day trip to Krka National Park .
• Day trip to Brač and Šolta Islands .
• Historical Tour of Salona, Klis and Trogir from Split .

So, this is our suggested Croatia itinerary for 2 weeks, but it will also fit any trip of up to 14 days . Whether you are planning a self-drive road trip in Croatia, an island-hopping trip, or want to see the best of Croatia without a car, it should help you plan your own dream vacation in Croatia.

If you have any questions about our Croatia itinerary, feel free to leave a reply below and I’ll try to help.

READ ALSO: Blue Cave Tour from Split

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Monday 15th of January 2024

Hi Jurga, Thanks for sharing this. I will go to Croatia this end of April with my partner maybe you could help me for our itineraries since we will stay there for 14 days and this will be my first time in there and still confuse where to go.

Tuesday 16th of January 2024

Hi Sara, unfortunately, we really have no time to help our readers with individual itineraries. Our articles are already very detailed, providing all the info you need in order to plan your own trip. Just pick the places that interest you the most, see how/if you can visit them in the time that you have (and how long you'll spend in each area). Then decide how you'll travel (rental car, boats/flights, etc.). Planning your own trip is very rewarding - you do it based on your interests, pick accommodations and experiences that you like, etc. Good luck!

Tuesday 5th of September 2023

Jurga, as usual absolutely great, helpful, detailed itinerary! The same I can say about your Toscana itinerary! And now I just can’t choose )) May I ask you for some advice? In mid-October, with two kids aged 8 and 13, what do you think would be more exciting and suitable - Tuscany or Croatia? Thanks a million!

Wednesday 6th of September 2023

Hi Irina, that's a tough call - Tuscany vs Croatia. My personal choice would be Italy (every time ;)). But taking into account the season when you go and that you are traveling with kids, I think you'll enjoy Croatia more. The weather should still be ok for some beach time, pools, etc. and your trip will likely be more diverse and interesting for the children. Tuscany is more about old charming little towns, good wine and amazing food, so not as diverse as Croatia (assuming you'd visit most places from his itinerary). But you can't go wrong with either one of them. Good luck with your choice and enjoy your trip!

Greg turner

Saturday 8th of May 2021

Love this itinerary! Will hopefully be doing a lot on this list. Could you expand on the parking situation? I am not looking forward to it being an unaccounted, large expense. You mention parking meters.. is it safe to leave your car there overnight? Are overnight parking sites expensive?

Sunday 9th of May 2021

Hi Greg, we hardly had to pay for parking anywhere because we made sure that all the accommodation we booked had parking included. So most of the time we would just leave our car at the accommodation and walk everywhere (in the cities). And those few times we had to pay for parking it was such a small amount that I really wouldn't worry about it. It might be different if you have to pay for parking in Dubrovnik or Split for a few days, but if you get a place that has parking included, it's really the best way to do it. Those cities are best explored on foot, so park your car as soon as you get there and don't touch it until you leave.

Shweta Govindarajan

Wednesday 8th of January 2020

I love your detailed itinerary, super helpful. Thank you :)

Sunday 12th of January 2020

Glad to hear that, Shweta. Good luck with the planning and enjoy your Croatia trip!

Doreen Honey

Saturday 4th of January 2020

Hi my husband and I are planning a trip to Croatia in from 27/8 to 13/9. We will not be driving therefore will have to depend on buses and ferries. We like walking a lot so no problems with that. We are from Australia. Any suggestions please. I noticed that most of your trip was in Split and Dubrovnik therefore assuming that we can do daily trips from these 2 places. My husband will be going to Montenegro at the end of our trip for a cycling trip in the mountains and I'm coming home. We also thought about perhaps cruising from split to Dubrovnik say 3 nights. I look forward to hearing from you.

Hi Doreen, if you take a look at the 'Croatia itinerary without a car' section at the end of the article, you'll find our suggestions for exactly this - a trip that covers Dubrovnik and Split, with the best day trips you can do from both towns. It's really easy to do and the only things you need to arrange are the hotels and a transfer between the two cities (you can book a car transfer or book a ferry - it's all explained in the article). Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

‘Slow travel at its most joyous’: our three-week road trip to Croatia

Rather than bomb down motorways for marathon stretches, the idea was to see new things along the way, such as the great lakes of Germany and a Renaissance town in Italy

H ow far would you go – and how long would you take – to avoid flying and thoroughly embrace the idea of slow travel? In my case, it was 3,167 miles over three weeks. For nearly a decade I had wanted to do a road trip to Croatia, and to get as much out of the journey as the destination itself. Rather than bomb down the motorway for marathon stretches, the idea was to slow down and see new things.

It seemed we had barely rolled off Le Shuttle (the name Eurotunnel reverted to last spring) before my husband and I were out of France and bouncing along Belgium’s bumpy motorways. After a six-hour drive, Germany’s oldest city, Trier, made a pleasant overnight stop, the reconstructed gothic Hauptmarkt square bathed in late afternoon sunlight. Its summer pop-up bar taught me that the Mosel wine region makes some very drinkable rosés.

Germany proved to be one of those places where I couldn’t stop making mental notes on things to come back and explore; and the night we spent in Munich made me wonder why I had never visited before. It wasn’t just handsome Marienplatz and its neo-gothic new town hall; the food shops and stalls on Viktualienmarkt made me seriously hungry.

Rather than stay in the old town, we picked a hotel in Werksviertel, a few S-Bahn stops away. This former industrial area is now full of container bars, sleek hotels (including ours, the Adina , which has a fabulous roof terrace), concert venues and a huge ferris wheel.

Another lovely surprise – the first of many the next day – was Chiemsee, whose waters we glimpsed from the autobahn to Austria. Bavaria’s largest lake shot up my “How on earth have I never heard of this place and can I please come back?” list.

Our entry into Italy’s snappily named Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region coincided nicely with lunchtime. Determined to avoid a dire motorway meal, we found a restaurant in tiny Tarvisio where pizzas came smothered with local San Daniele ham. Later, in Udine, we watched a beautiful Renaissance town wake from its afternoon snooze and come alive with the evening passeggiata . An aperitivo in Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, a wander under Piazza della Libertà’s porticos, and a dinner of spaghetti alle vongole is what you want after a five-hour drive. The next day, when we caught our first glimpse of the Adriatic on our way to Trieste and stopped for lunch surrounded by Habsburg stateliness, I was making more plans to return.

