Croatia, located in the Balkans, has become a popular tourist destination in Europe. After its War of Independence in the late 1990s, Croatia has gained attention for its medieval cities, historic ruins, and breathtaking natural attractions. One of the highlights is the Plitvice Lakes, an exquisite natural wonder.
The country is also renowned for its stunning Adriatic coastlines and beautiful islands. Dubrovnik stands out amongst Croatia’s tourism scene, with its picturesque medieval old town that extends into the sea. Moving north along the coast, you’ll find Split, known for the palace built by the Roman emperor Diocletian many centuries ago.
Inland, the capital city of Zagreb offers neoclassical buildings and the opportunity for hiking in the enchanting Krka National Park. If you’re planning a trip to this magnificent European destination, make sure to explore our list of the best places to visit in Croatia.
10. Hvar
Hvar is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea that is known for its stunning beaches, fields of lavender, and vineyards. The main city, Hvar Town, is a beautiful place with ancient walls, marble streets, palaces, churches, and a historic fortress.
The town square, which is one of Croatia’s largest and most beautiful, is surrounded by important buildings like the 17th-century Arsenal and the Cathedral of St. Stephen. The natural beauty of the island offers many outdoor activities such as hiking along cliffs and swimming in secluded coves and beaches.
Visitors can also rent boats and take tours to explore the nearby Pakleni Islands. Hvar has archaeological sites that provide a glimpse into its Neolithic history, and the Grapceva Cave is particularly interesting to visit because of its unique formations.
The island’s charming villages are great places to experience the local culture, and there are plenty of restaurants serving Croatian, Mediterranean, and European cuisine. At night, Hvar Town comes alive with parties, bars, and nightclubs featuring live music and dancing.
9. Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, also known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a popular tourist destination in the Mediterranean. It is located in southern Croatia, near the Adriatic Sea, and was founded in the 7th century as a trading hub.
Despite facing threats from Venice and the Ottoman Empire, Dubrovnik thrived during the Middle Ages as a hub for literature, art, science, and education. The cityscape is a beautiful contrast of orange rooftops against the blue sky, offering many wonderful sights to explore.
The Old Town, a historic district, is filled with fascinating features such as defensive walls, cobblestone streets, grand palaces, and magnificent churches. One must-see attraction is Onofrio’s Fountain, an impressive engineering marvel from the 15th century. When the sun sets, the Old Town is bathed in romantic illumination.
Just outside the Old Town, there are popular beaches like Banje and Lapad, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. A short ferry ride away, you’ll find the island of Lokrum, which offers beautiful beaches, a monastery, and botanic gardens to explore.
8. Korcula
Korcula is an island in Croatia that is famous for being the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo. It is located off the Adriatic Coast and can be easily reached by ferries from Split and Dubrovnik. The island is beautiful, with lush forests, vineyards, and olive groves, as well as charming villages like Blato and Lambarda.
Blato is known for its churches and boulevard lined with lime trees, while Lambarda has sandy white beaches and ancient Greek and Roman settlements. The main town of Korcula Town is historic and has Venetian Renaissance architecture, colorful markets, and tourist facilities.
One of the unique things about Korcula is its lively cultural traditions and festivals, such as the Kumpanija ritual and the Marco Polo Fest. The island is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes local specialties like lamb, cured ham, and fresh seafood. Visitors should also try the indigenous wines, Posip and Rukatac.
7. Krka National Park
Krka National Park, located in Central Dalmatia of Croatia, is a protected area known for its stunning natural scenery, wildlife, and historic sites. The park is situated along the Krka River in Sibenik-Knin County and is famous for its many beautiful waterfalls and crystal-clear pools.
It is easily accessible by car or bus from Split to Sibenik, and offers well-maintained pathways and boat trips for getting around. The main highlight of the park is the network of cascading waterfalls, with Skradinski buk and Roski Slap being the most popular ones. Visitors can walk around the waterfalls and take amazing photos.
Some of the waterfalls also have natural pools where swimming is allowed. The park is surrounded by lush vegetation, flowers, and glimpses of wildlife, such as birds and dragonflies, adding to its beauty.
Additionally, the park is home to historic monasteries, Roman settlements, and medieval fortresses, providing other fascinating places to explore. Tourist facilities, including museums, picnic areas, and restaurants, are available as well.
6. Split
Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, is known as the “Mediterranean Flower” and is situated on a peninsula off the Dalmatian Coast. The city showcases an interesting mix of old Roman architecture and orange-roofed houses against the backdrop of the beautiful turquoise sea and dramatic coastal mountains.
Split is a popular tourist destination thanks to its abundant sunshine, impressive sights, dining options, and vibrant nightlife. Additionally, it serves as a transportation hub to reach the Adriatic islands.
