places to visit north of croatia

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9 Best Places In Northern Croatia

With unending coastlines, glorious beaches , enchanting history and magnificent inland parks, deciding where to tour in northern Croatia can be overwhelming.

Here are our top 9 places to visit in northern Croatia.

Known as the oldest tourist destination in Croatia, Opatija was regarded a famous luxury villa retreat for the European elite in the 19th century.

With beautiful gardens and plenty of beaches, Opatija’s Lungomare Promenade is also home to Croatia’s very own Walk of Fame.

The local Croatian spin-off of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame honours prominent names in Croatia who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of science, culture, art or sport such as the tennis player Goran Ivanišević and inventor Nikola Tesla .

Besides luxurious beach relaxation, here you can explore historical sites dating back to the 15th century and get your picture alongside the renowned “Girl with a Seagull” statue.

The old town of Rovinj , which was once an island, is now connected to the mainland as one of Istria’s best attractions.

With 14 islands concluding the Rovinj archipelago there are plenty of opportunities to escape the bustling summer mayhem during high season, when the charming town is flooded with tourists.

Besides its superb coastline and enchanting cobbled streets, the town’s main attractions include the Church of St Euphemia with its 61m-high bell tower, Rovinj City Museum, Balbi Arch and the Batana Ecomuseum.

The Golden Cape Forest Park can be easily reached on foot or bike and is covered in lush oak and pine groves where one can swim off the rocks in the nestled bays.

Pula , a seafront city on the tip of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, is known for its protected harbour, beach-lined coast and Roman ruins .

Pula’s historic masterpiece is the large Roman amphitheatre which was built between 27 BC and 68 AD.

Created to hold 20,000 spectators, it is the only Roman amphitheatre in the world with a complete circle wall and is still used to host events today.

Other Roman remnants to see include the Pula Museum of Archaeology housed in the Temple of Augustus, the Arch of Sergii and the Pula Castle.

Visit during summer for a host of festivals from international concerts to plays and outdoor films held in the magnificent Arena, Austro – Hungarian Kastel, and in the Forum.

Just to the north of the city lies the Brijuni National Park , constituted of densely wooded islands.

Not only is it a great site for crystal seas and glorious beaches but you can discover Roman villas, a Knights Templar church and ancient dinosaur footprints.

4. Cres Island

Sail your way to Cres island. Dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries with a past of Venetian rule, Cres Town is reflective of a charming Italian village.

Be mesmerised by the town walls, Venetian Tower, Church of St Mary and Arsan Palace, which houses Cres Museum displaying historic local costumes, and weapons.

Take a tour to the north of the island, where Beli is home to a colony of Eurasian Griffon vultures.

Here there are also beautiful hiking trails through the Tramuntana forest.

Valun village on Cres Island is known for the Valun Tablet from the 11th century, inscribed in both Latin and old Croatian.

With plenty of historic and cultural discoveries, the beautiful island with its choice of shimmering beaches is the perfect spot for a relaxed getaway.

5. Rab Island

Even though Rab island is comparatively small, it is definitely worth a visit with its age-old palaces, churches and a long history dating back to 360 BC.

This is your perfect opportunity to soak in the sunny beach atmosphere, swim in the clear waters of the Adriatic and try out tantalising local cuisine .

Rab comprises a variety of cliff-lined and sandy beaches spanning 22 km.

The town is also known for its unmistakable clusters of terracotta roofs, romantic cobbled streets, soaring church towers and wealth of historical sites with numerous Gothic and Renaissance palaces.

6. Pag Island

The thin, yet long rocky desert island of Pag is home to two fishing villages, a bit of cultural heritage and a lot of places to party.

The town of Pag reflects its cultural heritage with narrow, white-stoned medieval streets winding beneath a 15th-century Gothic cathedral.

Linked to the mainland by a road bridge, the islands Novalja resort town and Zrće beach, are Croatia’s biggest club hubs.

Besides fabulous summer parties and music festivals, visitors to the island can savour local seafood and delicious roast lamb.

When not soaking up the sun, walk the old town, book a dairy tour with cheese-tasting and visit the farm shop at Gligora.

Whether your interest is cultural, architectural, historical, religious or social, Zagreb boasts a wealth of overlooked masterpieces and experiences for tourists.

St Marks Church in Zagreb is a great place to experience the vibrant essence of this city and Croatia’s proud national heritage with its colourful design and intriguing sculptures.

While you are there, make sure you also visit the Zagreb City Museum, Tunnel Gric, Museum of Broken Relationships and stop for lunch and drinks along Ulica Ivana Tkalčića .

8. Krk Island

Joined to the mainland by a striking bridge, Krk is one of Croatia’s busiest islands well known for water sporting holidays including parasailing and wake boarding.

The island has a rich and diverse history steeped in eras of Roman and Italian rule.

Its heritage comes to life with sites of Romanesque churches, walled monasteries, vineyards and quaint fishing villages.

The Frankopan castle is probably Krk’s biggest attraction, named after the Medieval noble family of Frankopan who ruled this area.

Adventurists can walk or cycle the farmlands and explore the underground caverns of the Biserujka Cave.

Sample local white wine in the hill village of Vrbnik and soak up the sun at Baška beach.

Being close to Zagreb, it’s easy to get to and definitely worth a visit!

9. Lim Bay (Limski Kanal)

The Lim bay and valley lie north of Rovinj, boasting spectacular turquoise waters, green hillsides and ragged cliffs.

This magnificent area can be explored taking walks, hiking, biking or by a boat tour down the channel.

Dolphins are sometimes spotted near the coast.

On the north end there are great climbing slopes and many caves.

The estuary is rich in fish, quality oysters and mussels.

Fish and shellfish farms lie along the protected 11-kilometre-long Lim Channel due to the unique water quality and composition.

Naturally there are some great local seafood restaurants to relish while in the area .

Looking for a Croatia itinerary brimming with gastronomic delights, historical charm, exciting nightlife, natural wonders and brilliant beaches?

Our experts are ready to help you plan your next summer holiday in Northern Croatia with accommodation, airport and catamaran transfers, as well as selected guided tours all taken care of.

See you at the beach in Northern Croatia!

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• Full Trip Itineraries
• Weekend Itineraries

A Perfect Northern Croatia Road Trip Itinerary

Croatia’s really having a moment right now, with all sorts of travelers flocking to the turquoise beaches and Game of Thrones-esque walls of Dubrovnik and the islands.  And with the scenery, culture, and affordability, it’s easy to see why.  But northern Croatia is still flying under the radar as an amazing travel destination.

In particular, the Istrian Peninsula in northern Croatia has a crazy insane amount to add to any itinerary, and it’s super compact and centrally-located.

With fragrant truffles, olive oil, medieval hill towns, colorful coastal villages, and an unmistakable Italian flair, a couple days spent in Istria are well worth your time.  Add to that the beautiful turquoise waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park and possibly a day in Zagreb, and you’ve got a winner.

Creating your northern Croatia itinerary

As I mentioned above, northern Croatia is really underrated, and as such it’s not nearly as crowded during the spring and summer months.  It makes a great alternative to Tuscany (think: hill towns, truffles, olive oil, and wine), has great proximity to lots of other areas, and is much more affordable.

Then you’ve got the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park waterfalls, plus interesting Balkan wars history.  And it’s super centrally-located, so you can easily pair it with any number of other destinations.

It’s also super flexible depending on the time you have and how you want to arrange it.  Here’s a rough guide, but it could be 5 days, a week, or two weeks depending on how long you have.

• Arrival:   a lot of options (I’ve explained a couple below), but flying into Zagreb is one of the easiest
• 1-2 days:   explore the hill towns (and coastal towns) of Istria by car
• 1 day:  Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Consider a day in Zagreb if that appeals to you

From here , you could spend a few days in the nearby Croatian islands, go on to Slovenia (or do it in reverse), or decide to head over to Italy, down to southern Croatia, or maybe hop to one of the other Balkan countries (Montenegro and Serbia are two that look amazing).  An example of how we did Slovenia:

• 1 day:  Ljubljana
• 1-2 days:  Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Triglav National Park, Vintgar Gorge
• 1 day:  Piran, wineries
• 1 day:   Julian Alps

For renting a car, I always search in a few different places and compare both the prices and specific offerings/benefits.  My go-to’s are  DiscoverCars ,  RentalCars.com , and  AutoEurope as well.  We used Sixt on this trip (this is a 15% off link if you book directly, but compare their prices on the sites above as well), who I’ve used on several international (and a couple domestic) trips.  I’ve always been super happy with them on international trips.

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One of the easiest itinerary pairings is a few days in Slovenia, which gives you gorgeous mountain scenery and turquoise lakes, vibrant Ljubljana, wine, and charming pastel seaside Piran.  Here’s a whole post detailing the Slovenia portion of our itinerary.

I’ll give you two different sample itineraries that I’ve done, to give you an example of how you can customize this for yourself.

Itinerary 1 – Tacking 3-4 days in Croatia onto an Italy trip

My friends and I had been in Grosseto, Italy, for 8 days at a church holy day conference, so we arranged to meet up with our other friend (who had just flown in) in Florence.

• There isn’t a train option straight from Italy to the Istrian peninsula, which is why the bus is necessary
• Used Rovinj as our base, spent a day driving around the hill towns of Istria
• Spent 1 day driving to Plitvice Lakes National Park and exploring, then on to Zagreb
• I headed home after this, but my friend flew to Dubrovnik, so this would be an option, or you could take the train from Zagreb to Ljubljana and spend time in Slovenia

Itinerary 2 – Croatia, Slovenia, and some northern Italy

A year later, I took my parents on a similar trip, with a few tweaks and the addition of Slovenia.  While this looks like a lot, it was only about an 8-9 day trip.

• Flew into Zagreb, got rental car, spent a few hours exploring the city, then stayed near Plitvice Lakes overnight
• Saw Plitvice Lakes National Park in the morning, drove to Rovinj for the night
• Spent morning/early afternoon driving around the hill towns of Istria, then drove to Ljubljana in the afternoon
• Spent some time in Ljubljana
• 1 day in adorable Piran and doing winery visits
• 1 day exploring Triglav National Park, Vintgar Gorge, Lake Bled, and Lake Bohinj
• 1 day driving through the Julian Alps
• Our friend drove us to Trieste, where we took the train to Venice
• 1 day in Venice, then train to Cinque Terre
• 1 day in Cinque Terre, then flew out of Milan

So now that I’ve given you an idea of ways you can structure your itinerary, it’s time to dig into *where* you’re going.

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Rovinj:  the perfect base in Istria

My pictures (and the overcast skies) don’t do Rovinj justice, though the sunset pic above starts to.  Rovinj is so cute and charming—the perfect size for a base since it’s small enough to get around easily but big enough to have everything you need.

I’ve used it as a base twice and both times found a cute Airbnb with a great view, walked pretty much everywhere, and watched the sunset over the marina.

I’ve gone into detail about Rovinj’s charms in a separate post, but whether you just visit or stay the night, it’s a must.  If you’re staying somewhere else, you can just add Rovinj onto your hill town driving itinerary instead.

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Drive around through the hill towns of Istria

You can easily spend a few days exploring every nook and cranny of Istria if you want, but each time I’ve visited I spent just a day driving to several of the towns, and this is a great way to see a ton in a limited time.

This post on the hill towns  talks through which towns are skippable and which ones were my fave, as well as some inside tips for how to structure your driving route and where to find an amazing truffle risotto and some viewpoints ( Motovun is possibly my favorite, so I devoted a whole post to it).

Download my free e-book on how to plan awesome trips, step-by-step:  Epic Trip Planning 101

Spend a day at Plitvice Lakes National Park

This gets down a bit more into middle rather than truly northern Croatia, but this place is MAGICAL!!

Before I planned my first trip to Croatia, I had literally never heard of Plitvice (pleet-vee-chay), and while I’ve seen it get more attention in the travel community over the last few years, it’s still not massively well-known.  My mom still raves about this place, it’s one of her favorite things we’ve done in all our travels together.

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The park is famous for its 16 lakes arranged in cascades with natural travertine dams and the waterfalls that creates, as well as the intensely turquoise color of the water.

The water is part of a fascinating ecosystem and constantly shifts from aqua to cerulean to green depending on whether it’s sunny or cloudy, and you can get up close and personal with the waterfalls in a way I’ve never seen in other parks.  The wooden walkways wind under, over, and through the lakes and waterfalls, and the effect is stunning.

I’ve written a whole post rhapsodizing about Plitvice , which I *don’t* recommend if you hate waterfall pictures, but otherwise endorse wholeheartedly.  You can see opening dates, times, and costs here .

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There was one fairly notable thing about one of my trips to Plitvice that still is one of my favorite travel stories.  My two friends and I were staying in Rovinj, so left fairly early in the morning to drive to Plitvice (planning to go on to Zagreb for the night).

We stopped at a gas station and I decided to take the map in and ask the guy at the counter if we were planning on the right route (this was 2012 so didn’t have Google Maps access easily).  He told us to go a different route than we’d planned, so we set out.

I don’t know if we took a wrong turn or what, but the road kept getting more and more narrow and bumpy, til we were eventually on a single-track, rutted-out (muddy and puddled) dirt path through the forest.  We weren’t sure what to do at this point, so decided the only way out was through.  We kept driving for about another hour, and kept seeing these signs.

At first we thought they were more of a “private, keep out” thing, and eventually realized that they were saying that this was an active landmine area.  There wasn’t much we could do at that point (and our assumption was that the road itself was probably fine), but we were tired and stressed and started getting giggly and loopy as time went on.

Finally we made it out and found a way back to the main road (which got us to Plitvice much later than planned, and we had to really rush through the park).  But one of the funniest parts was that we kind of gunned it through a giant puddle at the end of the dirt track to get back to pavement, and screeched to a stop and just kind of sat for a minute and looked at each other.

And then Brek (who had been driving like a champ the whole time) goes, “OH!  *That* kind of mine…!!!”  He thought that we meant like…copper mines or something! 😛  It was hysterical and we’ve never let him live it down.

We felt we’d earned our beers in Zagreb that night…

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Take a moment to soak in the recent wartime history

One of the things that really fascinated me about spending time in Croatia was how fresh and real the scars of recent war were.  In many ways you wouldn’t know, as it’s a modern and thriving country.

But about halfway between Zagreb and Plitvice, my parents and I drove through towns like Karlovac and Turanj and saw a stark reminder of a conflict that’s all too fresh in Croatia’s memory.  It really stuck with us, and on our drive back up to Istria we made time to stop and explore Turanj a bit.

I wasn’t very familiar with the Croatian War of Independence, part of the overall Yugoslavian breakup/Balkan wars that happened in the early 1990s.  I was just a kid, so didn’t really retain much of that.

I’ve written a whole post on experiencing this part of the country, including this open-air museum about the war .  It’s a quick stop, you can literally just pull off the road and spend five minutes or a half hour wandering around and learning about what happened.

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One of the things that really blew my mind was listening to Croatians talk about their experience.  Of having neighbor turn on neighbor, tanks rolling up the street and shooting at houses, of atrocities committed daily—not by an outside invading force, but by the people they were used to sharing the grocery store aisle with.

Those of us in the U.S. haven’t ever experienced active war on our country’s land in really over a century, so this is incredibly hard to comprehend.  I highly recommend taking a little bit of time in northern Croatia to learn more about its recent political history.

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Spend a bit of time in Zagreb

I can’t tell you tons about Zagreb, since we didn’t spend a lot of time there on either trip.  But it’s an easy add to your itinerary, even just for a few hours.  One of the times I flew into Zagreb, and the other I flew out of it.  So when my parents and I visited, we flew into Zagreb, got the rental car, drove into the city and grabbed lunch, walked around for a bit, then hit the road toward Plitvice for the night.

The other time, we did a day trip to Plitvice and then drove to Zagreb to catch our flight in the morning (with a trip to the beer garden to calm our nerves after the landmine road trip).  It’s a fun, historic, thriving city, and worth a half-day of your time if it fits neatly into your trip.

And now that I’ve hopefully convinced you that northern Croatia is worth your time, I highly suggest combining it with a few days in Slovenia!  I’ve written a separate post talking about why Slovenia should be on your bucket list and outlining what to put on your itinerary, but here are a few pictures to whet your appetite…

Hopefully I’ve given you a taste of northern Croatia’s awesomeness…hit me up with any questions while you’re in your own trip planning process!

Other regional roadtrip itineraries to consider:

• What To Do In Portugal’s Stunning Douro Valley
• A Super Detailed Road Trip Guide for Sao Miguel Island (Azores)
• A Road Trip Along Ireland’s Southern Coast: Things To Do In County Cork & Waterford
• An Awesome Long Weekend Itinerary in Portland and Willamette Valley
• Why Slovenia Should Be On Your Bucket List:  A 4-Day Itinerary
• A Stunning 2 Days on Scotland’s Isle of Skye

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Comments (2)

Erika K. Tobiassen

July 14, 2020 at 8:41 pm

So I just found this blog, and it is SO WEIRD… I. 2018, my fiancee and I drove that same exact road ro Plitvice! Scariest ride of my life. The road was in much worse condition, with huge rocks, potholes, and we had no cell service and the gps was useless. I was driving, focused on not bottoming out our transmission. We knew right away what kinds of mines, and there was mine caution tape Long the sides of the road. When we finally got to the paved road, we stopped, got out, and laid down on the ground to collect ourselves. It was funny and nerve-wracking all at once. I am so delighted to see we were not alone in this experience!

July 14, 2020 at 9:34 pm

That’s CRAZY! Nerve-wracking is right…we had the hysterical giggles by the end!

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9 Best Places to Visit in Croatia, According to Locals

Here's how to see the best of Croatia, from under-the-radar islands to stunning forests and hilltop towns.

The coast of Croatia gets all the love — and though I was born and raised in the country, even I set my gaze on the Adriatic Sea whenever I visit. You can't deny the beauty of hotspots like Dubrovnik and Split, but busy locales like these can also mean crowds, stressed-out service, and little sense of discovery, especially during the peak summer season.

Thankfully, Croatia has more than 1,200 islands you can escape to, as well as coastal towns that remain off the radar, plus a majestic interior that spans idyllic pastoral landscapes and mighty mountains where wildlife roams in nature. There's a lot to see and do — and love — beyond the go-to tourist destinations as well. Here's my list of some of the best places to visit in Croatia.

Jadranko Markoc / Getty Images

For the longest time, Croatia's capital was mostly skipped in favor of more popular destinations down south. That started changing a few years ago, when visitors got wind of the numerous delights this pocket-size metropolis has to offer, including its buzzing art scene and the colorful Christmas market that helped put this city on the wintertime map. Advent festivities, typically held throughout December and into early January, feature alfresco merriment, live music, and street food all around Zagreb's city center, including its ancient Upper Town.

For the plushest place to stay, pick the grand Esplanade Zagreb Hotel , which blends Art Deco flair with the latest modern-day comforts, and serves iconic and traditional štrukli (cottage cheese dumplings) at its restaurant, Le Bistro .

Gorski Kotar

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While the country's coast may be one of the best places to visit in Croatia for local residents and visitors alike, general interest in the great outdoors has spiked in recent years. Enter Gorski Kotar, Croatia's answer to Switzerland, a forested expanse of mountain wilderness that lies southwest of Zagreb, en route to the coast of Kvarner.

This verdant region has become the "it" destination lately, especially for city dwellers looking for an easy-to-reach pocket of pristine nature. Wolves, bears, and the endangered Eurasian lynx can be spotted roaming through Risnjak National Park . Gorski Kotar also offers a number of chic cabins and lodges to rent, such as the spectacular Casa Nube and the adorable Gorska Bajka . Don't miss the chance to indulge in a meal of wild edibles and game meats at the Vagabundina Koliba (Vagabond's Cabin) mountain hut, where the nettle bread is a real treat.

Wilfried Krecichwost / Getty Images

A string of sweet little seaside towns may line Istria, the heart-shaped peninsula in Croatia's northern Adriatic, but Rovinj steals the show for its storybook beauty. The area is so stunning it tends to get regularly jam-packed with visitors between June and September, so the locals will generally try to avoid it that time of year.

It's best to head to Rovinj outside of that busy season, ideally in October or from April to May. Book a stay at the ultra-sleek Grand Park Hotel Rovinj , one of Croatia's most luxurious properties. An architectural stunner with a cascading structure that slopes down to the sea in a twine of fragrant garden terraces, the hotel showcases impressive views of Rovinj's Old Town , with its cobbled piazzas and steep lanes leading up to St. Euphemia Church , a baroque beauty with a copper statue-topped campanile.

At the hotel's fabulous Albaro Wellness & Spa , try the Batana Bodywork treatment, which involves using a stimulating combination of hemp balm, a traditional Rovinj boat's batana oar, and intense rowing motions to massage your sore spots. A meal at the property's Cap Aureo Signature Restaurant is a sensory adventure, as is a walk around the protected forest park of Punta Corrente (Golden Cape), located nearby. And don't leave without checking out the hotel's secret art room.

Inland Istria

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While first-time visitors to Istria , easily one of the best places to visit in Croatia, make a beeline for the coast, those in the know swear by the peninsula's green interior. And as soon as you hit those curvy country roads — winding their way through the woods, vineyards and olive groves — you'll see why. It's easy to swoon over the area's bucolic charm, home to medieval towns strewn across the hilltops, and shady forests where prized truffles hide.

Luxury villa rentals tucked away in the Istria countryside are increasingly becoming popular hideaways. Take Stanzia Vinella , a renovated and formerly abandoned hamlet turned rustic-chic retreat, with Wabi-Sabi–inspired interiors and an infinity pool that overlooks the postcard-perfect town of Motovun on the hill just across the way. For a meal of Istrian mainstays, book ahead at Toklarija , an age-old olive-mill-turned-tavern on the hilltop overlooking the village of Sovinjsko Polje.

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Few visitors to Croatia pay heed to the coastal city of Šibenik in central Dalmatia; it usually tends to get overshadowed by Split, located just an hour to the south, and, of course, Dubrovnik. What visitors are missing is a true seaside gem, one of a handful of cities in the world with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: St. James Cathedral , a domed basilica built entirely of stone between 1431 and 1535, and the Venetian-era St. Nicholas Fortress , situated on an islet across from the old town.

Šibenik is also home to a number of charming heritage hotels, including boutique Armerun , which opened in summer 2021 along the seafront just steps from the cathedral, and Pelegrini , a seasonal restaurant graced with a Michelin star, where owner and chef Rudi Štefan conjures up some of Croatia's most innovative cuisine. Don't miss a visit to St. Michael's Fortress and Barone Fortress , each known for their alfresco concerts and dazzling panoramas.

Close to Šibenik, the island of Zlarin is best known for its exquisite handmade red coral jewelry. It was also the first island in Croatia to eliminate single-use plastics back in 2019; in the summer of 2021, it was joined by the nearby island of Krapanj as part of a special "Archipelago Without Plastic" campaign.

Locals head here for its beautiful beaches, which may have pebbles in place of sand but offer clear, warm waters perfect for swimming, floating, and snorkeling. Other popular waterfront activities include sea kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, while landlubbers can enjoy hiking, biking, and rock climbing. The island is car-free, giving you the perfect excuse to explore it by bike or on foot. Accommodations are few and far between, with just one hotel and a limited amount of apartments available for rent, so during more crowded times of the year (like summer), it might be worth staying nearby in Šibenik and visiting Zlarin as part of a day trip instead.

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Located just off the coast of Zadar, the island of Silba is a car-free, hotel-free paradise that tends to be frequented by those in the know. You'll note a distinct Boho, offbeat vibe, where the creatives of Croatia prefer to hide away in summertime. It’s also a stellar choice for families, as little ones can run around barefoot and carefree.

Be sure to book your accommodations way ahead of time, as rooms can fill up quickly here. And don't miss the chance to enjoy a sunset dinner of freshly caught seafood at Konoba Alavija . Spend your days sunbathing or playing volleyball, basketball, or tennis at the island's busiest beach, Sotorišce, known for its clear, shallow waters. Under the water, the archaeological ruins of an ancient sarcophagus , estimated to be more than 1,500 years old, can be seen just off the shore of Pocukmarak Bay.

Anton Petrus / Getty Images

Hvar island may already be on everyone's list of the best places to visit in Croatia, but that spotlight mostly shines on Hvar town, which is known for its funky beach party scene. More artsy and low-key, Stari Grad, located along the island's northern side, has been coming into its own lately as an alternative Hvar base — and for all the right reasons.

For starters, Stari Grad has two World Heritage sites: The Stari Grad Plain , with its striking farm landscape that has been cultivated since ancient Greek times, and an old town that dates back to 384 B.C.E. On top of that, Maslinica Bay, just steps from the ferry dock, is home to the chic Maslina Resort , featuring Asian-Mediterranean fusion flair and design and a spa with "garden to skin" treatments that showcase herbs from the resort's organic garden.

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Taking a trip to Pag is comparable to taking a trip to the moon. The island is well known for its barren, lunar-like landscapes, as well as for the epic parties that take over the beaches of Zrće come summertime. But beyond the raucous revelry, the island is home to one of Croatia's loveliest family-run hotels, Boškinac , which sports an award-winning winery and a Michelin-starred restaurant within a beautifully renovated stone building surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, just inland from the coastal town of Novalja.

Pag is also known for its fragrant, hard, and strong sheep's milk cheeses. Gligora Dairy , which keeps racking up awards internationally, offers tastings of this local delicacy. While on Pag, check out the Pag Triangle — a mysterious land formation near Novalja that's rumored to be the site of a UFO landing — and the walkway through the ancient olive groves of Lun , where most of the trees are as many as 1,500 years old.

Northern Dalmatia

Serving the classic Dalmatian cocktail of historic towns, jewel-like waters, rugged limestone mountains, sun-kissed islands, gorgeous climate and Mediterranean cuisine, this region is a holidaymaker's dream. Yet it's the cities and islands further south that hog all the limelight, leaving Northern Dalmatia, if not quite undiscovered, then certainly less overrun. Yachties can sail between unpopulated islands without a shred of development, lost in dreams of the Mediterranean of old, while hikers can wander lonely trails where bears and wolves still dwell, and explore three of Croatia's most impressive national parks, which shelter in the hinterland.

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Attractions

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Plitvice Lakes National Park

By far Croatia's top natural attraction and the absolute highlight of Croatia's Adriatic hinterland, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is a glorious…

St James' Cathedral

The crowning architectural glory of the Dalmatian coast and the undisputed masterpiece of its principal designer, Juraj Dalmatinac, this World Heritage…

Paklenica National Park

Covering 95 sq km of the Velebit Range that divides continental Croatia from the Adriatic coast, Paklenica National Park contains some of the country’s…

Dragon's Eye Lake

One of Northern Dalmatia's most striking natural phenomena, Dragon's Eye Lake is a 10,000-sq-metre oval encircled by 4m- to 24m-high cliffs. Connected to…

Sun Salutation

Another wacky and wonderful creation by Nikola Bašić (the local architect who designed the nearby Sea Organ), this 22m-wide circle set into the pavement…

Krka Monastery

Krka National Park

This isn't just the most important Serbian Orthodox monastery in Croatia; it's one of the faith's most important sites full stop. Featuring a unique…

Zadar’s incredible Sea Organ, designed by local architect Nikola Bašić, is unique. Set within the perforated stone stairs that descend into the sea is a…

Stretching from the western foot of the Dinaric Range into the sea near Šibenik, the 73km Krka River and its wonderful waterfalls define the landscape of…

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Compact and easily explored, Northern Dalmatia presents a greater concentration of the highlights of Adriatic travel than almost any other part of Croatia. Along the coast are beautifully preserved medieval towns poised above some of the clearest waters in Europe, while offshore are myriad islands adorned with ancient stone villages and enticing coves. The region increasingly serves both as a focus for the party crowd and as a get-away-from-it-all destination, with a burgeoning roster of festivals dovetailing neatly with stirring scenery and soothing beaches.

Food and drink in Northern Dalmatia

The kornati islands, zlarin and prvic.

The main urban centre of northern Dalmatia is Zadar , an animated jumble of Roman, Venetian and modern styles that presents as good an introduction as any to Dalmatia’s mixed-up history. It’s within day-trip distance of the medieval Croatian centre of Nin, and is also the main ferry port for the unassuming islands of Silba, Olib and Dugi otok, where you’ll find peaceful villages, laidback beaches, and a level of tourism that has not yet become an industry.

South of Zadar is Šibenik , site of a spectacular fifteenth-century cathedral, and a convenient base for visiting the tumbling waterfalls of the Krka National Park . The other great natural attraction in this part of Dalmatia is the Kornati archipelago, a collection of captivatingly bare islands accessed from the easy-going island of Murter. Joining Murter to the mainland is the swing-bridge at Tisno, a small town that’s become the main venue for the summer-long cycle of festivals run by the Garden organization.

Dalmatia’s long history of Roman, then Venetian cultural penetration (for a history of the region) has left its mark on a region where children still call adult males barba (“beard” – Italian slang for “uncle”) and respected gents go under the name of šjor (the local version of signore), but modern Dalmatia’s identity is difficult to pin down. People from northern Croatia will tell you that life is lived at a much slower pace in Dalmatia, whose inhabitants are joshingly referred to as tovari (“donkeys”) by their compatriots, though the briefest of visits to bustling regional centres like Zadar will be enough to persuade you that these clichés are somewhat wide of the mark. The Dalmatians themselves will tell you that life is to be enjoyed and should not be hurried – which is why food, wine, music and café life are accorded so much quality time.

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.

12 days  / from 3017 USD

Gourmet Tour

You will visit three different adjacent countries and experience traditional local food and wines. You will visit some of the most intriguing restaurants and wineries in the area taste the delicious contrast between fine restaurants, and more traditional, authentic taverns.

11 days  / from 5081 USD

Culinary Secrets of Croatia

This vintage holiday celebrates the wine and olive oil-making traditions of Croatia’s Adriatic coastline, which form the foundations of the country's Mediterranean culinary heritage. Visit world-class wineries, and sample Dalmatian delicacies as you travel south to Dubrovnik.

13 days  / from 3123 USD

Balkan Extended

The Balkan Extended tour truly showcases the finest of Balkan’s heritage and natural beauty as you make your way through the 5 countries. Learn about the Serbian Athens, climb the splendid Old Bridge in Mostar, observe Slovenia's water castle and dive into the pearl of Croatia's beauty in Istria.

11 days  / from 2654 USD

Love Thy Neighbor - Croatia and Slovenia

Slovenia and Croatia are neighboring countries, and the close proximity of Slovenian and Croatian Istria make them a perfect destination for a single trip. The area has numerous stories waiting to be discovered, from magical alpine landscapes of Slovenia to charming historical towns inland.

8 days  / from 3467 USD

Croatia's Best Kept Secret - Vis Island

Surrounded by an archipelago of other islands and islets, the island of Vis is simple, sleepy and authentic. As a military base, the island was closed until 1991 and has remained its original charm. Come for the unique experience, stay for the hospitality and friendliness of the locals.

9 days  / from 2092 USD

The Ultimate Croatian Adventure

This trip is designed for people searching for an exciting lifestyle and never-ending adventure. With so many different landscapes, beautiful nature, stunning mountains, and picturesque Adriatic coast, Croatia is a place that can offer a truly incredible and adventurous experience.

9 days  / from 2504 USD

Dalmatian Honeymoon

This honeymoon trip was inspired by love towards our home that Dalmatia is. The tour is planned out to the last possible detail, but still respecting the time you wish to spend at your own pace in privacy. It will take you around the most romantic islands of Korcula and Hvar.

10 days  / from 2546 USD

Balkan & Adriatic

The most relaxing Balkan & Adriatic tour! This trip is for travellers who are interested in visiting different locations in the Balkans but prefer a comfortable way of travelling. Get to know parts of Serbia, Montenegro and the beautiful towns of Croatia, all while travelling at a slow pace.

12 days  / from 4493 USD

Croatia and Slovenia: An Adriatic Adventure

This expansive trip celebrates the splendour of Croatia and Slovenia, with their wondrous hilltop towns and stunning cities, such as Dubrovnik, Ljubljana and Split. Experience the wine and olive oil-making traditions of these two countries, and go truffle hunting on the Istrian Peninsula.

8 days  / from 2397 USD

The Best of Croatia and Slovenia

Combine the highlights of neighboring countries Croatia and Slovenia on this self drive trip. Explore Dubrovnik, Plitivce Lakes, Zadar and Zagreb in Croatia before heading out to see Lake Bled and Slovenia's capital Ljubljana. Make stops along the way and soak in the culture, food and history.

9 days  / from 2333 USD

Adriatic Roadtrip from Istria to Dalmatia

Croatia from North to South - start your trip in Rovinj, a town close to the Italian border with a lovely medieval port. Pick up your rental car and make your way through Croatia's inland with Plitvice Lakes and further down to Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. Nature, culture and adventure await!

7 days  / from 1017 USD

An active trip to authentic Hvar

Meet an entirely different Hvar, discover its hidden corners, learn about the local food and wine production and day-to-day life of a typical island family. Easy hikes will allow you to experience the island with a local, through many vineyards, olive groves and dense pine forests.

6 days  / from 1493 USD

Wine & Adventure in Croatia

Land in Dubrovnik and explore the city on a guided tour before basing yourself in Split for the remainder of your trip. Explore the surroundings in your rental car, including Krka National Park, rafting on the Cetina river, Zadar, a special wine tasting, kayaking and more.

10 days  / from 3627 USD

Highlights of Croatia Trip: Zagreb, Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik

Discover Croatia, with its fascinating history and glistening Adriatic coast. Your adventure begins in the capital, Zagreb, before moving on to Split, via the stunning Plitvice Lakes. Continue to the beautiful Hvar Island, before ending your trip in dazzling Dubrovnik, 'the Pearl of the Adriatic'.

12 days  / from 2932 USD

Nature & Culture

Inspired by timeless natural and cultural landmarks of the area, this trip is taking you through the highlights of Croatia, Southern part of Bosnia & Herzegovina and coastal Montenegro.

8 days  / from 2674 USD

The Pearl of the Adriatic - Dubrovnik

Stay in a beautiful hotel in Dubrovnik and take day tours, either in small groups or privately guided, all throughout Dalmatia. Visit vineyards, hidden bays, islands, a stint to neighboring Montenegro and more. Ideal for those hating to unpack and pack again, discover on day tours.

8 days  / from 1445 USD

Croatia Game of Thrones and Highlights

Discover the lakes and waterfalls of forested parks that are Croatia Game of Thrones locations, before exploring medieval walled Trogir and the Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Ancient fortresses on the stunning Makarska coastline await en route to dramatic Dubrovnik and Lokrum Island monastery ruins.

11 days  / from 2525 USD

Feel & Taste Dalmatia

This trip is inspired by the traditional Dalmatian lifestyle, including some of the most amazing and dream-like Croatian islands. It is tailored for people who wish to take a break from everyday life, get a genuine insight into the local culture and taste local products.

10 days  / from 2171 USD

Balkan Essentials

The Balkans are stunning and you will have a chance to experience their beauty during this 10 day-multiple country trip. Feel the welcoming vibe of Belgrade, visit Kotor, Europe's unmissable town, walk down the famous Bridge on Drina and observe stunning Plitvice Lakes.

10 days  / from 1952 USD

Explore the Balkans

Enjoy the sights of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia in one trip - the best of the Balkans! Stroll through the old towns, marvel at the historic buildings and stunning natural landscapes as you make your way through these four interesting countries.

7 days  / from 1798 USD

Treasures of Slovenia

This trip will take you around a rather small country that is Slovenia, yet a place full of natural wonders, cultural landmarks and delicious foods. In 7 days, you will go from Europe-worthy capital of Ljubljana, along a charming part of the Slovenian Adriatic coast all the way across the Alps.