Our Italian interlude was so delightful I was almost sorry to whiz through Slovenia and finally into Croatia. My goal was my parents’ region of Lika, in the west of the country, above Zadar, but for once I wasn’t visiting the inland area where my family came from. When I was writing my Croatia travelogue, My Family and Other Enemies , in 2022, I lamented how – with the exception of Plitvice Lakes national park and its surroundings – much of this beautiful region is being left behind in Croatia’s tourism boom. My intention this time was to explore Lika’s western half, where tourism has more of a foothold.

It’s easy to find a bucolic bolthole in Lika’s karst mountain landscape of forests, rivers and lakes. An online trawl came up with a wooden cottage outside the village of Perušić. Named IV-AN after its genial owner from nearby Gospić, the cottage was backed by forests and fronted by farmland. The only sounds were birdsong, crickets and, come evening, sizzling meats on the barbecue. My new obsession, the Merlin Bird ID app, picked up the calls of nuthatches, nightingales, owls and shrikes.

The lane behind led to Grabovača cave park , whose Samograd cave had been on my must-see list. Unfortunately, I was recovering from a knee injury and couldn’t tackle the slippery steps. The same went for other activities that are turning Lika into a giant adventure playground – rafting and kayaking on the Gacka and Lika Rivers and Lake Krušćica, mountain biking, quad biking and even just plain old hiking. But Lika has other tricks up its sleeve.

One of the most captivating is in the village of Kuterevo, about 45 minutes’ drive from our cottage. Since 2002, the Bear Refuge has been looking after orphaned brown bears whose mothers had been killed, or who had been rescued from illegal zoos, all kept in spacious enclosures. It’s free to enter, but volunteer wardens are happy to take donations. When it’s hot, the bears lurk in the shade, but on this rainy morning they were all ambling about. The most poignant was Bruno, who arrived in 2019 from an illegal zoo, and he still hasn’t lost his captivity habit of pacing back and forth.

Apart from Plitvice, Lika’s other claim to fame is the birthplace of Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla, whose village of Smiljan has spawned a mini-industry. At the Memorial Center Nikola Tesla you don’t have to be a science buff to enjoy the demonstration of the Tesla coil, the film about the inventor’s life, or the exhibits in the house where he was born – beside the 1765 church where Tesla’s father was parish priest.

Smiljan is only three miles from Lika’s county seat, Gospić, and its Lika Museum , housed in an attractive 18th-century building. Among the medieval artefacts and Habsburg furniture is a really good art gallery with an exhibition of early 20th-century photographs. Those photos had me spellbound: my paternal grandfather was Gospić’s railway stationmaster briefly, until his untimely death in 1933, and this gave me a glimpse into his world.

after newsletter promotion

Western Lika’s other major town is Otočac, in the Gacka valley, the focus of much of the area’s outdoor pursuits. Most of the River Gacka is below ground, but what can be seen in this broad valley is serenely beautiful, shaded by trees and full of brown trout. If I couldn’t go kayaking, at least I could find a riverside restaurant – Bistro Ribić and Bumerang were particularly good – and we feasted on two whole grilled trout for €12.

Two of the three major sources that feed into the Gacka are only a few miles apart, both wondrous little watery worlds. At Majerovo Vrilo, old restored mill houses (one still milling flour) form a bridge across the mini rapids; behind them the clear water lay still and blue, with reeds and lily pads adding touches of green to match the forested hills behind. A handful of wooden houses overlook this idyllic spot, and I envied their occupants on their waterside terraces. It was a similar sight at Tonkovićevo Vrilo, where more of this sparkling water was burbling under wooden bridges.

In a region that still shows traces of war and continues to lose its young people to emigration, it was pleasing to see hikers, cyclists, anglers and kayakers enjoying this vast landscape. And one young man was there to keep Lika’s spirit flowing, literally. Ivan Vlainić, 31, is bucking the trend for leaving the countryside, having moved from Zagreb to become the fifth generation to run the family brandy business, Stilanova Lika .

“More young people like me have realised that we can make a living here,” he told me during a tasting of his smooth brandies in the restored family house outside Perušić.

Soon, however, we were leaving Lika to meander along the Istrian coast back towards Italy and a last-minute decision to visit Venice. That night, our simple one-star hotel on Italy’s Lake Iseo astonished us with its five-star view of the sun setting on Monte Isola. A few days in the French Alps and a final night in Burgundy rounded off our road trip. My brain was a jumble of languages, my phone overflowing with photos. It was slow travel at its most joyous, and worth the wait.

Travel from Folkestone to Calais was provided by Le Shuttle (crossings from £87 each way). Seven nights’ self-catering at IV-AN cost £ 600 . Adina Apartment hotel in Munich has self-catering apartments from € 152 a night. Hotel Allegria in Udine has doubles from € 139 B&B . Mary Novakovich’s My Family and Other Enemie s: Life and Travels in Croatia’s Hinterland (Bradt Travel Guides, £9.99) is available from guardianbookshop.com

• Croatia holidays
• Europe holidays
• Italy holidays
• Germany holidays
• Green travel

Most viewed

13 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Trogir

Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Beautiful Trogir has a prime spot along the Dalmatian Coast. About 30 hours from Split's airport with views over the Adriatic Sea, a 15th-century Old Town, and easy access to many of the Dalmatian Islands, some may say that Trogir is one of the best spots along Croatia's coastline. I would have to agree.

I booked an Airbnb in the town of Trogir for a week during a month-long visit to Croatia. I wanted the historic beauty and charm of a medieval village, with the amenities of a modern-day city, all within easy driving of Split without having to actually be in Split. Trogir ticked all of the boxes. While Split is undeniably more famous and larger than Trogir, I would argue that Trogir is the better option simply because it is much more compact in size, has interesting attractions, and sees far fewer tourists, but is still just as beautiful.

Trogir's history dates back to 380 BC and has been continuously inhabited by Greeks, Romans, Hungarians, and Venetians. A melting pot of culture, architecture, and heritage can be found in every corner of Old Town. In fact, Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Modernity hasn't overlooked Trogir, either, as the newer parts of the city have fabulous restaurants, well-stocked supermarkets, a fitness center, and easy access to spectacular beaches.

Restoration projects undertaken in recent years have helped revitalize the numerous historic attractions, in particular Trogir's splendid Romanesque and Renaissance architecture, most of which is found within the 15th-century city walls. And just a few steps down from this delightful tangle of medieval streets is a pleasant waterfront promenade.

From here, it's also easy to explore the islands of the Dalmatian Archipelago and see the famous Blue Cave, on a speedboat day trip from Trogir. Learn more about this and other adventures with our list of top things to do in Trogir.

