20+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Croatia

Even though Croatia is considered a small country, it offers a wide choice of beautiful places, full of rich history and culture. Choosing your target city depends on many factors, including what kind of a traveler you are, the number of days you can spend here, your budget, and when you plan a visit. Without further ado, here are some of the best places to visit in Croatia to plan your unforgettable holidays.

SO WHERE IS CROATIA?

The Republic of Croatia is located geographically at the junction of Southeast and Central Europe, on the Adriatic Sea. It has borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. It also shares its maritime border with Italy.

The capital: Zagreb

Population: 4.28 million (2017 census)

Official language: Croatian

Writing system: Latin

Currency: Kuna (HRK)

However, before you jump and buy tickets, check out the local’s practical tips for Croatia to get a sense of what the country is all about.

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN CROATIA

To make the most of your holiday, ask yourself – what kind of vacation am I looking for? Answering this question is one of the most primary aspects to decide which places to visit in Croatia.

Do you like walking through the streets and learning more about the cities? Do you plan on traveling solo in Croatia? Are you looking for adventurous activities, or do you want to spend days relaxing at the beach? Or maybe you love wine and want to visit local vineyards? Will you rent a car and have a perfect road trip in Croatia, or will you do everything on your own using public transportation? Or are you traveling to Croatia with kids?

That being said, Dubrovnik, Split, Krka National Park, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Korčula, and Hvar are the most popular places to visit in Croatia. However, the country is full of hidden gems, gorgeous coastal towns, beautiful beaches, and incredible natural sites.

So whether you like exploring towns, national parks, or staying at the beach all day, this guide will help you identify where to go to Croatia.

BEST CITIES TO VISIT IN CROATIA

Croatia is a fascinating country to explore, especially for those who love history and visiting ancient towns. When it comes to naming the best cities in Croatia, it could be a bit hard, as every town has its own charm and beauty. However, to narrow it down, Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Zadar, Pula, Rijeka, Rovinj, and Trogir are some of the most beautiful cities in Croatia.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is known for its breathtaking fortification, enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s called the ‘Pearl of Adriatic’ and offers fantastic sea views, red rooftop houses, and medieval architecture. It’s also one of the best Instagrammable places in Croatia. You should note that the city is also one of the most popular destinations among tourists traveling to Croatia. Besides being the shooting scene of HBO’s The Game of Thrones, it rapidly increased tourism in Croatia.

Zagreb

Zagreb, the capital, is not a popular destination, but it’s still worth checking out due to its rich history and gorgeous architecture. Strolling down the Kaptol district to see the remains of the ancient town and city walls, admiring the gothic cathedral dedicated to Assumption of Mary, seeing the canon-firing from Lotrscak Tower, or relaxing at one of its parks is just a few things to do in Zagreb. Moreover, we found the capital to be the cheapest spot during our Croatian trip.

Zadar

Zadar is another beautiful town in Croatia. Apart from historical sights, the city boasts Sea Organ, an experimental musical instrument that plays ‘music’ via sea waves. Next to it, you’ll find another excellent site – Greeting to the Sun –  made from 300 multi-layer glass plates that illuminate at sunset.

Pula

Pula, the largest city of the Istria region, features an abundance of ancient Roman buildings, from which the most famous is the Pula Arena. It is the only surviving Roman amphitheater with its four sides and three Roman architectural orders still standing intact. Built in 27 BC – 68 AD, Pula Arena is also one of the six largest remaining areas of this kind in the world.

Rijeka

The third-largest city of Croatia, Rijeka, is a less famous city among tourists. However, it offers an outstanding possibility to experience ‘real’ Croatian daily life. The town features neoclassical palaces and theaters similar to Central European cities like Prague or Budapest.

Rovinj

Rovinj is another must-go place in Istria. The beautiful and romantic old quarter, cozy bars, lovely restaurants, and art galleries make this city one of the most beautiful towns in Croatia. You won’t get bored by wandering through its streets, passages of the old town, and alleyways.

Trogir

The small town of Trogir is another UNESCO World Heritage Site of Croatia boasting history and Venetian architecture. The city is very close to Split, making it a great day-trip destination from here. And once here, don’t forget to try their local almond cake!

BEST CROATIAN ISLANDS

The country has around 1,200 islands where you can plan your island-hopping in Croatia. Most of them are inhabited, while some have nothing except an old lighthouse converted into accommodation for those looking for an isolated holiday. Moreover, some islands are National Parks suitable for nature lovers and hikers, while others are great for windsurfers. Islands in Croatia are ideal for any traveler.

Hvar

Hvar has a reputation for being a party island for youngsters, but it is much more than that. The central town of Hvar is relatively tiny, with a couple of historical sights to explore. However, Stari Grad and Jelsa, the island’s coastal towns, boasting culture, heritage, and history.

Korcula

The birthplace of Marco Polo, Korčula island, is another go-to destination for many travelers. The town of Korčula, often called the ‘little Dubrovnik,’ boasts fascinating fortified walls and narrow cobblestone lanes leading to its shores. The whole island is also known as a great wine region, fishing villages, and tranquil towns nestled along the forests.

Brac

If you are looking for a white sandy beach, then Brač’s Zlatni Rat is the place to go. The largest island of the central Dalmatian region is only an hour ferry ride from Split and offers both mountainous landscape and beautiful coast. Additionally, it attracts fewer tourists than Hvar or Korčula, ideal for families and those who don’t like overcrowded places.

Mljet

The Island of Mljet, located close to Dubrovnik, is the greenest and most lush spot among the Croatian islands. It also is a National Park great for those who like mixing adventure with stunning scenery. The bay is home to some of the widest variety of sea inhabitants that swim off the coast. Think of the creatures like in the Finding Nemo cartoon.