11 days  / from 3157 USD

Sailing across Dalmatia

With some of the most exciting islands, pristine Adriatic sea waters, intoxicating lagoons, bays and inlets, charming and historical coastal towns, rich culture, delicious food, and easy-going locals, Dalmatia is easily one of the most valuable and desirable regions of Croatia.

As elsewhere in the Adriatic fresh seafood dominates the northern Dalmatian menu, although the broad maquis-covered plateaus just inland provide plenty in the way of lamb and game. The practice of roasting meats ispod peke (slow-cooked under an ember-covered metal lid) is widespread – you should definitely try a peka -style meal at least once, though note that they require several hours of preparation and restaurants usually require advance notice. Lamb and suckling pig roasted on a spit is another regional favourite, and roadside restaurants will frequently have a carcass revolving slowly over an open fire in the front yard.

Nowhere is the blend of maritime and inland cuisine better developed than in Skradin, the small town that stands at the entrance to the Krka National Park . Here, the plenteous shellfish and oysters of the Krka estuary are consumed alongside the freshwater fish and eels of the river’s upper reaches. Dishes found in Skradin and nowhere else include Skradinski rižot , a meat-based risotto that was (traditionally at least) slow-cooked for days prior to important feasts; and Skradinska torta , a cake composed of finely crushed nuts and syrup.

Vineyards run along the coast and new ones are being planted all the time. Best known of the local wines is Babić, a fruitily drinkable red; it is closely associated with Primošten (where arguably the best Babić is grown), although it’s found all along the Šibenik coast.

About 15km north of Zadar , the delightful small town of Nin is one of the few places in Croatia where it’s really worth bringing a bucket and spade: whereas elsewhere in Dalmatia long sandy beaches only exist in the fertile imaginations of tourism propagandists, here they are very real – and are rarely swamped by skin-cooking sunbathers.

Nin is also an important historical centre boasting medieval churches and surviving town walls. Much of its medieval wealth came from the salt trade, and glittering saltpans can still be seen stretching east of town. The residence of the early Croatian kings and seat of an archbishop from 879, Nin fell under Venetian rule in the fifteenth century. Threatened by Ottoman advances, the town was evacuated and then shelled by the Venetians in 1646, after which it slipped quietly into obscurity.

The town is built on a small island connected to the mainland by two bridges: Gornji most and Donji most (“upper bridge” and “lower bridge”). Donji most is your most likely starting point, across which lies Branimirova, the main thoroughfare, and a delightful mesh of pedestrianized streets.

One of northern Dalmatia’s most pleasantly laid-back islands is Murter, just off the main coastal highway and joined to the mainland by a small bridge at the channel-hugging settlement of Tisno. Main settlement Murter Town is the main base for boat trips to the Kornati National Park and is an enjoyable place in its own right, a quaint settlement of stone houses that soon fills up with tourists in July and August. There is only a handful of hotels on the island, and Murter is an excellent destination for independent travellers looking for private accommodation and campsites.

Murter is connected to the mainland by the bridge at Tisno, a pleasant chain of shoreside buildings running along either side of the channel dividing the island from terra firma; the bridge at Tisno’s centre swings open twice a day (at 9am and 5pm) to allow yachts to pass through. An excellent place for shoreline strolls, and with good bay-hugging beaches within walking distance of the centre, Tisno is also famous as the site of the summer-long programme of festivals put on by the Garden organization, which took up residence in a bay on the mainland side east of Tisno in 2012.

Festivals in Tisno

Tisno owes its exalted position on the Adriatic party map to the DJ-driven, dance-oriented festivals that come under the umbrella of the Zadar-based Garden organization, which spent six years organizing hugely successful events at Petrčane until moving here in 2012. Although the flagship Garden Festival itself was held for the last time in July 2015, many of its offshoots and sister events (such as Electric Elephant, Soundwave, SuncéBeat and Stop Making Sense) look set to stay at Tisno for the foreseeable future. Based at a campsite and bungalow settlement overlooking Rastovac Bay, the Garden site has its own beach and is sufficiently far away from central Tisno to allow the partying to continue into the early hours. With accommodation for about seven hundred campers and a festival-going capacity of around three thousand, Tisno offers an especially intimate festival experience – tickets for all events should be booked online well in advance.

Scattered like pebbles to the west of Murter lie the ninety or so islands of the Kornati archipelago, grouped around the 35km-long island of Kornat. A national park since 1980, the Kornati archipelago comprises a distinctively harsh and bare environment, almost devoid of life. The islands range in colour from stony white to pale ochre, mottled with patches of sage. They were once covered in forest until it was burned down to make pasture for sheep, who proceeded to eat everything in sight. The dry-stone walls used to pen them in are still visible, although the sheep themselves – save for a few wild descendants – are no more.

The islands were originally owned by the nobles of Zadar , who allowed the peasants of Murter to raise flocks and grow olives on them in return for a share in the cheese and oil thus produced. When the Zadar nobility fell on hard times in the nineteenth century, the islands were sold to the Murterians – who remain owners of most of the Kornati to this day. Despite the number of stone cottages scattered over the islands (Vruje, on Kornat, is the biggest single settlement with fifty houses), most of the owners actually live in Murter nowadays – returning to the islands for a few months in the summer. The popularity of the Kornati with the international yachting fraternity is having a profound impact on the archipelago’s development, with shoreline restaurants serving top-quality seafood springing up in every available cove. There’s a fully equipped yachting marina on the island of Piškera, on the western side of the archipelago, and an even bigger one on the island of Žut, which lies just outside the park boundaries to the east. With clear waters and relatively untouched ecology, the Kornati can also be a spectacular place for scuba diving.

Lying three hundred metres across the water from the mainland south of Šibenik , Krapanj has the distinction of being the smallest inhabited island in the Adriatic. It is reached by ferry shuttle from Broadarica, an undistinguished village which stretches along the shore for some 3km. Ferries arrive at a sleepy harbour backed by a warren of grey-brown houses. Diving for sponges used to be the main occupation on Krapanj, although there’s not much evidence of this now, save for a couple of shops on the harbour selling spongy souvenirs. Krapanj fills up with Croatian weekenders in July and August, when there’s a fair number of sunbathers sprawled out on either side of the quay – the rest of the time women clad in traditional black widows’ weeds outnumber other residents four to one.

Your best bet for bathing opportunities in the Šibenik area is to head for the nearby islands of Zlarin and Prvić, where you stand a good chance of finding a secluded bit of rocky shoreline and crystal-clear water. There’s no mass tourism on the islands, and no cars – merely a succession of orderly and neat little villages kept alive by a trickle of independent tourists and weekending Croatians.

Thirty minutes out by boat from Šibenik, the village of Zlarin is an attractive huddle of houses at the apex of a broad bay. Coral fishing and processing used to be the island’s main employer, until overharvesting led to a shutdown of all but one of the coral workshops in the 1950s. Nowadays the island has a winter population of around 25 souls, although the figure increases hundredfold in July and August.

Largely lacking in modern buildings, the village is an almost perfect example of what a typical Dalmatian settlement looked like in the early twentieth century. There’s a brace of coral souvenir shops in the alleyways behind the harbour, and a seasonally open coral museum that allows a glimpse of how the coral is polished and processed. Zlarin’s rarely open parish church is famous for housing the body of fourth-century Roman martyr St Fortunatus, a relic obtained for the island by a resourceful local priest in 1781. Every fifty years the remains are paraded through the village on April 23 – the next celebration is due in 2050, so there’s no need to pack your bags just yet.

Paths on the western side of the bay will take you to an abundance of rocky bathing areas backed by pines.

Prvić Luka and around

A fifteen-minute ferry journey from Zlarin, the main settlement of Prvić, Prvić Luka, is another unassuming, bay-hugging village with a charmingly soporific atmosphere. The parish church, just up from the harbour, boasts an extrovert collection of Baroque altarpieces as well as the tomb of Šibenik-born humanist and all-round brainbox Faust Vrančić.

Faust Vrančić (1551–1617)

Renaissance Šibenik produced many learned minds, most famously Faust Vrančić (Faustus Verantius), the author of Machinae Novae (1615) – a book of machines and contraptions whose inventiveness rivalled the mechanical fantasies of Leonardo da Vinci. The album of 49 copper engravings included suspension bridges, wind-powered mills with rotating roofs and, most famously, Homo volans – a picture of a man jumping from a tower with a primitive parachute. Equipped with a square of sail-canvas, Vrančić opined in the accompanying text, “a man can easily descend securely and without any kind of danger from a tower or any other high place”. According to seventeenth-century British scientist Bishop John Wilkins, Vrančić successfully tested his parachute by jumping out of a window in Venice, although Wilkins’ account was written thirty years after the event and remains tantalizingly unconfirmed by other sources.

Vrančić compiled Machinae Novae towards the end of a busy intellectual life. As the nephew of imperial diplomat and Archbishop of Hungary, Antun Vrančić, the young Faust served as secretary to the court of Emperor Rudolf II in Prague – a renowned meeting place for humanists from all over Europe. He subsequently retired to become a monk in Rome, where he probably became acquainted with Leonardo’s drawings, and was moved to compile his Machinae . Vrančić’s other major work was his Dictionarium quinque nobilissimarum Europae linguarum (“Dictionary of the Five Most Noble Languages of Europe”; 1595), a lexicon including Latin, Italian, German, Hungarian and “Dalmatian” (Croatian). It was the first real dictionary in either Croatian or Hungarian, and had a profound influence on the subsequent development of both languages.

Set dramatically amid the stark, arid scenery typical of inland Dalmatia, the fortress town of Knin occupies an indelible place in the Croatian national psyche, both as an important centre of the medieval kingdom and as a bone of bitter contention in the Homeland War of 1991–95. It was during the latter conflict that Knin became notorious as the capital of the so-called Republic of the Serbian Krajina (RSK).

Despite being surrounded by a patchwork of both Serbian and Croatian villages, Knin itself had a Serbian majority in 1990 and became the epicentre of the Serbian armed rebellion. Many of the key players in the Serb–Croat conflict started out in Knin, only to end up in the International War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague a decade or two later: Milan Babić, the RSK’s first leader; Milan Martić, the Knin police chief who built up the Krajina’s armed forces; and Colonel Ratko Mladić, commander of the Knin military garrison, who practised ethnic cleansing here, forcibly ejecting Croats from nearby villages, before becoming head of the Bosnian Serb army in 1992. In the end, Serbian forces melted away when the Croatian army launched the Oluja (Storm) offensive in August 1995, and Knin’s recapture on the morning of August 5 brought the war in Croatia to a rapid conclusion. Fearing Croatian reprisals, most Serb civilians fled in the wake of their defeated army, and only a handful have since returned. Otherwise Knin has largely reverted to what it was in the pre-1990 period: a provincial railway-junction town that accommodates a trickle of day-trippers drawn to its spectacular hilltop castle.

Heaped up on an island that’s joined to the mainland by a short causeway, Primošten, 20km south of Šibenik , is enchanting when seen from a distance, although the place comes over as blandly packagey once you get up close. Its main attribute is the ultra-clear water that laps the pebble and rock beaches of the wooded promontory north of town, where there are also a number of hotels. The Primošten area is famous for its dry-stone walls, vineyard plots and olive groves – a landscape that has changed little for centuries. Much of the Šibenik region’s best Babić wine is produced around here, and you should definitely make the effort to down a glass or few of the stuff if you are sticking around.

Top image: Zadar, Croatia © xbrchx/Shutterstock

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updated 6.09.2021

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10 reasons why you need to visit Northern Dalmatia in 2018

Swathes of unspoiled beaches, jaw-dropping national parks and historical hamlets await you in Northern Dalmatia

South Dalmatia may have party island Hvar and the mega-popular  Dubrovnik , but North Dalmatia is just as alluring. The difference is that Croatia 's tourist influx hasn't hit it yet - and it's all the better for that. 

Nothern Croatia boasts quaint Italianate cities and epic national parks , heaps of culture and fab local cuisines. A few beaches fringe its coastline, and unspoilt islands  encircle its shore. Here are ten reasons why you should discover the magic of North Dalmatia in 2018.

RECOMMENDED:  more great travel destinations in Croatia

1.  Krka National Park

This majestic national park 's centrepiece is the Krka River. Its 73 kilometres are lined with gushing, glittering waterfalls. The land surrounding it is an intensely well-nourished green, and the variety of dazzling wild flowers is matched only by that of the birds. You can swim, white-water raft, or just listen to golden eagles squawking overhead as you gaze at the view.

2.  Zadar

• Things to do

This coastal city is famed for its crumbling, intricate architecture. The old town is an antiquated patchwork of Roman and Venetian ruins, with churches dating from the 8 th , 9 th and 11 th centuries and a soaring 12th-century cathedral. And while the city still bears war-scars, genuiniely innovative new attractions distract: go to the beach to listen to the ethereal song of the sea organ as you watch the solar-powered 'Sun Salutation' light display. 

3.  Paklenica National Park

An especially dramatic national park, the Paklenic Karst river canyon sits at the southern slopes of the Velebit Mountain near Zadar. It has two spectacular canyons, Mala (small) Paklenic and Velika (large) Paklenic. Standing at a rocky peak and looking out into the vast abyss is breath-taking. The park is crawling with rock-climbers because of its sheer stone cliffs, but the central part is largely covered in dense forest. Make sure to venture into the icicle-lined cave of Manita Peć, the only one open to the public.

4.  Kornati archipelago

These islands are dry little deserts dotted across the sea, just to the west of Murter. Some are alabaster-white and some are tawny-brown, but there’s little green to be found  – their once heaving forestry was burnt down to make pasture for sheep, but they no longer live there either, and most Kornati people live in Murter. It’s fascinating to stroll across these barren lands, which also happen to be perfect for scuba-diving.

5.  Pag

With its stretches of dry landscape set against the rich blue of the Adriatic, its two mountain ridges and a scattering of villages, Pag has a distinctively dramatic look. It’s worth going just for the food: meat and milk are extra flavoursome because of the sheep's herbaceous diet, and the island speciality is  paški sir , a tangy olive-oil doused cheese, aged in stone. Try the rich stuff with a class of expertly produced local wine. 

6.  Zrce Beach

• Attractions

7.  The Garden, Tisno

Croatia’s ever-expanding festival scene  grew from Northern Dalmatia. Though the original – and beloved – Garden Festival went out with a bang in 2015, the Garden is host to all manner of exuberant electronic music festivals: among them Love International ,  Suncebeat  and Soundwave . The ultimate escapist spot for music lovers and party-goers. 

8.  Nin Island

This history-drenched island centres on an enchanting old town. Sandy beaches and the cool blue lagoon draw in family holiday-makers, and there are several other unlikely sights too – Roman salt pans which still work today, and the swampy wetlands where wildlife thrives.

9.  Silba Island

10.  Dugi Otok island

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The best cities and attractions in North Croatia

As part of a series of guides to different areas, attractions and activities in Croatia, last week Croatian newspaper Jutarnji focused on the area of north Croatia. An area mostly overlooked by visitors and travellers to the country, this lovely part of Croatia still has a number of interesting places to visit. If you’re looking for something a little different (and can drag yourself away from the coast!), why not give this area of Croatia a go?

The most beautiful towns in the region – as selected by Jutarnji – are Varazdin, Varazdinske Toplice, Ludbreg, Bjelovar, Daruvar, Cazma, Sisak, Petrinja, Kutina and Novska. (Links go to Jutarnji articles on those towns and cities. [Edit: links removed as no longer work.])

Stand-out city from the list is the wonderful Varazdin. Once upon a time the capital of Croatia (and therefore one of its oldest cities), Varazdin has many wonderful sights, including a 16th century castle and an Old Town dating from that century as well, a cathedral and the Baroque Ursuline Church (one of a number of Baroque churches and palaces in the city). Nearby is Varazdinske Toplice, a spa town (the oldest thermal spa in Croatia), which now has health and rehabilitation facilities, but was once a Roman settlement named Aquae Iassae. Part of the Roman settlement has been excavated and can be visited.

Meanwhile,  attractions that are recommended in the region include the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park and Cigoc, a stork village where around 200 storks nest on the houses and locale of a village of around 120 inhabitants – so there are more storks than people! There’s also the Museum of Evolution in Krapina (the remains of Neanderthals were discovered in the local area) and the town of Ozlja , with various Roman and medieval finds, and sights such as its castle and town museum.

Activities in the area include everything from the more standard kayaking, cycling and hunting, though Jutarnji also mentions that quad-biking, paragliding and “speleology” (the study of caves) is possible!

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Reasons to Go North

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Reasons to Go North English version available on Amazon

Get inspired to travel North! Find 50 ideas to explore the northernmost part of Croatia.

The guidebook is available on Amazon. Find out more VIA THE LINK. .

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Home » Blog » 12 Best Places To Visit Near Split, Croatia

12 Best Places To Visit Near Split, Croatia

Split is a fascinating city that dates to the late 3rd- and early 4th-century, when Roman Emperor Diocletian the site would make for the perfect retirement residence. It’s jam-packed with historic landmarks, including some of the world’s most impeccably preserved Roman architecture as well as offering a mouthwatering culinary scene and beautiful beaches.

While you’ll have plenty of things to do and see right here, you might want to consider visiting some other places nearby, or even taking some of the island hopping tours available.

As this ancient city is a popular transport hub for all of Dalmatia, it makes one of the best starting points for everything from short day trips to all-day adventures. These are some of the very best options to consider for your itinerary, with everything from national parks to magnificent medieval cities.

12 Best places to visit near Split, Croatia in 2023

1. blue cave on bisevo island.

One of the must-visit destinations from Split is the Blue Cave on Bisevo Island . While it’s challenging to reach on your own, there are boat tours that can get you there in just 90 minutes, with the ride enjoyable on its own.

You’ll be surrounded by the sparkling blue Adriatic water, enjoying the salty sea breeze and the feel of the sun on your skin during the 90-minute journey.

The sea grotto is one of the region’s most famous spots of natural beauty and one of the most popular show caves. Once you get there, you’ll hop in a smaller boat that can cruise through the entrance, allowing you to witness one of Mother Nature’s most remarkable wonders.

Like magic, when the sun’s rays enter the interior through a crack in the roof, they reflect off the limestone seabed, illuminating the cave in a surreal blue/silvery glow.

#1 Island Hopping Day Trip From Split, Croatia

Visit the Blue Cave and some of Croatia’s most stunning islands and incredible natural wonders.

2. Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is just a 45-minute boat ride from Split, located on the island of Veli Drvenik. A tour can bring you to see its dreamy, strikingly clear turquoise waters with the remarkable visibility making for outstanding snorkeling, with your gear included.

Along the way, enjoy the view of Ciovo Island and watch for dolphins that often follow in the wake, playfully leaping right alongside the boat to the delight of passengers. Once there, you’ll be immersed in paradise, with fine, soft white sands that gently roll into the calm, shallow sea.

When you’re in need of a drink or a bite, there’s a bar/restaurant that serves Dalmatian fare, cold beer, cocktails, and more.

Located less than 30 minutes from Split, Trogir sits on a small island that’s linked to the mainland by a bridge. Even if it was much farther away, it would be worth visiting, but for those on the limited time, it’s arguably the best option for venturing from Croatia’s second-largest city.

Enveloped by centuries-old defensive walls, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed as a fine example of a medieval town, confirming with the layout of a Roman and Hellenistic city while conserving its urban fabric to an “exceptional degree.”

The old town has managed to retain many beautiful, well-intact Romanesque and Renaissance buildings from the 13th- to 15th-centuries. Highlights include the Venetian-built Kamerlengo Castle/fortress and the Gothic- and Renaissance-style Cathedral of St. Lawrence which can be climbed for a breathtaking view. There are grand palaces, impressive towers, monasteries, and stone homes too.

4. Sibenik and Krka National Park

Just an hour from Split, it’s easy to visit Sibenik. As it’s the gateway to Krka National Park, visiting both makes sense for a full-day out or even just a half-day trip. The ancient city was founded more than a thousand years ago and it hosts the region’s largest and most important cathedral, the Gothic-Renaissance St. James Cathedral. Made of stone, it includes over 70 different sculpted faces and was constructed over the 15th- and 16th-centuries.

The Sibenik City Museum is nearby, set within the 14th-century Prince’s Palace. It showcases the city’s history from prehistoric times to the present. St. Michael’s Fortress is a medieval for stands over it all from a steep hill above the historic center, providing views of the bay and nearby islands.

Just outside of Sibenik, Krka National Park lies along the Krka River and is renowned for its waterfalls, with Skradinski Buk the most famous. It’s a series of cascades that span more than 2,600 feet, plunging into emerald water below.

One of the best ways to experience it is to hike the trails. The 1.2-mile-loop Skradinski Buk route meanders in and out of the trees with short side trails offering various perspectives of the falls. Bring your bathing suit on a warm day for a refreshing dip.

Located where the Adriatic meets the Cetina River, less than 35 minutes from Split, Omis is a small town and port that’s often overlooked, but it’s a historic gem with a wealth of possibilities for outdoor adventure and fun.

Discover traces of its ancient wall with a secret passage, a Turjun fort, an Illyrian seminary, and the 10th-century Church of St. Peter. While the town is tiny, the views from its fortresses are worth the visit alone.

Omis is also a great place for off-road cycling, zip-line rides, hiking, and kayaking. There are some fabulous sandy beaches nearby, and in July, it hosts a famous acapella festival.

6. Solta Island

Solta is an unspoiled paradise, spared from too much when it comes to development despite being just a 30-minute ride on the fast ferry from Split. It offers popular spots for diving, a prehistoric fortress, the remains of an ancient sarcophagi, and even the ruins of a fish market in Piskeri Bay that once belonged to the Roman emperor Diocletian. Enjoy time at photogenic beaches, taking in a colorful sunset, and shopping for local products like honey, olive oil, and wine in the port village of Maslinica on the island’s west coast.

7. Primosten

Less than an hour from Split between Sibenik and Trogir, the small coastal town of Primosten is famous for its outstanding local wine and well-preserved medieval Old Town with a fabulous historic ambiance. The highlight is its 15th-century white stone church of St. George which sits atop a hill providing a sweeping view.

Legend has it that when God created the Earth, he created this town as the place to rest from work on the seventh day, something that’s easy to believe once you see it. Most come to enjoy sunbathing on its idyllic beaches like Raduca with shallow waters for swimming, perfect for families with young children.

You’ll find some very good restaurants for lunch too, including an eatery at Santa Marina which serves traditional Croatian dishes like peka, a mix of vegetables and meat cooked in a big pot over hot coals. Tavern Marina sits at the seaside and features a variety of fish and meat dishes focused on locally sourced products.

8. Brac Island

Brac is one of the closest islands to Split, easily reached as part of a boat tour. One of the primary reasons to visit is its famous beach, Zlatni Rat, located near the town of Bol.

Widely regarded to be among the most beautiful in all of Europe, the shimmering, horn-shaped stretch juts out nearly a third of a mile into translucent blue waters, providing one of the best places in the country for a swim.

There are plenty of other things to do here too. If you’re looking for a good hike, take the trail that leads to the top of the Adriatic’s highest island peak, Vidova Gora. Here at the summit, there’s even a bar for unwinding with a drink.

Head to the Olive Oil Museum in Skrip to learn about the tools that are used to turn olives into olive oil and enjoy samples in its tasting room. The small town of Pucisca is one of Croatia’s prettiest, known for its glistening white stone which has been used to build the local homes, ancient palaces like Diocletian’s Palace, and even the White House in Washington, D.C., along with other iconic landmarks.

9. Makarska

A port town just a little over an hour south of Split, Makarska sits along a stretch of magnificent coastline known as the Makarska Riviera. It’s home to some of the country’s most spectacular beaches and boasts a lovely seafront promenade. Enjoy soaking up the sun from tranquil sands in secluded coves framed by clear aquamarine waters or head to one offering watersports facilities with a more lively setting.

Towering Mount Biokovo to the east serves as a nature reserve, home to Balkan chamois, a species of goat-antelope, and golden eagles. In July and August for several nights each year, Makarska’s waterfront area is transformed into a carnival-like atmosphere with competitions like stone-throwing and donkey races, live concerts, and plenty of delicious fish and seafood dishes.

10. Solin and Klis

Solin is just to the northeast of Split along the river Jadro, birthed on the location of the ancient city of Salona which was Dalmatia’s capital in Roman times. The Salona ruins are one of the most intriguing places to visit near Split, with an extraordinary collection that includes an 18,000- seat amphitheater, a cemetery, covered aqueduct, and a museum.

It’s a great place to get a good understanding of life during the times of emperors, gladiators, and martyrs. Just a few miles from here, is the village of Klis with its fortress that was used as the city-state of Meeren in the hit TV series “Game of Thrones.

It was built to defend the area from Ottoman and Mongol invaders and includes a Roman amphitheater, baths, and temples, as well as offering an awe-inspiring view.

11. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovinia

It’s surprisingly easy to visit an entirely different country from Split with Bosnia & Herzegovina. In fact, the historic city of Mostar sits just across the Croatian border, about a two hour’s drive away. Or you can take a guided tour, with multiple options leaving from Split. Some of the highlights include the Stari Most Bridge which spans the Neretva River.

It’s a famous photo-op and you’ll often see locals leap from it into the dazzling emerald and turquoise waters below. Mostar was an Ottoman frontier town, dating back to the 15th-century and includes a maze of cobbled streets that are fun to explore. Check out the mosques and churches and browse the stalls and shops in the Old Bazaar. When you’re in need of re-energizing, head to one of the cafes to try the strong Turkish-style coffee.

Just outside of Mostar is the nearly 600-year-old Blagaj Monastery which sits at the base of a cliff near the river Buna. A fascinating series of buildings, it includes an old Turkish bath and mausoleum, that makes a great addition to any Instagram feed.

12. Plitvice National Park

While it’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Split, it’s well worth taking a day to visit Plitvice National Park. Here, fantasy comes to life. A place that’s been splashed across the Internet, tour brochures, and beyond to entice visitors to Croatia, it’s home to 16 lakes in shades that range from brilliant turquoise to emerald.

Their waters have been flowing over the limestone and chalk for thousands of years resulting in barriers that create tranquil pools and practically an endless number of waterfalls, all surrounded by rich flora and fauna. You can walk the wooden pathways to see them and take a relaxing boat ride across Kozjak Lake too.

Before returning to Split, you might enjoy a bite at Ethno Garden Plitvice Restaurant. It offers an enticing traditional atmosphere and serves homemade mountain Lika dishes, made according to the old recipes.

Epic Croatia Road Trip: 7 & 14 Day Itinerary [+ Local Tips]

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After a few Croatia road trips, I started thinking about how to break this stunning country down into manageable chunks so that it’s enjoyable for the amount of time you have and for the vibe you’re going for. 

In this post, I want to help you avoid rushing through a vacation or check-boxing a few highlighted sights without truly experiencing the Croatian pomalo spirit of taking it easy.

Because what’s worse than needing a vacation from your vacation!? So let’s start thinking through this.

Table of Contents

How Long Do You Have?

This is probably the minimum time for a road trip in Croatia. I recommend considering the vibe you want and focusing your energy on one region that gives you that.

If you’re into wine and a more luxurious getaway, stick to Northern Croatia .

If you want a cultural experience with more history, go for Southern Croatia.  

A week is also a great amount of time for a few island excursions . I love keeping one weekend free for a trip to the Island of Hvar or the little Island of Vis, my favorite island on the coast of Split. 

Jackpot! This is an ideal time for a Croatia Road Trip because you can do a little bit of everything without feeling rushed.

TRAVEL TIP: My favorite road trip through Croatia was this 2 weeks from Pula to Dubrovnik Like a Local – take what you need from it and explore at your leisure.

And with a little bit of logistical planning around car rental, ferry rides, and strategically placed tours, you can minimize the time on the road and maximize the time sipping wine, eating your way through truffle pasta, and sunbathing on the Dalmatian coast!

14-Day Croatia Road Trip Itinerary

This is the Croatia road trip I’ve done, and the one where I fell in love with this incredibly culture-rich and beautiful country. Here is the quick itinerary of the trip, with highlights and lodging tips.

Day 1 – 2: Rovinj

You’ll likely be landing in Pula by way of Zagreb. When you get to Pula, rent a car and head the short distance up to the special town of Rovinj. Get ready for an overload of winding cobblestone streets, cute bars and restaurants, and charming little houses.

• La Grisia  – This is the most popular (and biggest) street in Rovinj.
• The Church of St. Euphemia  – Great for sunset views!
• The Old Town  – Explore inside the city walls, no cars allowed!
• Punta Corrente Forest – Great park for a leisurely walk in a forest by the sea.

Where To Stay

I recommend booking lodging south of the Old Town so you will have the advantage of being in a picturesque area within walking distance of the town. As you may imagine, the Old Town itself is a car-free area.

📍 Mid-Range:  Room & Apartments Antea – More spacious and more adorable than the pictures give it credit for. I also loved the light in the space! 📍 Luxury: Hotel Casa Garzotto – While this little boutique is in the Old Town center, I recommend it because they do take care of your parking (it’s included), and it is SO cute and cozy to be right in the middle of everything!

Day 3: Motovun

This is all wine country. Here are a few of my favorite spots:

• Tomaz Winery:  A little outside of town, my favorites were their Rose’s.
• Fakin Winery:  Great tour of the cellars and delicious aged Malvasia. Pairs splendidly with their meat and cheese boards!
• ROSSI Winery & Distillery : Beautiful views, good wine selection, and even better gin cocktails!

This was my favorite all-inclusive tour: ➡️ Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Rovinj ⬅️

Day 4: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Just a 3-hour drive from Rovinj is Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a collection of stunning green & blue pools, over 90 waterfalls, and tons of caves. This will be a welcome change from the first few days of eating, drinking, and small-town life.

Where to Stay

I recommend the local bed & breakfasts around Plitvice Lake National Park.

📍 Mid-Range :  B&B Villa Sumrak – Think gorgeous sunsets and welcome drinks! 📍 Luxury: Ethno Houses Plitvice Lakes Hotel – You’ll notice this hotel as you head down to the dock to start your trail around the lakes. They gave me Colorado winter cabin vibes!

Day 5: Zadar

This is actually a lesser-known hidden gem of a town in Croatia. Once you get to Zadar, there are a few places to explore:

• Sea Organ  – An organ mounted underneath a staircase, played by the waves of the sea.
• The Land Gate  – The main entrance to the city.
• The Park of Vladimir Nazor  – At night, there is a magical little bar that opens up –  Ledana Lounge Bar & Club .
• Narodni Trg (People’s Square ) – Yes, the Croats need more vowels in their lives!

I loved the lodging selection inside the Old Town of Zadar.

📍 Mid-Range: Sweet Studio MARE – This is a great studio apartment in the city center – clean, bright, and priced at around $30 when I stayed. 📍 Luxury:   DeZign Superior Apartments – These apartments are great for one-night stays, especially great bang for your buck!

Day 6: Krka National Park

More fun with waterfalls today! I plan to spend half a day here before heading south to Split for the next few days. Because this is a road trip, pack a lunch and a wine, have a picnic in the park, and enjoy some light hiking!

Day 7: Split

My favorite city in Croatia. The old town of Split is very walkable, and that’s what you should do!

➡️ I booked this  Small-Group Walking Tour of Split because the guides are history professors!

This is also when you return your rental car , as you will not need it for the next week as you’re exploring the Islands and Dubrovnik.

The best places to stay in Split is inside or just outside the Diocletian Palace.

📍 Mid-Range:   Stara Kala Varos Apartment – Think old-world charm with brick walls, but with new appliances and a comfy bed, remodeled and cozy, right outside the Diocletian Palace and walking distance to everything. 📍 Luxury: Luxury Residence Mareta – In the heart of the Diocletian palace. While it is snazzy and well decorated, it’s a great value for your money because it’s Croatia!

Day 8: The Island of Mljet

Grab a quick morning ferry from Split to one of the largest islands off the Dalmatian Coast, the Island of Mljet ( pronounced Mil-yet ). I like this island because it’s off the beaten path when it comes to the usual Croatia road trip things to see, and has remained largely unspoiled, covered in forests, and surrounded by the sea.

PRO TIP:   Check ferry times here . Don’t miss the boat back to Split for the night, there are not a lot of options off this island.

Day 9 – 10: The Island of Vis

Take the ferry from Split to Vis (2.5 hours) and explore the old town in the afternoon. I rented a scooter for the 2 days I was on the island and it was well worth it. This is where you can visit the famous Blue Cave in Croatia . A few other local recommendations:

• Lola Konoba & Bar  – The perfect dinner date and atmosphere!
• Restaurant Vatrica  – Great for a seafood lunch by the sea!

📍 Mid-Range:   House Bava – A 2-minute walk from the ferry port, this place is cozy and quaint. 📍 Luxury: Heritage Apartment Lilly – Highly recommend it if it’s available, it’s super reasonable for the luxury it offers, and the views are stunning!

Day 11: The Island of Hvar

Grab the morning ferry from Vis to Hvar and settle into the city. This island is known for its party scene and is both a port and resort town. As you only have one night, I recommend enjoying the city, sampling the foods in the local Konobas, and getting lost.

Book ahead of time, as this is a popular spot on our Croatia road trip!

📍 Mid-Range:   Mar e Sol Apartments – You will 100% want to book early to grab this. 📍 Luxury: Heritage Hotel Park Hvar – In the heart of the city, this is one of those well-done remodels of a heritage stone hotel from way back when.

Day 12 – 14: Dubrovnik

Today is another ferry ride, this time from the Island of Hvar to Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik is the last stop on this Croatia road trip itinerary. Jump right into it with a  Walking Tour of Dubrovnik  to get a better sense of what you’re looking at and the history inside the city walls – the real history, not Game of Thrones history .

You can also take a boat out to Lokrum , a small island with tons of rabbits and peacocks, and a little museum area with an iron throne. Lastly, don’t miss the cable car up ot the top of the big mountain to get a good view of the entire city from Mount Srdj . The war museum is supposed to be excellent – the history of the region and politics is fascinating.

Fly out of Dubrovnik on the last day!

Staying in Dubrovnik is a bit tricky, as the town is very condensed and old.

📍 Mid-Range:   Eddie’s Sea View Rooms – Right in the old town, but not breaking the budget, this is a bright little spot to park your butt at the end of your trip! 📍 Luxury: Royal Princess Hotel – I stayed here ( in a suite with two big balconies overlooking the Adriatic! ). It takes about 15 minutes to take the bus into the walled city.

7-Day Croatia Road Trip Itinerar y

Below are 3 options for a 7-day Croatia road trip, so pick and choose how you want to build your own itinerary based on what you are into.

• Northern Croatia : Best for foodies, wine & dine vibes, waterfalls & hiking
• Southern Croatia: Best for culture, ancient cities, and island life vibes
• Islands of Croatia: Best for party life, taking it easy, and romantic getaways.

Northern Croatia Road Trip For Foodies & Wine

If you really want to dive into your foodie nature, the best region for Croatian wines, truffles, and meats is the Northern region of Istria . This area is influenced by its Venetian and Roman past and offers wineries, boutique restaurants, and growing culture of unique gins. 

There are also 2 wonderful National Parks in Croatia, both promising incredible waterfalls and windy hiking trails through the woods. Both of these parks are also on the Northern side of the country .

Day 1 & 2: Zagreb

Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia and is known for its food scene and wines. This beautiful city is also home to a few cultural sites, including a unique museum that I love, The Museum of Broken Relationships . This is likely where you will fly in and rent a car for your road trip through northern Croatia.