See also: Where to Stay in Trogir

1. Relax on the Historic Waterfront Promenade

2. cathedral of st. lawrence, 3. enjoy the beaches around trogir, 4. the city gates: land gate, 5. the clock tower and city loggia, 6. cipiko palace, 7. kamerlengo castle and st. mark's tower, 8. day trip to the blue cave and hvar, 9. the church of st. peter, 10. the benedictine monastery of st. nicholas, 11. trogir city museum, 12. st. dominic monastery, 13. visit the town of marina, where to stay in trogir for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in trogir.

Think of Split's waterfront promenade, and then shrink it considerably and remove all of the overrun catamarans and people. Trogir's promenade is truly a stunner and it blew me away the first time I saw it.

My first glimpse of the waterfront was from across the bridge on the island of Čiovo. It's worth the quick walk over to the island for one of the best views of the promenade.

Along the waterfront are wide walkways fringed with palm trees, waterfront views, and vendors who have set up tables selling everything from antiques to paintings and knick-knacks. You'll also be able to walk directly to some of the other top sites and attractions in Trogir directly from the promenade.

Lined with restaurants serving food al fresco, this is the best spot in Trogir for people-watching. You'll also be able to see the yachts bobbing gently in the water on the other side of the water. Vrata O'Grada sits just in front of the gates overlooking the promenade and has beautiful outdoor seating in a stone-clad courtyard. Try the fresh pasta with truffle sauce and oil or the fresh tuna steak with grilled vegetables and lemon.

Be sure to come by the waterfront in the evenings, when the promenade glows with lights and street entertainers put on a flurry of performances.

Trogir's Cathedral (Katedrala Sv. Lovre) – also known as the Cathedral of St. Lawrence – is widely considered one of the finest architectural achievements in Croatia. Construction of this splendid three-aisled structure, built on the site of an ancient church destroyed by the Saracens, commenced in 1193 and continued for many years until finally completed around 1500.

One of the most notable features is the amazing Romanesque door, carved in 1240 by Master Radovan, and flanked on either side by two stone lions. Other interesting highlights include a 47-meter-tall, 14th-century bell tower, well worth climbing (usually before noon, for a small fee).

Also not to be missed is the Renaissance Chapel of St. Ivan featuring many fine paintings of St. Jerome and St. John the Baptist, as well as decorations created between 1461 and 1497 by Firentinac and Duknovic.

Address: Trg Ivana Pavla II, Trogir

The Dalmatian Coast is famous for its calm and blue water, which is perfect for swimming, and its pebble beaches. While there are no beaches in Trogir's city center there are a number of beautiful beaches within a short walk or drive . Medena Beach is in Seget Donji, which is a village located some four kilometers from Trogir. It is a pretty pebble beach that can get crowded in the summer but is still fun.

The easiest beaches to reach from Trogir's Old Town are just across the bridge on Ciovo Island . This summery getaway is peppered with small seaside towns and is accessed via both a ring road and a road that goes up and over the mountain to the other side. Along the drive, you'll pass through town after town, each one has its own stretch of white, pebbly beaches.

The largest beach on Ciovo is Okrug Gornji which is easily the most popular beach on the island thanks to its close proximity to Trogir, a large number of beachfront restaurants, tour offices, and ample parking. Plus, the beach has a floating adventure park offshore and seven different beach areas to spread out on.

While Okrug Gornji has a lot to offer, it was not my favorite beach on Ciovo. That award goes to Kava Beach near the town of Okrug Donji. The small, white pebble beach has jaw-dropping turquoise water, a tiny marina, and beds of beautiful wildflowers. The beach does not have any facilities so you'll have to bring everything with you.

The Land Gate (Kopnena Vrata) was the main entrance to Trogir during the 15th century and was a vital part of the Venetian defenses along with the city walls, which were built at the same time. Rebuilt in the 17th century in late-Renaissance style, the structure's tall doorway once housed a drawbridge.

Notable features include, the Lion of St. Mark (the symbol of Venice) above the door's arch, and a statue of the city's patron saint, St. John of Trogir (Sv Ivan Trogirski), also referred to as Giovanni Orsini in Italian.

Another historic structure worth a visit is the North Gate . Though much smaller, it served as an important access point, and today it's surrounded by many great cafés, shops, and restaurants.

One of Trogir's most famous landmarks, the Clock Tower was once part of the church of St. Sebastian. Located on John Paul II Square (Trg Ivana Pavla II) next to the Loggia, it is famous for its large blue face and domed roof taken from the chapel of St. Sebastian in the middle of the 15th century. The tower also boasts a statue known as Justice, which was carved by Nikola Firentinac in 1471.

The Loggia, previously at the level of the square but now reached by a few steps, was once linked with the Church of St. Mary and is notable for its fine reliefs and columns. This area is a delightful place to rest your legs and grab a bite to eat on one of the patios in the square.

Cipiko Palace, in the Town Square across from the main entrance of Trogir Cathedral , was the home of the Cipiko family, one of the region's most prominent families during the 15th century. The creation of famed architects Firentinac and Alesi, this splendid old palace – really two palaces joined together as the family's wealth increased – boasts a number of unique and noteworthy features, including a carved Venetian Gothic window designed by Alesi himself.

As you approach the main entrance look for a carved wooden statue of a cockerel taken from the prow of a Turkish ship following a decisive battle in the mid-1400s in which Turkey was defeated (one of the Cipiko family members, a captain from Trogir, was involved in the battle).

The impressive Kamerlengo Castle dates back to the early part of the 15th century and is another top thing to see in Trogir. It was built by the Venetians and served for a time as the governor's palace. With commanding views over the sea and high walls connecting its three towers, this splendid old castle has found new life as a venue for outdoor performances held during the summer months in the courtyard.

Renaissance St. Mark's Tower (Kula svetog Marka), built after the castle in a circular shape, was once used to support artillery on its broad roof and was built to defend the channel between the island and the mainland. Along with its broad grounds and waterfront setting, it's a delightful place to explore as you ponder its former role safeguarding the old city.

Address: 21220, Trogir

One of the top day trips from Trogir is to see Hvar Island and the Blue Cave. If you don't have a lot of time to explore the Dalmatian Archipelago, an organized tour like the five island speedboat tour is a great way to experience these stunning destinations.

This tour isn't for the faint of heart, as it lasts 11 hours from start to finish, but you get your money's worth. And from Trogir, you'll visit Biševo Island and the coastal town of Komiža, explore the epic Blue Cave and Stiniva Bay, swim in the clear waters off Vis and Pakleni Islands, and check out Hvar Island's ancient architecture.