The main attraction in Split is the historic core with its stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture, where the highlight is the Diocletian’s Palace. This ancient palace, constructed between 298 and 305 AD, is like a small city in itself with its maze of marble walkways and buildings that house shops, cafes, and bars.
Inside the palace, visitors can explore other noteworthy structures such as St. Duje’s Cathedral, Jupiter’s Temple, Peristil Square, and two original Egyptian sphinx monuments.
Outside the historic center, tourists can enjoy activities like 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.
5. Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia. It is a lively city with lots of interesting things to see and do. The city has a long history, dating back to the 2nd century AD. It was originally established by Hungarian King Ladislaus. Nowadays, Zagreb is a bustling city that is important for Croatian culture, education, and government.
The city is divided into two parts: Upper Town and Lower Town. Upper Town is the old part of the city, where tourists can walk on old cobblestone streets and visit ancient churches, towers, and palaces. One of the city’s notable attractions is the Stone Gate, which has a painting of the Virgin Mary. This gate survived a big fire in 1731.
Ban Jelacic Square is the main square in Zagreb and it has historical buildings and restaurants. Dolac Market is a traditional outdoor market where you can buy fresh produce, clothes, and local crafts. Lastly, along Strossmayer’s Walkway, visitors can enjoy street performers like artists and musicians.
4. Pula
Pula is a popular tourist destination located at the bottom of the Istria peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. People have been visiting Pula since ancient Roman times to watch gladiator fights in the city’s amphitheater. Today, Pula is part of Croatia and is known for its Roman ruins and mix of cultures.
The main attraction in Pula is the Roman amphitheater called the Arena, which is one of the largest and best-preserved in the world. Every July, the Arena hosts the Pula Film Festival. Other important historical structures in the city include old gates, arches, monasteries, a chapel, a fortress, and the city’s main square called the Forum.
Pula also has beautiful natural surroundings with rolling countryside and sunny beaches, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. Nearby, Brijuni National Park and farming villages are worth visiting, and the coastal waters offer fishing, sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and diving near ancient boats and warships from World War I.
3. Plitvice National Park
Plitvice National Park is a stunning natural wonder in Croatia and Europe. It is home to captivating lakes, waterfalls, and a dense forest. The park is famous for its 16 interconnecting lakes, divided into upper and lower clusters.
These lakes, created by travertine dams, display a mesmerizing range of colors ranging from turquoise to blue, green, and gray. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the lakes and the surrounding area by walking on wooden walkways or even opting for a boat ride.
2. Rovinj
Rovinj is more than just a quiet fishing village – its old world charm and natural beauty attract many tourists. It is located on Croatia’s Istrian peninsula and consists of 20 islands, with its Old Town situated on a small peninsula.
The Old Town is filled with historic sites, beautiful landscapes, delicious dining options, and modern tourist facilities. Exploring the narrow cobblestone streets, stairways, arches, and other interesting architecture in the Old Town is an adventure in itself.
Some of the notable historic landmarks include seven medieval city gates, a 12th-century town clock, the Balbi Arch, and the grand St. Euphemia’s Basilica, which houses stunning works of art.
Other must-see places include the Valdibora Farmer’s Market, the picturesque harbor, Carrera Street with its variety of shops and art galleries, and Grisia Street, lined with talented artists and souvenir vendors. Beyond the Old Town, Rovinj offers breathtaking landscapes perfect for outdoor activities.
The beaches in Rovinj are considered among the most beautiful in Croatia, offering ideal spots for swimming and scuba diving. The surrounding islands boast pristine forests, the idyllic Lim Fjord, and the Zlatni Rt Forest Park, where visitors can partake in activities like hiking, cycling, and rock climbing.
1. Zadar
Zadar, a city located on Croatia’s northern Dalmatian Coast, is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history and beautiful coastline. Unlike other crowded tourist spots, Zadar offers a perfect getaway with plenty to see and do.
The city’s Old Town, which is easily explored on foot, is the heart of Zadar and has many historical attractions. Visitors can marvel at Roman ruins, medieval buildings, and ancient churches, such as the Roman Forum, St. Donat’s Church, and St. Anastasia Cathedral.
The city also boasts the Archaeological Museum and the University of Zadar, one of the oldest universities in Europe. In addition to its historical sites, Zadar offers a string of stunning beaches along its coastline where tourists can relax, swim, and partake in water sports.
Two must-see attractions in Zadar are the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation. The Sea Organ, located on the seaside promenade, creates mesmerizing music using 35 underground pipes powered by the sea waves. At night, the Sun Salutation, which absorbs sunlight throughout the day, puts on a vibrant light show for visitors to enjoy.