Day 3 & 4: Rovinj

Rovinj is just the most pleasant old town in Istria, straight out of a storybook. One of the days can be used to explore and eat your way through Rovinj, while the other can be used to take a little side trip to Pula just an hour south.

Day 5: Motovun

Motovun is about an hour north of Rovinj, sitting neatly on top of a mountain among many vineyards and gin distilleries. This is a wonderful place to get boozy and indulge in Croatian truffle pasta.

Day 6: Plitvice National Park

Plitvice National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a few hours’ drive from Rovinj. Take a picnic with you and spend the day exploring the trails and waterfalls.

Day 7: Krka National Park + Zadar

Krka National Park is about a half-day adventure and super close to another adorable Croatian city, Zadar. Both the old town and the waterfalls in the national park can be enjoyed in one day, and you can still call it a relaxing day.

Southern Croatia Road Trip For Culture

For ancient cities’ iconic culture and stories, the south is where you need to go. To explore the Diocletian Palace in Split, the iconic town of Dubrovnik, and everything in between, you’re best served by the Southern coastal area of the country. 

Day 1 & 2: Dubrovnik

The city of Dubrovnik needs no introduction, and the old town is exactly as you might imagine, but even better. The coolest part of the town is this massive wall they built to protect Dubrovnik from the Venetians in Split. That and the winding streets with tucked-in restaurants and bars, and a general vibe of a good time.

Day 3 & 4: Mostar

Mostar is technically located in Bosnia & Herzegovina, and it’s best to spend a couple of days in order to really enjoy the beauty of this town. A pro tip would be to stopover in the town of Ston on the way up from Dubrovnik – it is a village known for its oysters and salt.

Day 5 – 7: Split

My favorite city on this Croatian road trip! Split is equally as stunning as Dubrovnik, but a little less touristy. I would spend a day exploring the Diocletian Palace, in which you could spend a few days getting lost.

This is also the city where you can take a quick ferry to one or two islands for fun in the sun.

Islands of Croatia For Party

There are about 1200 islands on the coast of Croatia (only about 60 of them inhabited) that will give you the fix you need – among them my favorites are Vis, Hvar, Brac, and Mljet.

Don’t forget that Croatian beaches are not sandy, but rather pebble-y and rocky. This only serves to increase the allure for me not only because the contrast of lush green forest spilling over a rocky edge to meet the ocean is breathtaking, but also because you don’t get sand in all the weird places. 

Day 1: Split

This is likely where you’ll land and spend the day exploring the Diocletian Palace. You won’t need a car for this part of the road trip, just pay special attention to the Jadrolinea Ferry routes.

Day 2 & 3: Island of Vis

The Island of Vis is one of the smaller, less ‘party’ islands, and home to one of the Blue Caves. I loved spending a couple of days here exploring Komiza and the port of Vis. I will never forget a very special dinner date at the beautiful Lola Konoba & Bar.

Day 4 & 5: Island of Hvar

An island that needs no introduction, this is definitely a party island. Not only is the food scene and nightlife great, but exploring the town of Hvar during the day is just as pleasant.

Day 6: Mljet

This forest-covered island is best for hiking and swimming in its many salt-water lakes. Bring a packed lunch and wine, and unwind in nature.

Day 7: Island of Brac

A quick ferry ride from Split, this is one of the bigger islands off the coast of Croatia. You will need a scooter or car to explore this island properly. Alternatively, you can rent a boat for the day, sail around, and just play in the sea.

Croatia Road Trip Map

A quick visual of a few of the stops on the 14-day Itinerary around the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia.

Driving in Croatia

Here are a few tips and things to consider when driving in Croatia.

What to consider when renting a car? 

Definitely go for a small car so that you can fit into some of the tiny parking spots in Rovinj or Split. Otherwise, find the best bang for your buck – I use Discover Cars to see my options.

Check Prices & Availability ▶️ DISCOVER CARS ◀️

Be careful of high fees when you rent the car in one city and want to return it in another – I almost got charged $100 and so had to switch rental car companies for something more reasonable.

How do you handle tolls in Croatia?

Croatia has a system of toll roads, which you can pay with cash or a card at the booth.

Is driving difficult in Croatia?

The highway systems along the coast are in very good condition. Apart from a few potholes and slight congestion in the old towns, it’s simple enough to road trip Croatia.

I used my Google Maps to navigate everywhere without a problem and even managed to pay a few parking tickets I got along the way with the assistance of Google Translate and a few kind local’s help!

All in all, it is not difficult to drive in Croatia, and it feels like driving in any other western European country or America.

Croatia Road Trip Advice

Before you get going, here are a few things to remember as you start planning your adventures.

Is Croatia safe?

The short answer is yes. Croatia is a super well-touristed country for many reasons, and one of them is safety.

Despite the scary’ish history of being part of the former Soviet Union umbrella, Croatia is a beautiful country with good people. The towns are quaint, the pickpocketing is definitely less of a worry compared to Italy, and in general, most people speak English and are very helpful to tourists.

Regarding driving, the roads are in good condition and Croatian drivers are rule-abiding. That said, it’s important to be aware of safety before you hit the open road. If you’re traveling from the USA, you can review this FAQ on Travel Medical Insurance for any eventuality – I recommend this one because it’s inexpensive ( around $40 a month ).

This is what I use: ▶️ SAFETYWING: Nomad Travel Insurance ◀️

When is the best time for a Croatia road trip?

Summer or fall is the best time to visit Croatia, no matter what you do. High seasons are between the month of July and August, so if you want to avoid increased prices and decreased availability, shoot for a time slightly before or after.

Where should I start my Croatia road trip?

It really depends on how much time you have and which region you are sticking to. If you’re focusing on the North, then Zagreb is your airport. If you’re focusing on the Islands or the South, then Split or Dubrovnik is your hub.

Flights in and out of Zagreb and Split are the cheapest. That said, local flights go north to Pula and south to Dubrovnik for minimal cost. 

Where should I book lodging?

Airbnb is your friend in Croatia, as most places are renovated and well-kept. The best location to book for someone on a road trip is slightly outside of the old towns.

This will give you a walking distance proximity to the restaurants and old town, allow you a place to park your car as you cannot drive into most old town streets, and help out on the budget side as lodging tends to be a little cheaper. 

How Much Does a Road Trip in Croatia Cost?

Croatia is more affordable than most countries in Europe. And as of 2023, it will start adopting and using the Euro as its currency. That said, credit cards are widely used, and ATMs are everywhere.

A few tips to stay within your budget would be to avoid high season, choose to lodge outside of the old towns (it will still be within walking distance to everything you want), shop at the farmer’s markets outside of the old towns and cook at home if you can along your road trip.

Here are the average costs:

• Car Rental: $30-50 a day
• Lodging: $50-70 a night
• Meals: $10 for lunch, $20 for dinner
• Drinks: $5 a cocktail

Conclusion: Croatia Road Trip

These 7-day and 14-day Croatia road trips are great for visiting some of the best places in the country. Here’s the list of my favorite spots:

✅ Diocletian Palace in Split

The Diocletian Palace is a palace built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian in Split, and is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Palace is now part of the city of Split and home to more than 3,000 people. It is also one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in the world.

✅ Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia. The city is known for its stunning architecture, medieval walls, and turquoise waters. Dubrovnik is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a must-see for history buffs and culture lovers alike.

Located on the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia, Rovinj is a picturesque fishing town that is known for its Venetian-style architecture and Mediterranean atmosphere. The town’s vibrant Old Town is situated on a small peninsula and is home to a number of historic churches, including the Church of St. Euphemia, which overlooks the Adriatic Sea.

✅ Krk National Park

Krk National Park is an absolute gem! It is well known for its beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife and is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers worldwide.

✅ Plitvice National Park

Located in central Croatia, Plitvice National Park is one of the country’s most popular natural destinations. The park is home to a series of 16 cascading lakes and numerous waterfalls and hiking trails. Visitors can explore the park on foot or take a boat ride across one of the lakes.

✅ Island of Vis

The Island of Vis is one of Croatia’s smaller islands. Situated in the Adriatic Sea, Vis is known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear water, and the famous Blue Cave.

✅ Island of Hvar

The Island of Hvar is equally as pretty and is known for being a party island. Full of cute restaurants on white cobblestone streets and chic nightclubs, this is Croatia’s answer to Mykonos.

Zadar is located on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and is a city with a long history dating back to Roman times. But Zadar isn’t all about history – there’s also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re taking a dip in the sea or hiking up one of the nearby hills, this is a Croatian gem.

The ancient town of Motovun in Croatia is one of the most picturesque and charming places in the country. Nestled atop a hill in Istria, the town offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and great wineries to partake in.

✅ Capital of Zagreb

Quickly becoming a foodie hub, the capital of Croatia should not be missed. Zagreb is known for its beautiful architecture, ranging from Baroque churches to Art Nouveau buildings. It is also home to numerous museums and galleries, as well as a lively nightlife scene.

Mariana Barbuceanu is the owner and author of the Road Trip EuroGuide, a blog that inspires fellow travelers to explore Europe more authentically through slower travel and digging deeper into the culture of a place. When she isn't writing about her adventures, she is planning trips for her community and coaching people on how to take that next step towards a much-needed sabbatical.

Touropia Travel Experts

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10 Best Places to Visit in Croatia

Located in the Balkans, Croatia has become one of Europa’s top tourist destination again since its War of Independence in the late 1990s. Like much of Europe, Croatia boasts its share of medieval cities and historic ruins, but what makes this country exceptional is its wealth of stunning natural attractions such as the Plitvice Lakes, the spectacular Adriatic coastlines and gorgeous islands .

Dubrovnik, is the darling of Croatia’s tourism scene, thanks to a scenic, medieval-era old town jutting out into the water itself. Further north along the coast is Split, famous as the spot where Roman emperor Diocletian built himself a nice little palace almost 1,700 years ago.

Further inland, you’ll find the capital Zagreb, with its neoclassical buildings and hiking opportunities at the beautiful Krka National Park. Plan your trip to this beautiful European travel destination with our list of the best places to visit in Croatia.

10. Krka National Park [SEE MAP]

Located in Central Dalmatia of Croatia, the Krka National Park is a protected area of spectacular natural scenery, wildlife and historic sites. Situated along the Krka River within Sibinik-Knin County, the national park is best known for its numerous gushing waterfalls and natural pools of clear, blue-green waters.

Easily reached by car and bus from Split to Sibinik, the national park offers well-maintained walkways and boat excursions for getting around. The most popular attraction of the park is the network of cascading waterfalls. The most admired of these are Skradinski buk and Roški Slap.

Many trails lead right around the waterfalls, presenting fabulous photo opportunities. Some of the falls plunge into natural pools, which are available for swimming. In addition to the waterfalls, the surrounding scenery of lush vegetation, flowers and glimpses of wildlife such as birds and dragonflies enhance the beauty of the park.

Also within the park are other places to go such as historic monasteries and archaeological sites of Roman settlements and medieval fortresses. What’s more, there are plenty of tourist facilities such as museums, picnic areas and restaurants.

9. Zagreb [SEE MAP]

The capital and largest city of Croatia, Zagreb is a vibrant metropolis packed with both historic and modern tourist attractions. Located in northwestern Croatia, the city dates back to the 2nd century AD when a diocese was first established by Hungarian King Ladislaus. Today, Zargreb is a sprawling cosmopolitan city and the heart of Croatian culture, academics and government.

The city is divided into an Upper and Lower Town, with Upper Town being the historic core where tourists can walk down cobblestone streets and visit old, medieval churches, towers and palaces.

Some of the city’s most important sites include the Stone Gate with a painting of the Virgin Mary, which survived a major fire in 1731. Ban Jelacic Square is the city’s main square and is the setting of historic architecture and restaurants. The traditional open-air market, Dolac Market, features many stalls selling fresh produce, clothing and local handicrafts. Along the Strossmayer’s Walkway, tourists can see artists, musicians and other street performers.

8. Korcula [SEE MAP]

Best known as the alleged birthplace of the famous merchant traveler, Marco Polo, Korcula is a 30-mile (50 km) island located off Croatia’s Adriatic Coast. Easily reached by ferries from major Croatian cities, Split and Dubrovnik, Korucla is steeped in picturesque landscapes, quaint towns, rich history and enchanting traditions.

Korcula is comprised of lush green forests, vineyards, olive groves and charming villages such as Blato, known for its baroque churches and long boulevard of lime trees, shops, restaurants and hotels. Popular for its sandy white beaches, Lambarda also features several archaeological remains of Greek and Roman settlements. The island’s main town, Korucla Town, is a historic, walled town with Venetian Renaissance architecture, colorful markets and plenty of tourist facilities.

Unique to Korcula are its lively cultural traditions and festivals that have been practiced for centuries. Most famous of these is the Kumpanija ritual involving chivalry dances and mock medieval battles with real swords. Another of the island’s popular events is the Marco Polo Fest, a pop music celebration held in honor of the historic explorer.

Korcula’s cuisine is among its top attractions. While there is a variety of international restaurants located throughout the island, the local staples of lamb, cured ham and fresh seafood grilled with olive oil and parsley should be experienced. Also not to be missed are the island’s indigenous wines, Posip and Rukatac.

7. Pula [SEE MAP]

Located at the southern tip of the Istria peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, Pula is a popular destination that has been attracting tourists as far back as ancient Roman times when fans flocked the city’s amphitheater to watch gladiator fights. Having been ruled by various government powers over the centuries, Pula today belongs to Croatia, and is best known for its wealth of Roman ruins and mix of cultures.

Pula is a vibrant city offering plenty to see and do. The city’s star attraction is the 1st century Roman amphitheater. Known as the Arena, the amphitheater is one of the largest and best-preserved of its kind in the world. Every July, the Arena is host to the Pula Film Festival. Other significant historic structures include the old city gates, arches, monasteries, a Byzantine chapel, a Venetian fortress and the Forum, the city’s main square, which is surrounded by Roman architecture and temples.

Pula’s natural beauty of rolling countryside and sun-kissed beaches offer outdoor fun and adventure. The nearby Brijuni National Park and farming villages are also great places to visit, while the turquoise coastal waters and sandy beaches offer fishing, sailing, swimming, snorkeling and diving among ancient vessels and World War I warships.

6. Zadar [SEE MAP]

A three thousand-year old city situated on a beautiful coastline rich in history is sure to draw tourists. Such a city is Zadar, located on Croatia’s northern Dalmatian Coast. Zadar could be called the ideal tourist getaway because it offers plenty to see and do without all the crowds of other popular destinations.

At the heart of the city is its Old Town, which can be explored by foot. The historic district offers fantastic sightseeing attractions including Roman ruins, medieval architecture and numerous old churches. Some of the city’s most popular sites are the Roman Forum, the circular St. Donat’s Church, 12th century St. Anastasia Cathedral, the Archaeological Museum and the University of Zadar, which is one of the oldest in Europe.

Besides the Old Town, tourists will find a string of beautiful beaches all along Zadar’s coastline where they can sunbathe, swim and enjoy a variety of water sports. Two unique attractions that are not to be missed in Zadar are the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation, man-made marvels that use nature to create impressive light and sound experiences. Situated on Zadar’s beautiful seaside promenade, the Sea Organ allows the sea to make its own music as waves push air through 35 underground pipes. After absorbing energy from the sun all day, the Sun Salutation produces a colorful light show at night.

5. Rovinj [SEE MAP]

It may appear to be a quiet fishing village on the surface, but Rovinj’s old world charm and surrounding natural beauty make it a leading tourist destination. Located on Croatia’s Istrian peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, Rovinj is an archipelago of 20 islands with its Old Town set on a small peninsula. Historic sites, beautiful landscapes, fabulous dining and modern tourist facilities are just some of Rovinj’s many treasures.

Narrow streets of cobblestone, stairways, arches and other interesting architecture make the Old Town a sightseeing adventure. Some of the Old Town’s historic gems include seven medieval city gates, the 12th century town clock, the Balbi Arch and St. Euphemia’s Basilica, an imposing baroque church packed with many stunning art works. Also worth seeing are the Valdibora Farmer’s Market, the scenic harbor, Carrera Street with its many shops and art galleries, and Grisia Street, which is lined with artists and souvenir vendors.

Outside the Old Town, Rovinj is surrounded by spectacular landscapes that provide plenty of outdoor recreation. Rovinj’s beaches are regarded as some of Croatia’s most beautiful. The calm coves present excellent opportunities for swimming and scuba diving, while the outlying islands offer scenic wonders like pristine forests, the Lim Fjord and the Zlatni Rt Forest Park where visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, rock climbing and more.

4. Split [SEE MAP]

Nicknamed the “Mediterranean Flower,” Croatia’s second-largest city, Split, is located on a peninsula off the Dalmatian Coast. Its old Roman architecture and orange-roofed houses create a striking contrast with the turquoise sea and dramatic coastal mountains. Abundant sunshine, impressive sights, dining and nightlife all make Split a popular tourist destination. What’s more, the buzzing city serves as a transportation hub to many of the Adriatic islands.

The city’s main attraction is its historic core of beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architecture of which the Diocletian’s Palace is the crown jewel. Built between 298 and 305 AD, this Roman Emperor palace complex is more like a small city itself with a maze of marble walkways and buildings containing shops, cafes and bars. Inside the palace are many other striking structures like St. Duje’s Cathedral, Jupiter’s Temple, Peristil Square and two original Egyptian sphinx monuments.

Outside the historic center, tourists will find plenty to see and do including strolling along the seaside promenade, shopping at the lively Green Market, swimming at Bacvice beach, hiking and cycling on the scenic Marjan hill and watching football at the Poljud Stadium.

3. Plitvice National Park [SEE MAP]

One of the most beautiful natural wonders in Croatia and all of Europe, the Plitvice National Park consists of several breathtaking lakes, waterfalls and lush forest. The park’s most notable features are the 16 interconnecting lakes that are divided into upper and lower clusters.

Formed by natural travertine dams, the lakes range in distinct colors from turquoise to blue, green and gray. Visitors can explore the lakes and surrounding area by walking along the assortment of wooden walkways as well as by boat.

2. Hvar [SEE MAP]

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Adriatic Sea, Hvar is a beautiful Croatian island off the Dalmatian Coast, favored for its landscapes of spectacular beaches, lavender fields and lush vineyards.

Hvar’s main city, Hvar Town, is an attractive city, featuring 13th century walls, marble stone streets, Gothic palaces, stunning churches and an imposing old fortress. The town square is one of Croatia’s largest and most beautiful, surrounded by many historic structures like the 17th century Arsenal and the Cathedral of St. Stephen.

The natural beauty of the island offers outdoor recreation and adventure, from hiking in the cliffs to swimming in the secluded coves and beaches. Boat rentals and tours are available for those wishing to explore the nearby Pakleni Islands. Archaeological sites on the island offer views of ancient artifacts and insight into Hvar’s Neolithic history. Grapceva Cave is well worth visiting to see its interesting formations. The charming villages dotting the lush countryside are great for experiencing the local culture.

Tourists to Hvar will find a large variety of restaurants ranging from Croatian to Mediterranean and European. At night, Hvar Town bursts into activity with parties, bars and night clubs with live music and dancing.

1. Dubrovnik [SEE MAP]

Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” the old city of Dubrovnik is one of the prominent tourist destinations of the Mediterranean. Located at the southern tip of Croatia off the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik was established in the 7th century on maritime trade. In spite of constant territorial threats from Venice and the Ottoman Empire, Dubrovnik flourished in the Middle Ages as a center of literature, art, science and education.

With orange rooftop houses sitting in contrast to the blue sky, Dubrovnik presents many sightseeing treasures. The historic district, the Old Town, is stuffed with many historic features such as the old, defensive walls, cobblestone streets, magnificent palaces and stunning churches. A must-see is the 15th century engineering marvel, Onofrio’s Fountain. At night, the Old Town is illuminated, giving it a romantic ambiance.

See also: Where to Stay in Prague

Just outside the Old Town are popular beaches like Banje and Lapad, which offers sunbathing, swimming and water sports. A ferry ride away is the island, Lokrum, with beaches, a monastery and botanic gardens.

Map of Croatia

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Reader interactions.

August 10, 2018 at 2:59 pm

We went 2 weeks ago to Croatia, to Zadar, Split, Krka National Park, I would highly recommend to visit these places. People are really polite and very friendly.

December 13, 2017 at 4:59 pm

Great article! I am going to Split in March and I find this helpful to choose other destinations in Croatia. Thanks

July 18, 2017 at 11:44 am

We went to Croatia 2 weeks ago and we did Dubrovnik-Split-Brac-Plitvice. I would highly recommend to visit those places. I have published a video taken from my drone where you can see the beauty of them.

March 14, 2017 at 11:28 am

I really enjoyed Sibenik. It could definitely make it on this list.

April 4, 2015 at 3:29 am

Hi Guys, I’m planning a 12 days trip to Croatia this year from 08-Dec-15 to 20-Dec-15 with my husband. All the places listed above look beautiful and I’m very excited to see them all. But, need your help in understanding whether doing Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, Istria, Hvar & Plitvice National Park is a wise thing to do, given that I have only 12 days time..? Also, your suggestions for places to visit and things to do are more than welcome….We’re flying from India and would love to explore the culture, music, history and food of Croatia…thanks in advance for your help! 🙂

February 23, 2015 at 2:23 am

Dear Gino Hecimovic, the Balkans are defined per the Danube-Sava-Kupa line. hence Mediterranean Croatia (and Slovenia’s coast, as well) is, geographically speaking, part of the Balkan peninsula.

December 1, 2014 at 3:05 pm

Krka National Park looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing some of Croatia’s highlights!

August 4, 2014 at 8:32 am

I motorbiked around Croatia last year , people were friendly , loved it , am going back soon on my bike

July 3, 2014 at 9:29 am

I was just in Croatia and I must say its one of the most beautiful countries I have ever seen.

February 12, 2014 at 10:15 pm

Definitely the best and most beautiful country in the world. Slightly incorrect info, Croatia is not part of Balkan, Balkan stops with river Drina. Anything west isn’t part of Balkans

October 18, 2013 at 12:18 am

Dubrovnik is fantastic, it is absolutely a must see! If you think it is too far, try Croatian Airlines’s domestic flights. Simple, fast and cheap!

October 3, 2013 at 8:14 am

Great article, but some information concerning Zagreb is incorrect: “…the city dates back to the 2nd century AD when a diocese was first established by Hungarian King Ladislaus.” The Diocese of Zagreb was established by Ladislaus in the 11th century, between 1093. and 1095. There was a Roman settlement called Andautonia near Zagreb established in 1st century AD.

September 16, 2013 at 4:31 am

10. KRKA NATIONAL PARK – done 9. ZAGREB – done 8. KORČULA – not yet 7. PULA – done 6. ZADAR – done 5. ROVINJ – not whole rovinj, just part 4. SPLIT – too far, not yet 3. NACIONALNI PARK PLITVICE – done 2. HVAR – too far, not yet 1. DUBROVNIK – too far, not yet yes, i live in croatia 😀

September 5, 2013 at 12:02 am

I am stunned, what a beautiful view i cant tell how much i am excited after reading your post as we planned to visit Croatia next month…Oh it’s lovely. Thanks a lot for sharing the post and so beautiful pics of Croatia.

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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 .

Stacey Lastoe

Kimberly Wilson

Matt Kirouac

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.

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20+ Best Places to Visit in Croatia (you should visit ASAP)

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 14th January 2024

Categories Croatia

Last Updated on 14th January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

Picture turquoise blue waters, with hundred of islands scattered around a craggy coastline, and luscious green mountains that stretch into the distance. A country blessed with extraordinary natural beauty, with its pebbled beaches, crystal clear waters and rich cultural history, Croatia is a destination that should be high up on your list of places to visit.

Read on to discover some of the best places to visit in Croatia , and get a taste for what this stunning country has to offer!

Introducing Croatia

Krka national park, plitvice national park, elaphiti islands, telascica nature park, veli losinj, kopacki rit nature park.

Croatia is a beautiful country in southern Europe which is bordered by Slovenia and Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and it also shares a sea border with Italy to its west. The area enjoys a continental climate, with hot and sunny summers and cold snowy winters.

As of 2023, Croatia has been using the euro as its official currency and the country’s main highlights include stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and delicious cuisine. Over the past decade or so, more and more visitors are choosing to check out Croatia and it is even becoming a popular honeymoon destination .

If it’s your first time visiting Croatia, be sure to check out our suggestions on how to spend the perfect week in Croatia and, if you enjoy going off the beaten path, here are the best hidden gems of Croatia .

Most beautiful places to visit in Croatia

Experience the magic of this hidden paradise, tucked away in southern Croatia. Situated along the Krka River and known for its series of seven sparkling waterfalls, this beautiful spot is worth a visit!

Open to visitors all year round, this natural wonder is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna that flourishes in the rich landscape. To keep this haven protected and intact, the park sometimes limits when people can swim, but you can still enjoy the winding nature trails and immerse yourself in the beautiful wildlife.

A highlight to visit Krka National Park is to see one of the world’s most stunningly located monasteries, Visovac Monastery. Nestled between cypress trees, this Franciscan monastery featuring a unique combination of Byzantine and Mediterranian architecture, occupies its very own island!

Known as “the city with a million hearts” the capital city of Croatia, Zagreb, is truly captivating and sure to steal your heart!

Bountiful with things to see, Zagreb quickly draws you in with its cobblestoned streets, buzzing cafe culture and quirky museums.

You can trace the rich history of the city just by getting lost in the winding alleyways and taking in the amazing, colourful architecture. And if you’re feeling hungry, the markets are a perfect place to explore, where you can indulge in all the local delights!

Visit Zagreb Cathedral, an iconic Gothic style building that has two impressive towers reaching high into the sky, it stands as the second tallest building in Croatia.

Another impressive landmark you have to visit is Mirogoj Cemetery. An easy tram hop from the centre, this hidden gem is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in all of Europe and the peaceful resting place for many notable Croatian people. If you’re planning a trip to Zagreb, check out our suggestions for how to spend one day in Zagreb .

Lose yourself in the breathtaking views of sixteen crystalline lakes, tumbling into one another, surrounded by forested slopes of emerald green. Plitvice National Park is so beautiful that it was named a World Heritage Site, this glorious expanse is a must-see when visiting Croatia!

This island has plenty to see and with a historic town full of intrigue, its the perfect destination for lovers of architecture!

This ancient beauty is surrounded by the ruins of medieval walls that were once used to fortify its civilians. The rustic charm of of the Gothic style town is filled with great restaurants to dine in. Visitors can also enjoy a trip to the beach and take a dip in the refreshing Adriatic sea.

A point of interest about Korcula, it is speculated that the family of famed traveller Marco Polo originated from the island!

Also known as Lavender Island, this beautiful island blooms with fields of purple from late Mary until mid-July, and even has its very only annual Lavender Festival to celebrate!

Hvar town is one of the most beautiful spots in Croatia, wandering through the cobbled streets and colourful houses, its hard not to feel like your walking through a movie set. Buzzing with restaurants and cafes

A short hike away, visitors can also explore the abandoned stone village of Malo Grablje, a fabulous site that captures the authentic Dalmatian life of years before us.

Hvar has a popular nightlife and is the perfect spot to dance away until the early hours of the night, it’s also frequented by many celebrities each year so don’t be too surprised if you bump into someone famous! If you’re planning a trip to Hvar, check out our suggestions for how to spend 3 days in Hvar .

Located on the southern tip of Croatia you can find the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik.

The city’s Old Town is possibly one of the most mesmerising places to visit in all of Croatia. With views of distinctive terracotta rooftops and limestone streets, the city is filled with remarkably preserved architecture dating back to the 13th century.

The grand medieval fortifications that surround the city made it the perfect setting for the popular TV show, Game of Thrones! Visitors can make a day out of exploring Kings Landing and other filming locations.

Dubrovnik, like most of Croatia, takes coffee very seriously. Croatians believe coffee to strengthen family ties and friendships, so if you are offered a cup, it is as a sign of respect and to show you are welcome. The city also has a great culinary scene, with regional influences from neighbouring countries, there’s a bit of everything for everyone!

Aside from it’s beautiful Old Town, beyond the city lies dramatic coastlines of rocky coves and sparkling blue water, perfect for those who love to swim. For more Dubrovnik inspiration, check out our guide to spending 3 days in Dubrovnik .

Pula, Istria’s largest city, is a hidden gem that sits between the valley of seven luscious green hills, boasting spectacular views of the Adriatic sea. A slight detour from the main spots, but worth a visit!

The city is close in proximity to Italy and this can be felt in its culture and architecture. When enjoying a bite to eat, the Italian cuisine and fresh seafood are made even more delicious when looking out onto the blue waters.

Rich with heritage, visitors can uncover the fascinating history of this important port city. Pula was conquered by Rome in the 2nd century so there are a multitude of ancient buildings, a highlight being its Roman amphitheatre!

Pula is a nature lover’s paradise. Just outside of the town are areas full of wildlife and beautiful beaches, waiting to be seen.

The magnificent time machine of Zadar! Truly a living museum, where visitors can take in centuries of history in seconds simply by strolling through its streets.

Home to Roman ruins and medieval houses, this city is full of intrigue where you can admire Byzantine treasures without too many crowds. The city is plentiful with places to eat and drink, and you can also learn a thing or two about some of Croatia’s best glassblowers at the Museum of Ancient Glass!

A big draw to this destination is Zadar’s seafront, known to inspire filmmakers to the likes of Hitchhock, for its unbelievable sunsets.

Rovinj is a charming fishing port city with colourful houses and cobblestone alleyways that are easy to lose yourself down. This quaint little town is the perfect place to take a day trip to when visiting Pula.

The architecture in the Old Town will not disappoint! Located in the heart of the historic area is the beautiful Church of St. Euphemia, where for a small fee visitors can climb to the top of the bell tower and enjoy a view of Rovinj.

After relaxing at one of the many restaurants or eating some of the best gelato in the sun, there are a number of art galleries dotted around the town that are worth a visit!

One of the most frequented destinations of Istria is that of Porec, a historic coastal town with plenty to see and do!

Home to the impressive landmark, the Basilica of Euphrasius, visitors can take in history and look up into the church’s dome thats beautifully decorated with golden mosaics. Tucked away in the corner of the Old Town you can also visit The Roman Forum, where ruins of a Temple of Neptune lie.

The harbour of Porec has a romantic waterfront where you can enjoy a gelato in the sunshine or a refreshing dip in the crystal clear sea!

Decorated in architecture from the Austria-Hungary empire, this seaside town offers a slightly different Croatian experience.

One of the best things to do while visiting is taking a stroll down Lungomare, an enchanting promenade with spectacular views of the town on one side and an endless stretch of turquoise the other.

You can also visit one of Croatia’s most famous statues, Maiden with the Seagull, a tranquil sight to behold as the sun sets over the sea.

This wonderful seaside town is situated along the Rivera that extends from Split to Dubrovnik, the idyllic getaway spot for those with a keen interest in outdoor pursuits and good cuisine!

The Old Town is picturesque and full of history, with the terracotta tipped Church of St. Mark at its heart. There are lots of cosy cafes and restaurants, and known for its nightlife Makarska comes to life at night, with several large beach clubs along the seafront.

Surrounded by mountainous natural beauty, just a short walk away visitors can immerse themselves in the large stretch of woodland, Osejava Forest Park.

Makarska overlooks the islands of Brac and Hvar, so this makes it a great base to island hop and see more of Croatia!

This small ( but mighty !) hilltop town, dominates over the valley of the Mirna River in central Istria, captivating those who visit with its stunning views!

The town is best known for its annual film festival, where it comes to life celebrating the artistic works created by small cinematographies and independent productions. Over the course of a hectic five days the town will welcome up to 30,000 visitors from all over the world.

During the calmer periods in Motovun, you can walk around this beautiful medieval settlement, visiting its churches and following the ancient walls rich with history. The surrounding emerald green forests offer enchanting nature trails which can lead you to local vineyards, a perfect chance to try some Croatian wine!

Sip on wine at sunset or enjoy a romantic meal with a view, Motovun is too easy to fall in love with.

Away from the crowds, these small pockets of peace offer a true authentic experience of Croatia. Nearby to Dubrovnik, this small magical archipelago of islands is the must-see when visiting!

Elaphiti is known as the ‘deer islands’ after the Greek word elaphos , meaning deer, this is thought to be because of all the deer that used to live on the islands.

Only three out of the thirteen islands in the archipelago are inhibited, and two of them are completely car-free! With beautiful monasteries sat amongst green trees and tiny towns with winding streets to explore, there’s a of history to soak up while in the sun.

Fresh seafood, fine wines and wondrous rocky coves of blue to discover, the the best way to get a taste for each island is to hop on a guided tour from Dubrovnik.

Croatia’s second largest city, after its capital Zagreb, is a bustling blend of modern life and ancient history. This vibrant city is great to visit and also acts as the perfect hub when island hopping.

One of the best preserved ancient Roman structures in the world is Diocletian’s Palace, the heart of the city. Located on Split’s waterfront, the palace is probably not what you’d expect as the structure is filled with a maze of restaurants, shops and bars.

Split is array with some beautiful beaches, and for those interested in hiking there’s Marjan Hill which offers a fantastic viewpoint over the city once you reach the top! If you’re planning a trip to Split, check out our suggestions on how to spend 3 days in Split .

A unique island known as the cradle of fishing in the Adriatic, located in the main town Komiza is the Fishing Museum, showing the famous history of the Vis fisherman, truly a fisherman’s paradise!

Aside from fishing, this mysterious island is full of intrigue and rustic charm and definitely a little less known than its neighbouring island Hvar. Whether its getting lost down the tiny alleyways of the main towns or lying down on the pretty white pebbled beaches, there’s lots to see!

A must-see when visiting Vis is the Blue Cave, a gorgeous natural wonder. The best time to swim through the illuminated blue water is during the sunniest part of the day.

Go on a wine tasting tour! Visit some of the region’s best wineries and sample the delicious drink that come from the rolling vineyards that surround you.

Vis truly is the best island to completely relax and chill out on, offering tranquility to those who visit.

The Happy Island, given by its Roman name Felix   Arba, is famed for its diverse landscapes and is one of the few Adriatic islands with sandy beaches.

You can visit the jewel of Rajska Plaza ( Paradise Beach ), one of the most famous beaches of Croatia, the name really says it all! Or take a hike through Komrcar Park and enjoy the wonders of nature, walking through trails of luscious green Aleppo pines and listening to the hum of cicadas.

For visitors to reach peak happiness on the island they just need to take a bite of the traditional delicacy that is, Rabska Torta, also known as Rab Cake. Native to the island, this sweet treat is traditionally baked in a spiral and its main ingredients are almonds and Maraschino Cherry liquor.

The island of Brac has the highest peak of all the Adriatic islands ( Vidova gora ) and is famous for its pure white limestone stone!

Home to some of the world’s finest stonemasons! The world-renowned Klesarska stonemason school was founded on the island back in 1906 because there was a great need for the development of this specialised craft.

Perfect for hiking, you can also visit the beautiful beaches of Brac and enjoy the quiet of this lovely little island.

A crescent shaped island where you’ll want to tuck into some of the local delicacies, Pag is world-famous for producing and exporting high-end cheese, olives and wine.

Pag Cheese is undoubtedly Croatia’s best cheese and milk from the Pag sheep is always in demand! Generations of families from this island pass on shepherding techniques to keep this unique cheese coming.

With vast stretches of olive groves that reach into the sea and Nin’s Salt Factory Tour, where you can learn the entire process of making pure and fine sea salt, Pag will keep surprising you!