Once part of a Benedictine monastery, the lovely Church of St. Peter is best known for the half sculpture of its patron saint looking down from the doorway with Bible and scrolls in hand. Believed to have been built in the 14th century, the church's interior belies its rather plain exterior and contains numerous fine paintings, including works by such important artists as Molinari and Lazzarini.

Other highlights include a number of 17th-century sculptures by Jakov Jucen, who is also believed to be responsible for the building's fine paneled ceiling, as well as statues of Saints Peter and Paul carved from wood.

Another monastic church of interest is that of the Benedictine Monastery of St. Nicholas. Built in 1066 with a bell tower added in the 16th-century, the building's most impressive feature is its splendid interior, completely rebuilt in Baroque style in the 1700s. In addition to fine inscriptions carved in honor of the city's leading figures, the building boasts a number of precious artworks, including the Kairos, an exquisite relief depicting figures and scenes from Greek mythology. Of the church's many paintings, the most notable are pieces by Antonio Zanchi, Paolo Veneziano, and Nicollo Grassi, along with a 13th-century Madonna and Child.

The Trogir Civic Museum (Muzej Grada Trogira), housed in the Baroque Garagnin-Fanfogna Palace, is across from the Land Gate in the northwest corner of Trogir. Highlights of this worthwhile museum are displays of a variety of Greek and Roman artifacts, old manuscripts and documents, drawings and paintings, as well as old uniforms and antique clothing. Also of interest is a fine collection of 18th-century furniture on the first floor.

While a quick visit is enough to explore the museum's highlights, its location near the Land Gate and the cathedral make it a convenient stop during a walking tour of this area of Trogir.

Address: Ulica Gradska vrata 4, 21220, Trogir

Founded in 1265, St. Dominic Monastery has been much added to over the years, with its church and nave constructed later in the 14th-century. Highlights of this lovely monastery's exquisite interior include a number of important old tombs, including those of Ivan and Simun Sobota, well known in the city as humanists in the 15th-century.

Also of interest is the triumphal arch and an altar made of wood by Palma the Younger dating from around 1600, along with numerous important works of art and religious relics.

Just 20 kilometers west of Trogir is the delightful coastal town of Marina, a picturesque community dominated by a massive tower that has been converted into the Hotel Kastil. This small seaside resort on the Dalmatian Coast boasts a beautiful sand and pebble beach, along with notable architecture in its two churches: the Gothic St. Luke and the Gothic and Renaissance St. John. Both were built in the 15th-century and still maintained by the same family. Marina makes for a fun day trip, especially if the aptly named Marina Bay is included, a much-favored spot for yachting types from around the world.

Trogir's old town has some great hotel choices that are convenient to sightseeing attractions and are good value for money, especially in the luxury bracket. Although the town doesn't have any true five-star properties, it has a few excellent four-star properties.

Luxury Hotels:

• The posh Brown Beach House offers waterfront luxury, stylish décor, designer suites, and a pool with sea views. There is also a soothing spa, chic lounge, and library.
• With old town views and a comfy luxe vibe, Hotel Pasike is another excellent choice. The family-run hotel features rooms with antique furnishings and traditional decor and rates include breakfast. XII Century Heritage Hotel is also a good luxury choice.

Mid-Range & Budget Hotels :

• There are no true budget hotels in Trogir, although many of the mid-range properties are very good value and would fall into a budget bracket in other cities.
• Steps from the old town, Aparthotel Bellevue is a favorite that is spotlessly clean and offers fantastic service.
• Hotel Monika is another excellent mid-range property with a design focus and clean and comfortable rooms.
• Look for the Hotel Tragos inside an 18th-century Baroque palace in the heart of the old town. It features rooms with original stone walls and hardwood floors, and the restaurant has a lovely terrace.
• Finally, Palace Derossi is even more affordable and full of character. It often fills quickly in summer and is known for friendly service, an excellent included breakfast, and charming rooms. It's located right next to the North Gate in old town.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Croatia's Dalmatian Coast: This is the country's most famous stretch of coastline, dotted with towns and villages, as well as pebble beaches backed by clear blue water. The most famous town is the port city of Dubrovnik , which Game of Thrones fans will recognize as King's Landing but it's also worthwhile exploring the highlights of Zagreb and Zadar , including historic buildings and impressive art galleries and museums.

Other Places to Visit: For an overview of the country, check out our page on the top tourist attractions in Croatia and consider visiting lesser know regions like Istria , where you can explore attractions like the medieval town of Rovinj and beautiful Brijuni National Park.

More on Croatia

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing

Food & Drink

• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

6 lesser-known Croatia destinations you may not have considered

The historic island, sleepy archipelago and river retreats to have on your holiday radar, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

First came must-visit Mallorca in the boozy Balearics , then the beloved blue and white Cyclades and now –  Croatia has firmly asserted itself as the cool kid of European summer holidays.

From the Adriatic-adjacent Dalmatia coast to the charming region of Istria, the left wing of Eastern Europe  is littered with walled Unesco cities, countless coves and flowing waterfalls.

Of course, in the summer this means Split sweats with tourists, Dubrovnik threatens to burst through its stone ramparts and  Hvar Island inevitably trends on TikTok wishlists.

Thankfully, hidden between the big hitters, traditional towns, quiet islands and laid-back cities are on hand to offer less sought-out slices of the diverse Balkan country.

To open your eyes beyond the city-break classics, here are some of the sun-drenched destinations that are more ‘under the radar’ in Croatia ’s competitive tourism arena.

Read more on Croatia travel :

• Croatia travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go
• Off-season Croatia: Why you should head to the holiday hotspot before summer hits
• Uncovering the quirky beauty of Croatia’s under-the-radar Brijuni islands

Primosten, Šibenik-Knin

Best for: cafe culture.

Just an hour from tourist magnet Split, Primosten spills down hills and over a narrow causeway on the Dalmatian coast. St George’s Church 1485 bell tower stands tall above a paved promenade bursting with quayside cafes, ice cream offerings and the horseshoe-pebbled bay of Raduca Beach. After sunset, live music lights a fire under dancing locals in the main square and Aurora nightclub, the beach bars chatter and souvenir stands stay open late as Primosten parties.

Where to stay

In the heart of Primosten old town, Pansion Kamenar’s airy rooms overlook the lively main square. Aside from the comfortable beds and attached restaurant serving traditional Dalmatian cuisine, stone terraces have the best seats in the house for the town’s summer concerts.