There are two salted lakes Malo and Veliko Jezero (small and big lakes in English), that attract many locals and tourists to swim in their still waters. Afterward, head to the restaurants to try exceptional local goat cheese!

Pag

Not far from Zadar lays an island of Pag. This thin and long island comprises two parallel mountain chains and is mainly home to sleepy fishing villages. The Pag town is characterized by narrow, fortified medieval streets and a Gothic cathedral.

EXOTIC PLACES TO VISIT IN CROATIA

If you are looking for exotic and off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Croatia, Kornati Islands, Pelješac Peninsula, and Varaždin are some of the best places in Croatia.

Kornati Islands

Kornati Islands is an archipelago of 140 islands, which are part of the Kornati National Park. The crystal clear blue waters, various coves, and natural beauty make them so unique.

There are no inhabitants on the islands, and most of them belong to the residents of Murter island who come here to grow olive, harvest vineyards, and orchards. The best way to explore the archipelago is with day trips from Šibenik, Split, or Zadar. It is also possible to rent out one of the cottages to have an isolated holiday or Croatian honeymoon.

Kornati islands are also great for exploring the underwater world by scuba diving or snorkeling.

Pelješac Peninsula

Wine lovers will enjoy the Pelješac Peninsula, one of the most popular places to visit in Croatia to taste the beverage. Croatia’s famous wine varieties, such as Dingač and Poštup, are produced here. Apart from wine, the peninsula is home to historical sites, great sandy and pebble beaches, and natural landscape. It makes a great day trip from Dubrovnik.

Varaždin

Varaždin, also referred to as ‘Little Vienna, is a baroque gem of Croatia, lying 81 km from Zagreb. The medieval palaces, cobblestone, and pedestrian-only historic town square with pastel-colored buildings and the beautiful garden cemetery will amaze you.

BEST BEACHES IN CROATIA

Wonder where to go in Croatia for beaches? The best beaches in Croatia are in the south, on the Dalmatian coast. However, the Istria region also has some great opportunities for holidaymakers. Depending on where you are staying or which part of the country you are planning on traveling to, you can find some of the best coastal areas to enjoy the sun rays.

Zadar beaches

Nin is a fantastic beach located only 15 km from Zadar. The shore is long and sandy, while the water is blue and clear. There are beach bars to keep your thirst or hunger at bay.

Split beaches

When it comes to Split beaches, the best choice is Bačvice, a shallow sandy beach with small pebbles. It’s an ideal place for families, but it’s also known as a buzzing social hub.

Hvar beaches

Uvala Dubovica and Grebišce are popular ones among Hvar beaches. Uvala Dubovica is a broad pebbly shore near the historic mansion. The place is family-friendly and attracts fewer crowds because the parking area is small and accommodates few cars.

Grebisce is also a sandy beach located 4 km east of Jelsa town. People come here for smooth paddling, as the beach is very narrow and has almost no shade.

Brac beaches

Brač island’s Zlatni Rat is another excellent beach in Croatia. The shape of the shore will remind you of a tongue that extends into a turquoise sea. The name translates as Golden Cape and serves as a picture-perfect spot of Dalmatian beaches.

It’s one of the most frequently pictured coasts in various guidebooks and brochures about the country. Despite the crowds, this pebbly land remains a fascinating destination with clear, not deep water and marine views.

Dubrovnik beaches

For those who are staying in Dubrovnik, Kupari is one of the best among Dubrovnik beaches. The former resort of the Yugoslav Peoples’ Army reminds of a post-apocalyptic seashore, where hotels have remained neglected since the war in the 90s. However, don’t let this spoil your holiday here; the bay is sandy, and the water is clear.

Sveti Jakov Beach, located along the City Walls, makes another great getaway of Dubrovnik beaches. Compared to the city’s main beach, Banje, Sveti Jakov is wilder and takes around 20 minutes of walking to get to the beach. However, you’ll have gorgeous views of Dubrovnik, tranquility, shade, and privacy. The area is also great for snorkeling and watching the beautiful sunset.

BEST BEACHES IN ISTRIA REGION

Below a medieval village of Bršeč, you can find one of the best beaches in the Istria region that rarely sees any tourists. Even though it’s small and getting there is a bit of a challenge, Bršeč beach offers spectacular views of Kvarner Gulf and Cres Island. Do note that there are no facilities here, so you’ll need to bring everything with you.

Kamenjak National Park is home to another great beach in Istria. The protected status of the area keeps the land and water intact and clean. You can easily spot dolphins and Mediterranean monk seals here.

BEST NATIONAL PARKS IN CROATIA

Apart from historic towns and pristine beaches, Croatia is also home to several national parks. So if you are an avid nature lover, these national parks make perfect day trips from neighboring cities.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most frequently visited and definitely should be included in your list of places to visit in Croatia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest of the country, consists of 16 interconnected lakes, creating the cascade of waterfalls starting from 25 meters tall. Plitvice National Park is also known for its emerald green and azure-blue colored water. Visiting Plitvice Lakes as a day trip is available from Zadar and Zagreb.

Krka National Park makes the second-best option for many travelers. Unlike Plitvice, Krk has the most prominent waterfalls and one distinguishing feature – you can swim at one of the designated waterfalls. Skradinski Buk is the biggest waterfall of them, made up of 17 cascades. You can visit Krka from any major city of Dalmatia, but Sibenik and Split are the closest.

Hiking lovers should head to Sjeverni Velebit National Park. Velebit Mountains divide the Adriatic bay from the continental part of the country and offer spectacular landscapes. One of the national park highlights is Velebit Botanical Garden, home to around 300 different plant species. Additionally, you can enjoy one hour of stargazing night walk with the guide. The program is called Stars above Zavižan.

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