If you consider yourself a foodie then this is an island you won’t want to miss.

Truly an enchanting gem of nature, Telascica Nature Park fascinates visitors with its extravagant cliffs and its mineral-rich Salt Lake!

With countless water activities available and a hiker’s paradise, this is a gorgeous setting to immerse yourself in the great outdoors and feel at one with nature.

This beautiful island is a short ferry ride away from Split, and much like Rab Island, it is famed for its tasty local delights, in particular olive oil, wine and honey.

For three generations the Tvrdic family have been beekeeping and making honey, overlooking the endless blue of the Adriatic. When in Solta you can experience the tranquility of nature and learn about the fascinating life of bees while tasting some of the best Croatian honey!

As well as little towns to explore, Solta has beautiful secluded beaches that are perfect for relaxing on and coves within the bay that are pleasant to swim in.

Neighbouring Krk and Rab lies the Island of Vitality, Veli Losinj, a go-to destination for those looking for a slower pace of life and focusing on health.

Enjoy the serene bliss of this charming port town, where you can enjoy a slow cup of coffee by the sea and wander the streets. Be sure to visit The Tower Museum, a 15th century tower built in the Venetian domination to protect town residents from pirate raids.

To get a better view of this paradise, you can climb the hill and visit the church of St. John the Baptist, a beautiful church built in 1755.

Lose yourself in this surreal little pocket of the world, where there’s so much to see but not a lot happening all at the same time!

Located in the east of Croatia lies an abundance of waters and forests, including one of the largest natural wetlands in all of Europe, Kopacki Rit Nature Park.

Perfect for those with a love for nature and photography, this Nature Park is home to large herds of deer and wild boar and a over a whopping 300 different species of birds, so bring your binoculars!

The best way to experience this wonderful piece of nature is by taking one of the the professional guided boat tours where you can learn in depth about the surrounding flora and fauna.

Connected to the mainland by a bridge is one of the largest and busiest islands Krk, a place of natural beauties and historical sights!

Discover ancient history! In the main town you’ll find the Cathedral of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, Krk Cathedral. The imposing 12th centure Romanesque structure was built on the remains of Roman Baths! Another profound monument of Krk is that of the medieval era, Frankopan Castle, the former home to the Frankopan noble family, this castle played an important role in the defence of the city.

Take a mud bath! Meline beach is a popular destination where visitors can bathe in the thought to be ‘medicinal mud’. If mud doesn’t sound fun to you, have no fear! Krk is bountiful with beautiful pebbled beaches and crystal clear waters.

Full of natural beauty, you can also visit Biserukja Cave, a geological wonder and main visitor attraction of the island. And an absolute must-see is, as previously mentioned above, Krk National Park!

Croatia’s greenest island, thick with Mediterranean vegetation and lined with sandy coastline, Mljet is a seductive Island that remains largely untouched by tourism.

Sobra, a small port village tucked in at the bay, is the main point of entry to the Island. Although there’s not much of sight-seeing in Sobra, it’s a pretty fishing village with apartments and rooms to rent if you want an outdoorsy holiday thats based around heading to the Mljet National Park.

This slice of paradise is definitely a haven for adventure lovers and the perfect place for water excursions.

Enjoyed reading about the best places to visit in Croatia? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her newest knitting project (and Rico her cat!) you can find her out and about on long walks. Currently living in the magical city of Edinburgh, she looks forward to travelling and seeing more of the world!

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18 Absolute Best Places to Visit in Croatia

Home » Blog » Europe » Croatia » 18 Absolute Best Places to Visit in Croatia

From medieval cities to jewel-bright beaches and coastal towns, there are endless locales in Croatia that will blow your mind. In this guide, we’ve gathered both the most popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations so you can choose the best places to visit in Croatia for your travel style.

Quick Note: As of January 1, 2023, Croatia joined the Eurozone and adopted the Euro as their currency. Kuna (kn or HRK), the former currency of Croatia, will no longer be accepted as a form of payment. However, Kuna banknotes and coins can be exchanged until December 31, 2023. This also means Croatia is now part of the Schengen Area and adheres to those laws and visa requirements . 

For many people, the colorful city of Dubrovnik is the first place that comes to mind when thinking about the Mediterranean paradise of Croatia.

Rightfully so – not only is Dubrovnik the most visited place in the country, but it was also the backdrop to the beloved HBO series, Game of Thrones.

However, Croatia is full of exciting destinations outside of its renowned metropolis. It’s overflowing with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rich history, sleepy coastal towns, world-class architecture, and ancient ruins.

While millions of history buffs and Game of Thrones fans flock to the main cities, we believe you can discover the true charm of Croatia with a little digging in lesser-known places.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the very best places to visit in Croatia. Add these to your itinerary for the perfect trip around historic cities, Adriatic islands, and endless beaches.

Once you decide where to go, be sure to check out our guide to the best time to visit Croatia to help you decide when to go.

1. Dubrovnik

An ancient walled city on the coast that is as beautiful as it is popular

Undoubtedly one of the most famous cities in all of Croatia, Dubrovnik is popular for many reasons. 

First, the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, deservingly so. 

And of course, we can’t ignore the fact that Dubrovnik spiked in popularity after HBO featured the city as a filming location for Game of Thrones . Die-hard fans can visit one of the original iron thrones from the set and even take a Game of Thrones walking tour . 

To be sure, the medieval stone buildings and churches in Dubrovnik Old Town are fascinating, but some have transformed into bars, restaurants, and pirate-themed candy stores. Personally, we find it takes away from the authenticity of the city.

Regardless, you can still have a good time getting lost in the city’s narrow alleyways and finding yourself among hidden nooks and crannies.

Top things to do in Dubrovnik

We’ve got a huge list of all the best things to do in Dubrovnik , but here are some highlights:

• Walk along the Dubrovnik City Wal l for 2 km and take in the city from above (Entrance: 35 € / ~$36.90 USD).
• Hit up the “hidden” sunset bar. Make your way over to the western side where you’ll find the famous Buza Bar – a particularly great spot for sundowns and cliff jumping.
• Take the cable car up Mt. Srd for breathtaking views of the walled city, seas, and surrounding islands. It’s especially spectacular at sunset (but also especially crowded, so get there early to get a spot in line!). The cable car costs 27 € (~$28.50 USD) for a return ticket. Otherwise, you can take a taxi or Uber to the viewpoint at the top. 
• Kayak around the Old Town. You can rent kayaks from a number of shops in the Old Town and paddle your way around the Old Town Walls. If you have the stamina, make your way all the way out to Betina Cave Beach . 
• Enjoy a picnic with a view. Walk uphill through neighborhoods until you get a good view of the city. We packed a picnic (and a bottle of wine!) and enjoyed the view from a small patch of grass as the sun set over Old Town. This was our favorite view, not to mention we had it all to ourselves!

Psst! If you’re looking to get off the beaten path and away from touristy spots, think about using ViaHero to plan your trip to Croatia . ViaHero connects travelers with locals, who then create an itinerary with a strong local perspective. 

Where to stay in Dubrovnik

There are many fantastic places to stay in the city, but we’ve highlighted a few of the best to fit every budget.

Hostel Free Bird : Situated right in the city center next to a ton of eateries and the main bus station, this hostel is very affordable and convenient. With free Wifi, a kitchenette, and quality AC, you’ll have the ideal base for exploring the city.

Apartments Franka Old Town : Nestled in a quiet neighborhood of Old Town, these apartments are within walking distance to Porporela and Buza beaches, plus many of the best things to see in the city. They’re spacious, well-equipped with kitchen amenities, and offer free Wifi.

Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik : This cliffside boutique hotel has sweeping coastal views just a short, scenic walk away from Old Town. Their world-class seafood restaurant, wine bar, indoor pool (with a sea view!), spa, gym, and pebble beach access will make you feel like a celebrity after exploring the city.

2. Plitvice Lakes National Park

National park with spectacular waterfalls and aquamarine lakes

We couldn’t make a list of the best places to visit in Croatia without including this otherworldly beauty. It literally looks like you are walking in a fairytale land. 

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a stunner, and it’s popular for good reason. So popular, in fact, that if you visit during peak season, you’ll likely be walking behind lines of other tourists in parts of this national park.

We’ve got tips for avoiding said crowds, as well as everything else you need to know to plan an unforgettable visit in our guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park . 

A modern city with plenty of nightlife and beaches

As the second-largest city in Croatia, Split has soared to the top of travelers’ radars due to its charming streets and prime location along the Dalmation Coast.

The dazzling beaches are enough to draw anyone to the shores of Split, but meandering the well-preserved history flooding the city is enough to make anyone stick around for a while.

Together with Dubrovnik, you can visit a handful of filming locations for HBO’s Game of Thrones around the city. If you’re part of the fandom, there is a great Game of Thrones walking tour you can take to relive your favorite episodes.

Split is also a centralized city that serves as the iconic departure port for Yacht Week each summer. From here, you can access beautiful islands just off the coast that would be an injustice to gloss over.

Things to do in Split

We’ve got a huge list of can’t-miss things to do in Split , but here are some highlights:

• Explore the Old Town city center. Diocletian’s Palace, a remnant of the Roman Empire, makes up the majority of the city center known as “Old Town”. Make your way through the narrow alleyways, shop around, grab a bite to eat or climb the old bell tower for magnificent views of the city.
• Make your way to the beach. There are plenty of beaches to choose from in this coastal town. Some of the best include Bačvice Beach, near Old Town and by far the most popular, and Trstenik Beach, more of a local secret and not nearly as crowded.
• Climb Marjan Hill for sunset. To escape the city, head west and enter the Park Šuma Marjan. It’s a bit of a climb (up hundreds of steps), but if you go later in the afternoon, you’ll be rewarded with unbeatable sunset views of Old Town and the sea.
• Indulge in the food at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar. Whether you’re going for a boozy brunch on the weekend or a fancy night out, Bokeria was hands-down our favorite restaurant in Split and worth checking out for the decor alone. 

Psst! Not only is Split one of the best places to visit in Croatia, but we also think it’s one of the best cities to visit in Europe .

Where to stay in Split

Choosing the best place to base yourself in Split can be tricky, but Old Town is convenient and centrally-located to all the nearest dining, shopping, ports, and transport stations.

Downtown Hostel : You can’t get any more central than this hostel in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace. It’s walking distance to all the best attractions in Split and only a stone’s throw away from the main port, bus stop, and train station. To top it off, the best nightlife, culture, nature, and entertainment are just steps away from your bunk. 

Villa Domina : Step into old meets new at this well-equipped and stunning villa just a 5-minute walk from all the best dining, shopping, and attractions in Old Town. The kitchenette, free Wifi, and private parking (especially in this part of town!) are huge perks of this villa, as well as its access to the main port and train/bus stations.

Time Boutique Hotel : This 4-star hotel boasts extensive amenities for a relaxing stay. The spa & wellness center, saunas, hot tubs, and indoor pool are the ultimate way to wind down after touring the city. The onsite restaurant and parking are massive perks, as well as its location, only 0.5 miles away from Old Town. 

The resort island known for its vibrant nightlife

Hvar is an island off the Croatian coast near Split. It’s best known as a boujee resort destination with lots of partying. 

While there are some luxurious resorts on Hvar, it is also possible to experience the island on a budget. In addition, there are plenty of things to do on Hvar that aren’t party-hopping. 

How to get to Hvar from Split

The easiest way to get to Hvar Island is by ferry from Split. The Jadrolinija ferry operates year-round and runs daily from Split to Hvar and back. The 1-hour journey will cost a reasonable 17.25 € for adults (~$18 USD) and there are plenty of times to catch the ferry throughout the day.

Top things to do in Hvar

• You can also walk along the road between the Hvar marina and Pokonji dol Beach to find some hidden spots to take a plunge with a bit more privacy.
• Visit Stari Grad. Literally translated to “Old Town,” Stari Grad dates back to prehistoric times and is the oldest town in all of Croatia (one of the oldest in Europe). Rent a scooter and drive the stunning 15-mile stretch on the coastal Old Road from Hvar Town to Stari Grad.
• Indulge in local food and wine. Hvar has lots of wineries, each creating their own special blend that is begging to be taste-tested at one of Hvar Town’s many delicious restaurants. Some of our favorites include Black Pepper Restaurant , Fig Cafe , and Lungo Mare .
• We recommend packing a picnic and heading up there for the sunset with a bottle of local wine!
• Rent a boat to explore the Pakelni Islands. For a reasonable price, you can rent a speedboat for a half or full day to explore the neighboring archipelago, the Pakelni Islands. With crystal-clear waters, untouched beaches, and hidden lagoons, you can easily spend the day in this undeveloped paradise. 
• Climb Sveti Nikola. With just over 2,000 ft in elevation gain, Sveti Nikola is the island’s highest peak and makes for an active day’s climb. 
• Hit up a beachless beach club. Hula-Hula is one of Hvar’s most popular beach clubs for younger crowds. You can head here for an afternoon of sunning, seafood, cocktails, and dancing, but you won’t find a beach. The party peaks for sunset, then dies down shortly after and closes by 10 p.m.

Where to stay in Hvar

Hvar Town is the largest town on the island. It’s very walkable with plenty of restaurants, bars, and beaches, making it the most convenient place to stay on Hvar.

Hostel Villa Zorana : Seaside views and sunny terraces are a match made in heaven at this hostel. Just a few minutes walk from Hvar’s center attractions, it has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Its fully-equipped kitchen , nightly pub crawls, and free Wifi are just a few of the many perks.

Villa Fio : These well-equipped 3-star apartments are just minutes away from Hvar’s center and exceptional beaches. The rooms are spacious with a small kitchenette and terrace overlooking the coast, the perfect contrast to Hvar’s busy party scene.

Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort : Just 2 minutes away from the beach and 10 minutes from Hvar’s center, this hotel is the epitome of luxury. Indulge in its coastal views, multi-level pool, rooftop restaurant, and beach club. Enjoy free parking onsite and book tours/activities directly from the front desk.

A unspoilt, forest-shrouded island with captivating natural beauty

Since the majority of travelers flock to Croatia’s main cities and islands, Mljet remains an untouched treasure as the southernmost pearl of the Mediterranean.

It’s one of the greenest Croatian islands and holds one of the country’s 8 national parks.

The island is also famous for its role in Homer’s classic epic, the Odyssey . Legend says the island of Mljet captivated Odysseus so much, he sought refuge in a cave here for seven years.

Similarly, the shores of Mljet have captured the hearts of local tourists and Greek sailors dating back to the 4th century BC. Since it remains off the radar, it’s the perfect destination to indulge in both local Croatian culture and pristine nature.

How to get to Mljet from Dubrovnik

The best way to get to Mljet is by passenger ferry from Dubrovnik.

The TP Line is the only year-round operator to all three of Mljet’s ports ( Sobra , Polace, and Pomena). Double-check where your accommodation is before you purchase your ticket. Note: during the low season, it only operates to Sobra.

The ride takes about 1 hour 20 minutes and costs 7.5-16 € (~$8.25-17.59 USD), depending on which departure time you choose. There are only a few departure times each day.

Top things to do in Mljet

There are endless ways to enjoy Mljet, but these are some highlights you don’t want to miss:

• Biking is the best way to get around the park. You can rent them at either entry point to the park, Pomena or Polace, or at Mali Most.
• Taste the specialized local wine . The wine in Mljet has over 1,000 years of history. It’s exceptionally good, though with limited supply. You can find two staple wines here: Maraština (red) and Plavac the Little (white). They’re the perfect complements to local Croatian cuisine, as well as staples of the Adriatic.
• Hike to the legendary Odysseus Cave in just an hour. The hike to the famous cave rumored to be inspiration for Homer’s Odyssey starts in the village of Babino Polje. Terrain is mildly rocky and steep with incredible views. Once you get to the cliffside, you’ll plunge into the water to swim through the actual cave. View the trail notes . 
• Visit Crkva Sv. Marije (Saint Mary’s Island) . This small island lies within Veliko Kezero (Big Lake). It features Roman ruins and a 12th-century monastery. You can either take the ferry or rent a kayak and paddle to this pocket-sized treasure. 
• Go snorkeling or diving in crystal-clear water . The pristine waters of Mljet attract divers from all over the world. The coral reef within Big Lake is the only one in Croatia. You can spot rocky corals, octopus, sea cucumbers, sponges, scorpionfish, anemones, and small crabs.

Where to stay in Mljet

Pomena and Sobra are two ideal locations to base yourself while in Mljet. Whichever port you booked your ferry for, that’s where you’ll want to book your accommodation because taxis are expensive.

Apartments Lampalo : These beachfront apartments are just south of Sobra, close to restaurants, cafes, and the grocery store. Enjoy a terrace with seaside views, free Wifi, and a fully-equipped kitchenette in central Mljet.

Hotel Odisej : Right on the coast of Pomena, this hotel is in the heart of Mljet National Park with its own onsite restaurants and terrace. This hotel is fantastic value, since some rooms come with both breakfast and dinner included, and it’s surrounded by opportunities to explore nature.

Apartments More Luxury : This modern luxury apartment is just north of Sobra in a stunning beachfront location. It has a fully-equipped kitchen, free Wifi, and sunny terrace with amazing views, and is walking distance from Klačna Luka Beach.

A charming island without the crowds

One way to avoid the huge crowds of Dubrovnik and Split is to get off mainland Croatia and visit some of the country’s most beautiful islands, such as Hvar , Vis, Brač, and Mljet.

If you’re looking for a laid-back island in Croatia that is bursting with old-time charm, Korčula may just be the one for you.

We enjoyed Korčula a lot more than Dubrovnik. The walled cities look strikingly similar, but Korčula was lacking the crowds that made our visit to Dubrovnik a bit of a disappointment. We saw a good chunk of this island via bicycle, and think it’s a perfect way to explore this Croatian gem.

How to get to Korčula

Situated in the Adriatic, almost exactly in the middle between Split and Dubrovnik, you’ll have several options for traveling to Korčula. 

The passenger ferry from Split will take about 2.5 hours and costs 8.50-26 € (~$9-28 USD) per person, depending on the ticket and carrier options. You can purchase tickets at the ferry terminal pier in Split. 

There are also regular buses running between Dubrovnik and Korčula that take approximately 3 hours and cost about 13.50 € (~$14 USD). 

Another option is to take a ferry from Dubrovnik, which is both faster and more scenic than taking a bus. The Nona Ana Ferry runs this route only during the summer months (July – September) and the journey takes about 2.5 hours. You can either purchase tickets in Dubrovnik at Petka Pier or in Korčula at the Korkyra Tourist Agency.

Top things to do in Korčula

• Rent a bike in town for around 20 € (~$21 USD) for the day. Pack a picnic lunch and a map, and head out on an adventure! We discovered hidden beaches and small villages along the way, making this one of our favorite memories in Croatia. Stop in Lumbarda, a small village on the eastern side of the island where the hills are filled with vineyards and the beaches have crystal-clear water.
• Visit a winery and try the famous white wines. There are lots of wineries on the island of Korčula . But be sure to check the hours they are open to the public, as some of the wineries have blocks of time set aside for tour groups. 
• Have a beach day. The beaches in Croatia are world-renowned for their turquoise Mediterranean waters, but don’t expect powdery sand that you can bury your toes in while drifting to sleep. Instead, most Croatian beaches are pretty rugged, and powdery sand is replaced with small stones. But don’t let that deter you from taking a refreshing dip in the water.
• Rent a scooter. If we had more time in Korčula, we would have loved to explore the western part of the island via scooter.
• Explore the Old Town, which is surrounded on all sides by water. The old churches are gorgeous and the restaurants on the water look delicious. Lose yourself walking up and down the alleyways. 
• Get a view of the Old Town. Take a short hike up the hill opposite the city and find the lookout point to get a great view.

Where to stay in Korčula

If it’s your first time in Korčula, the medieval walled Old Town is a solid base. It’s the island’s epicenter, full of entertainment and the best things to do.

Apartments Galerija : Just south of Old Town and steps away from the beach, these apartments are in an ideal location close to restaurants, bars, and shops. There’s a fully-equipped kitchen, spacious rooms, free Wifi, and a sun-filled terrace perfect for relaxing.  

Apartments & Room Nina : In the heart of Old Town, this stay overlooks shimmering waters and is walking distance from the port, bus station, shops, restaurants, and nightclubs. The nearest beach and top historical sites are steps away. Wind down with the host’s local olive oil and wine offerings on the terrace.

7. Krka National Park

Nature reserve with impressive waterfalls, gorges, and monasteries

Krka National Park is like a bite-sized version of Plitvice Lakes National Park. The sparkling waterfalls flowing into verdant-rimmed pools look like they are straight from a fairytale.

Krka is much smaller and cheaper than Plitvice Lakes. Dotted in a more convenient location between Split and Zadar, it also makes for a very popular day trip. 

The scenery of this park is downright gorgeous, so it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best parks in the country. Krka draws a record number of tourists each year, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

We’ve got tips for avoiding said crowds and everything else you need to know to plan your visit in our guide to Krka National Park .  

Known as the Venice of Croatia

Trogir is a beautiful city of contrasts and a must-see for your trip to Croatia. Here, you’ll discover a storied past, unique blend of cultures, and idyllic location along the Dalmatian Coast comparable to Venice, Italy.

Since this UNESCO Heritage City is overshadowed by those taking to the streets of Split, Trogir remains a relatively undiscovered gem.

Narrow passageways shaping the city and bridges connecting a nearby island give this magical town its Venetian feel. It’s the perfect atmosphere for recharging your batteries in a stunning coastal setting. 

Top things to do in Trogir

Among its centuries-old streets, Trogir is full of amazing sights and opportunities to take in authentic Dalmatian culture.

• Visit the St. Lawrence Cathedral. One of the finest architectural works in Croatia dominates the Old Town. For a few euros, you can climb the bell tower to get sweeping views over Trogir.
• Wander the Town Square. Narrow alleyways, museums, and historic churches surround this beautiful square in the center of Trogir’s UNESCO-tagged Old Town.
• Take a walk along the Riva , a seaside walkway with gorgeous ships on one side and a maze of stalls and restaurants on the other. It’s the perfect spot to relax while enjoying an afternoon coffee or cocktail.
• Climb the Kamerlengo Fortress. This trapezoid-shaped fortress is a monumental part of the city built in the 15th century. Climb to the top to get views over Čiovi and Trogir. (Entrance: 4 € / ~$4 USD)
• Laze on the beaches of Čiovo. This island connects to Trogir via two bridges and has endless picturesque beaches to choose from.
• Admire works in the Trogir City Museum. This cluster of palaces and houses blend Roman and Baroque styles. Inside are collections of historical items from the foundation of Trogir to present day.

Where to stay in Trogir

Although the city is a popular half- or full-day trip from Split, these are idyllic places to stay near the city center if you have more time.

Residence Providenca : Just south of Trogir on Čiovo, this 3-star guesthouse is a short walk away from the beach. It features a bar, restaurant, bicycle rentals, and stunning stone details throughout the property. A quick stroll over the bridge takes you into Old Town, where all the main shops and sights are located.

Nerium Penthouse : This penthouse is the perfect blend of centuries-old details and modern features. Nestled among the city’s stunning palaces, it’s in a prime location within Old Town. The scenic rooftop, full-service kitchen, and courtyard create an authentic Croatian atmosphere.

Apartment Tragurium : Centrally located in Trogir’s Old Town, this apartment is steps away from the main bars, restaurants, and shops. It has all the charm of a historic Croatian home, but with updated amenities and features. The full-service kitchen, intimate patio, and city views create the perfect atmosphere to wind down after a day of sightseeing.

An offbeat escape with authentic island life

Brač is undeniably one of the best islands along the Dalmation coast for experiencing an authentic Croatian way of life. It’s chock-full of rolling olive groves, vineyards, and quiet fishing villages lining pebbled shores.

Brač is most famous for Zlatni Rat. This golden beach extends from the town of Bol and is one of the leading points of interest for the country’s tourism campaigns.

The island is also well known for its radiant white limestone. The famous rock was used to build Diocletian’s Palace in Split as well as many other UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the world. 

As the largest island in Dalmatia, Brač’s nearly uninhabited interior is filled with hiking and cycling trails among steep cliffs. Conversely, the shores are lined with beaches and vibrant towns to relax in.

Top things to do in Brač

These are some must-see sites dotted around the island:

• Hike or drive to Vidova Gora . Not only is this peak the highest point on Brač, but at an impressive 2552 feet (780 meters), it’s the highest point in the Adriatic Sea. Sweat your way for 2 hours uphill to get a bird’s eye view of Zlatni Rat and sweeping coastal views, including neighboring Hvar Island. View the trail notes . The peak is also accessible by car.
• Blaca Hermitage . This cliffside refuge came to be in 1551 when a group of priests and their servants ran from Ottoman Turks on the mainland. 
• Soak up the sun at Zlatni Rat (Golden Beach) . This tail-shaped beach is laid with fine white pebbles and surrounded by the aquamarine waters of the Adriatic. Known as Croatia’s most famous beach, photos often don’t do this treasure justice. It’s much more spectacular in person!
• Visit the sleepy coastal towns , such as Milna, Bol, Supetar, Skrip, and Pucisca. These small fishing villages are perfect for soaking up the essence of Brač’s island life.
• Sample award-winning olive oil . The olive tree is the symbol of the island. More than one million trees were planted here over 1,000 years ago. Now, you can relish in traditional Dalmatian architecture and heritage at the centuries-old Museum of Olive Oil in Skrip where they offer a local food and olive oil tasting .

Where to stay in Brač

We recommend basing yourself in Bol, the main hub on the island with the best dining and things to do.

Apartments Obala : 10 minutes away from the city center, this traditional home has a modernized interior and warm atmosphere. You’ll feel like a local in their terrace and garden and enjoy a full-service kitchen, free Wifi, and beaches within walking distance.

Accommodation Stella Mare : A quick walk from the port and you’ll arrive at this stay in the heart of Bol, overlooking glittering waters. It’s close to beaches, dining, and shopping, as well as the main bus stop in Bol.

Nono Ban Hotel & Villa : In a quiet neighborhood north of Bol, this hotel detailed with stone, wrought iron, and wood creates an ambient and relaxing atmosphere. It has an onsite pool with a bar and restaurant nearby, plus they have car rentals available to get around.

10. Istria Peninsula

Where continental Croatia meets the sea

The northern part of Croatia that juts out into the Adriatic Sea is known as the Istria Peninsula. 

This peninsula has a unique history. Firstly, it was considered part of Italy after WWI. Then it was part of Yugoslavia following WWII. Now, it’s a slice of Croatia where the locals are of both Italian and Croatian descent. 

The Istria region of Croatia is not as well-traveled as its lower coastal half. Thus, the towns and historical charm are much more preserved .

Istria is also the region known for growing truffles. The presence of this rare fungi, considered a delicacy in most of the world due to its intense umami flavor, makes Istria one of the best places to visit in Croatia for foodies.

One of our top recommended things to do in Croatia is take a truffle hunting tour in the Istria Peninsula. 

Photogenic coastal city that resembles the Italian coast

If there’s one thing Croatia seems to do exceedingly well, it’s charming historical towns on the coast. Rovinj may just be the underrated crowning glory. 

A fishing port on the west coast of the peninsula, the enchanting Old Town of Rovinj is built up on a hill. The narrow cobblestone streets all lead to the church at the top, whose steeple dominates the horizon. 

Top things to do in Rovinj

Rovinj is a fantastic place to explore without any set itinerary or to-do list; however, there are a few staples to do while you’re here:

• Get lost in the tangled web of streets as you make your way through the town. Duck into alleyways to reveal dazzling blue waters framed by the outer walls of the town.
• Discover the local market , filled with fresh produce, spices, and all the truffles you can get your hands on. 
• Take a dip at Lone Bay , one of the area’s pebble beaches, just south of Old Town. 
• Have a cliff-side snack or drink at La Puntulina . With only a few tables on their outside terrace, you’ll want to get a spot to take in the views as you indulge in a glass of wine or some Italian-inspired bites.

Where to stay in Rovinj

The best base for Rovinj is near the port in the city center.

Rooms Villa Duketis : Right in the historic center, this villa is close to all the action, yet tucked away in a quiet area. The rooms have a rustic aesthetic and come with a kitchenette and free Wifi. Steps away are the main port, surrounding islands for day trips, and many bars and restaurants.

Studio Apartment Lily : Right in the center of town, this 4-star apartment is within walking distance to practically everything. Its studio setup is well-equipped with everything you’ll need for a cozy stay, including a kitchen, fridge, stove top, and free Wifi.

A historic and cultural city with eclectic architecture

This seaside town on the southern tip of the Istria Peninsula is known for its beach-lined coast and Roman ruins. 

Pula is the largest city in the Istria region and has a history of being occupied, destroyed, and rebuilt. 

The most prominent marker of its history is the Pula Arena, which bears a striking resemblance to Rome’s Colosseum. It’s also the only remaining Roman amphitheater on earth that has all four side towers with all three Roman architectural orders entirely preserved. 

Pula is a great starting off point to discover the rest of the Istria Peninsula. 

Top things to do in Pula

These are some of the top historic sights and points of interest in Istria’s main city:

• Visit the Pula Arena, the last remaining (and best preserved) Roman amphitheater in the world with a complete circular wall. It’s still used today, more than 1,000 years after its construction in 1st-century AD.
• Soak up the sun at the beach . Although Pula is known for its history, it also has some of the best beaches on the Istria Peninsula. Galebove stijene, Ambrela Beach, and Hawaii Beach are some of the most popular. 
• Wander the Forum . This has been the town’s square since Roman times. There are many points of interest in the area, including the Temple of Augustus, Arch of Sergii, Archaeological Museum of Istria, and the Gate of Hercules.
• Wine and dine at Batelina in Banjole . This gem is widely recognized as one of the best seafood restaurants in Croatia, owned by a family of fishermen. Be sure to reserve a table well in advance and bring cash as they don’t accept cards.

Where to stay in Pula

Pula is filled with endless places to stay, whether you’re looking for something simple, chic, or more family-friendly.

Adrion Aparthotel : Enjoy all the creature comforts of an apartment with the amenities of a hotel at this hybrid stay north of town. The rooms are modern and updated with access to the outdoor pool, spa center, onsite restaurant, and bike rentals.

Pula City Center Accommodations : This 4-star B&B is right in the Forum near all the town’s most popular historic sites. The rooms are completely modern and upgraded with endless bars, shops, and restaurants just a short walk away.

A totally different side of Croatia…

With its very own ‘big’ small village feel and distinct, yet unsuspecting features, it’s surprising that Croatia’s capital city is often overlooked by many travelers.

You’ll experience a breath of fresh air from the bustling coastal towns in Zagreb’s cafe culture, important historic sites, and modern contemporary scene. 

The mix of Austro-Hungarian architecture in the Old Town and Yugoslav builds in Novi (New) Zagreb makes for interesting twists and turns as you explore.

The city of Zagreb actually really surprised us. It feels worlds different than the coastal towns, and has a very welcoming and accessible vibe.

Top things to do in Zagreb

This modern capital has endless things to see among its cobblestone streets:

• Wander Tkalčićeva Street. This pedestrian-only street is packed with restaurants and bars serving happy hour deals. 
• Pop into one of the many cute coffee shops. There are hundreds throughout this city, so find one in a busy square, relax, and people watch. 
• Visit St. Mark’s Church. This church, built in the 13th century, has colorful roof tiles showing the Croatian, Dalmatian, and Slavonian coats-of-arms. 
• Visit Dolac Market. Be sure to walk through the massive Dolac Market to pick up some fresh fruit. 
• Gaze at street art. Get lost in alleyways in search of the city’s street art. During our free walking tour, our guide brought us to some seriously cool murals.
• Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships. This quirky museum is a collection of personal items people received from former lovers, complete with stories.
• Take a free walking tour in Zagreb. Always a good way to see the city and its major sites while getting a little history lesson too. 

Where to stay in Zagreb

Central Zagreb is a fantastic area to base yourself. Lower Town and Kapitol are within walking distance to local transport options and main sites of the city. 

Main Square Hostel : This sleek and modern hostel is right next to ​​Ban Jelačić Square. It’s a budget-friendly option without sacrificing comfort and amenities. It’s also in an ideal location, within walking distance to all the best things to do in the city.

Rooms Zagreb 17 : Right above Tkalčićeva Street, these apartments are modern, spacious, and steps away from the restaurants, bars, and shops of the main square. Each space has modern, luxurious furniture, great views, and free Wifi.

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel : This luxurious five-star hotel is centrally located in Lower Town, an ideal hub for sightseeing. Beyond its elegant, art-nouveau decor, enjoy the rooftop terrace, gym, sauna, and onsite restaurant within walking distance to local stations and historic sights.

Stunning island isolated from commercialization

Out of all the popular islands in the Adriatic (Brač, Korčula, Hvar), you’ll find Vis has a significantly different vibe and culture than the rest.

It has an unpretentious, humble, and charming atmosphere since the island wasn’t open to tourism until 1991.

So, what makes the island special is all the things you won’t find here: cheap souvenir shops, dressed-up tour guides, and hordes of tourists that outnumber the locals.

Instead, you’ll find ruins, shipwrecks, and stories all influenced by the island’s array of rulership over the years from the British, Ancient Greeks, and, most noticeably, the Venetian Empire. 

Top things to do in Vis

Croatia’s most distant island is filled with endless ways to discover its rugged adventure and multi-cultural heritage: 

• Sunbathe at Stiniva Beach . Enclosed by two dramatic cliff faces, this beach is often recognized as both the best beach in Croatia and one of the best beaches in Europe. Note: the way to get down is rocky, so bring sturdy shoes.
• Boat to Budikovac Island . With its very own Croatian ‘Blue Lagoon’, the turquoise waters surrounding this island make for the perfect day trip from Vis. 
• Explore old military tunnels . Vis is most famous for its old Yugoslav military tunnels. They’re not safe to visit on your own, so a tour is recommended. Get your adrenaline pumping on this quad tour or combine the tunnels with the best sights of the island on this Vis tour .
• Tour the famous Blue Cave . Bright blue shades illuminate this renowned cave. It’s located on a small island called Biševo, which is just off the coast of Vis. You can book Blue Cave tours in Komiža, which is about 20 minutes away by boat.
• Hike to the top of Hum Mountain . The best sunset view on Vis is at the summit of this 1,925 foot (587 meter) mountain. You can make it to the very top, but the views just below are panoramic and downright beautiful. On the way, you can take a detour to Tito’s Cave to explore the one-room dwelling of this Partisan leader.

Where to stay in Vis

Vis Town and Komiža are the two main areas to stay on the island. Both are solid options, but keep in mind that the ferries and many tours leave from Vis Town.

Villa Kuljis : This family-owned villa is right in the heart of Komiža, within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and a pebble beach. You can purchase groceries from the neighboring market and cook up meals in the full-service kitchenette while enjoying views of the Adriatic from your balcony.

ViSun Apartment : Only a 5-minute walk from the Vis Town port, these apartments are close to beaches, shops, restaurants, and cafes. Free wifi, stellar terrace views, and a fully-equipped kitchen are all highlights of this modern stay.

Hotel San Giorgio : Right in the historical center of Vis, this small, family-run hotel is filled with greenery and art in a cozy and modern atmosphere. While close to all the action, it’s tucked in a quiet alley away from the bustle. The jacuzzi, knowledge of the island, and quality of the rooms are second to none on Vis.

15. Šibenik

An unsuspecting medieval island 

While almost all the islands along the Adriatic coast have been established by international powers over centuries, Šibenik is authentically Croatian.

Even after the city was passed from the Byzantine Empire to the Venetian Republic and other powers over centuries, Šibenik still maintained its very own Croatian flare.