Rooms available from {{#price}} {{price}} per night {{/price}} {{^price}} Check availability for dates and prices {{/price}}

Rates provided by Booking.com

Hotel Amenities

Health & wellbeing, vis, biševo, best for: history buffs.

If it’s history you want, sleepy Vis, the last pearl on Croatia’s clear Adriatic coastline, is a wildflower-flecked island of military significance. Tours of Cold War-era tunnel networks including the ARK Vela Glava wind to Hum Peak – the island’s highest point – an English RAF memorial overlooks a white stone beach and Tito’s Cave was once a hideout from invading Nazis during WW2.  Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again  fans could also argue Vis’ current cultural significance; the ABBA sequel was filmed among the vineyards and olive groves of the isle’s Greco-Roman towns in 2017.

Hole up in the family-run Hotel San Giorgio, in the centre of Vis, for modern rooms, citrus-studded gardens and charm to boot. In the seafood-centric restaurant local produce is paired with pours of wine and the continental breakfast is complimentary to your stay.

Neretva delta

Best for: active adventures.

Just north of Dubrovnik, the Neretva delta, at the mouth of the Bosnia-sourced River Neretva, flows into the Adriatic in a slice of ‘quaint’ Croatia. Beaches, verdant valleys and turquoise shallows are built for active adventures as kiteboarders whizz along sandy Opuzensko Usce, cyclists pedal to micro-vineyards and kayaks paddle canals upriver to the turquoise Baćina Lakes. Take a boat safari to taste local delicacies, everything from citrus fruits to frogs and eels.

Slightly upstream in Opuzen, Boutique Rooms Kican hugs the river bend with modern double rooms, sun-soaked balconies and a continental breakfast included.

Brijuni National Park, Fažana

Best for: island hopping.

This Adriatic archipelago off of Istria is home to 14 islands carpeted with forest, once the summer playground of former Yugoslavian President Tito and his Hollywood cohort. The Brijuni islands , a designated national park since 1983, are a dream to discover swimming spots, Roman remnants and subtropical gardens – there’s even a golf course and safari park on Veliki Brijun of animals personally gifted to the Yugoslav communist. Board a guided boat tour to see the best of the isles natural beauty from the water.

To stay the night on the Veliki Brijun Island, the Hotel Istra has stylish rooms and a terraced Mediterranean restaurant, a stone’s throw from the island’s tourist train and safari park.

Best for: City breaks

Swap Dubrovnik for northern Sibenik for all the ingredients of a Croatian city break without the crowds. Set on a Dalmatian hillside it’s easy to get lost in the elaborate facades, medieval lanes and Unesco-listed St James’ Cathedral in Sibenik’s fortified pedestrian old town. There are also four defensive stone forts, a waterfront of traditional restaurants and an archipelago of 249 boat trip-worthy islands to explore between scoops of refreshing almond, fig and mascarpone Roman gelato.

On the waterfront, Armerun Heritage Hotel & Residences is a stone palace of sun terraces, sparkling sea views and spa baths, with the commended on-site Buta restaurant to try for classic Croatian cuisine.

Rastoke, Slunj

Best for: waterfalls.

Without a doubt, waterfalls are a highlight on many Croatia itineraries, with the Plitvice Lakes and Mrežnica River falls drawing in plenty of visitors come the summer season. Inland, the village of Rastoke flows with similar falls, wood-shingled cottages and rivers for rafting. It’s easy to embrace the  fjaka  state of mind – the Dalmatian art of aspiring to do nothing – while learning the folklore, wandering the wooden bridges and tucking in to plates of fresh trout.

At Guest House Nena there’s colour, comfort and lush gardens just a stroll from the Korana and Slunjčica waterfalls. With horse riding, cycling and fishing on offer there’s plenty for guests to do between the falls.

Read more: Off-season Croatia: why you should head to the holiday hotspot before summer hits

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

More From Forbes

Ranked: the 18 best hidden gems in europe, according to a new report.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Looking for the best places to travel in Europe? So is the rest of the world.

As the summer season kicks into high gear across Europe, popular destinations are grappling with an influx of visitors. From Venice (which just started a controversial tourist tax ) to Spain’s Canary Islands (where the locals are planning mass protests against overtourism), iconic landmarks and locations are straining under the weight of record-breaking crowds.

So the new list of 2024’s Best Hidden Gems in Europe from European Best Destinations couldn’t come at a better moment.

A view of Primosten, Croatia, one of 18 hidden European gems revealed in a new report.

This new ranking shines a spotlight on 18 under-the-radar destinations that will whisk travelers away from the tourist throngs and into the heart of authentic European culture. The list is based on votes by more than one million travelers from 172 countries.

From secluded villages tucked away in the mountains to lovely untouched beach towns, these 18 hidden gems offer a glimpse into a world rarely seen by the average traveler.

View of Villajoyosa, Spain from above.

Trump Media Stock (DJT) At Risk Of A New Short Selling Plunge

Your best look yet at the new iphone 16, ryan garcia what s ostarine and how could a boxer use it to cheat, 1. villajoyosa, spain.

Experience a kaleidoscope of colors in Villajoyosa (which means “the jewellish town” in the Castilian language). Here, jewel-toned houses line the shores in a nod to the town’s seafaring heritage, overlooking crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.

Ares del Maestre, a hidden gem in Castellon, Spain.

2. Ares del Maestre, Spain

Perched atop a rocky hill, Ares del Maestre—built in the 1300s in the province of Castellon—offers panoramic views and centuries of Spanish history. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets and explore ancient castles.

Sand beach in front of old town of Primosten in Croatia.

3. Primosten, Croatia

In Primosten—set along Croatia’s Dalmation coast—you’ll find pristine beaches and azure waters. You can indulge in fresh seafood, stroll along waterfront promenades and discover why this coastal paradise is still Croatia’s best-kept secret.

Floating village Bokodi in Hungary at sunset.

4. Lake Bokodi, Hungary

On Lake Bokodi, an hour drive from Budapest, there’s a village of floating chalets that’s an Instagrammer’s dream. Some of the chalets are private (many belong to local fishermen), but others are open to visitors. Explore the winding waterways and unwind in the serenity of this hidden Hungarian gem.

View from the sea to park at Moomin world on a sunny summer day in Naantali, Finland.

5. Naantali, Finland

In Naantali, a little town in southwestern Finland, you can experience the whimsical, colorful world of the Moomins—quirky characters created by a Finnish author in 1945. This enchanting seaside town even has a theme park dedicated to the Moomins called Muumimaailma.