Nestled in a port between Zadar and Split, its history is just as dynamic as Dubrovnik’s, but with a labyrinth of streets experienced by a fraction of the tourists. 

Šibenik is home to a variety of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Game of Thrones filming locations (if that’s up your alley – pun intended!), and has the authentic local life that has slowly moved out of Dubrovnik.

Top things to do in Šibenik

These activities will engulf you in the charm of this port:

• Marvel at the St. James Cathedral . This architectural masterpiece is world-renowned and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the largest church in the world built solely from stone (without brick, mortar, or wooden supports). Keep an eye out for the 71 stone sculptures depicting 15th-century citizens who helped build the cathedral. 
• Get lost in Old Town . Centuries-old stone buildings and charming squares are connected through alleys and passageways. You can easily spend a day exploring all the monasteries, churches, boutiques, restaurants, laid-back bars, and museums in this part of town.
• Visit the Fortress of St. Nicholas . This triangular structure served as a guard to the city during the 16th century and is the second UNESCO World Heritage Site in Šibenik. Although the fortress is connected to the city with a stone footpath, it’s best explored on a boat tour.
• Visit Kornati National Park . These islands off the coast are uninhabited and full of unspoilt nature. Hike to panoramic peaks, explore the traces of past civilizations, and dive into the park’s rich waters.
• Take a day trip to Krka National Park . Šibenik is the ideal basecamp for exploring this verdant park full of coursing waterfalls. You can drive directly to the park or take a bus from town to the entrance.

Where to stay in Šibenik

Although not as popular as other cities, Šibenik still boasts stellar accommodation options right along the coast.

Hostel Scala : More a hotel than a hostel, this modern and beautiful stay has its own seasonal swimming pool, garden, restaurant, and shared kitchen. It’s in an ideal location near the main bus stop and all the sights in Old Town. 

Sebenico Luxury Rooms : Fitted with a terrace and Dalmatian details, these modern apartments are within walking distance to the beach and Town Hall. After exploring nearby restaurants and sites, you’ll come back to a full array of amenities. Ask for a higher room for better views over the city.

Heritage Hotel Life Palace : This charming hotel is in the center of Šibenik. Enjoy free Wifi, hot tub, sauna, and onsite bar with your stay and the ideal location just a few minutes walk to all the sights in Old Town.

Lesser-known historic port

Although Zadar doesn’t often top lists of the best places to visit in Croatia, it’s definitely worth considering adding it to your itinerary, as it isn’t like any other city in Croatia.

Its uncrowded beaches, ancient Roman streets, and world-famous sunsets are the total antithesis of the crowds and commercialization of cities such as Split and Dubrovnik.

The massive port specializes in Northern Dalmatia food and has hundreds of beaches to explore.

Even if you just pass through to sample a touch of Zadar’s charm, it makes an excellent base camp for exploring four of Croatia’s national parks and several neighboring islands (that also made this list!). 

Top things to do in Zadar

Zadar is filled with vibrant and captivating sights you don’t want to miss:

• Listen to the Sea Organ . This installation is both a musical instrument and an interesting piece of architecture. You’ll listen to movements of the sea and air as they are transformed into intriguing sounds.
• Watch the Sun Salutation Light Show . Also along the southwestern quay is the “Greeting to the Sun”. Over 10,000 solar panels capture light during the day and use it to put on a show at sunset.
• Wine & dine at Fosa . One of Zadar’s best restaurants features both fine seafood and over 120 local wines. It’s nestled in an intimate port, marrying age-old tradition and modern trends.
• Explore the city’s wealth of cathedrals . A handful of centuries-old medieval churches are worthy of exploring in Zadar. St. Donatus Church is the most famous, but be sure to stop into St. Simeon’s Church and St. Anastasia Cathedral.
• Wander Narodni trg . This public square is constantly buzzing as it’s the center of life in the city. There are a variety of things to explore from varying centuries.

Where to stay in Zadar

Zadar has so many nooks you can base yourself in, but the best location is along the marina inlet next to Old Town. These are some highlighted stays close to everything to do:

Angel’s RM : This apartment has incredible value for being steps away from the center of Old Town. With the perfect balance between cozy and luxurious, the fully-stocked kitchen, location, and quiet neighborhood are enough to bring you back to Zadar to stay here again.

Apartment Alex : A stone’s throw away from Old Town, you can enjoy a sunny terrace with views of the city, a full-service kitchen, and a private pool ideal for cooling down after a day of sightseeing. It’s in a quiet neighborhood, but still close to the main areas.

Alma Lofts : Just a few steps from Zadar’s center, these apartments have a full-service kitchen and onsite restaurant, and are within walking distance to various beaches and sightseeing. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars on the same road.

17. Dugi Otok

Long island with quaint villages

Spread out between 12 villages and only 1,600 residents, Dugi Otok is an offbeat treasure accessible from Zadar.

Its name translates literally to “long island” as it’s only a few miles wide. You can drive from one end to the other in about an hour.

You’ll experience true tranquility here amidst untouched nature and some of the most unique sites in Croatia.

Top things to do in Dugi Otok

You could spend weeks exploring the island, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Explore Telašćica Nature Park . This bay area dominates the southern end of Dugi Otok with woodlands, dramatic cliffs, beaches, stunning views, and clear water. Hike along the stene (plunging cliffs), take a dip in Mir Lake, or head to Grpašćak viewpoint for panoramic views atop an old fortress.
• Relax at Sakarun Beach . Fine white sand and turquoise water make up this bay, secluded from the high seas and wind. Veli Žal beach is another great option nearby, although not as secluded.
• Say hello to the local donkey population . These furry friends are a staple of the island’s culture. You can visit them at the shelter within the nature park or spot them roaming around Mir Lake. 
• Climb the Veli Rat Lighthouse . This landmark is the tallest in Croatia and one of the most popular things to do in Dugi Otok. At the top, you’ll stand at 135 feet, looking out at panoramic sea views.
• Take a SUP tour around the island . A unique and interesting way to explore the island is by paddling around its tranquil waters. On this paddle board tour , you’ll explore natural inlets, secluded beaches, and submarine tunnels, and relax on Sakarun Beach for a full day of excitement.

Where to stay in Dugi Otok

Dugi Otok is pretty compact, so there are a lot of great places to stay around the island. We recommend staying in Sali since it’s the main hub and close to the Nature Park.

Apartments Žman : Near the middle of the island in Žman, this apartment has modern amenities, a terrace with sea views, and a well-equipped kitchen. It’s also a short drive away from Sali and Telašćica Nature Preserve and walking distance from restaurants and shops.

Long Island Olive Apartment : A short walk from the center of Sali is this updated and cozy stay. Ankica is a lovely and informed host that will make you feel right at home once you arrive on the island. 

TEONA Luxury Apartment : On the coast of Sali, neighboring Telašćica Nature Park, these apartments overlook the scenic Adriatic coast. With their own private hot tub, full-service kitchen, and easy access to restaurants and shops, they have everything you need for a comfortable stay.

18. Trsteno

Medieval village with lush vegetation

Just north of Dubrovnik, this small village is most famous for its exotic arboretum lining the Adriatic coast.

While not filled with a wealth of activities, it makes a relaxing location for a day trip, or a pit stop if you’re driving the coastal route from Dubrovnik to Split.

Top things to do in Trsteno

You can blink and pass right by this charming village, but if you stop to explore you’ll find some treasures.

• Explore the Trsteno Arboretum . This Renaissance arboretum is the largest along the Dalmation Coast was significantly featured in Game of Thrones as the mystical garden within King’s Landing. Don’t miss Neptune’s Fountain and the two 500-year-old plane trees at the entrance, reaching over 100 feet high.
• Relax at a postcard-worthy beach . Many sunny beaches line the Adriatic coast throughout the village, such as Osmoliš , Bresčine , Sjekirica Beaches .
• Eat at a family-run restaurant . Dotted near the village are a variety of restaurants that offer farm-to-table fare. Agroturizam Laptalo , for example, serves some of the best in the area.

Where to stay in Trsteno

There are no hotels in Trsteno, but there are plenty of amazing apartments and local homes to rent if you’re staying overnight.

Trsteno Home : Right next to the Trsteno Harbor, this home is in a secluded location with seaside views. This villa has 4 bedrooms and a full-service kitchenette, and is within walking distance to the arboretum.

Summer Cottage : Stay in a dreamy stone cottage within walking distance to family-run restaurants, Trsteno Beach, and the arboretum. It has a full-service kitchen and everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay, only a 20-minute drive from downtown Dubrovnik.

Trsteno Dream House : This home has an authentic Dalmation exterior and a fully modernized interior with two bedrooms, a shaded veranda with seaside views, and a big kitchen. It’s a short walk from the village center and arboretum, as well as a quick drive to tranquil beaches. 

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
• Fun Things to Do in Dubrovnik + Advice for Traveling
• Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Split, Croatia + Travel Guide
• Absolute Best Things to Do in Croatia + Adventurous Day Trips

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10 of Croatia’s best spots for a crowd-free summer holiday

With Croatia set to go on to the green list, we pick quiet islands and beaches for a post-lockdown escape

Last summer, visitors who managed to make it to Croatia had a taste of what the country was like before the days of mass tourism. And it tasted good. But while honeypots such as Dubrovnik were unrecognisably quiet, there have always been parts of the country where you don’t have to wade through crowds.

Places where things move at a less hurried pace, where Croatian life can be savoured, where you get a flavour of what the Dalmatians call fjaka – the art of doing nothing. These islands and mainland destinations are what you want in a post-lockdown escape: peace, beauty and the chance to discover why Croatia is such an enticing country.

It’s hard to move at a fast pace on this island in the Šibenik archipelago – it has banned cars, so you’ll have to walk or cycle. As the island is only eight square kilometres, that’s not much of a trial. A half-hour ferry ride from the city of Šibenik takes you to the island’s only village. Not only is Zlarin covered in greenery, but it stepped up green credentials two years ago by becoming the first island in Croatia to ban single-use plastics.

What to do Zlarin was once known for its coral diving, which you can tell from its coral shops and a tiny coral museum that’s open in the summer. Smothered in cypress, olive, almond and fig trees, it is a place for hiking and kayaking to secluded beaches, perhaps trekking up to its highest point, Klepac, at 169 metres, and taking in views of Velebit mountain. From Zlarin it’s a 15-minute ferry ride to the even sleepier island of Prvić, whose beaches make an agreeable day trip. Pop into the entertaining museum devoted to Faust Vrančić , local Renaissance man, inventor and early parachute pioneer.

Where to stay Stone Houses Zlarin (from €90) are two attractively renovated village houses with balconies, terraces and lots of exposed brick. House Nana has three bedrooms but can squeeze in 10 people, while House Vana has two bedrooms with capacity for eight. Just 200 metres from the harbour, Apartments Katina (from €35) has three simple apartments for two, and a fourth that sleeps four, all with terraces.

Where to eat Konoba Aldura , right in front of the marina, serves generous platters of grilled fish and seafood and has sea views. Set back further in the village, Konoa Prslika has a stone terrace with olive trees to go with its Mediterranean menu, including grilled langoustines and octopus cooked over a wood fire.

On the coast road between Split and Šibenik – but bypassed by an inland motorway – Primošten has one of Croatia’s most photogenic old towns, on its own small island. The jumble of medieval houses is connected to the mainland via a causeway, while a neighbouring promontory covered in pines is home to the area’s best beaches.

What to do While you’re wandering through the stepped streets of the old town, head uphill to the 15th-century church of Sveti Juraj (St George) and take in the views. The little promontory that sticks out like a thumb is ringed by the pine-backed beaches of Raduča – the smaller of which has views of the old town. Endless vineyards cover much of the landscape – it is home to the indigenous and full-bodied babić grape. Call Prgin Winery and pop in for a tasting. In spite of Primošten’s laid-back feel, the municipality is home to one of Dalmatia’s biggest nightclubs, Aurora , just a few miles away from the old town. Where to stay Facing Mala Raduča beach, Zora Hotel (half-board doubles from €96) has airy rooms with balconies and sea views, an outdoor pool and sauna. Villa Koša (from €70) near the entrance to Primošten’s harbour has 14 apartments with kitchens, balconies and sea views.

Where to eat In the old town is Agape Kitchen & Wine , which offers Dalmatian small plates as well as grilled spiny lobster (a local speciality) and the rich beef dish of pašticada with gnocchi. Grab a seat on the sea-facing terrace of Konoba Toni by the marina for big plates of grilled fish.

This small port on Istria’s southwestern coast isn’t exactly off the tourist radar – it’s the departure point for boat trips to the Brijuni Islands national park . But with Istria’s big-hitters Pula and Rovinj only 15 and 30 minutes away respectively, family-friendly Fažana tends to get overlooked. In this delightful fishing port you can get a more relaxed taste of Istria. What to do Fažana’s appeal is its mellow atmosphere and long, pebbly beaches. Its medieval centre is heralded by the 15th-century church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, and look out for the portico-fronted 14th-century Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel . A boat trip to the Brijuni Islands (only 15 minutes) is a must. More than a dozen islands form the archipelago, but excursions go to Veli Brijun, the former summer playground of Tito – and, before him, the Habsburgs and the Romans.

Where to stay Villa Mihaela (from €30) has five bright apartments with terraces in a large house in a residential area about a 10-minute walk from the beach. There’s also a pool, bike rental and a communal outdoor kitchen for barbecues. Set in a restored 16th-century townhouse in the centre of Fažana, Heritage Hotel Chersin (B&B from £105) has pretty rooms with exposed stone walls, and the garden restaurant is just as attractive.

Where to eat At Konoba Batana by the harbour, soak up sea views from its covered terrace. The sharing fish and meat platters offer excellent value. Book ahead for a table at Konoba Beccaccia , a country restaurant a few miles out the town. The giant hearth is where much of the cooking is done: steaks of black angus beef, along with meat cooked slowly under hot embers in a bell-shaped pot called a peka . The owners also run an apartment complex on the site, with an outdoor pool.

Dugi Otok means “long island” – it straggles along for 43km but is not much more than 4km wide. The most beautiful island of the Zadar archipelago (and about an 80-minute ferry ride from Zadar), Dugi Otok has an intoxicating wildness about it, with only a few tiny villages and a fragrant landscape of wild herbs, pines, fig trees and olive groves.

What to do This is the place to kick back and enjoy two of the Adriatic’s loveliest sights. Telašćica nature park is an oddly shaped bay with six islets within and another 13 surrounding it – and a saltwater lake as well. Climb the cliffs for views of the Kornati national park to the south; and cycle, hike, swim, go scuba diving or just sail and kayak around the bay. Access is easiest by boat excursion from Dugi Otok’s largest settlement, Sali.

Further north is Sakarun (or Saharun) beach, a sheltered cove of white sand which often appears on lists of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches. Less well known is the pine-fringed Brbinjšćica Bay, from where you can explore the blue depths of the Dragon’s Eye and Golubinka sea caves.

Where to stay Apartmani Vesna Giro (from €75) has two waterside apartments in Soline, both with two bedrooms, sea-facing terraces, a barbecue and mooring for boats. Hotel Maxim (half-board doubles from €138) is one of four hotels in the Hoteli Božava complex near the ferry port in Božava. Stylish rooms with balconies overlook the sea, as does the outdoor pool.

Where to eat Enjoy views of Veli Rat’s marina from the terrace of Konoba Lanterna , where grilled calamari, octopus and lobster are among the specialities. Konoba Trapula on Sali seafront offers Adriatic favourites such as cuttlefish-ink risotto and octopus salad, along with grilled sea bass and steaks.

The largest island in the Šibenik archipelago is the easiest to reach, thanks to the little lift bridge at Tisno, a small village that straddles Murter and the mainland. While Tisno was put on the map thanks to the dance festivals that take place in July and August (and which are scheduled to restart this year), Murter has always been more of a low-key place.

What to do Murter town is an excellent base for boat trips to the Kornati national park , an archipelago of 89 islands, all off-grid and with an otherworldly, barren beauty. Otherwise, hit the beaches, almost of all of which are rugged and rustic. Slanica is the busiest, but head further along the island’s west coast for rocky and pebbly bays ringed with pine and olive trees, such as Kosirina and Čigrada.

There’s fascinating history, too, among the olive groves and scrubby hills. Wander through the remains of an ancient Roman city at Colentum archaeological park, and discover Murter’s rich maritime history at the small but compelling Betina Museum of Wooden Shipbuilding.

Where to stay Hotel Ana Murter (doubles from €119) on the west coast has colourful rooms with terraces facing the sea, with a rocky beach just a few metres away. Overlooking Betina’s marina, Lantina Apartments (from €45) has a selection of apartments, all with balconies, though it’s worth splashing out for one with a sea view. There’s also a villa with two separate apartments.

Where to eat Fine Food Murter does casual-chic as well as it does huge plates of grilled squid and black angus steak, as well as wok-fried beef and homemade pasta with truffles. For a beach restaurant, Reflektor on Slanica beach offers affordable seafood and meat platters, pastas and grilled mackerel.

One of the two largest islands in Croatia along with neighbouring Krk, Cres remains untamed despite its proximity to Rijeka and Istria . It’s an island of two halves: the lush green northern half, Tramuntana, soon gives way to the barren karst landscape that covers many Adriatic islands. Although ferries run from Rijeka, Krk and Brestova on the Istrian coast – and the island of Lošinj is connected at the southern tip by a swing bridge – there’s still a sense that Cres is out of the way.

What to do Set in a deep harbour, Cres town is a pleasing collection of Venetian townhouses squeezed around tiny squares and along narrow alleyways. There’s a long pebbly beach in Cres town, but quieter ones further south in the small villages of Valun and Lubenice. At the island’s southern tip, just before the bridge to Lošinj, is Osor, where public art is scattered around Venetian buildings.

It’s the outdoors that draws many visitors: hiking trails meander through oak forests and along ridges with Adriatic views everywhere you look. Follow the trails to the Beli Visitor Centre , where a wildlife sanctuary devoted to rescuing rare griffon vultures is one of the island’s highlights.

Where to stay Pansion Tramontana (B&B from €80) in Beli is handy for the Beli Visitor Centre, and the owners also run a dive centre from Beli beach. The ACI Marina (from €67) in Cres town has nine smartly furnished apartments, some with balconies or terraces, and the price includes access to a fitness centre.

Where to eat Cres produces some of Croatia’s most delicious lamb, and the rustic Konoba Bukaleta in the inland village of Loznati is one of the best places to try it, roasted or grilled. In Osor, Konoba Bonifačić serves platters of grilled fish and lamb stews in a cosy garden.

Pelješac peninsula

The oyster beds of Mali Ston and the peninsula’s hilly vineyards that produce robust plavac mali, dingač and postup reds have turned Pelješac into a foodie magnet. And Game of Thrones fans come to visit Ston’s 14th-century defensive walls, which masqueraded as King’s Landing in the fantasy drama. This sinuous peninsula that stretches north of Dubrovnik for 90km also has fabulous beaches tucked among its tree-fringed coves and bays.

What to do Orebić, the largest settlement, is handy for ferries to Korčula, but there’s also a 15th-century Franciscan monastery, the lovely Trstenica beach and the challenging 961-metre summit of Sveti Ilija looming over the town.

The winding main road forming Pelješac’s spine helpfully signposts boutique wineries offering tastings (booked ahead preferably), including Vinarija Bartulović (which also has a cottage to rent), Matuško and Mikulić (which also owns an aparthotel, restaurant and campsite in Orebić).

Despite their popularity, the twin villages of Ston and Mali Ston are hard to ignore, with their neat collection of old stone houses, oyster beds, vast saltpans and those magnificent walls that go on for 3km.

Where to stay Set on the waterfront in Viganj west of Orebić and built of creamy Dalmatian stone, Heritage Boutique Hotel (doubles from €163) has stylish rooms with exposed beams and brick, as well as a seawater pool facing the sea. Mimbelli (B&B doubles from €68) on Orebić’s seafront is full of charm, a large stone guesthouse with five colourful rooms (three with a sea view) and an attractive restaurant.

Where to eat Unless you really hate oysters, you can’t pass up the chance to sit on the terrace at Bota Šare in Mali Ston’s harbour and treat yourself to a platter (it also does great pasta). In a hillside above Orebić – with dreamy views of the sea, especially at sunset – is Agroturizam Kapor , a family-run, rustic restaurant that specialises in cooking meat under a peka . Order a day in advance so as not to miss out.

Geographically and culturally, Nin packs in a lot for such a small place. In medieval times, this compact town 16km north-west of Zadar was the seat of Croatia’s kings and archbishops, and has a definite fairytale quality about it. Its old town is set on a tiny islet within a bay almost enclosed by a sandy spit, joined to the mainland by two low stone bridges. Saltpans and sandy beaches surround this little oddity, with the Velebit mountains brooding in the background to add more of an air of strangeness.

What to do Swim and laze – or go kitesurfing – in the shallow waters of Nin’s sandy beaches, including the 1km sandy spit of Žrdrijac. The Queen’s beach is beside a large mud bath, so expect to see people plastered with mineral-rich mud. In the old town, the simple, austere Church of the Holy Cross dates from the ninth century and is believed to be the oldest in the country.

Nin’s long history, including its ancient Greek and Roman periods, is clearly displayed in the nearby Nin Museum of Antiquities. Cross the bridge to reach the Solina Nin Salt Museum , which offers a fascinating look at the town’s 2,000-year-old salt industry.

Where to stay On the edge of the old town on the seafront, Apartments Val (from €50) offer five breezy studios and one-bedroom apartments with balconies and sea views. There’s also a communal garden with a brick fireplace and a vine-shaded table. A minute’s walk from the water’s edge is Apartments Bella (from €45), with two modern studios and two one-bedroom apartments with terraces, along with a shared barbecue.

Where to eat There’s a cluster of good places to eat in the old town. Restaurant Providenca has a nicely rustic garden where you can share big plates of grilled meats and seafood pasta. Restaurant Sokol also features homemade pasta and hefty grilled steaks as well as ninski šokol , the cured pork neck that’s a Nin speciality.

Kopački Rit

One of Europe’s largest wetlands spreads around north-eastern Croatia between Osijek and the Serbian border. Thanks to the confluence of the Danube and Drava rivers, the vast floodplain of Kopački Rit is hypnotically beautiful. Nearly 300 bird species fly over this huge nature reserve of lakes, ponds, backwaters, flower-rich grasslands and oak forests.

What to do Follow trails of raised wooden walkways through wildfowl-rich marshes and past a lake that’s a partly sunken forest. Rent a bike in nearby Bilje to cover more ground while looking out for herons, egrets and storks. Autumn is migration time, when even non-birders can’t fail to notice the mass migration of birds. Boat trips from Lake Sakadaš glide through otherwise inaccessible waterways, and you can also join a guided canoe tour. If you’re visiting in summer, bring mosquito repellent.

Kopački Rit is in the Baranja region of Slavonia , whose largest city, Osijek, is full of Habsburg architecture. Check out the cobbled squares and lanes in the baroque quarter, Tvrda .

Where to stay Within walking distance of Kopački Rit is Didin Konak (B&B doubles from €30 a night), a traditional farm-like complex comprising a B&B, apartments, a restaurant and a wine cellar. In Osijek, the 12-room Boutique Hotel Tvrda (B&B doubles from around €100) is in a prime spot in the Tvrda quarter, and includes a rooftop pool, hot tub and sauna.

Where to eat The region’s Croatian-Hungarian culinary melange is on full display at Restoran Kormoran , within the nature park. Paprika plays a starring role in freshwater fish dishes, particularly the fiš paprikaš with local carp or perch. It’s a similar story closer to Osijek at Čarda kod Baranjca by the River Drava, with dishes of goulash, grilled chicken and pork, as well as platters of river fish.

Like a mini version of the historic town of Opatija , Lovran has kept the Habsburg elegance that made the western coast of Istria the winter playground of the Austro-Hungarians. Grand Italianate hotels and townhouses tower over the Lungomare, the 12km seafront promenade that goes all the way past Opatija to Volosko.

What to do When you’re not strolling along the Lungomare – one of the most pleasurable things to do – you can nose around the narrow alleys of Lovran’s old town and its tiny 14th-century Church of St George. Beaches here are either on concrete platforms or pebbly stretches, including the one at Medveja on the southern fringe. Lovran is also the starting point for hikes in the pine-covered hills of Učka nature park .

Where to stay Set on the slopes of Učka, about a 10-minute drive from Lovran’s centre, Hotel Draga di Lovrana (B&B doubles from £131) was built as a Habsburg hunting lodge in 1908 and has utterly breathtaking views of the Kvarner Gulf. There’s an outdoor pool and also one of the seven Croatian restaurants to hold a Michelin star. If you want to be within seconds of the Lungomare, sea-facing Villa Atlanta (from €55) has modern studio apartments and an outdoor pool surrounded by gardens.

Where to eat In the old town opposite the church, Lovranska Vrata has a lively terrace and serves shellfish platters and homemade seafood pasta. Najade on the seafront by the marina is a bit pricey, but you do get superb views to go with plates of grilled squid, scampi and sea bream.

Croatia will move to the green list for entering England on Monday 19 July. See the UK government website for details on traveling from all four UK countries.

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Where to Go in Croatia: Top 25 Places You Shouldn’t Miss (With Photos)

Croatia, located along the Mediterranean Coast, is a year-round travel destination that offers something for everyone. From stunning beaches and historic cities to beautiful national parks and picturesque islands, Croatia is a country that shouldn’t be missed. With its diverse range of attractions, Croatia has become a popular destination for foodies, nature lovers, and beach-goers.

One of the most sought-after destinations in Croatia is Dubrovnik, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. Its old town, with its famous walls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a glimpse into the country’s rich history. The city is located on the Adriatic Sea and is known for its breathtaking views and charming streets.

Another must-visit destination in Croatia is Plitvice Lakes National Park. This natural wonderland is filled with stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush greenery. Visitors can explore the park by foot or by boat, and there are several hiking trails available for those who want to experience the park’s natural beauty up close.

Discover the Top 25 Must-Visit Places in Croatia

Croatia is home to a plethora of must-visit places that offer something for everyone. From historic cities and stunning islands to beautiful national parks and picturesque coastal towns, here are the top 25 places you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Croatia.

Table of Contents

1. Dubrovnik: The Pearl of the Adriatic

Dubrovnik, often referred to as the Pearl of the Adriatic, is a must-visit destination in Croatia. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with narrow streets, ancient buildings, and charming cafes. The city is located on the Adriatic Sea and offers stunning views of the coastline.

One of the highlights of Dubrovnik is its famous walls, which offer panoramic views of the city and the sea. Visitors can also explore the historic sites, such as the Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan Monastery, or relax on the beautiful beaches. With its rich history and picturesque setting, Dubrovnik is a destination that should not be missed.

2. Plitvice Lakes National Park: Nature’s Watercolor

Nestled in central Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a true masterpiece of nature, offering a canvas of cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush greenery. This UNESCO World Heritage site beckons nature enthusiasts with its ethereal charm, especially during the vibrant fall foliage or the tranquil spring blooms.

The park’s network of wooden walkways and hiking trails allows visitors to explore its enchanting beauty while respecting the delicate ecosystem. Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must-visit for those seeking a serene retreat in the heart of Croatia’s natural wonders.

3. Split: A Walk Through History

Split, located on the Dalmatian coast, offers a captivating stroll through its ancient streets. As you explore the old town, you’ll encounter Roman ruins intertwined with Venetian architecture, telling tales of its rich history.

Make sure to visit Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site seamlessly integrated into modern life. Immerse yourself in cultural events and sample delicious street food in this Mediterranean climate. Split is a historical gem that seamlessly merges past and present, offering a unique experience for history enthusiasts.

4. Hvar: The Sunny Island of Lavender

Hvar, known as the sunny island of lavender, enchants visitors with its picturesque landscapes and vibrant atmosphere. This Dalmatian gem boasts crystal-clear waters, ancient towns, and a rich culinary scene.

Explore the charming Hvar Town with its Venetian architecture and trendy nightlife, or soak up the sun on the stunning beaches like Zlatni Rat. Hvar is a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure amidst the Mediterranean’s natural beauty.

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5. Rovinj: A Picturesque Coastal Town

Rovinj, a picturesque coastal town in Croatia, captivates visitors with its charming cobblestone streets and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. This idyllic destination boasts a rich history reflected in its colorful buildings and ancient churches.

Explore the artisan shops, dine on fresh seafood at local restaurants, or simply wander around the harbor taking in the beauty of the surroundings. Rovinj’s unique blend of Venetian and Croatian influences makes it a must-visit for those seeking a tranquil seaside escape.

6. Zagreb: The Vibrant Capital

Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, is a dynamic city blending history and modernity. Its vibrant energy and cultural scene make it a must-visit. Explore Upper Town’s medieval streets and Lower Town’s sophisticated vibe. Don’t miss the local markets for authentic Croatian flavors and the lively cafe culture.

Experience Zagreb Film Festival or enjoy street food at Dolac Market. With a mix of architectural beauty and artistic allure, Zagreb offers a unique charm for visitors year-round.

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7. Korčula: The Island of Marco Polo

Korčula, known as the Island of Marco Polo, boasts a rich history and stunning landscapes. This Dalmatian gem entices visitors with its charming old town, vineyards, and olive groves. Summer heat draws many to its sandy beaches, while late spring and early fall offer a quieter exploration of its Roman ruins and hidden gems. Ideal for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike, Korčula is a must-visit for those seeking a glimpse of Croatia’s coastal beauty and historical significance.

8. Zadar: Sunsets and Sea Organs

Zadar, renowned for its stunning sunsets and the mesmerizing Sea Organ, offers a unique sensory experience. The Sea Organ, an architectural masterpiece, creates music through the movement of the waves, blending harmoniously with the picturesque sunsets.

Visitors can immerse themselves in this ethereal atmosphere, embracing the beauty of nature and art combined. Zadar’s enchanting setting makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable and soul-stirring experience.

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9. Pula: An Amphitheater by the Sea

Pula, a coastal gem, boasts an ancient amphitheater by the sea. This Roman marvel enchants visitors with its historical significance and stunning seaside location. Hosting events and concerts, it offers a glimpse into the past while embracing a vibrant present. A must-visit attraction in Croatia, Pula’s amphitheater stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire, captivating all who wander its ancient corridors.

10. Krka National Park: Waterfalls and Lakes

Krka National Park is a haven for nature lovers, boasting stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. The park offers a serene escape from the bustling city life and is a must-visit destination in Croatia. With a Mediterranean climate, it’s ideal to explore Krka National Park during the shoulder season to avoid the crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather. Explore the enchanting trails and marvel at the natural beauty that this park has to offer.

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11. Trogir: A Stone Town from the Middle Ages

Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage site, mesmerizes with its historic charm. Nestled on the Dalmatian coast, this ancient town boasts well-preserved Romanesque and Renaissance architecture. Wander through winding cobbled streets and discover architectural marvels like the Cathedral of St. Lawrence and Kamerlengo Castle.

As a cultural hub, Trogir hosts numerous events year-round, making it a vibrant destination. Don’t miss exploring the old town’s intricate network of alleys and squares, each whispering tales of bygone eras amidst a picturesque seaside setting.

12. Vis Island: The Remote Beauty

Vis Island, known for its tranquil ambiance, is a haven for those seeking remote beauty. Accessible by ferry, this secluded gem offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming fishing villages. Visiting outside the peak season ensures a quieter experience to appreciate the island’s natural splendor fully.

Explore historic sites like the ancient town of Issa or indulge in local cuisine at seaside tavernas. The allure of Vis lies in its untouched landscapes and unspoiled authenticity, making it a perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts and peace-seekers.

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13. Mljet National Park: Green Island Paradise

Located in the south of Croatia, Mljet National Park is an enchanting emerald retreat. This green oasis boasts lush forests, serene lakes, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore the park by hiking or cycling through its pristine landscapes.

The allure of Mljet lies in its untouched natural beauty, making it a haven for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility amidst the unspoiled surroundings. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this hidden gem that offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

14. Šibenik: The Cathedral City

Šibenik, the Cathedral City, is an architectural marvel on Croatia’s Adriatic coast. Home to the stunning Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this city seamlessly blends history with contemporary culture.

Šibenik’s narrow streets lead to charming squares where cafes and local markets buzz with activity. Visitors can explore nearby Krka National Park for a perfect nature and cultural excursion. Don’t miss the chance to witness the fusion of old-world charm and modern vibrancy in this captivating destination.

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15. Pag Island: Moonlike Landscapes and Lace

Pag Island is a hidden gem boasting moonlike landscapes and intricate lace production. The lunar-like terrain offers a unique backdrop, while the delicate lace-making tradition adds cultural significance.

Known for its serene beauty and artisanal craft, Pag Island provides a tranquil escape for nature lovers and those seeking authentic experiences. The juxtaposition of rugged scenery and delicate lace mirrors the island’s charm, making it a must-visit location for travelers seeking a distinctive Croatian experience.

16. Motovun: Hilltop Towns and Truffles

Motovun in Croatia is renowned for its charming hilltop setting and exquisite truffles, making it a haven for food connoisseurs. This picturesque town offers a blend of stunning architecture and delectable cuisine, creating a unique experience for visitors.

Strolling through the cobblestone streets of Motovun, you’ll encounter a historic ambiance that complements the earthy flavors of truffles found in local dishes. The town’s elevated position provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside, enhancing the allure of this hidden gem in Croatia.

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17. Kornati Islands: Nautical Paradise

The Kornati Islands in Croatia are a nautical paradise, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and seafaring opportunities. This archipelago, consisting of around 140 islands, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal destination for sailing enthusiasts and divers alike.

The rugged cliffs and hidden coves provide a picturesque backdrop for exploration, while the marine life in the area is diverse and vibrant. For those seeking a serene escape surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, the Kornati Islands are a must-visit destination.

18. Pelješac Peninsula: Wine and Walls

Pelješac Peninsula, known for its exquisite wines and ancient walls, offers a unique blend of history and indulgence. This scenic region boasts vineyards producing top-quality wines and stunning fortified walls that whisper tales of the past.

Wine enthusiasts can savor local varietals while exploring the well-preserved stone walls that reflect Pelješac’s rich heritage. From wine tasting experiences to historical sites, Pelješac Peninsula captivates visitors with its cultural richness and delicious flavors.

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19. Lika Region: Bears and Mountains

Lika Region in Croatia offers a captivating blend of rugged mountains and diverse wildlife. Known for its dense forests and resident bears, this region is a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The Velebit Mountain shelters this area, providing panoramic views and hiking opportunities.

Lika is also home to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, adding to its natural allure. Explore the untamed beauty of Lika for a unique experience amidst the stunning Croatian landscapes.

20. Rab Island: Sandy Beaches Galore

Rab Island in Croatia offers sandy beaches galore, perfect for beach lovers seeking relaxation and sun-soaked adventures. With its pristine coastline and crystal-clear waters, Rab Island stands out as a paradise for those looking to unwind in a picturesque setting.

Whether you prefer secluded coves or lively beach fronts, Rab Island caters to all preferences with its diverse beach options. From lounging in the sun to engaging in water sports, this island provides the ideal backdrop for a memorable coastal retreat.

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21. Paklenica National Park: A Climber’s Haven

Paklenica National Park is a haven for climbers, offering stunning rock faces and diverse climbing routes. Situated in Velebit Mountain, the park boasts exceptional limestone cliffs, attracting climbers from around the world. With varying difficulty levels, it caters to both novice and experienced climbers.

The park’s rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes provide a unique and challenging climbing experience amidst the beauty of nature. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned climber, Paklenica National Park offers an unforgettable adventure in Croatia’s stunning wilderness.

22. Osijek: Baroque and Fortresses

Osijek, a city known for its Baroque architecture and historic fortresses, offers a glimpse into Croatia’s rich cultural heritage. The intricate designs of the buildings and the imposing structures of the fortresses showcase the city’s unique charm.

Visitors can explore the well-preserved Baroque buildings and learn about the region’s past through its majestic fortifications. Osijek is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados looking to immerse themselves in Croatia’s fascinating past.

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23. Brijuni Islands: Tito’s Summer Residence

Brijuni Islands served as Tito’s summer retreat, adding historical allure to their natural beauty. Tito, the former Yugoslav leader, transformed this oasis into a luxurious escape. The islands boast exquisite landscapes and wildlife, ideal for exploring.

The remnants of Tito’s residence offer a peek into the past, blending seamlessly with the breathtaking surroundings. Visiting the Brijuni Islands provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience a slice of Croatian history amidst picturesque settings.

24. Varaždin: Baroque, Flowers, and Festivals

Varaždin, known for its baroque architecture, floral displays, and lively festivals, is a hidden gem in Croatia. This charming town exudes a vibrant atmosphere with its well-preserved historic buildings adorned with colorful flowers.

Throughout the year, Varaždin hosts various cultural events and festivals that showcase its rich heritage. The Baroque influences in the architecture add to the town’s picturesque beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a blend of history and festivities.

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25. Elaphiti Islands: A Day-tripper’s Dream

Nestled off the Dalmatian coast, the Elaphiti Islands are a day-tripper’s dream escape from the bustling mainland. With crystal-clear waters and charming villages, each island exudes a unique character waiting to be explored. From the historical Šipan to the car-free beauty of Koločep, these islands offer an array of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Whether you choose to hike, swim, or simply relax on the sandy beaches, the Elaphiti Islands promise a refreshing Mediterranean experience.

Croatia is a treasure trove of stunning locations, each offering a unique experience. From the historical charm of Dubrovnik to the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, every corner of this country exudes magic. Whether you seek vibrant city life in Zagreb or tranquil island getaways like Hvar, Croatia has something for everyone.

Explore the rich history of Split, wander through lavender fields in Hvar, or marvel at the picturesque coastal town of Rovinj. With its diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, Croatia promises an unforgettable adventure for all who visit. Plan your trip today and immerse yourself in the wonders of this enchanting destination!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Croatia?

Where to go in Croatia? The best time to visit Croatia is during the late spring and early fall when the weather is favorable and the crowds are smaller. Summer is the high season, but it can get very hot, so it’s best to visit during the shoulder season for more comfortable temperatures.

How Many Days Do You Need to Explore Croatia?

Where to go in Croatia? The number of days needed to explore Croatia depends on what you want to see and do. A week is a great time to visit if you want to see the main highlights, but if you have more time, you can explore more of the country and experience the lesser-known destinations.

What Are the Must-Try Foods While in Croatia?

Where to go in Croatia? Some must-try foods in Croatia include street food like cevapi and burek, fresh seafood dishes like grilled fish and octopus salad, traditional Croatian dishes like peka and pasticada, and delicious desserts like fritule and kroštule.

What are some must-visit places in Croatia for first-time visitors?

Where to go in Croatia? For first-time visitors to Croatia, some must-visit places include Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Hvar, and the Dalmatian coast. These destinations offer a mix of history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences that showcase the best of Croatia.

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Ferona Jose is a passionate travel writer and blogger at Travelistia. She has traveled throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas. Her writing focuses on cheap travel destinations, travel experiences, cultural insights, and travel hacks.

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Top 21 Gorgeous Places to Visit in Croatia

There was once a time when Croatia was once one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. With its natural beauty and timeless cities, the country is often said to be reminiscent of the Mediterranean but what it was like 30 years ago.

It’s now an increasingly popular spot! From chic coastal resorts to wild, rugged national parks, here are my favourite gems…

1. Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is also located on the coast but deserves a special mention. It was once a rich and powerful state known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic.’ It’s almost like a medieval museum today, with numerous baroque churches and curious visitors spilling onto its pedestrianized marble streets.

I personally think you can’t travel to Croatia and miss out on Dubrovnik! It’s a stunning gem packed with laid-back cafes, sophisticated bars, and trendy restaurants.

It’s also loaded with cultural history, stunning architecture, an Old Town quarter, not forgetting the famous two-kilometre walk around the iconic city walls. George Bernard Shaw once wrote, “Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it,” I suggest you follow Bernard Shaw’s advice and visit the city!

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan , this is where many of the scenes in King’s Landing were filmed. It’s been a double-edged sword, though, as many locals complain about how many extra tourists this has brought and can sometimes be too crowded.

2. The Dalmatian Coast

The Dalmatian coast is legendary – one of Europe’s most dramatic and beautiful coastlines. The beach extends hundreds of miles with steep limestone cliffs and a shoreline dotted with islands.

Once an outpost for the Venetian empire, Dalmatia is renowned for juxtaposing its Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and dramatic scenery. In my opinion, a road trip along this coast is the best way to discover many of Croatia’s highlights.

You’ll pass jaw-dropping cliffs, and the road will lead you to beautiful cities like Split and Zadar. Split’s enchanting architecture and historical complex (including the Palace of Diocletian) have ensured a UNESCO World Heritage site status; Zadar has picture-perfect beaches, so save some time for stops along the way.

3. Brela Beach

Brela Beach is located on the Makarska Riviera and is well-known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

In 1968, the beach was crowned the ‘Champion of the Adriatic’ probably due to its stunning clear waters, beautiful intimate coves, spectacular views, and a winding Victorian promenade.

Amid the turquoise waters is the breathtaking Kamen Brela – the stunning rocky outcrop symbol of Brela Beach. With plenty of gorgeous hotels in the area, there’s no excuse not to stop for a while! 

Holding the title of the ‘Queen of Dalmatia, ‘ it’s commonly accepted that Hvar is the greenest and sunniest island of the many islands residing off Croatia’s coast. Vast fields of lavender, lush olive groves, and rambling vineyards characterize the island’s landscapes.

Hvar town is the island’s cultural centre; its innumerable sandy beaches, surrounded by cosmopolitan cafes, bars, and restaurants, have become a necessary stopping-off point for yachting trend-setters.

5. Plitvice Lakes National Park

Despite the stunning vistas, the show’s real stars are the wild bears and wolves that still roam freely (something very unusual in Europe).

The 120 species of birds, uncountable butterfly breeds, and plenty of woodland animals also keep the wildlife fans happy. Having earned its place among UNESCO’s collection of heritage sites in 1979, it is a veritable jewel in Croatia’s crown.

6. Plitvice Lakes National Park

This beautifully timeless island destination is located on the most northern corner of the coast. With a population of 4,000 people, it’s commonly known as the gastronomic capital of the Adriatic.

With fantastic restaurants nestled under the Venetian-style architecture serving traditional Croatian food and pan-European cuisine, you will experience the Mediterranean as it once was.

As most of the island is covered in olive groves and vineyards, it’s ideal for tourists looking for a break from the rat race.

7. Mljet Island National Park

Mljet island is the southerly and easterlymost of the larger Adriatic islands of the Dalmatia region. In the northwestern part of the island is an area of protected land – the Mljet National Park. It has a unique beauty featuring two connected salty lakes and rich forested landscapes.

You are free to roam as you please, as motor vehicles are not permitted on the island. We highly recommend taking some swimming gear, as the park is scattered with a few stunningly clear and beautifully clean lagoons and lakes.

Also, take a walk along the many lakes, hire a bike, and cycle through the immense forest that covers 78% of the island. Don’t forget to take a picnic, breathe in the fresh air, and admire the breathtaking views.

You can also wander around the Benedictine monastery and visit its tiny chapel. Only a one-and-a-half-hour ferry trip from the mainland, a journey to Mljet island is worth it!

8. City of Rovinj

This small, active fishing port along the Istrian Peninsula is fast becoming a popular tourist resort. Many locals still speak the ancient, romantic language of Istriol.

It has long been one of the most picturesque towns in the Mediterranean, with a cookie-cutter cluster of pastel-coloured houses, steep winding streets, and off-shore island tours.

Some of the most famous landmarks include St. Euphemia’s Basilica and Zletni Forest Park.

9. Zlatni Rat Beach

Zlatni Rat is the Croatian for ‘golden horn’ and epitomizes the unusual sandbar with white pebble beaches and blue sapphire waters, offering a 360-degree ocean view. It is one the country’s most well-known beauty spots, bordered by pine groves and offering a wide selection of watersports.

If you are bored of lounging on the sands, stroll into the pine groves and discover the rustic Roman villa with a swimming pool.

10. Volosko

This isn’t touristy. In Croatia’s top corner, Volosko offers an unrivalled rustic character. A distance away from the more frequented Croat tourist destinations and certainly not a crowded resort, it retains a quiet sleepiness that is the hallmark of traditional Croatian fishing villages.

With a slope of orange roofs dropping to the harbour, occasionally punctuated by the odd pointing conifer, it makes the ideal spot for an afternoon getaway.

There isn’t much to do, but that’s why I love this place! Once you have browsed the local artwork and had a potter’s round the local shops, I recommend heading down to one of the many bars that dot the seafront.

As a working fishing village, fresh seafood is abundant, so treat yourself to some locally caught fish served with a nice glass of chilled and crisp white wine.

Due to the topography, there are quite a few steps around if you plan on walking, so it is best to wear something comfy. It is one of the most tranquil and beautiful places to visit in Croatia.

Split is not a tiny place, nor is it quiet. It maintains a certain air of Adriatic somnambulism, which is not bad considering it’s Croatia’s second-largest city.

Split is a natural working port that sees many coming and going. Cruise ships regularly dock here, so if you want to visit popular venues such as the Diocletian Palace, it might be prudent to do your homework before you head out.

Speaking of the palace, while wandering around, you could be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere in Italy,

The Romans were here for a while (hence the palace) and have left their mark; columns and landmarks punctuate the city, and guided tours are available.

There are squares and plazas around every corner if you want to stop and people-watch for a while; the food is a bit of a mix as the Croatians seem stuck between keeping it local and trying to appeal to an international audience.

For those of you who are all into your ‘Game of Thrones’ (and haven’t been permanently turned off by season 8… yeah, we know!) as well as Dubrovnik, a large portion of filming also took place in and around Split, see if you can spot the throne room of Danaerys on your travels!

12. Trakošcan Castle

If you head inland and want to see some authentic Croatian culture, I suggest putting Trakoš Castle on your ‘must-see’ list. The castle is about a two-hour drive north of Zagreb. It was a genuine defensive fortification built in the mid-thirteenth century.

It has been updated through the years and now sits, like a white full stop, amidst lush green parkland that was properly landscaped and manicured at some point in the mid-1800s.

The castle is open to visitors as a museum containing various articles about the former owners and several items of Croatian cultural importance.

A beautiful seafront city located on the tip of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, Pula has a true European cultural blend. On the one hand, you have the Croatian influence making its presence felt, but on the other, you’ll easily be able to tell that, up until 1947, it was a part of Italy. It has a solid Venetian feel.

This is reflected in the food, the people, and the culture; the fact that it is a vast port only adds to the ‘melting pot’ vibe. The signs of its former empire are everywhere.

A huge arena is not far off celebrating its 2000th birthday… But don’t worry, they haven’t let an impressive and historical building, capable of housing thousands, go to waste.

If you time your visit right, you might experience the Outlook festival, held there in September. In case you haven’t gathered, there’s a vibrant party scene in Pula.

There are numerous boat parties, and depending on who you ask, you might be able to attend one of its multiple underground parties (we mean that literally, they take place in tunnels under the city, cool or what?).

If you have partied your socks off or need some downtime and a pretty protected harbour, beaches and coves are spread across the front of the city. With crystal clear, warm water and soft sand, you can take a beach trip and a city break on the same day.

14. Korcula

If you’ve been to Dubrovnik and wondered what it was like before boatloads of Game of Thrones fans and U.S. cruise passengers arrived, go to Korcula, the sixth-largest island in Croatia.

It’s like Dubrovnik’s smaller, quieter, better-dressed younger brother (even dubbed “Little Dubrovnik”). While quite beautiful, the island doesn’t suffer from the same footfall as many other Croatian destinations because it’s just a bit too far for your everyday tourist to go. Korcula is a long, thin island paralleling the Croatian coast, offering orange roofs, winding stone streets, and the occasional medieval square, church, and palace.

There is a bit of a debate between Italy and Croatia regarding Korcula, who claims (rightly or wrongly) that the famous explorer Marco Polo was born on its little peninsula.

Either way, if you are embracing the spirit of Marco Polo and planning a boat journey, Korcula offers several charter trips to various destinations and other beautiful islands in the local area. The journey from Split takes around three and a half hours, so go early or stay the night. It is a gorgeous place in Croatia that is worth a visit!

15. Krka National Park

While Dubrovnik is excellent, you may want to get away for a while. If this is the case, I suggest here! Located in southern Croatia, this place is not exactly a secret, as it features in most guidebooks. So, if you want to avoid the crowds in this famous place, it’s best to time your visit well.

Once you’ve arrived, though, you’ll see it’s an extraordinary place to visit. Named after the Krka River, it is home to seven stunning waterfalls.

Other highlights include a waterfall flanked by traditional watermills, a scenic nature trail, the Krka Monastery, built ancient Roman catacombs, and the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy.

16. Sibenik

If you’re urged to explore winding medieval streets, Sibenik—a historic town in Croatia located in central Dalmatia—may be the place to go.

While elements of the town are approaching 1000 years old, it has had a few facelifts over the years. Its current style is Renaissance, with three and four-story buildings looking down onto the azure seafront.

It is said to be the oldest surviving example of an authentic Croatian town, Unesco agrees, having designated it a World Heritage site. Like many other places on the Adriatic coast, Sibenik has a lovely beach within a two-minute walk from the town.

Jadrija Beach is a local favourite with plenty of amenities. If you’d like a bit of culture and architectural indulgence, the Cathedral of St James is considered an architectural phenomenon.

It amalgamated Croatian and European styles and was built entirely without cement. Other churches are sprinkled throughout the town; however, don’t worry if you are not religious; many have been decommissioned and serve as super atmospheric art galleries.

If you want to jump off a plane and laze around on the beach for half an hour, then Cavtat- a pretty resort town on the Adriatic Coast of Croatia, southeast of Dubrovnik – should suit your needs. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Dubrovnik airport.

Accommodation in Cavtat is considerably cheaper than in Dubrovnik, and if you are looking to save a bit of cash but still want to say you’ve visited Dubrovnik, stay here and get one of the very frequent buses into the old town.

The quayside is at the bottom of a steep hill (don’t worry, if you drink enough wine at one of the quayside restaurants, you won’t remember the slog back up later).

There are many restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, and as it is west-facing, it is a charming setting to watch the sun go down. Once darkness falls, the small harbour comes alive with beautiful people enjoying the numerous bars and clubs.

An amusing pastime is to sit in the front and watch the people having dinner on the back of the superyachts; they are doing precisely the same; they have paid more to see you!

During the day, there is a peninsula to the north of the town with a path; you can walk along it, find a quiet spot, and enjoy a dip from either the rocks or the artificial concrete pontoon halfway around.

18. Opatija

I loved Opatija – a pretty resort town in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County in western Croatia. The conventional coastal resort is just a little bit classy.

You can barely turn a street without seeing an opulent villa designed to cater to the elites of Europe in the 18th century. If you like a good walk with plenty to see, head down to the Opatija Promenade, a 7-mile stretch of glorious sea views fronted by ornate houses.

On the way, you may spot one of Opatija’s more famous landmarks, the statue known as “the Girl with the Seagull.” You will be in your element if you enjoy beautifully tended seafront parks. The prices for food and drink increase the closer you get to the promenade.

There are swish restaurants, but we found the food just as lovely (if slightly less polished) in local establishments. For very little, you can have a choice of dazzlingly fresh seafood washed down with an authentic Istrian wine.

Home to the world’s smallest cathedral, Nin is unique and a great place to stay in Croatia. It’s different from our other suggestions; you won’t find the rocks and turquoise waters most commonly associated with the region, but you will find the Croatian equivalent of a lovely little Spa town.

The town sits in a deep blue lagoon and is connected to the land by two picturesque stone bridges. The surrounding area is supposedly awash with healing mineral-rich mud that people apply liberally to cure all sorts of ailments (and no doubt suffer from increased laundry bills).

Nin boasts that it is the cradle of the Croatian state and has a rich religious and cultural heritage, so if the mud doesn’t work, perhaps taking a walk and touching the toe of the statue of Bishop Grgur Ninski (who was by all accounts a religious rebel) might make you feel a little better. Failing that, there is a lovely sandy beach bordering the town.

This small harbour town is nestled on the northern coastline of the island of Brac. It’s steeped in history and is home to ancient Roman ship remains and a 5th-century Basilica.

It’s also a stunning place to explore, with traditional houses and a gorgeous harbour; it was once declared the most beautiful destination in Croatia (in the small tourist places category), so go now before more people discover this wonderful secret gem!

21. Island of Krk

The Island of Krk is undoubtedly a stunningly picturesque place to add to your list. The island is the largest, most populated island in the Adriatic Sea, with just over 17,000 inhabitants.

This Croatian destination offers a great variety of attractions to explore. If you are into the culture, an excellent place to visit is the ancient old towns such as Baska, Vrbnik, Silo, and Krk City.

If you prefer the tranquillity of nature, I suggest visiting rural areas such as Brzac village. There are also great places to go if you want to do something more lively. Krk offers a fantastic range of bars and restaurants.

31 thoughts on “Top 21 Gorgeous Places to Visit in Croatia”

Just to add Zlatni Rat beach (Golden Cape Beach) changes character depends on winds! Looks like heaven! It has everything you need for a great day!!

As for me, number one is the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Amazing water colors, beautiful nature and plenty of picturesque waterfalls. I highly recommend this place!

For some reason I never liked Dubrovnik so much. For me it is too comercialized these days and the prices in the old town are way to high.

What a list! As a blogger who lives in Croatia, I know hard it is to make such a list, there are so far too may places to choose from. You guys did super well.

There is another beautiful place in Croatia – Island of Krk and the town of Baska. Great beach nearby campground Bunculuka, beautiful trails for hiking and many beautiful beaches.

I just printed this site out to bring with me as I am going to Croatia this summer. Thanks for the tips!

Duborvnik surely is “Pearl of the Adriatic” because it offers great vacation for everybody. Along with crystal clear sea, beautiful beaches, and great food (you should try traditional almond cake especially)Dubrovnik offers many sights connected with history and beautiful panorama views.

Hi This is very nice post with pretty cool pictures. I visited Zadar a long time ago but was not able to experience all this. Thanx for the post.

Beautiful pictures, I have to admit that for some strange reasons I have never been in Croatia, even though it is so close and so popular! One day, one day! 🙂

This looks gorgeous! I really would like to visit Croatia one day. I think the limestone cliffs sound incredible to see. The port city and beaches are very picturesque as well! Thanks for sharing.

Hello to all,

Great post and really like pics which you posted. Although your places are great there is more to see and explore in Croatia. To you, who wanna explore and make most of your stay in my country you should see inner Istria peninsula – don’t just be oriented on Rovinj, there are great small places inside Istria like Motovun (Movie Festival during summer), smallest city in the world by Guiness world record called Hum, winery roads all around… And also while you in Rovinj there is nearby bigger city Pula (3000 years old) with 2000 years old Roman Colosseum, Augustus Temple… Also except Dalmatian coast, islands and Istria, the things which most tourist skip is our Slavonia region, where you can taste delicious Kulen, or Fish paprikaš or some other continental dish which you can’t find on coast.

Love the sound of Hrvoje’s Croatia. We have visited Dubrovnik and although it is stunningly beautiful, we found the tourist hoards that descended from the daily cruise liners that docked in the port really ruined it and made it impossible to enjoy or even see some of the architecture. Where would you recommend to stay on the Istria peninsula for a family of 5 including 3 teen girls looking for fantastic beaches, great restaurants and villa style accommodation with pretty villages/towns to explore close by?

Croatia has been near the top of my list for a while. I need to make it happen.

Thanks for your comment Stephanie, let us know how you get on!

Nice review, also there are many other places in Dalmatia to visit, like Zadar, NP Krka, or island Brač. If anyone wants to know more I will be willing to help out.

Brela beach is very beautiful and I really recommend it!

Like Slovenia, Croatia is very high on my list! Loved all your pictures. They make me wish I was there now.

Thanks Debbie!

Um, stunning! Croatia is very high on our list of places to see and this post moved it higher up the list!

Zlatni Rat Beach looks gorgeous.

Um dos lugares que gosto muito de viajar, com certeza é a Croácia, é muito bom.

OK, coast is beatifull, but where is Slavonia? Lika? Zagorje? Baranja? Those places are gorgeous and no one is mention them…. sad….

I can happily tick off 4 but after seeing this list I am itching to return!

Nice but too shortly 🙂 In Croatia, there are more unusual places I think missing Biokovo masiive at the head of Sv Jure –>

Thank you for sharing these beautiful images! Croatia is really high on our list of places to get to soon, but your post has me even more excited than before to get there!! 🙂

This makes me want to pack my bag and head there right away! I’ve only been to a few places in Croatia so I would love to see more, the national park seems amazing.

City of Rovinj, here I come this summer!!

Hope you have a great time Agness, looking forward to reading your post on it! 🙂

These photos are stunning! My grandfather was born in Croatia, so I’ve visited but we stayed in the town he was born – Stivan – on an island in the north called Cres. Clearly, I must make my way back to Croatia soon to explore the rest.

I’ve been to the Istrian Coast (Rovinj, Pula and Porec) and have always wanted to visit Dubrokvnik and Split. This post has made me realize there’s so much more. Thanks!

I visited Croatia and was stunned by the beauty of the country. Amazingly, I didn’t visit any of the places on this list. I will have to go back!

Awesome list! I’ve been to Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik, but would like to see more outside these cities. Always wanted to go around some of the islands for a long time now, and see more national parks here – Mljet Island National Park look so beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

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33 Best Places to Visit in Croatia

Croatia is one of the most popular destinations in Europe and it is famous for a reason. Stunning views, old towns packed with monuments or beautiful nature – Croatia has it all! There are so many best places to visit in Croatia, both for sightseeing and relaxing, so you will easily find Croatia holiday destinations that suit your needs.

I was lucky to visit Croatia many times by now but there are still so many Croatian places on my bucket list. This is why I asked a few fellow travel bloggers for their favorite Croatia must see and together we created this guide to best places to go to in Croatia.

This list of best places in Croatia is divided into four categories: Dalmatia (from Zadar south, towards the border with Montenegro), Istria (the peninsula in the north-west part of the country, near the border with Slovenia), islands and mainland Croatia. At the end of the post you will also find a map with all the best places to visit in Croatia you can find in this article.

Croatia essentials

Planning a trip to Croatia? Here are the services I always use and personally recommend:

• Accommodation : I always book a place to stay on Booking.com
• Tours: when I decide to go on a tour I either use Viator
• Get insured for your trip to Croatia with SafetyWing

Table of Contents

Best places to visit in Croatia

So, without any further ado, here is the best of Croatia.

Places to visit in Dalmatia

Dubrovnik is one of the most popular (if not the most popular) and most beautiful places in Croatia and it attracts thousands of visitors for a reason. The Old Town in Dubrovnik is simply amazing, with narrow winding lanes and rows of red rooftops – getting long in the maze of streets is a pure pleasure, and the further you go from the main street – Stradun – the fewer people you will meet.

Don’t miss walking on the City Walls – it is a bit pricey, especially in high season, but definitely worth it. The whole circuit is almost 2 kilometers long and you can admire beautiful views of the Old Town and beyond. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik .

Another great place offering stunning views and great Dubrovnik pictures opportunities is Fort Lovrijenac, just outside the Old Town – if you visit the walls you get the free entrance to the fort. Fans of “The game of thrones” will recognize this place, as well as few others, from the famous tv series.

When you visit Dubrovnik don’t limit yourself only to the Old Town – be sure to take the cable car or hike to Mount Srd, relax at one of the beaches, or go for some of the many day trips from Dubrovnik .

In the high season, the Old Town can be really crowded so plan a visit here early in the morning or in the afternoon when the cruise ships are gone, it will be a much more pleasant experience.

Read more about Dubrovnik:

• 23 Amazing Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
• 50 pictures that will inspire you to visit Dubrovnik, Croatia
• 23 Great Day Trips from Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Croatia: Dubrovnik in one day

Find the best Dubrovnik accommodation here .

See the best Dubrovnik tours here .

Split is yet another of Croatia best cities and a getaway to its famous islands.

The city is known for its amazing Diocletian Palace – the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It dates back to the end of the 3rd century when the Roman Emperor Diocletian has decided to build the palace in the area that more or less covers the Old Town of Split now. You can find the remnants of the palace all over the place – there are gates, arches, and so many details indicating what a spectacular place this used to be.

When wandering around the charming streets in the Old Town you will eventually find the Cathedral of Saint Domnius – the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world that still uses its original structure.

For the best view of Split head to the Marjan Hill near the Old Town – going up is rather easy and the panorama from there is worth the walk. You can sit down in a cafe there and enjoy the beautiful vista over a cup of coffee.

The best place in Split to observe the world around and feel the vibe of the place is Riva – the seaside promenade packed with people and lined with numerous cafes. Split can be also used as a base for some great day trips around.

Read more about Split:

• 35 Split pictures that will inspire you to visit Split, Croatia
• Best things to do in Split

Find the best Split accommodation here .

See the best Split tours here .

Zadar , located in the central part of the Croatian coast, is a popular starting point of a Croatian trip since the local airport is a popular hub of low-cost airlines. But it’s worth stopping in the city to see all the Zadar attractions. And there are plenty of them!

In the Old Town, you will find the 9th-century Church Of St. Donatus with the cathedral bel tower standing next to it – be sure to climb it for the best views of the Old Town and beyond!

Don’t miss the so-called Sea Organ – a unique and interesting art project – the marble steps going into the Adriatic Sea might look pretty normal but the waves crashing into them create unique sounds, like the organs. Next to it, you will see the Monument to the Sun – the circle with some three hundred glass plates, beautifully illuminated in the evening.

Once you are done with the sightseeing in the Old Town you can sit in one of the many cafes, preferably at the charming People’s Square, and enjoy the atmosphere of the place.

Read more about Zadar:

• 6 amazing things to do in Zadar, Croatia

Find the best accommodation in Zadar here .

See the best Zadar tours here .

Šibenik, located between Zadar and Split, is a perfect place to stop between these two popular cities, to relax from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the small-town vibe and its numerous attractions.

Šibenik was founded in the 11th century and is the oldest Croatian town on the Adriatic coast (other cities might be older but were founded by Romans or Greeks).

The most important monument is St. James Cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 15th and 16th century in the Gothic and Renaissance style. It’s a place you simply can’t miss in Šibenik but the town has more to offer.

Winding lanes, charming corners, small churches – you will find them all in Šibenik! The town can be also a good base to discover some beautiful natural sights nearby, such as Krka National Park or Kornati Islands.

Find the best accommodation in Šibenik here .

See the best Šibenik tours here .

Krka National Park

While Plitvice Lakes is the most popular national park in the country, there is one more protected area famous for the waterfalls – Krka National Park. While the pictures of emerald waterfalls, surrounded by lush forest, cascading to the small lake are beautiful in reality this place is so much better and is a must see in Croatia!

Besides the most famous Skradinski Buk waterfall and a lake where it used to be possible to swim (unfortunately it’s forbidden since 2021) you can also walk around through the forest next to swift streams and relax in the beautiful nature. A bit further, but still within the Krka National Park, you can visit Roški Slap (another waterfall) and Visovac island with the monastery from the 15th century – the best way to reach them is by boat.

Getting to Krka National Park might be a bit challenging if you don’t have a car. From nearby Šibenik, you can take the bus to Skradin and then the boat to Skradinski Buk waterfall but returning to Šibenik might be a bit of a challenge. The best option is to go for the organized tour.

Read more about Krka National Park:

• How to visit Krka National Park in Croatia

Find the best Krka National Park tours here .

Kornati National Park

Recommended by Veronika from Travel Geekery

Kornati National Park can be found in the North of Dalmatia. It comprises both land and sea and is made up of 89 unique karst-limestone islands in the shape of crowns.

The experience of visiting Kornati entails a bumpy hour-long boat ride from the village of Murter and then sailing in between the individual islands and islets with a few stops on those accessible to the public.

Most boats stop at Mana Island. You can climb to its top easily and admire not just the magnificent views, but also ancient-looking rock structures coming from a movie set produced in the ’50s.

It’s highly recommended to make a stop also at Levrnaka Island, the fourth largest one. There’s an excellent seafood restaurant on the island, as well as a calm bay, where you can enjoy some time on the beach.

The best is to visit Kornati from Murter, which is just 30 minutes from Šibenik. You can either get your own entrance ticket at the local tourism office and approach the boatmen to give you a ride to Kornati, or you can join a tour, which already includes the national park pass. In any case, count at least 5 hours for the whole Kornati experience.

Find the best Kornati National Park tours here .

Primošten is not the most obvious stop when traveling between Split and Zadar during your Croatia sightseeing but when you see the town from the main road you will want to spend there a bit of your time right away.

The old part of Primošten is located on a small peninsula, however in the past, it was just the island. The first settlement was established here in the 16th century to protect the local inhabitants from the Ottoman invasion. The town connected with the mainland only at the end of the 19th century where the walls surrounding Primošten were destroyed (only the main gate was left).

Today you can wander around this sleepy yet very charming little place, visit its main attraction – St. George church (it’s been there since the town was founded but got the current look during the renovation in 1760) and enjoy some beautiful views over the Adriatic Sea (the best one is from the local cemetery).

Primošten is such a perfect place to stop for a while and simply relax.

Find the best accommodation in Primošten here .

Recommended by Raluca from Travel With A Spin

Nin is a lovely tiny town full of history, houses carefully decorated with flowers, places of worship, and cobblestone streets. It is located in a lagoon 20km from Zadar. The old town is set on an islet connected with the mainland by two stone bridges.

Nin was the first Croatian royal town and it’s said that seven kings were crowned here. But it was also the seat of the Croatian bishops.

After crossing Kalelarga, the main street of the historical town, you’ll be welcomed by the statue of the Bishop Gregory of Nin, one of the symbols of the town. He is the one that opposed the Pope and introduced the Slavic language in the church. Make a wish and touch his well-polished toe for it to come true!

Another symbol of Nin is the so-called “smallest cathedral in the world” that fills with light at each solstice and equinox.

Visitors of Nin can also check out the largest Roman temple on the Adriatic coast, a 2nd-century Roman mosaic, and a traditional salt factory. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste some Ninski Sokol, local dry-cured pork meat produced in the region since ancient times.

Next to Nin, there’s also one of the not so many sandy beaches in Croatia, Queen’s Beach. This was the favorite beach of the wife of King Tomislav, hence the name.

Find the best accommodation in Nin here .

Recommended by Lyndsay from The Purposely Lost

Located in the Dalmatia region, Trogir is one of the best places to visit in Croatia. The city was originally built by the ancient Greeks and had been inhabited by the Venetians for much of history.

The island is fairly small, so if you only have one day in Trogir , it’s a great amount of time. To make the most of your experience, there are so many historic buildings and symbols hiding in sight that taking a walking tour with a local guide will give you more insight into this incredible city.

In the center of the city you can see the Town Loggia, then climb the Town Clock Tower at the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, where you will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. The entrance to the Cathedral is it’s own masterpiece, designed by a local artist in the 13th century, Later, stroll along the promenade and experience a new perspective from the tower at Kamerlengo Castle, the city’s old fortress.

Find the best accommodation in Trogir here .

See the best Trogir tours here .

Recommended by Coni from Experiencing the Globe

Nested between Split and Dubrovnik, Omiš is often overlooked, even though it’s one of Croatia’s top destinations. Not only it is the country’s capital of adventure, but its location, where the Cetina river reaches the Adriatic, is stunning!

Omiš has plenty of amazing things to see and do. Surrounded by the canyons of the river and the cerulean and turquoise colors of the sea, it doesn’t stop offering magnificent views. The Old Town is a typical terracotta-roofed Dalmatian settlement, full of Venetian influence. It’s crowned by the fortress of Mirabella, a 13th-century tower used by pirates to watch over the Channel of Brač for passing merchants.

The thrill-seekers can fill their days with rafting, ziplining, hiking, via ferrata, snorkeling, canyoning, windsurfing, and rock climbing. And relax at one of the many beaches in and around Omiš.

There are many Croatia travel tips to take into account while planning your visit, but for Omiš don’t forget both water and hiking shoes to be fully prepared for your adventure.

Find the best accommodation in Omiš here .

Recommended by Josefine and Dominik from Red White Adventures

This little gem island town is located just a few hours north of Dubrovnik. It’s a great place to visit if you need a relaxing getaway with a quiet feel. There is this BEAUTIFUL promenade walk around Trpanj and the water near the village might be the clearest water in all of Croatia.

If you’re feeling adventurous you can try to climb the mountain next to the town. Besides hiking up Mt Srd in Dubrovnik , this would be our next favorite hike in Croatia. We climbed up the mountain to catch some amazing views of the houses overlooking the sea.

In Trpanj they also sell local wine. There is a wine store called Ubrig Wine & Olive Oil Shop where you can go and try different local wines before buying them. We found the shop owner and her daughter to be super friendly and it was really nice to support a small local shop. Buy a bottle of wine and enjoy it while watching the sunset. Trpanj truly has one of the most magical sunsets we saw in all of Croatia!

We found it super easy to get to Trpanj even though it seems quite far out of the way. We took a bus from Dubrovnik to Ploce which is a regular stop along the coast. From there we took the ferry to Trpanj which goes back and forth a few times a day. Enjoy the peaceful little town and the peacefulness Trpanj brings!

Find the best accommodation in Trpanj here .

The Bay of Abandoned Hotels in Kupari , located only a few kilometers south of Dubrovnik, is one of the craziest Croatia tourists attractions.

In the past, it used to be a popular holiday destination – the complex of seven hotels mostly from the 1960s (only one of them, Grand, was built in the 1920s) was designed for the officers of the Yugoslav People’s Army and their families as well as the national officials of Yugoslavia. When the 1990s war rolled over the Balkans, the complex was badly destroyed and eventually left to decay.

If you like exploring abandoned places , Kupari is a perfect place to visit. You can freely enter all the hotels, walk around the common spaces like restaurants, lobby, or swimming pool, enter rooms with hardly any equipment left, and even go to the rooftop of one of the hotels (Hotel Goričina II).

Even if you don’t want to go inside the hotels, this is a lovely place to visit and a good getaway from the busy streets of Dubrovnik. The rumors say the complex is going to be renovated but so far there are still no signs of any works there.

Read more about Kupari:

• The Bay of Abandoned Hotels in Kupari, Croatia – the Urbex Heaven

Cavtat might be the easiest of all the day trips from Dubrovnik. This charming little town is located only 20 km away from the famous city, near the airport, and the frequent local buses connect Dubrovnik with Cavtat throughout the day.

The town was founded already in the 6th century BC as the Greek colony Epidaurus. In the 7th century, the place was invaded by the Slavic tribes and most of the inhabitants escaped to the nearby Lave island which eventually developed as Dubrovnik.

Today Cavtat is a sleepy town where you can escape from busy Dubrovnik to enjoy the seaside vibe, relax over the meal in one of the harbor restaurants or visit some of the attractions the town has to offer (such as Renaissance Rectors Palace from the 16th century, Baroque St. Nicholas church from the 18th century or the impressive mausoleum of the Račić family built in 1920-1922).