Bour village in the Faroe islands.

6. Bour, Faroe Islands

Discover the rustic charm of Bour, a tiny village on Vagar Island in the Faroe Islands (a remote Danish archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean). Wander through verdant landscapes, marvel at panoramic ocean views and immerse yourself in this area’s timeless beauty.

Lighthouse and bunker in the sand dunes on the beach of Blavand, Denmark.

7. Blavand, Denmark

Blavand is a seaside Danish gem where wartime bunkers have been transformed into sculpted symbols of peace. Here, you can ride horseback along the wide, windswept beaches and explore coastal dunes.

View of the city of Ulm, a hidden gem in Germany.

8. Ulm, Germany

In Ulm—a small city on the banks of Germany’s Danube River—historic landmarks and modern amenities coexist in perfect harmony. Marvel at Gothic cathedrals, stroll along cobblestone streets and grab a bite to eat in the Fishermen’s Quarter, where restaurants and cafes are set in half-timbered houses. Just across the Danube is Neu-Ulm, which is part of Bavaria.

Boardwalks leading to a viewing platform on the beach of Bordeira in southwest Alentejo, Portugal.

9. Aljezur, Portugal

With its rugged Algarve coastlines and golden beaches, Portugal’s Aljezur has a laid-back vibe and a tranquil beauty. Don’t miss the local wines.

The view of Dartlo Village in Tusheti, a remote region of Georgia.

10. Dartlo, Georgia

Dartlo—a remote Georgian village—is the crown jewel in the untamed mountainous Caucasus landscape. It’s home to pristine wilderness and ancient stone towers.

Jumping into the water in Castro Urdiales, Spain.

11. Castro Urdiales, Spain

Castro Urdiales is a medieval port town steeped in maritime tradition in the Cantabria region of Spain. Wander through cobblestone streets, check out the ancient fortresses and soak up the sun on sandy beaches.

Ljotipollur crater lake in Landmannalaugar, Iceland.

12. Landmannalaugar, Iceland

In Iceland, Landmannalaugar is recognized for its otherworldly beauty, full of rhyolite mountains and steaming hot springs. It’s also a haven for outdoors lovers, thanks to its volcanic landscapes.

First folk architecture reserve in the world in Cicmany, Slovakia.

13. Cicmany, Slovakia

The Slvoakian town of Cicmany is like a fairytale, where narrow streets are lined with hand-painted houses and ancient traditions like folk art are being preserved.

Road to Mount Pico in the Azores.

14. Pico Island, Azores

In the volcanic paradise of Pico Island in the Azzores, you’ll find dramatic landscapes, lava caves and vineyard-covered hillsides with world-class wines.

The village of Pont-en-Royans, France.

15. Pont-en-Royans, France

In France, Pont-en-Royans is a pretty cliffside village where you can swim in the crystal-clear river and soak up panoramic views of the countryside.

Schwebebahn Train crossing a street in Wuppertal, Germany.

16. Wuppertal, Germany

Wuppertal is an industrial German city with a unique attraction: the iconic Schwebebahn, a suspended monorail built in 1901 that offers breathtaking views of the urban landscape. Fun fact: This is the oldest electric elevated railway with hanging cars in the world.

Saint Michel d'Aiguilhe chapel sitting on a rock in Le Puy en Velay, France.

17. Le Puy-en-Velay, France

In the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of south-central France, Le Puy-en-Velay is a place that’s steeped in history: It’s the gateway to the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route. One of the highlights is St-Michel d’Aiguilhe, a 10th century chapel perched on a volcanic rock.

Staithes, a seaside village in the Scarborough borough of North Yorkshire, England.

18. Staithes, England

A former fishing center on North Yorkshire’s dramatic coastline, Staithes now attracts modern-day travelers, who come for the charming village, fresh seafood and natural beauty. Don’t miss the North York Moors National Park, where you can hunt for fossils and explore coastal trails.

MORE FROM FORBES

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

• Restaurants
• Best-of Guides
• MICHELIN Guide Ceremony
• My Favorites
• Subscribe to newsletter
• Booking partnership with OpenTable
• Booking partnership with Resy
• USA - English - USD
• The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in the United States

The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for U.S. hotels in 2024.

Hotels NYC California Washington D.C. MICHELIN Keys

New York City by The MICHELIN Guide

See the New York City guide

On April 24, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the brand new list of One, Two, and Three Key hotels in the United States. In this first ever announcement of MICHELIN Keys in the United States, hotels in Atlanta, California, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, New York, and Washington DC were eligible for the distinction. This announcement of the most outstanding hotels in the country comes four years into a comprehensive refresh of our hotel selection. The MICHELIN Guide now includes over 5,000 hotels across the world, and not a single one is simply a room for the night. These are places that significantly add to your experience as a traveler, each vetted and judged excellent in five categories: architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting. Which brings us back to the Keys. The culmination of countless hours of evaluation by our team of experts, the Key hotels below represent the highlights of our broader selection. Like the MICHELIN Stars for restaurants, the MICHELIN Keys are our most outstanding hotels. In total, the 2024 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection in the United States includes 11 Three Key hotels, 33 Two Key hotels, and 80 One Key hotels. Want to know more about the MICHELIN Key? Here’s everything you need to know . Or, head below to look at all the Keys.

How To Look Through the List

Jump straight to the list or take a deeper dive into select key hotels..

Take a peek at SingleThread, the five room inn with Three Keys and Three Stars. Explore the one street in Chicago that leads to seven Key hotels. Or find out more the Cliff House suite at our only Three Key hotel in Big Sur, California. Subscribe to our newsletter for more like this.

Highlights of the United States 2024 Key Hotel List

The Three Key Club in New York City

Expect: The highest luxury and impeccable design in Soho, Midtown, and the Financial District. Within the small club of Three Key hotels in the United States, four make their home in New York City. The Aman New York (Midtown) and Casa Cipriani (the Financial District) both make use of glamorous Beaux Arts buildings, the former a gold-crowned skyscraper in Midtown, the latter a glamorously restored ferry terminal at the very southern tip of Manhattan. Each is a refuge: an elegant, painstakingly designed escape from bustling city life. Meanwhile, two Firmdale hotels round out the list of Three Key hotels in New York City. Each is a quintessential example of the style and execution of the group’s co-owner and interior designer, Kit Kemp. Click the links here to explore the whirl of colors and collage of art that define the Crosby Street (Soho) and the Whitby Hotel (Midtown). Also read: Every Three Key Hotel in Paris

Jewels on the Coast: Up and Down California

Its sheer breadth of size and variety means it’s no surprise to announce California as the state with the most Key hotels in America. Here, we’ll point you towards coastal gems like the sublime architectural achievements in Big Sur ( Post Ranch Inn and Ventana ), beachside luxuries in Santa Monica (in particular: the newly opened Georgian ), and wine country favorites like SingleThread and the Madrona . What we love: how each one of these hotels opens the door to the very best of their locations — and gives us a look at each setting through fresh eyes.

Across America: The Golden Age of Celebrity

Our French Keys bask in the tradition of ancient vineyards, stone chateaus, and historic palaces. In the United States, we see a different tradition. In Los Angeles, places like Chateau Marmont , the Paramour Estate , Sunset Tower , and the Charlie date back to guests and residents as illustrious as Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe. These are spaces that play ingeniously with their history, even as they forge ahead with cutting-edge amenities and experiences. But it’s not just California. New York’s historic artist hotspot, the Hotel Chelsea , once hosted Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol. Today, it decorates every space with art donated by former residents. Look too to the Chicago Athletic Association , a former member’s club for 20th century business magnates and athletes — now among the city’s most impressive and vibrant hotels. Also read: Hollywood Glamor at the First Key Hotels in Los Angeles

Click below to jump to each distinction: 

The three key hotels.

California (Beverly Hills):  The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection California (Big Sur): Post Ranch Inn California (Healdsburg): SingleThread Inn California (Los Angeles):  Hotel Bel-Air, Dorchester Collection California (Rutherford):  Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection California (St. Helena):  Meadowood Napa Valley California (Woodside):  Canyon Ranch Woodside New York (NYC):  Aman New York New York (NYC):  Casa Cipriani New York New York (NYC):  Crosby Street Hotel, Firmdale Hotels New York (NYC):  The Whitby Hotel, Firmdale Hotels

NEW: New York by The MICHELIN Guide – expert insights on where to dine, stay and explore

The two key hotels.

California (Beverly Hills): L'Ermitage Beverly Hills California (Beverly Hills): The Maybourne Beverly Hills California (Beverly Hills): The Peninsula Beverly Hills California (Carmel Valley): Bernardus Lodge & Spa California (Big Sur): Ventana Big Sur California (Guerneville): The Stavrand California (Healdsburg): Montage Healdsburg California (Healdsburg): The Madrona California (Laguna Beach): Montage Laguna Beach California (Montecito): Rosewood Miramar Beach California (Napa):  Milliken Creek Inn & Spa California (San Francisco):  Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero California (San Francisco):  The Battery California (Sausalito):  Cavallo Point Lodge California (West Hollywood): Chateau Marmont California (West Hollywood):  Pendry West Hollywood California (Yountville):  Bardessono California (Yountville):  North Block Washington D.C.:  Rosewood Washington, D.C.   Washington D.C.:  The Jefferson Florida (Miami):  Mayfair House Hotel & Garden Florida (Miami Beach):  Faena Hotel Miami Beach Florida (Miami Beach):  Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club Florida (Miami Beach):  The Setai Miami Beach   Illinois (Chicago): Pendry Chicago Illinois (Chicago):  The Langham, Chicago Illinois (Chicago):  The Peninsula Chicago New York (NYC): Hotel Barrière Fouquet's New York New York (NYC):  Nine Orchard  New York (NYC):  Pendry Manhattan West New York (NYC): The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel New York (NYC): The Fifth Avenue Hotel New York (NYC):  The Mark Hotel

The One Key Hotels

Washington D.C.

Hero Image: Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection — Aspen, Colorado

Time-Tested Country Escapes Just Outside Paris

Seven historic chateaus, remade abbeys, and the spots that have welcomed city escapees for centuries.

Rosewood Kona Village Breathes Luxurious New Life into Legacy

Ten years after a devastating tsunami destroyed it, Kona Village is back and better than ever.

Mikhail Baryshnikov's New York is an Ode to the City's Artists

The icon celebrates and champions the boldfaced names in the city from meat purveyors to Three Star chefs.

In Photos: Every Three Key Hotel in Spain

The ins and outs of the most outstanding hotels in the country.

Keep Exploring - Stories we think you will enjoy reading

Total Package: Key Hotels with Star Restaurants in Spain

21 spots that have it all in Spain.

Inside The Top Suite of Mallorca's Seaside Fortress Hotel

The “Sentinel Suite” at Cap Rocat is cut deep into the Mallorcan cliffside — where a cannon once sat guarding the sea.

Cristine Bedfor Is By Your Side in Menorca

Cristine Bedfor is charming, graceful, and generous. She’s a true bohemian and, if you find yourself in Menorca, a trustworthy confidant. She’s also a Key hotel.

The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in Spain

The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for Spanish hotels in 2024.

In Photos: Every Three Key Hotel in New York City

The ins and outs of the most outstanding hotels in the city.

The Most Outrageous Design Hotel In Miami

The Faena Miami Beach is a Two Key hotel with a $15 million gilded woolly mammoth.

A Brief Guide to All the Key Hotels in Washington D.C.

Seven hotels earned at least one MICHELIN Key in Washington D.C.

Inside the Top Suite of the Only Three Key Hotel in Big Sur

The so-called "Cliff House" has the views you're looking for.

MICHELIN Guide

Use the app to find the best restaurants and hotels everywhere

Be the first to get news and update about the michelin guide.

MICHELIN Guide selections

The michelin group.

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Legal Notice

Display settings

Customize your experience by easily adjusting display settings for territory, and currency to suit your preferences!

Member privileges

The Plus program provides upgrades and amenities at participating hotels. For this hotel, Plus members will receive:

Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial, cancellable at anytime.

18 things you need to know before visiting Croatia

Mar 17, 2024 • 7 min read

Plan the perfect Croatia trip with these top tips © TerryPrince / Getty Images

With its glittering coastline, 1244 islands, endlessly fascinating cities and extraordinarily dramatic landscapes, Croatia has been steadily making its way up people’s must-go lists. 

Naturally, tourists are drawn to those beautiful Adriatic beaches that easily hold their own against their Mediterranean rivals. But inland Croatia is just as captivating, from the hilltop villages of Istria to the elegantly buzzing capital, Zagreb .

Don't book your flights just yet though – first, make the most of our planning tips covering everything you need to know about health, safety and etiquette before you go.