But the best thing to do in Cavtat is to just wander along the sea and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding.

Find the best accommodation in Cavtat here.

Places to visit in Istria

Recommended by Audrey from That Backpacker

Pula is a small city located in Croatia’s heart-shaped peninsula known as Istria, and it’s a wonderful destination for history, sunshine, and good food!

One place not to be missed on your visit is Pula Arena. This is a massive Roman amphitheater that dates back to the 1st century and is incredibly well preserved. It is the only remaining Roman amphitheater with all four side towers and three stories still standing. If you happen to be there during the summer months, you can even attend “Spectacvla Antiqva”, an event that reenacts gladiator fights and games from Roman antiquity.

A few other places of interest include the Roman Forum which houses the Temple of Augustus, the Roman Mosaic, the Arch of Sergii, Pula Cathedral, Fortress Kastel, and the underground tunnels built during WW1 for sheltering people in case of air raids. Half the fun for anyone visiting Pula is walking around and stumbling upon little bits of history.

If you’re up for a day trip, you can join a boat cruise to Brijuni National Park, a group of 14 small islands that sit out on the Adriatic Sea.

And when it comes to good food, Jupiter Pizza is a local favorite. You can’t go wrong with their Istrian pizza or seafood pizza paired with a glass of red wine!

There are lots of different options for getting to Pula: the local airport offers flights from select European cities, you can rent a car for a fun Istrian road trip, and during the summer months you can make use of the ferry and catamaran service around the Croatian coastline and across to Venice.

Find the best accommodation in Pula here .

See the best Pula tours here .

Recommended by Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles

Beautiful Rovinj , on the Istrian coast, should definitely be at the top of your list of places to visit in Croatia. Picturesque Rovinj is not only a fabulous destination in itself, but it also makes a good base to explore more of the Istrian peninsula.

There are many things to do in Rovinj , from wandering the cobblestone alleys of the Old Town to boat tours of the Rovinj archipelago. Rovinj also boasts a lively waterfront, with numerous cafes and restaurants, great for people watching as well as to take in the spectacular sunsets.

The Church of Saint Euphemia is likely the most-visited sight in Rovinj. Located on a hilltop, the church features a bell tower you can climb and gorgeous views from the grounds.

Rovinj is also a great place to enjoy the freshest seafood dishes, and truffle and olive oils are specialties here, much like Tuscany.

Driving is the easiest way to get to Rovinj, or you can arrive by bus from large cities like Rijeka , Zagreb, or Zadar.

Find the best accommodation in Rovinj here .

See the best Rovinj tours here .

Recommended by Džangir from Dr Jam Travels

Grožnjan is a small town in inland Istria on the hill surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, within half an hour from Buzet, Novigrad, or Umag. This medieval settlement has a long history, from a Roman time over Venetia and Austria to today’s modern Croatia.

The place is known as a town of artists. In the ’60s artists started squatting that time empty houses. Today just around 150 people live there with 20 galleries and many festivals.

The best time to visit is from May to September when they organize an annual painting festival, the Ex Tempore. Grožnjan also has an annual jazz festival “Jazz is Back-BP”, held for two or three weeks, in the second half of July.

When you have had enough of the coast you should take a short break to this hill. The most remarkable building inside the walls is a Church of St. Vid, Modest, and Krešencije with a 36-meter high bell tower. Here you can walk around cobbled and narrow streets, visit one of the galleries, enjoy some music or have a drink and fritule.

The best photo option is from Parenzana (ex railroad), there is a beautiful view of this town on a hill.

Find the best accommodation in Grožnjan here .

Recommended by Lori from Travlinmad

Located less than an hour drive from the seaside town of Rovinj, a one-hour drive through the beautiful Istria countryside is the charming hilltop village of Motovun. The small village features Celtic and Illyrian fortresses with a maze of narrow cobblestone streets winding between the two. In fact, the name of the village is also of Celtic origin, derived from Montona, meaning “a town in the hills”

The sun-drenched Istrian peninsula in northwestern Croatia can feel parched but its arid landscape produces a bounty of local foods. Olives, olive oil, and honey are but a few of the delectable foods you can taste or bring home as treasured Croatia souvenirs . But foodies should head to Motovun to taste the exquisite treat Istria is also famous for — white and black truffles.

Most visitors to Motovun are day-trippers buzzing through the many shops tasting local Istrian wines, olive oils, and truffle oils. Local restaurants feature truffles in many of their dishes, or you can do a truffle tasting in several shops in town. Visit in October and November for the White Truffle Fair.

Getting to Motovun is easy — whether on a local tour bus or reliable public transportation. Biking to Motovun is popular among cyclists despite the hills. But renting a car is perhaps the best way to arrive and have your day trip be flexible to avoid the crowds.

Find the best accommodation in Motovun here .

See the best Motovun tours here.

Places to visit on Croatian islands

Recommended by Sinead from Map Made Memories

Lumbarda is a charming village on the southeast coast of Korcula Island . It is an attractive, quiet, and unspoiled village with friendly people. You cannot do anything but relax and slow down in this beautiful place.

Lumbarda is five miles from Korcula Town which is the arrival/departure point for catamarans to Split and Dubrovnik or the ferry from Orebic. A public bus or short taxi ride will bring you to Lumbarda.

Unusually for Croatia, Lumbarda offers sandy beaches and the largest beach, Vela Przina, is easily reached by car, taxi, or walking. Alternatively, a much more scenic journey is to hire a bike from the village and cycle through Lumbarda’s vineyards to the beach. Several of these family-owned vineyards are open for tastings and the Grk grape grown here grows nowhere else in Croatia.

Snorkel in Lumbarda’s warm, clear waters, enjoy the pedestrianized seaside path around the headland, or try an adventurous water sport. Take a water taxi to Korcula old town or to the nearby National Park island of Mljet.

Don’t miss Lumbarda’s Friday evening ‘Fishermans Market’, held in the village square, when local people set up stalls selling freshly cooked fish, tempting desserts, and local Grk white wine.

Find the best accommodation in Lumbarda here.

Korčula Town

Recommended by Jamie from Travel Addict

Korčula Town is located on Korčula, a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea located between the beautiful towns of Dubrovnik and Split. It’s a popular spot on itineraries for sailing holidays but can also be reached by ferry from Split or ferry from Dubrovnik. The ferries are more frequent during the summer months but are available off-season as well.

Korčula town is quite old and it’s cathedral even dates back to 1301. The history of Korčula is lengthy and they’ve experienced rule from a variety of cultures over the years – from the Venetian to the Austrians. All those various influences are present in the town and island and make it a unique place to visit in Croatia.

As a small town, Korčula has a wonderfully pleasant and lowkey vibe even during the height of summer. There are charming cafes with ocean side seating and even a cocktail bar on the roof of a fortress turret (Massimo Bar).

On the weekend there is a charming farmer’s market just outside the main entrance to the old town. And there are many merchants and shops in the old town that sell traditional Croatian jewelry and other items (Zlatarna aura in the old town is lovely).

Find the best accommodation in Korčula here.

See the best Korčula tours here.

Recommended by Nichola from Globalmouse Travels

Krk Island is a fantastic getaway in Croatia, an island retreat but with so much there it can keep you captivated for as long as you have.

It’s easy to get to Krk, there’s a spectacular bridge that crosses from the mainland making it easy to drive across. You can also fly into Krk if you’re visiting during the summer season.

This island is somewhere to come and enjoy the scenery. Stop at the beaches – Oprna, Vela plaža, and Sveti Marek are just some of those worth taking the time out to enjoy but explore and find your own favorite. Head into the main town of Krk Town which is absolutely beautiful and packed full of history. Walk through its picturesque cobbled streets and stop in one of the restaurants for food overlooking the sea.

Krk is perfect for a Croatia family holiday with some great accommodation scattered through the island and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Find the best accommodation on Krk island here .

Recommended by Anjali from Travel Melodies

Vis Island is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Croatia. The island was unreachable until 1989 as it served as a Yugoslav military naval base. It still is the remotest of all the islands in Croatia and is thus a special place.

From historical masterpieces to cultural gems to stunning nature to far off caves to charming villages to one-of-a-kind beaches – there’s never a dull moment on Vis island!

Start with Viska Luka, a beautiful harbor, and make your way towards one of the oldest and the most beautiful parts of Vis, Kut. It’s a delight to walk the 17th-century limestone courtyards and passageways with charming extended balconies.

Another gem of a place on Vis island is Komiža, a quaint historic fishing village. St. Nicholas Monastery, Our Lady of the Pirates church, and Komiza Fortress are the main attractions in Komiža.

Taking a boat tour from Komiza to Biševo to witness the unusual natural wonder in Croatia, the Blue Cave comes highly recommended.

You can’t leave Vis before you spend time on one or two of its unique beaches. Stiniva, Srebrna, and Stončica remain our favorites.

You have options to book a catamaran, a ferry (Jadrolinija), or a speedboat to get to Vis island from Split.

Find the best accommodation on Vis Island here .

Recommended by Ella from Many More Maps

The Blue Cave on the small island of Biševo is one of Croatia’s most popular tourist attractions, and it’s easy to see why. Although it was a well-kept secret between locals and fishermen, boats have only been able to enter the cave since 1884, when an entryway was carved into the stone.

What’s so special about the cave is that, during daylight hours, the rays of the sun that are able to get through an underwater opening to the cave illuminate it in an eerie blue glow. Entering the cave instantly transports visitors to another place, and the effect is almost otherworldly.

The best way to see the Blue Cave is on a tour from Split, Hvar, or any of the other nearby islands. All tours drop you off at Biševo and provide you with tickets for the Blue Cave which will be included in the price of your tour. You will then be transported to the Blue Cave by the island’s official tour provider. If you visit independently, you’ll still have to wait at Biševo to visit the Blue Cave with their official tour provider, so you don’t really save that much money.

Find the best Blue Cave tours here .

Hvar Island

Recommended by Ellie from Ellie’s Travel Tips

Known for clear blue waters, rich historical heritage, and gorgeous scenery, Hvar Island should be the first stop on any vacation in Croatia. Hvar is home to picturesque towns and villages, pristine beaches, and beautiful lavender fields. The translucent waters found right off the coast should be reason enough to visit! Split, Dubrovnik, and Brac are home to the closest airports, where one would then need to tax a bus, taxi, or car and ferry to Hvar.

Malo Zarace is a little slice of heaven, as a cliffside beach found in one of Hvar’s secluded bays. This spot is a perfect beachy destination to avoid the crowds while still experiencing relaxation. Take in the incredible views of Hvar from Spanjola Fortress. The views, overlooking the red roofs and white walls of the old town below, are extraordinary. Later, walk the historic cobbled streets of Stari Grad—the epitome of a rustic Mediterranean town.

From the crystal-blue waters to the white-washed towns, Hvar Island is a perfect destination for any vacation in Croatia.

Find the best accommodation on Hvar Island here .

Recommended by Monique from Trip Anthropologist

Hvar island is a popular trip from Dubrovnik for travelers to Croatia. Not many tourists venture across the island to one of the very oldest towns in Europe, Stari Grad .

Stari Grad is only a 25-minute drive from Hvar Town and there are regular ferry services from major destinations in Croatia. There are seven ferries daily from Split and the trip takes an hour.

Located at the end of the long Grad Bay, the town is unusual because of the age of its stone buildings and cobbled streets, dating back to 384 BCE!

The long seaside promenade, the Riva, is lined with palm trees and is full of cafes, shops, and restaurants. The old stone squares (including Skor square) are surrounded by Baroque and medieval houses.

Medieval streets, especially Srinja kola, the Roman murals, Tvrdalj Palace, the Dominican Monastery, and the 9th century St. Stephen’s church are must-see sites in beautiful Stari Grad!

Find the best accommodation in Stari Grad here .

Elaphiti Islands

Recommended by Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple

The Elaphiti Islands are a cluster of 14 magnificent islands in the Adriatic Sea, located in the north of Dubrovnik. Only three out of these 14 islands are inhibited – Sipan, Lopud, and Kolocep. These islands are well connected by ferry services and are one of the popular day trips from Dubrovnik.

Sipan (pronounced as She-pan) is the largest island in the archipelago, offering small yet stunning pebble beaches, hiking, and walking paths punctuated with palm trees. Lopud is the second largest of the Elaphiti archipelago and a car-free island. Lopud is also a popular choice of the island, more particularly for the sandy stretch of Sunj bay. Kolecep island is known for its century-old pine trees, gardens, and fine beaches.

While each of these islands deserves a day, it is possible to see these three islands on the same day through organized tours. However, if you prefer a slow-paced journey and laid back lifestyle, Elaphiti islands are a perfect choice to escape the crowds of Dubrovnik for a few days, or even a week!

Recommended by Cindy from Travel Bliss Now

Pučišća is often listed as one of the prettiest villages in Europe. It’s nestled in a deep cove on the island of Brač, one of Croatia’s least developed islands. It’s perfect for visitors who want to relax.

The village is known for its stone masonry and visitors can see these traditions at a local school. The white limestone from the island was used in Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the White House in Washington. The sparkling white stone houses lining the streets of Pučišća make it one of the most charming towns in Croatia .

Visitors will enjoy exploring the coves and pebbled beaches nearby. Across the island near Bol is one of the best beaches on the Adriatic, Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn). Sports enthusiasts can go cycling, scuba diving, or windsurfing.

Restaurants in town serve traditional food, especially locally raised lamb. The best place to stay in Pučišća is the Puteus Palace Heritage Hotel, a luxury hotel in the 15th-century palace.

It’s easy to get to Pučišća. Take a one-hour ferry from Split to Supetar on the north coast of Brač and grab a taxi for a peaceful getaway in this coastal town.

Find the best accommodation in Pučišća here .

Places to visit in mainland Croatia

Zagreb, the largest city and the capital of Croatia, is often overlooked by tourists who prefer to visit seaside destinations in the country. But Zagreb deserves more attention too and it is actually one of Croatia best places to visit!

This is such an interesting and beautiful city. You will find there beautiful architecture from the turn of the 19th and 20th century, centuries-old historical buildings, one of the most impressive cemeteries in Europe, and many great museums , including the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships.

If you are after some alternative attractions , including street art – Zagreb has them too! The list of things to do in Zagreb is really long and you will find something interesting for yourself for sure!

If you want to relax there are many great cafes where you can stop for a coffee and watch the world go by. In the evening you can attend a play in the national theater – the tickets are affordable and the interior of the theater is simply stunning!

Zagreb can be also a great base for some day trips in the central part of Croatia, you might even go for a quick detour to Slovenia .

Read more about Zagreb:

• 25 Wonderful Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia
• 8 Zagreb museums you can’t miss
• Photo walk through street art Zagreb
• Alternative Zagreb guide
• Visit Zagreb, Croatia – the hidden gem of Europe

Find the best accommodation in Zagreb here .

See the best Zagreb tours here .

Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most popular and beautiful places in Croatia and it is famous for a reason.

The beautiful karst region in the central part of the country brings over a million visitors each year enticed by the view of stunning waterfalls and walk around the numerous lakes. There are a few different routes to explore the park, from short paths to hikes that take up to 8 hours of sightseeing. Most of the places are easily accessible and don’t require to be fit, however good shoes are recommended since some of the paths might be slippery.

Plitvice Lakes National Park definitely lives up to its hype and no matter which path you will choose and how long you will spend at the site, you will be amazed as the views can take your breath away. The national park is open all year long and you can visit it every season since it’s always beautiful however it can get rather crowded and expensive in the holiday season.

Read more about Plitvice Lakes:

• Day trip from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes

Find the accommodation near Plitvice Lakes here .

See the best Plitvice Lakes tours here .

Samobor is a small and charming town, located only 20 km away from Zagreb and well connected with the capital by the frequent buses. This is actually the easiest of all the day trips from Zagreb .

It was founded in the mid-13th century as a free royal town and has been a popular tourist destination already since the beginning of the 19th century, attracting hunters and hikers. Today it is a sleepy town with Baroque architecture, a popular destination for a day trip from Zagreb.

The center of the town is at King Tomislav Square – the vibrant main square lined with beautiful architecture and numerous cafes where you can sit down over a cup of coffee and a famous local cream cake – kremšnita.

Samobor is surrounded by beautiful nature and you can go hiking in the area. The most popular hike is to the ruins of Samobor castle, around half an hour from the center. A few kilometers north of the town, towards the border with Slovenia, you can visit Grgos Cave – one of the most beautiful caves in Croatia.

Many tourists who visit Croatia might know the name Karlovac since that’s where the popular local beer – Karlovačko – is made. But the city itself is an interesting place to visit too. It is located 50 km away from Zagreb, with good train and bus connections, and can be a nice option for a day trip from the capital.

The city was founded at the end of the 16th century as a fortress to protect the area from the Ottoman Empire. The said fortress, built on the shape of a star, is one of the city’s main attractions. Inside it, you can find the central part of the town with the buildings from the times of the Habsburg Empire. Even though some of the places need renovations (Karlovac was badly destroyed during the Yugoslav War) this is such a pleasant area to visit, although a bit sleepy.

The city has also plenty of green, leisure areas in parks or along the river Kupa. Not far from the center you can also visit Renaissance Dubovac Castle from the 15th century, overlooking the city.

Osijek, with a population of around 85 thousand inhabitants, is the fourth-largest city in Croatia. Located in the eastern part of the country near the border with Serbia, this is not the most popular of destinations in Croatia yet it is still worth visiting.

The center of the town is really pleasant, with some beautiful art-nouveau houses from the times of the Habsburg Empire, still bearing the scars from the 1990s Yugoslav War. You will find the prettiest houses along Europska avenija.

The most impressive building of Osijek is the Church of St Peter and St Paul – a neo-Gothic masterpiece from the end of the 19th century, one of the most beautiful churches you can find in Croatia and the highest building in the country (outside of Zagreb).

The old town – Tvrđa – is located at the edge of the center, in the place where the former Habsburg fortress used to be (hence the name of the place, Tvrđa = Fortress). Don’t miss it during your trip to Osijek – it’s a bit decayed but therefore still authentic, with cobbled streets and Baroque architecture.

Find the best accommodation in Osijek here .

Vukovar is often overlooked by tourists visiting Croatia yet this is one of the most important places in the country, known also as the hero-city. It is located in the eastern part of the country, near Osijek and right on the border with Serbia , and is a perfect stop when traveling from Novi Sad to Zagreb (both cities can be reached by bus).

The city originally dates back to the 13th century and over the years it was the important harbor on the Danube river. The whole world learned about Vukovar in 1991 when the city was in the center of the dramatic Yugoslav War. The siege of Vukovar was cruel, it took 87 days and resulted in the destruction of 99% of the city and around eight thousand casualties (mostly civilians).

The symbol of the town, the destroyed water tower, was left intact after the war to remind about the heroic resistance of Vukovar. Another important place is the local hospital with the memorial space in the basement – it’s such a moving place, telling the story of the 1991 tragedy and showing how the institution used to work at that time.

These days Vukovar is a sleepy yet interesting place to visit. Besides the war-related places, you can wander around the small but pleasant center, visit the Baroque Eltz Manor from the 18th century that hosts the city museum (you can see the palace on the 20 kuna banknote) or the Franciscan monastery with St Philip and Jacob Church (the third-largest church in Croatia).

In the summertime, you can go for a cruise on the Danube or relax on the river island.

Read more about Vukovar here:

• Vukovar, Croatia – the Heroic Town on the Danube

Find the best accommodation in Vukovar here .

Varaždin is probably the prettiest town in northern Croatia, located 80 km from Zagreb, near the border with Slovenia and Hungary . Founded in the 12th century, for a very short time (1756-1776) this was the capital of Croatia.

Today the town is known mostly for its beautiful Baroque old town and numerous attractions. To see them all you would need some 2-3 days in Varaždin but if you are running out of time it can be also visited as a day trip from Zagreb.

When in Varaždin don’t miss the 14th century Stari Grad fortress (you might know it from the 5 kuna banknote) as well as numerous palaces and churches, a fine example of the Baroque architecture. But the best thing to do in Varaždin is to just wander around the winding lanes in the center and enjoy the atmosphere of this charming town.

Find the best accommodation in Varaždin here .

Map of the best places to visit in Croatia

To give you a better idea of where all these great places are located, here is the map with all of them:

Final thoughts on visiting Croatia

As you can see the list of amazing destinations in Croatia is really long and that’s still not all Croatia has to offer. Every second place there deserve a visit so while you can use this overview of best places to visit in Croatia as the general guide, I’m sure you will find even more extraordinary spots there.

Croatia is truly amazing and I’m sure you will fall in love with it and enjoy it to the fullest!

Travel Resources

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Croatia

Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Croatia here.

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

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Bryson Fico

Krka National Park is stunning and your photographs are stunning. The waterfalls remind me of Havasupai Falls in Arizona, USA. The boardwalk is a nice touch. The towns in Croatia with the cobblestone streets are striking. Thank you for a great guide.

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it. Agree that Croatia is such an interesting place to visit!

This is a nice list of best places in Croatia. I live in this country, but I haven’t been to all places, mostly islands. You can easily make list of 100 best places in Croatia and still not cover them all. We have nice towns, cities, mountains, hills, beaches etc.

Agree, there are so many amazing places to visit in Croatia. I still have many I would like to see there, hopefully when it’s safer to travel I will be back there!

Your post focused mainly on coast places. It is very beautifull. But mainland Croatia has still a lot to offer. Just to name a few suggestions. Đakovo – the most beautiful cathedral between Venice and Istanbul (as said by pope St. John 23rd). Đurđevac – the legend of how one rooster Picok saved the town. Koprivnica – renaissance festival. Sinj – pilgrimage place. Also known for the Sinjska Alka festival in august. Knin – biggest fortress in Croatia. Virovitica – beautiful castle. Ludbreg – legend says it is The center of the world. Krapina – Neanderthal museum. And many more places.

Thank you for the recommendations!

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Wander-Lush

33 Most Beautiful Places in Croatia for 2024: Islands, Old Towns, Cities & More

The ultimate list of the 33 most beautiful places in Croatia to visit – from picture-perfect old towns to stunning beaches, waterfalls, and everything in between.

With 1,700 kilometres of coastline, no fewer than 1,246 islands, 8 national parks and countless seaside towns, rural villages and charming old cities, Croatia really is a feast for the eyes.

Whether you’re planning a road trip through the Balkans , looking for a quick city break or dreaming of the perfect island vacation, this list of the most beautiful places in Croatia has something for every itinerary.

If I missed your favourite place, let me know in the comments at the end!

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Croatia essentials

Here are my favourite resources to help you organise your trip to Croatia.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Croatia on Skyscanner .

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance. Get 5% off when you use my link.

CAR HIRE: Use Local Rent to hire a budget-friendly car from a local agent (prices start from 30€/day) or jump on the Discover Cars website to hire a car through an international company.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel and apartment deals on Booking.com , the most popular booking platform in Croatia.

TOP-RATED CROATIA DAY TRIP: Five Island Speedboat Tour Featuring the Blue Cave and Hvar from Split (book through Viator).

How to visit the most beautiful places in Croatia

Most of the destinations mentioned here are easy to reach by bus or ferry (I’ve included brief details for each one below). But to see more of the country, I highly recommend renting a car and setting off on a Croatia road trip.

Driving in Croatia will give you freedom to explore harder-to-reach corners, small towns, and stay at more remote, unique accommodations.

I personally use Discover Cars to check the best rates on a rental car whenever I’m in Europe. Click here to browse their offerings and choose from pickup locations in Zagreb, Istria, or anywhere on the Dalmatian Coast.

For ferry and speedboat tickets in Croatia, I recommend using Bookaway . The platform allows you to search up-to-date routes and fares, compare prices on different companies, and pay online securely. It’s easy to change your ticket or get a refund if plans change. Click here to browse the latest ferry schedules on Bookaway .

The most beautiful cities in Croatia

Not only are these Croatian cities pretty in their own right, each one is a perfect base for exploring more of the country.

A breath of fresh air after the crowds on the Dalmatian Coast, northern Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula is a treasure trove of charming towns and villages . The port city of Rovinj is one of the larger cities and most popular destinations in Istria, luring tourists with its gorgeous cobbled streets, colourful buildings and lively fishing harbour.

Like many settlements along this stretch of the Adriatic, Rovinj was first established by the Venetians and Ilyrians then captured by Rome. Originally an island, it was only connected to the mainland in 1763.

The old part of the city – the rounded peninsula that was an island until the channel was filled in – is the prettiest part of Rovinj, with curved streets, Roman gates, piazzas, a surplus of Italian-style cafes , and the elegant Church of St. Euphemia right in the centre.

Swim at Plaza Balota or find a captain in the harbour to take you out for a day of island-hopping between the 19 islets just off the coast, a must-do when visiting Croatia .

Summer is peak season in Rovinj, so it’s nice to visit in shoulder season when the streets are quiet and the leathersmith and bootmaker workshops are the only stores open. Because of its position, Rovinj is an ideal base for exploring the rest of the Istrian coast.

• Get there: Fly into Pula Airport (40-minute drive) or take a bus from Zagreb, Piran in Slovenia or Trieste in Italy.
• Where to stay: Guest house Sotto I Volti is a charming stone apartment building accessed via one of the old town’s winding alleyways.

Croatia’s biggest city is often overlooked by travellers whose attention is drawn to the beautiful beaches and national parks in the south. But this is one of the most liveable capitals in the Balkans region and not one to miss if you’re a fan of beautiful architecture.

Zagreb is arranged in two parts: The Upper Town (Gradec) and the Lower Town. A third neighbourhood, New Zagreb, sits on the opposite side of the Sava River that flows through the city.

One of the most important landmarks in historic Zagreb is St. Mark’s Parish Church, with its vibrant tiled roof bearing twin coats of arms. The nearby St. Catherine’s is one of the finest Baroque churches in the country.

Admire the glass ceiling at Oktogon, the Secessionist-style tiled facade at Kallina house, rummage through vibrant produce at the Dolac Market, and wander through Lenuci Horseshoe (‘the Green Horseshoe’), a U-shaped configuration of city squares and parks in downtown.

Don’t miss the Mirogoj City Cemetery, a sprawling park filled with ornate tombstones and mausoleums on the city’s northern side. This is the final resting place for some of Zagreb’s most important residents and historical figures. It’s a sombre place, yet the cloisters, domes and ivy-covered walls make it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Zagreb .

• Get there: Fly into Zagreb International Airport or take a train from Ljubljana, Slovenia .
• Where to stay: Bed & Breakfast Sky City Center is just 100m from the Dolac Market and features stunning views over Zagreb’s main plaza.

3. Dubrovnik

By Haley from Haley Blackall Travel

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Croatia. This small coastal city of around 50,000 people is nestled at the Southern tip of the country between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro .

Dubrovnik is a seafront city with a big personality, with stunning old town architecture, red-roofs and a fascinating history. Instantly recognisable thanks to its King’s Landing Game of Thrones fame, it’s become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.

The Old Town of Dubrovnik is a must-see. This fortified area holds plenty of historical sites within its boundaries, including the Pile Gate, Rector’s Palace and St. Ignatius Church.

Peruse the streets, enjoy a gelato and people watch to your heart’s content. Then head up to the fortress walls for a bird’s eye view of the Old Town. Be sure to wake up early in order to beat the crowds.

Also read: The best places to visit in Croatia in the off-season .

Afternoons are best for relaxing at Banji Beach, a beautiful white pebbled strip a 5-minute taxi ride east of Old Town. For sunset, take the cable car to the summit of Mount Srd for panoramic views of the city and beautiful coastline.

Dubrovnik is Croatia’s main port and the departure point for family-friendly boat trips and adult only cruises around the Adriatic and the Mediterranean.

• Get there: Fly into Dubrovnik Airport or take a bus from anywhere in Croatia.
• Where to stay: If you need a comfortable, compact base for exploring the old town, City Center Rooms boasts views of Old Dubrovnik’s rooftops from every window.

Another gem on the northern Adriatic, the Istrian city of Pula is known for one thing: The Pula Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in Europe.

Built on a low hill, the arena comprises 72 limestone arches that tower 100 feet high. When it was completed around 27 BC, the theatre could accommodate up to 23,000 spectators.

Today, there is a small museum inside the grounds – but you don’t even need to step inside to be floored by the structure’s immense scale and exquisite engineering. All you need to do is take a walk around the perimeter. It’s especially nice at sunset, when beams of light peek through the stone arches.

The arena is still used today to host music performances and a film festival so if you’re lucky enough to be in town when there’s a show playing, make sure you snap up tickets.

For a bird’s eye view of the arena, head to the top of Fortress Kastel. Other points of interest in Pula are a second, smaller arena and the city’s Roman ruins: The Gate of Hercules, Arch of the Sergii, and the Temple of Augustus. These landmarks can all be found in the centre of the city, walking distance from the harbour.

• Get there: Fly into Pula International Airport or travel from Rovinj by bus .
• Where to stay: Apartment Irma is ideally located in the heart of the old town, close to the arena, the Olive Oil Museum, and Pula’s other main attractions.

European Capital of Culture in 2020, Rijeka is the country’s third-largest city and a hub for literature and the arts. Its strategic location at the point where the Istrian Peninsula meets continental Croatia – and its deepwater port – have moulded Rijeka into a multicultural city.

Croat, Serb, Bosniak and Italian communities are all united by their dialect of Venetian language, Fiuman, which is still spoken by around 20,000 people.

Rijeka’s diversity has also shaped the city’s skyline, with a mix of Habsburg-era buildings, Venetian houses and colourful architecture typical of a Croatian fishing port. Life centres on the harbour, while Trsat Fortress behind the city is a must-visit for panoramic views.

As you wander the idyllic Old Town, keep an eye out for the rotunda-shaped Cathedral of St. Vitus, one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks.

Rijeka is the perfect destination for an offbeat city break while also offering easy access to hiking trails in Risnjak National Park. To the south of the city, a strip of coast around Sablicevo Beach offers rocky coves and white-sand beaches perfect for swimming.

• Get there: Fly into Rijeka International Airport or take a bus from anywhere in Croatia.
• Where to stay: Located on the western side of Rijeka and surrounded by cool, leafy forest, Apartmani Palmas Rijeka offers simple but comfortable apartments and suites.

The capital of eastern Croatian’s overlooked region of Slavonia, Osijek is Croatia’s fourth-largest city and unofficial gastronomic capital. This is one destination to save your appetite for: Local Slavonian specialties including Kulen sausage and Riblji paprikaš fish both make heavy use of paprika – a nod to the city’s Habsburg heritage.

Osijek sits on the Drava river, close to the Danube that flows to Novi Sad and Northern Serbia , and is a very multicultural and historic city as a result. Despite all the different influences that have permeated the city over the centuries, Osijek has its own unique Slavonian cultural heritage that includes Croatia’s biggest Tambura festival (held annually in May) and summer fairs.

No matter the season, be sure to visit Osijek’s most beautiful landmarks: The Co-Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, a stunning Neo-Gothic church built in 1898, and Ante Starčević Square with its historic architecture.

Osijek was the site of a major battle in 1991-1992 and you can see the scars of this quite clearly in the bullet pockmarks around town. Be sure to pay your respects at the War of Independence memorial and visit the iconic ‘Red Fiat’ ( Crveni fićo ), an unusual and moving tribute to an Osijek local who held off troops with his little red car.

• Get there: Take a train (5 hours) or bus (~4 hours) from Zagreb.
• Where to stay: The Bridge is a boutique apartment with free onsite parking.

7. Varazdin

Located in northeastern Croatia close to the borders with Hungary and Slovenia , Varazdin (Varaždin) is home to one of the best-preserved old towns in continental Croatia. This might not be what first comes to mind when you think of Croatia – it’s a long way from the coast! – but Varadzin is beautiful in its own way.

The city is famed for its Baroque and Rococo buildings as well as its medieval fortress. Combined, these create a distinctive urban landscape that’s loaded with history. The Drava River runs through Varadzin, painting a backdrop to the 17th-century Sermage Palace and the Lisak Tower, part of the old city walls.

For a memorable experience, attend the changing-of-the-guard ceremony at Varadzin’s town hall, which takes place every Saturday. Don’t miss seeing the Croatian National Theatre (1873) designed by celebrated Viennese architects Herman Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner.

Varadzin is also known for its colourful festivals including the Baroque Music Festival, held annually since 1971 and Spancir, a street festival that takes place every September.

• Get there: Take a train (~4 hours) or bus (2 hours) from Zagreb.
• Where to stay: This Luxury apartment in the heart of Varazdin is spacious, beautifully decorated and well-appointed for a long stay.

8. Koprivnica

Koprivnica is the capital of the Koprivnica-Križevci county and another charming city in Croatia’s north, not far from Varadzin. Like its close neighbour, Koprivnica has sprawling green spaces, flat roads perfect for exploring by bicycle, and dozens of historical buildings.

For much of its history Koprivnica was a ‘border town’, marking the place where the influences of the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire met. The town visitors see today was mainly constructed in the 1860s, the same time the old fortifications were torn down and the new railway built.

The Koprivnica Synagogue (1875) is one of the city’s most beautiful buildings and a must-visit.

• Get there: Take a train from Zagreb (~2 hours) or drive from Varadzin (1 hour).
• Where to stay: Apartment Cecilia Koprivnica is a comfortable family-style guesthouse with a large garden and old-fashioned hospitality.

Conveniently located in central Dalmatia, the city of Sibenik (Šibenik) is the perfect destination for exploring the beaches and old towns along Croatia’s southern coast. Krka National Park – one of the country’s most pristine natural landscapes (coming up later on this list!) – is easily reached from Sibenik too.

Sibenik differs from other settlements in the area because it was originally founded by Croats. The city has had a tumultuous recent history, with many of its most prized pieces of historical architecture damaged during the Croatian War of Independence in the early 1990s.

The dome of the Sibenik Cathedral of St. James – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – was one such edifice wrecked in the bombings but has since been restored. Today, it’s Sibenik’s main landmark and visitors’ first port of call.

Sibenik has a quartet of fortresses: St Michael’s, St John’s, Barone Fortress and St Nicholas Fortress on the island of Ljaljevic (another UNESCO Site). Each one offers unique panoramas so to see Sibenik from every angle, it’s mandatory to visit all four.

Beautiful in its own right, the Kornati archipelago off Sibenik’s western coast is the densest in the Mediterranean, comprising 150 islands of various sizes and topographies.

• Get there: Fly into Split Airport (1 hour drive), take a train from Split or a bus from anywhere in Croatia.
• Guided day trip: Full-day tour from Split or Trogir , with Sibenik Old Town and a visit to Krka River and national park for the Skradinski Buk and Roski Slap waterfalls.
• Where to stay: Apartmani Rina offers simple, well-appointed rooms and breathtaking sea views from the breakfast terrace.

By Raluca from Travel With A Spin

Zadar lies on the Dalmatian coast, on the way from Zagreb to Dubrovnik , a little under 300km from the capital. It’s lesser known than the other two Croatian cities, yet it’s a surprisingly nice place to visit.

First and foremost, Zadar has a gorgeous old town with Roman ruins, pretty squares, picturesque stone fountains and smooth cobblestone streets that sparkle in the sunlight just like an ice rink. Secondly, there’s a tower one can climb to see all this from above.

Other attractions to look out for in the city centre are the Roman Forum, Kalelarga, the largest street in the old town, People Square, the Square of the Five Fountains, the City Walls, and Queen Jelena Madije Park, the oldest public greenspace in Croatia.

But the heart of Zadar is in fact its seafront. Every evening, locals and tourists alike flock to the water’s edge to walk and chat. Besides the Mediterranean atmosphere, two works of public art draw everyone’s attention. One of them is a massive musical instrument powered by the sea waves, the ‘Sea Organ’. The second one is a huge panel powered by the light of the sun, called ‘Greeting to the Sun’.

There is no beach in the old town, but visitors can take a short 10-minute bus ride to Borik just outside the touristic area.

• Get there: Fly into Zadar International Airport or take a bus from anywhere in Croatia.
• Where to stay: Greta Residence (near the Church of St. Donatus) has spacious, stylish rooms just footsteps from all of Zadar’s biggest attractions.

By Trijit from BudgetTravelBuff

Also on the Dalmatian Coast, Split is a charming Mediterranean city just 4 hours’ drive from Dubrovnik. Split Airport is well connected to the rest of the world, while train, bus, and ferry services are available from other Croatian cities.

Split is historically significant; a place where the Romans left their mark with ancient walls, columns and medieval streets. Like Dubrovnik, filming for Game of Thrones took place here.

Split is safe and perfect for anyone who’s looking for a solo travel destination in Europe . Although Split is a small city, it has plenty of things to offer.

Start your day by visiting the Diocletian’s Palace, which was built in 305 AD as a retirement home for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Now it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most-visited places in the area.

Old Town of Split is a great place to enjoy a stroll through the narrow streets and cobblestoned lanes. People’s Square is located at the heart of the Old Town and filled with little cafes and restaurants. To get the best view of the city, you must climb the Bell Tower of St. Domnius Cathedral, which is considered the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world.

• Get there: Fly into Split International Airport or take a bus from anywhere in Croatia.
• Where to stay: There is no shortage of apartments and guesthouses in Split – for something well-positioned and well-priced, try Central Rooms Split .

Most beautiful towns in Croatia

Compact, walkable and oozing with old-world charm, these coastal and rural towns are the very best Croatia has to offer.

12. Motovun

By Coni from Experiencing the Globe

In the middle of the Istrian Peninsula overlooking the Mirna River Valley, medieval white and terracotta-roofed buildings spot a hill in the truest Tuscany style. It won’t come as a surprise that about half of the less than 1,000 inhabitants of Motovun still speak Italian, and call their town Montona d’Istria.

Strolling around, you’ll recognise the Venetian colonial architecture, with elements of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles. Don’t miss the 17th century Church of St. Stephen and its 13th century Bell Tower, nor the Municipal Palace in the central square.

But the absolute ‘must’ when visiting the town is the Motovun Forest, a specially protected area of 280 hectares (690 acres) known for its prized black and white truffles and the slopes where Teran and Malvazija grapes are grown for Istrian wine.

If you don’t want to get up close with the outdoors, this is the perfect destination to splurge, especially if you’re visiting Croatia in winter . Get a table in one of the restaurants overlooking the rolling Istrian countryside and sample the ingenious ways in which the chefs present the local truffles, perfectly paired with wine.

There are public buses going to Motovun from other Istrian towns, but the easiest way to get there and around is by driving.

• Get there: Fly into Pula International Airport (1 hour drive) or take a bus from Rijeka (75 minutes) or Rovinj (50 minutes).
• Where to stay: The panoramic town and valley views from the terrace at Villa Borgo B&B in the heart of Motovun old town cannot be beat. If the season is right, truffle hunting expeditions can be arranged at the front desk!

While the entire Hvar Island is a paradise in Croatia (find more things to do on Hvar later on this list), one of the highlights is undoubtedly the small town of Jelsa. Surrounded by pine forests and greenery, Jelsa sits in the centre of the island, east of Hvar Stari Grad, and has a beautiful bay and long sliver of coastline all to itself.

Today the town has fewer than 4,000 residents, but Jelsa has a long history of habitation dating back to at least 1331. The Gradina peninsula is a hotbed of culture and archaeological ruins – here you can view the remnants of the old city wall that once encircled Jelsa’s houses and churches.

Jelsa’s location on a sloping ridge means there are dozens of observation points in and around town where you can hike up for stunning water views. The fortress of Tor reveals views all the way to Brac and the Makarska coast, while the Ilyrian Grad Fortress teeters above an ancient trade road.

Other points of interest in Jelsa include the 14th century Church of St. Mary, with its bell tower and unique statue of the Madonna carved from wood. Croatian Renaissance Square, the town’s main square, has an ancient water spring and is walking distance from the lush Perivoj public gardens, with its oleander and bay laurel trees, and its curious statues.

• Get there: Take a taxi or bus from the Hvar ferry port (10-15 minutes).

By Jackie from Jou Jou Travels

Hum is situated in the central part of Istria, an hour from Rovinj and adjacent to Zagreb. With a population of only 30 people, Hum is famous for being the smallest town in the world – as recognised by the Guinness World Records.

According to legend, Hum was founded by giants who had only a few stones left to build a city – thus they created a miniature town with what was left.

If you’re planning a road trip through Istria , Hum should be a fixture of your itinerary. You can combine a visit to the town with other towns and cities nearby such as Rovinj, Pula, Motovun, and Groznjan. You only need an hour or two to see everything Hum has to offer.

You don’t need an agenda or a plan: Just walk and admire the architecture and surrounding nature. The town is very simple with a cemetery, twin churches and just one restaurant called Humska Konoba, where you can try Istrian food.

Thanks to the Medieval vibes, visiting Hum feels like travelling back in time. Don’t miss it – even if it’s just to say you’ve visited the smallest town in the world.

• Get there: Fly into Pula International Airport (1 hour drive) or take a bus from Rijeka (1 hour).
• Where to stay: With its rustic stone facade and blue shutters, House Vera is a typical Istrian villa fitted out with all the mod-cons you need for a comfortable stay.

15. Groznjan

Groznjan (Grožnjan) is known as Grisignana in Italian and like Motovun, has a rich history and a deep connection to Italy. Whether viewed from afar or up-close when walking the cobbled streets, Groznjan’s cloisters, paved alleys and stone piazzas make this one of the most picturesque towns in Istria.

Despite its diminutive size (fewer than 1,000 people call Groznjan home), the town has two dozen art galleries and hosts a popular jazz festival every July – hence why the town has earned the nickname ‘The City of Artists’.

From its perch on a flat-topped hill, Groznjan overlooks vineyards and olive groves. The soil in this area is mineral-rich and perfect for growing both grapes and organic produce, which has in turn made this area wildly popular for agritourism.

It’s also one of the most desirable destinations in Croatia for foodies, with taverns cooking up traditional Istrian fare using the glut of fresh produce available at their fingertips. Enotourists will be pleased to learn that some of Europe’s most underrated wines are made in this area.

• Get there: Fly into Pula International Airport (1 hour drive) or take a bus from Rovinj (1 hour).
• Where to stay: App Lidia is a gorgeous self-contained holiday house set in a traditional stone Istrian home, with exposed roof beams and a farm-style kitchen.

16. Primosten

By Martina from PlacesofJuma

Primosten (Primošten) is one of the most charming coastal towns in Croatia and a destination that should not be overlooked. This former fishing village is located in Dalmatia, between the famous cities of Split and Sibenik, and is ideal for an excursion or as a place to stop between the two.

The picturesque old town, which is located on a peninsula, is a real highlight and enchants with its narrow streets and beautiful old houses. While walking around, you will discover something beautiful at every corner. The restaurants in the old town are fabulous, too.

Not only is the town architecture beautiful, the magnificent beaches on the outskirts of Primosten are breathtaking. Seas off the town’s 10km of coastline are turquoise blue and crystal clear, and thus perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

One of the most important attractions in Primosten is the statue of Our Lady of Loretto. Located on a hill above town, the lookout here offers the most exquisite views.

• Get there: Fly into Split International Airport (40-minute drive) or take a bus from Sibenik (40 minutes).
• Guided day trip: Krka National Park tour from Split , with a stop in Primosten to wander the old town.
• Where to stay: Pansion Kamenar is in the centre of the Old Town features a huge rooftop terrace for sunset views .

Located in the hills above Split, Klis is known for its mountain fortress. The town surrounding the stone walls bears the same name and the same views of the coast. A quick bus ride from the city, Klis feels a world away from popular Split and is the perfect place to beat the crowds.

Overlooked by the dramatic peaks of the Klis mountain pass, the small town stretches out at the foot of the castle, it’s stone walls providing a picturesque backdrop to the collection of red-roofed houses.

Within the fortress complex, you’ll find one of only three preserved Ottoman-era mosques in Croatia. Down one of the streets in the town, a rare Turkish water fountain is another hint at this area’s history.

• Get there: Take a bus or drive from Split (30 minutes) or Sibenik (50 minutes).
• Guided day trip: Tour the Roman City of Salona, Klis Fortress and Trogir from Split .
• Where to stay: Holiday House Dora is a spacious two-bedroom property with a private pool and sea views.

If you’re arriving in Croatia at Split Airport, instead of heading east towards the city, make a detour west to the town of Trogir. The small island that holds Trogir Old Town – a sea of orange-topped houses that melt into the Adriatic beyond – is everything you imagine a beautiful Croatian town to look like, and then some.

On street level, Ciovo island blends Renaissance, Romanesque and Baroque architecture. UNESCO recognised the significance of Trogir’s Venetian buildings in 1997 when it named the entire historic centre a World Heritage Site.

Make a beeline to the Renaissance Chapel of St. John and climb the bell tower for a sweeping view before tracing your way along the preserved portions of the city wall. At sunset, head to the Tower Kamerlengo Trogir on the western end of the island for more spectacular views.

In between, visit some of the 10 churches on the island and wander the streets at will to discover what makes Trogir the best-preserved Romanesque-Gothic complex in all of Central Europe.

• Get there: Take a bus or drive from Sibenik (50 minutes) or Split (30 minutes).
• Where to stay: For old-world elegance in the heart of the Old Town, Dimora Picco Bello has delux doubles and suites with elegant furnishings.

By Helen from Helen on Her Holidays

Cavtat is a small seaside town at the very tip of Croatia’s Dalmatia region. Mid-way between Dubrovnik to the north and the border with Montenegro to the south, it’s a great place to stay when travelling around this part of Croatia.

Cavtat is set in a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay, backed by mountains. The edges of the bay are covered in dense pine forests, with walking trails and cosy beach bars nestled on the shoreline. The main promenade is lined with palm trees and is a popular place for visiting superyachts to moor. Despite this, the town itself feels remarkably unpretentious.

There are two particularly memorable experiences which you must not miss on a trip to Cavtat . The first is a trip to Dubrovnik by boat. Departing from Cavtat’s lovely bay, you’ll travel past some of the most gorgeous parts of the Croatian coast before arriving at Dubrovnik’s historic port.

The second is seeing the sunset. In summer, the sun sets directly between the two peninsulas which form the bay, with Dubrovnik in the distance.

After dark, you can see the lights of Old Town Dubrovnik twinkling as you sip your cocktail in one of Cavtat’s promenade bars. It’s a magical experience.

• Get there: Take a bus or drive from Dubrovnik (30 minutes).
• Where to stay: Apartments Ana Old Town is set in a charming stone house close on the peninsula, walking distance from the centre of Cavtat.

20. Makarska

By Martha from May Cause Wanderlust

Makarska is a busy harbour town on the Makarska Riviera, set against the imposing Biokovo Mountain. Visitors can explore the pretty town, its harbour, the Franciscan monastery and a botanical garden. If you prefer something more active, you can hike in the Biokovo Nature Park or even go parasailing.

There’s a lovely pebble beach, which is lined with fir trees and blessed with gorgeous sunsets. There are plenty of good restaurants to choose from in the town, too. You can use Makarska as a base from which to explore the wider area: there is a ferry connection to nearby Brac island, which has the famous Zlatni Rat Beach, and it’s possible to join organised tours of the small Croatian islands and coves.

Makarska is approximately 90km south of Split and 150km north of Dubrovnik, thus it could be a great stopover as part of your Croatian road trip.  There are also bus and ferry connections from the two cities.

However, the best way to get there is to sail! Sailing the Dalmatian Coast is really special, and Makarska often features as an overnight stop on organised sailing holidays in the area.

• Get there: Take a bus or drive from Split (75 minutes) or Dubrovnik (2.5 hours).
• Where to stay: Hotel Biokovo is a 3-minute walk from downtown Makarska and the central beaches.

21. Novalja

By Phil from JOURNICATION Travel Blog

Novalja on the island of Pag is certainly one of the lesser-known destinations in Croatia. Pag is located between tourist heavyweights Rijeka and Zadar. No matter where you are on the island, you can always see the sea!

The history of Novalja and its surrounding area goes back more than 2,000 years. The Romans used Caska on Pag as an important port on the Adriatic Sea. Today, the remains of their settlements are under water. Everywhere you go you can find great beaches and all kinds of water activities.

The beaches of Rucica in Metajna, Veli Zal in Zubovici and Strasko south of Novalja are all popular choices.

Novalja is also the starting point and accommodation hub for the party stronghold of Zrce, a pebble beach roughly 3km from the city centre. Iconic clubs such as Euphoria, Aquarius and Papaya are located directly on the beach and have hosted many famous artists over the years, including Swedish House Mafia, Tiesto and Robin Schulz.

Every day, after sunbathing and relaxing by the sea, the ‘After Beach Party’ takes place at Aquarius – comparable to Après Ski during winter vacations in the Alps.

So if you feel like a beach break combined with unforgettable parties to complement a visit to the nearby walled city of Dubrovnik , Novalja and Zrce Beach are a great addition to any Croatia itinerary.

• Get there: Take a bus or drive from Zadar (1.5 hours) or Rijeka (3 hours including a short ferry ride).
• Where to stay: The 4-star Boutique Hotel Boškinac has beautiful suites, a pool and wine cellar.

22. Korcula Island

By Athul from Our Backpack Tales

Popular for its wine scene and exquisite beaches, Korcula (Korčula) is a great choice for anyone seeking a peaceful break. The best way to spend your time in Korcula is to cycle around the vineyards, tasting local wines as you go.

Exploring historical Korcula town is another must. Don’t miss the Gothic-style St. Mark’s Cathedral or the Korcula Town Museum. If you’re visiting during the peak summer season, make time to see the Moreska sword dance, a traditional performance that conveys the story of two kings engaged in a sword fight.

As well as wine, Korcula has a couple of small breweries and plenty of pubs that serve amazing local beers. The seafood is a must-try, with Korcula serving up some of the freshest fish on the coast.

Korcula is only accessible by ferry from Split or Orebic. Times are fixed, so plan your trip accordingly.

• Get there: Take a ferry from Split (2.5 hours) or Orebic (20 minutes).
• Guided day trip: Full-day tour to Korcula from Dubrovnik , including a visit to a local winery.
• Where to stay: Located in Lumbarda on the eastern end of Korcula, Guesthouse Cipre is a traditional family style guesthouse close to white-sand beaches at Prvi Zal, Bilin Zal and Vela Przina.

Beautiful Croatian beaches & islands

Croatia is a nation known for its white-sand beaches and dreamy islands. Here is a short-list of the very best places for sun, sailing and surf.

23. Vis Island, One of the most beautiful places in Croatia

By Megan from Packing Up The Pieces

Hop on the ferry in Split and within 2 hours, you’ll find yourself on one of the most idyllic islands in all of Croatia, Vis. This island still remains an untouched hidden treasure, as most tourists choose to visit popular Hvar instead.

Vis is the perfect place to rent a scooter and breathe in that fresh Mediterranean air. Along the twisting roads, explore the many viewpoints, vineyards and specialty restaurants that prepare fresh seafood.

There is a wide range of beaches, most of them un-commercialised and undeveloped. It’s not unusual to see a lone nude sunbather enjoying the empty coastline! There are a few small boat trips you can take to circumnavigate the island and take in the highlights.

The charming village of Komiza is an ideal place to stay. Here, you’ll find plenty of cobblestone streets that lead to intimate oceanside restaurants. Across the tiny fishing port, explore the adjacent island of Bisevo. This tiny islet boasts its own grottoes (including a Blue Cave), and is a quick and easy boat ride away.

Vis is the best island in Croatia to slow down, relax, sip a glass of wine, and savour the simple moments.

• Get there: Take a catamaran from Hvar town (50 minutes) or a ferry from Split (1.5-2.5 hours).
• Guided day trip: Private tour of the 5 Islands by speedboat (including Vis and Hvar) with snorkelling and a visit to the Blue Cave (departs from Split or Trogir).
• Where to stay: Guesthouse Kod Tri Palme is 200m back from Vagan Beach, walking distance from both the harbour and Vis’s cafes and restaurants.

24. Hvar Island

Consistently listed among the world’s top 10 islands by Conde Nast Traveller , Hvar is a green island with a red-roofed old town typical of the Croatian coast wrapped in a blanket of sparkling coastline. From beaches and coves to the streets of Stari Grad, it really doesn’t get any more idyllic than this.

The interior of Hvar is perhaps the island’s biggest treasure: Vineyards, fruit orchards, groves of olive trees and even lavender fields dominate the centre. Follow the long road from east to west to explore the landscape and visit the small towns and villages dotted along the narrow island.

In Stari Grad, learn about Hvar’s history at the small museums before heading south to Hvar Old Town and summiting either the Spanish Fortress or more-remote Napoleon Fortress for sunset.

• Get there: Take a ferry from Split (60 minutes) or Brac island (30-60 minutes).
• Guided day trip: Full-day sailing tour of Hvar and the Paklinski Islands , with lunch at a local restaurant and sunset cocktails on the beach.
• Where to stay: For something different, Plage Cachée offers luxury glamping tents in Vrboska on Hvar’s northern shore, close to Zecevo Beach.

25. Zlatni Rat Beach (Golden Horn)

By Utkarsh from Journeys From Heart

Named one of the world’s best beaches , Zlatni Rat is by far the most popular stretch of shore in Croatia. Zlatni Rat means ‘Golden Horn’ in Croatian, a name that comes from its distinctive V-shape. This beautiful beach is so popular, it has become a national tourism symbol for Croatia.

The beach is located on Brac island, roughly 3km from the town of Bol. One can easily see the shape of the beach from the road that descends to the coast. If you prefer to travel by water, tourist boats depart for the beach regularly from Bol port.

The beach itself comprises fine white pebbles and is encircled by a Mediterranean pine grove that slowly transitions into the Adriatic. Strong currents from the Hvar channel make Zlatni Rat perfect for windsurfing, wakeboarding, jet skiing and sea kayaking, and there are many cafes, resorts and restaurants around the beach to choose from.

Zlatni Rat is known as ‘the beach that changes shape’ – because of the strong winds and currents, the V shape is constantly shifting, tilting mostly towards the east.

• Get there: Take a ferry from Makarska (1 hour).
• Guided day trip: Off-road tour of Brac Island with a local guide , with wine tasting, views from Vidova Gora and a chance to swim on Zlatni Rat Beach.
• Where to stay: Set on a winery in Bol, 20 minutes by foot from Zlatni Rat, Holiday Home Vineyard House is a secluded property with a private pool and sea views.

26. Elaphiti Islands

By Baia from Red Fedora Diary

The Elaphiti Islands is a small archipelago incorporating several islands northwest of Dubrovnik. Covering approximately 30 square-kilometres of land area, the rugged islands only have 850 inhabitants. Exploring the Elaphites is a perfect day trip from Dubrovnik if you want to get away from the crowds or do a bit of island hopping.

Incredibly, the exact number of Islands is unknown. However, as stated by a relatively recent analysis, the archipelago has 13 major islands as well as many smaller uninhabited islands.

Of these, the main ones to explore are Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep. These islands are permanently inhabited and the easiest to get to from Dubrovnik’s Gruz port, with daily ferries available.

The archipelago is a go-to destination for locals during the high season to relax on the relatively quiet beaches, while tourists enjoy historical sights, restaurants and sunbathing.

Kolocep used to be a significant shipbuilding area during the Republic of Ragusa and is home to seven pre-Romanesque churches dating from the 9th-11th centuries. Lopud is the second-largest island, featuring some of the best sandy beaches in the archipelago along with chapels, churches and monasteries.

The largest island, Sipan, has two hamlets: Sudurad and Sipanska Luka. Like the other islands, attractions here include noble houses, churches and monasteries, and many dining venues.

• Get there: Take a ferry from Dubrovnik (1 hour).
• Guided day trip: Elaphiti Islands day cruise from Dubrovnik , with snorkelling and lunch included.
• Where to stay: Hotel Bozica in Sudurad on Sipan is one of the finest hotels in the islands, with sea views from the terraces and pool deck, and an onsite restaurant that specialises in meals made from local, organic produce.

By Milijana of World Travel Connector

If you want to see what true paradise on earth looks like, you need to visit Mljet island near Dubrovnik . The greenest island in the Adriatic Sea, it’s home to the magnificent Mljet National Park, with gorgeous Aleppo pine and oak forests, stunning vineyards, olive groves, two inland saltwater lakes with charming islets, numerous beaches and hundreds of small coves.

The name of the island comes from the ancient Greek ‘Melita’, meaning honey. Legend says that Mljet is the mysterious Ogygia where Odysseus spent several years on his journeys. Today, visitors can swim and dive in the magical Odysseus Cave, famous for its spectacular light effects.

Bike, hike, and explore the island’s trails, swim and kayak in the Great and the Little Lake, visit a Benedictine monastery on the islet of Santa Maria, visit the ancient Roman palace on the island, dive and explore the marine life and an amphorae site, taste homemade local dishes prepared with fresh ingredients…

Just be careful because you might be so overcome by the beauty of Mljet, you’ll be tempted to stay on the island for several years just like Odysseus!

• Get there: Take a ferry from Dubrovnik (1.5 hours).
• Where to stay: Apartments Slavica overlooks the harbour at Pomena and is convenient to the island’s restaurants and beaches as well as the national park.

28. The Blue Lagoon (Krknjasi Bay)

By Ella from Many More Maps

Visiting the Blue Lagoon (AKA Krknjasi Bay) should be on every visitor’s Croatia bucket list. Nestled between the Dalmatian islands of Veliki and Krknjasi, the Blue Lagoon is an area of calm, clear and unbelievably blue water that travellers just can’t get enough of.  When island hopping in Croatia, this is an essential stop.

Visitors come to the Blue Lagoon to swim and snorkel in the refreshing water, snap photos, and sunbathe on nearby Veli Drvenik island, which you can swim up to from your boat.

Since it’s so remote, getting to the Blue Lagoon independently can be expensive and a lot of hassle, thus the most popular (and easiest) way to visit is on a 3 or 5 island boat tour from Split. Another option is to hire your own boat.

Tours usually stop off at the Blue Lagoon for between 60-90 minutes, which is plenty of time to explore the area and soak up its beauty.

• Get there: Join a day tour from Split or Trogir .

By Ruma from The Holiday Story

Cres, Croatia’s second-largest island , is not located in Dalmatia but rather off the country’s northern Adriatic Coast in Istria. This island has been inhabited since Paleolithic times and has witnessed countless historical events, as evidenced in the island’s diverse architecture.

A central road connects several small villages and towns, with Veli Losinj and Mali Losinj at the southern end of the island being the most popular among tourists.

Cres is one of three last remaining habitats for griffon vultures in Croatia, making this a prime spot of bird-watching. Their nesting grounds are found on the northern end of the island around the village of Beli. Lake Vransko, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country, is another popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

For swimming, the pebbled beach at Martinscica and the hidden beach at Mali Bok are both great choices. For panoramic views of the Tramontana Woods and Niksa and Krizic peaks, follow the hiking trails through the island’s interior.

• Get there: Take a ferry from Rijeka (1.5 hours).
• Where to stay: Guesthouse Maver offers self-contained studio apartments close to Grabar Beach.

Beautiful national parks & waterfalls in Croatia

Croatia’s green heart is every bit as beautiful as its coastline.

30. Paklenica National Park

By Katy from A Rambling Unicorn

Fall in love with Croatia’s stunning Velebit mountains by visiting Paklenica National Park. Located an hour’s drive from Zadar, Paklenica is a gorgeous landscape famous for dramatic canyons and black pine forests. The park is beloved by climbers who can often be seen ascending the various rock formations.

One of the best ways to explore Paklenica’s towering limestone cliffs is on foot. Paklenica National Park hiking trails meander through the Velebit mountains and showcase the region’s rugged beauty. From easy tourist routes to strenuous mountain treks, there’s something for everyone.

The Velebit Hiking Trail (Velebitski Planinarski Put) is one of the park’s most popular routes and leads to several idyllic mountain huts. Visitors can also hike to Manita Pec cave and explore the cavern as part of a guided tour.

Located just outside the entrance, the village of Starigrad-Paklenica makes a great jumping off point for exploring. The town offers restaurants and lodging as well as an outdoor store with basic climbing and hiking supplies.

While arriving by car is the easiest transportation option, visitors without a vehicle can take the bus to Starigad-Paklenica from Zadar and walk to the entrance on foot.

• Get there: Take a bus or drive from Zadar (60 minutes).
• Guided day trip: Full-day tour from Novalja , with hiking, canyons and views.
• Where to stay: Apartments Paklenica is close to both the old city and the entrance to the national park.

31. Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park ( Plitvička jezera ) needs no introduction. One of Croatia’s most-visited tourist spots and popular natural attractions, this gem in the north is home to some of the country’s most postcard-perfect waterfalls and waterways.

Whitewater cascades spill over limestone and chalk rock formations into turquoise pools, offset by lush green foliage. Use the series of short hiking trails and longer tracks that snake through the park to explore the landscape, walking over elevated boardwalks that skim the top of the pools.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its outstanding natural beauty, Plitvice can be visited as a day trip from Zagreb – but it’s recommended to spend a few nights in the area, staying in nearby Poljanak, in order to appreciate the full scale of the park, its many caves, trails, fantastic views and outstanding biodiversity.

• Get there: Take a bus or drive from Zagreb (1 hour).
• Guided day trip: Tour the upper and lower lakes of Plitvice National Park on foot, boat, and tram with a local guide (departs from Split or Trogir).
• Where to stay: Guesthouse Milka in Poljanak offers cottage accommodations 6km from the entrance to the national park.

32. Skradinski Buk Waterfall (Krka National Park)

By Ilse from Digital Travel Couple

The Skradinski Buk waterfall in Krka National Park is another outstanding waterfall in Croatia you have to see to believe. Named one of the most beautiful calcium carbonate waterfalls in Europe, it’s known for its intense blue waters. There are many viewpoints up and down the multi-level waterfall where you can observe the falls from different angles.

Located inside Krka National Park close to the town of Sibenik, the park is easy to reach by public transport or car. As soon as you enter, you can see Skradinski Buk from the walkway that has been constructed over the river. At the bottom of the waterfall a large natural plunge pool beckons swimmers.

During the summer months, this park can be very busy so make sure to arrive early if you want to experience the tranquility of the waterfall. Entrance fees and opening times vary depending on the season.

• Get there: Take a bus or drive from Sibenik (30 minutes) or Split (1 hour).
• Guided day trip: Krka day trip from Split or Trogir , with Skradinski Buk and Roski Slap waterfalls plus a walking tour of Sibenik Old Town.
• Where to stay: Agrotourism Galic is a spacious house with an outdoor pool adjacent to the national park and a short drive from the waterfall.

33. Brijuni National Park

Located off the coast of Istria and reachable by ferry from the coastal town of Fažana near Pula, Brijuni National Park is a chain of 14 protected Adriatic islands that combine ancient and modern history, beautiful landscapes and notable flora for a very unique experience in Croatia.

The islands were made famous in 1956 when the Brioni Declaration was signed here. Exotic plants and animal species including zebras, Asian elephants and waterbucks – all donated to Tito from Yugoslavia’s diplomatic partners – still live on the islands in a Safari Park. One of the islands’ most iconic attractions is Tito’s cadillac , which is still in good working order.

Also on the islands you can see the ruins of Roman settlements, Byzantine archaeological sites, Venetian quarries, and even dinosaur footprints. A number of hiking trails lead visitors through the park, while swimming is allowed in marked areas.

• Get there: Ferry from Fažana jetty (15 minutes).
• Where to stay: Brijuni Rooms Karmen , beautiful lodge-style suites in the largest island’s main port.

More Balkans trip inspiration

• Top 30 things to do in Croatia this year
• Beautiful places in Montenegro
• Beautiful places to visit in Slovenia
• The best cities to visit in Romania
• Beautiful places in Turkey

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Loved this! We used all of your Croatia posts when planning a recent trip and loved every single thing, so thanks so much for the recs!

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20 magical places to visit in Croatia

Posted: October 27, 2023 | Last updated: October 27, 2023

Bordering the Adriatic Sea, Croatia has become an increasingly popular destination, fascinating visitors as much with its splendid national parks and medieval cities as with its incredible history. To help plan your next trip, here are 20 magical places to discover.

Split is the largest city on the Dalmatian coast and offers a host of interesting places to visit, like Diocletian’s Palace (pictured), built in the early 4th century, and Marjan Hill for a taste of nature in the city. Plus, don’t miss a gelato tasting on the waterfront promenade where a multitude of gastronomic discoveries await. Split is also an ideal starting point for exploring Croatia’s national parks and island paradises as well as venturing to the Klis fortress just a short drive away.

From its old-town architecture to Vela Pržina and other sparkling beaches, the island of Korčula’s incomparable beauty, just off the Dalmatian coast, is sure to enchant. You’ll find the perfect mix of culture, relaxation, and picturesque scenery. Indeed, be sure to add visits to St. Mark’s Cathedral and the Marco Polo House to your itinerary.

Krka National Park

Just an hour’s drive from Split, you’ll find the magnificent Krka National Park bordering a river of the same name. Stroll through the lush forest of this natural paradise along cobbled paths and admire Skradinski buk, an impressive 17-step waterfall.

Hvar’s lively nightlife tends to attract festive travellers to one of Croatia’s most popular islands. Its breathtaking scenery and watersport-friendly seafront are also major draws. Easily accessed by ferry from Split, the island is home to numerous luxury hotels popular with celebrities as well as some of the best seafood restaurants in the country.

Elaphiti Archipelago

For a marvellous swim in crystal-clear coves, plan an excursion to the Elaphiti Archipelago while in Croatia, particularly the main islands of Lopud , Koločep, and Šipan . Stroll through Roman villas and lavender fields admiring a landscape fragrant with the scent of orange and olive trees. Several ferries run daily to Elaphiti, located not far from the port of Dubrovnik. The trip can take up to an hour depending on which island you choose.

If Rome is on your bucket list, Pula is a great alternative and much more affordable than the Italian capital! Its amphitheatre will not only remind you of the famous Colosseum, but you’ll also definitely feel a Roman influence in the city’s history and archaeological treasures. This magnificent seaside resort also boasts sublime beaches, such as Valkane and Verudela, where you can relax and soak up the sun.

Zlatni Rat Beach

Located on Brač Island, Zlatni Rat Beach rewards visitors with incomparable beauty and a phenomenal view of the Adriatic Sea. This protected natural area is an ideal playground for surfing enthusiasts and a perfect place to sit back and enjoy the sun. Ocean currents and wind constantly reshape its sandy point.

Historical walled city of Dubrovnik

Well-known to fans of Game of Thrones , Dubrovnik is a cultural city with a lot to offer history buffs. In addition to strolling along mythical city walls and enjoying a view of Dubrovnik from above, visit the Rector’s Palace to see art from multiple eras alongside artifacts from Croatia’s war for independence. Those who prefer sunbathing or dipping their toes in the sea should stop off at the sublime Banje Beach.

An untouched pearl of the Adriatic, the island of Vis boasts heavenly beaches, such as Stiniva and Srebrna, as well as renowned vineyards. This magical place is also perfect for diving, kayaking, and even exploring underwater caves and shipwrecks. A visit to the archaeological museum and old-town ruins will delight culture buffs.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Covering nearly 300 km2 (116 sq. mi.) of territory, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s largest and oldest national park. With over 16 majestic lakes linked by waterfalls and cascades, this enchanting park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Whether venturing to the upper or lower lakes, various trails are accessible to hikers of all levels and provide access to many spectacular viewpoints.

In addition to serving as Croatia’s capital, Zagreb has the most museums per capita in the world. The Museum of Broken Relationships numbers among its most unusual. Must-do activities include a visit to St. Mark’s Square, a ride on the world’s shortest funicular (pictured) at 66 metres (217 feet), a gourmet stop at the Dolac market, and a climb up the Lotrščak Tower. A multitude of verdant parks and excellent café-bars are also on hand for taking a break in this eclectic yet charming city.

Famous for being shaped like a heart, the island of Galešnjak lies in the Adriatic Sea’s Pašman Channel not far from the village of Turanj. Also nicknamed “Love Island,” this enchanting spot is ideal for romantic strolls along secluded beaches kissed by turquoise waters. Numerous boat excursions are available to take you from Zadar to this uninhabited natural paradise.

Often compared to Venice, the beautiful town of Rovinj is located in northwest Croatia’s Istria region. In addition to pretty pastel buildings, a fishing port, pebble beaches, and a waterside eco-museum, visitors can enjoy numerous art galleries and hikes along coastal paths.

For a wonderfully magical sound experience, add the city of Zadar to your Croatian itinerary and a stop at its sea organ (pictured). Built along a coastal promenade, this unique instrument creates a soothing melody produced by waves rushing through its cavities, composing a natural symphony that blends with the environment. This pedestrian-only town also boasts architectural marvels such as the Church of St. Donatus as well as picturesque beaches like Kolovare.

Located in the county of Šibenik-Knin, the charming town of Primošten is just an hour’s drive from Split. Its scenic location offers spectacular views of the peninsula and surrounding islands. Primošten’s main attractions include its old town, featuring cobbled streets and stone houses, and the Church of St. George. Primošten is also a prime destination for tasting the famous Babić wine at local vineyards.

Mljet National Park

A haven of peace surrounded by nature on an island of the same name, Mljet National Park is less than three hours (by car and ferry) from Dubrovnik. This park offers adventurous visitors breathtaking scenery and a pair of main attractions, Veliko and Malo Jezero (“big” and “little lake”), turquoise saltwater lakes where travellers can kayak or swim in crystal-clear waters. The island of St. Mary, in the middle of Lake Veliko, is also home to a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, a historical jewel worth exploring while you’re there.

Less than 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Split, you’ll find the sublime town of Trogir, a treasure of the Dalmatian coast and one of the region’s most beautiful places to visit. In addition to seeing its magnificent medieval districts, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, tour Venetian palaces and the 13th-century St. Lawrence Cathedral. Packed with excellent seaside restaurants offering the very best in traditional Dalmatian cuisine, Trogir is also the perfect foodie destination.

Gorski Kotar

Forests cover more than 80% of the lush green region of Gorski Kotar, also known as Croatia’s “green oasis.” Located in the country’s northwest quadrant, the area features a mountainous climate offering pleasantly cool summers and snowy winters. Must-see sights include Risnjak National Park and spectacular rock formations in the White and Samarske Rocks nature reserve.

Kornati National Park

Kornati National Park’s 89 islands form a marine labyrinth in the middle of the Adriatic Sea off the Dalmatian coast. Its isolated location, Mediterranean climate, and wild, rugged landscape make it a magical destination for nature lovers. In addition to breathtaking hikes, intrepid travellers can also enjoy diving and boating. Visit traditional fishing villages as well to sample local specialties.

Located just 10 minutes by boat from Dubrovnik, the island of Lokrum may be small in size, but it’s big in history. Richard the Lionheart, for instance, was shipwrecked (and rescued) there during the Middle Ages. Considered an oasis of peace by many travellers, Lokrum is home to a Benedictine monastery (pictured), royal fort, and superb botanical garden

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