1. Don’t overstretch yourself when planning an itinerary

It might be tempting to squeeze in as many destinations as possible into one trip, but you won’t be doing yourself any favors unless you’re staying for at least two weeks. If you’re planning to visit more than one Adriatic island, think realistically about how much time you can spend in each place and how you will be getting around .

Check the schedule of the national ferry operator,  Jadrolinija , if you intend to do some island-hopping. Croatia has an extensive bus network, but factor in some long journey times if you’re traveling along the Adriatic coast.

2.  Croatia's currency is the euro

Although Croatia joined the EU in 2013, the euro was only introduced as the national currency on the January 1, 2023. The Croatian kuna is no longer in use, and if you happen to have any of the old currency, you'll need to go to the Croatian National Bank to exchange them. 

3. Expect to tip at least 10% in restaurants

Croatia’s tipping culture is more laid-back than in other countries. Having said that, it’s customary to leave at least 10% in restaurants and for beauty and spa treatments. In bars and cafes, just round up the bill. Tour guides appreciate a few euros at the end of a tour, and taxi drivers don’t expect a tip, but, again, if you want to round up a fare to the next euro, it’s appreciated. If you’re filling up your car and notice a few students cleaning car windscreens, consider giving them a couple of euros as they’re working for tips only.

4. Croatia is generally considered a safe place to travel

Croatia is a safe country with low levels of violent crime. The most prevalent issue for tourists is pickpocketing, but even that’s on a much lower scale than in other European countries. Solo women travelers should be safe on their own, although it’s wise to ask your accommodation provider if there are any areas in the vicinity that are best avoided. When using taxis, all travelers should make certain they’re using a licensed car either from an official taxi rank or ordered from your hotel. Uber operates in most major towns and cities, including Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Split .

5. Some caution is recommended for LGBTIQ+ travelers 

In this relatively conservative country, homosexuality is tolerated, but LGBTIQ+ travelers should be discreet. Public displays of affection could raise a few eyebrows, and some travelers have experienced hostile reactions. Zagreb’s gay scene is growing, however, and both Zagreb and Split hold Gay Pride festivals every June.

6. Bring some swimming shoes

Most of Croatia’s beaches are pebbly or rocky and can be hard to enjoy in bare feet. Just pick up a pair of those neoprene or plastic swimming shoes you see in all the resorts, and you’ll also be protecting your feet from sea urchins that lurk under rocks and pebbles.

7. Nudity at the beach is pretty standard

Naturist beaches are popular in Croatia, and sometimes you won’t know you’re on one until people start stripping off. Most are marked with FKK – the German phrase “Frei-Körper-Kultur,” meaning free body culture – which isn't surprising as Germans make up some of the biggest numbers of tourists in Croatia. Away from the FKK beaches, topless bathing is quite common.

8. Dodge the crowds in Dubrovnik by timing your visit carefully

There could be times when up to 8000 cruise ship passengers might descend on Dubrovnik in one day. That’s the cue to stay away from the Old Town  within the city walls until they leave in the late afternoon. Keep an eye on the Dubrovnik Port Authority’s website for cruise arrivals and the online crowd monitoring system that predicts the numbers of visitors. 

9. Wi-fi is readily available

Croatia is part of EU roaming, which is handy if you have a contract that allows you to use your data abroad. It’s easy to find wi-fi in cafes and bars – just ask the server for the password ( šifra ).

10. Swimwear is for the beach, not the town

If you’re visiting churches and other sacred sites, keep your shoulders covered and avoid bare thighs. If you’re wearing a hat, take it off when you’re in a church. Even though dress codes are relaxed on the coast, Split, Dubrovnik and Hvar have passed laws against walking around the city in swimwear or bare-chested. Croatians like to dress smartly and take great pride in their appearance, so do as they do and avoid looking scruffy.

11.  Don’t get drunk in public

Croatia has developed a reputation as a place to party, which has led to some areas being inundated with badly behaved drunken tourists. After years of enduring this, the mayor of Hvar Town had enough. In 2017, the destination started to issue fines of up to €700 for public drunkenness and things like taking a drunken nap in a public place, such as on a park bench. Split introduced fines of up to €300 in 2023, placing signs in the city center reminding people that public drinking is not allowed, and that no one should be urinating on the walls of Diocletian's Palace .

12. Get to know the Croatian character

Croatians can be quite reserved people, sometimes appearing brusque. It’s nothing personal, which you'll realize when you get to know them better, and the initial reserve melts to reveal a warm and friendly side.

13. Be tactful when talking about Croatia’s war of independence

The 1990s war that splintered the former Yugoslavia is a topic that needs careful handling. If people show a willingness to talk about it, then by all means ask sensible questions. But don’t be intrusive, and bear in mind that Croatians won’t take too kindly to being called either Yugoslav or Balkan. Similarly, in this predominantly Catholic country, be mindful of making loud statements against religion.

14. You can drink the tap water

Tap water in Croatia is perfectly safe and very drinkable, and you can refill your reusable water bottles at public drinking fountains.

15. Keep your lights on if driving during winter months

If you’re driving in Croatia from November to April, it’s compulsory to have your lights on during daylight hours as well as at night.

16. Croatia has occasional earthquakes

Croatia has a history of earthquakes going back centuries, but two recent ones in 2020 caused significant damage. The quake that shook Zagreb damaged thousands of buildings, many of which are in the old town, including the cathedral. Soon after, the city of Petrinja, about an hour’s drive south of Zagreb, was severely damaged in a quake, and aftershocks rippled throughout the region. If an earthquake happens while you're there, follow local guidance.

17. There are still some landmines

There are still parts of the country in the hinterlands of Northern Dalmatia and Lika where landmines remain from the war of independence, but these will be signposted with a skull and crossbones symbol. Don’t go anywhere near them.

18. Take out travel insurance

Dial 112 for general emergencies, 192 for police, and 194 for an ambulance. If you fall ill in Croatia and you're an EU citizen with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a UK citizen with a Global Health Insurance Card, you’re entitled to a vastly reduced price for health care . But even with this cover, you should still take out travel insurance.

This article was first published May 17, 2022 and updated Mar 17, 2024.

Explore related stories

Budget Travel

Apr 27, 2024 • 5 min read

With affordable public transport, great food markets and discount cards, a visit to Slovenia needn't blow up your budget.

Apr 19, 2024 • 10 min read

Mar 20, 2024 • 11 min read

Mar 15, 2024 • 10 min read

Mar 14, 2024 • 4 min read

Mar 2, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 17, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 8 min read

Dec 18, 2023 • 6 min read

tableau.com is not available in your region.