Croatia is fast becoming one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations due to its 2500 miles of sun soaked coastline and close to 1200 islands. The country is dotted with troves of Roman and Venetian-era architecture, UNESCO World Heritage sites, gorgeous nature parks, impressive mountain ranges and sapphire lakes and rivers.
With such a diverse range of landscapes and cultural attractions, it's hard to fit everything into a single visit, however, here’s our rundown of some of the best places to visit in Croatia.
No. 10 - Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia, located in the northwestern part of the country. This vibrant city is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, cultural events, and lively atmosphere.
One of the most famous landmarks in Zagreb is the Zagreb Cathedral, a beautiful neo-Gothic church that dates back to the 13th century. Visitors can also explore the St. Mark's Church, a stunning 13th-century Gothic church with a colourful tiled roof, and the Lotrscak Tower, a 13th-century tower that offers panoramic views of the city.
Zagreb also boasts a number of beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Maksimir Park, which is the largest park in the city and features a zoo and a botanical garden. The city is also home to numerous museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, such as the Croatian National Theatre, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Zagreb City Museum.
The city is also a must-visit destination for foodies, with numerous restaurants serving traditional Croatian cuisine. Visitors can sample local dishes such as ćevapi (grilled meat), kulen (spicy sausage), and štrukli (cheese-filled pastry), accompanied by delicious local wines and beers.
No. 9 - Trogir
Trogir is a charming medieval town located on the central Adriatic coast of Croatia, just a short drive from the city of Split. Trogir's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture. One of the most famous landmarks in Trogir is the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, a stunning Romanesque-Gothic church that dates back to the 13th century. You can also explore the Kamerlengo Fortress, a beautiful 15th-century castle that overlooks the town's harbour.
Another popular area of the city is the waterfront, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars lining the harbour. Visitors can enjoy a drink or a meal while taking in the stunning views of the sea and the surrounding islands. The town is also a great base for exploring the nearby islands of Drvenik and Čiovo, both of which offer beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Trogir is also a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous hiking and biking trails winding through the town's beautiful natural scenery. Visitors can explore the nearby Krka National Park, a stunning nature reserve that's home to a wide range of wildlife, including rare species of birds and fish.
No. 8 - Pula
Pula is a beautiful coastal city located in the southern part of the Istrian peninsula. One of the most famous landmarks in Pula is the Pula Arena, a stunning Roman amphitheatre that dates back to the 1st century AD. The arena is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in the world and is still used for cultural events and concerts today.
Beachgoers can also get their fill in Pula, which is home to a number of beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand. The most popular beaches in Pula include Valkane Beach, Stoja Beach, and Punta Verudela Beach.
With numerous hiking and biking trails winding through the city's beautiful natural scenery, Pula is a great place for outdoor enthusiast. Visitors can explore the nearby Brijuni Islands, a stunning nature reserve that's home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, peacocks, and elephants.
No. 7 - Korčula
Korčula is a beautiful island located in the Adriatic Sea, just off the southern coast of Croatia. The island is known for its picturesque old town, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.
The island's historic centre features narrow cobbled streets, ancient buildings, and historic landmarks. One of the most famous landmarks in Korčula is the St. Mark's Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic-Renaissance church that dates back to the 15th century. There is also the Marco Polo Museum, which is dedicated to the famous explorer who was born in Korčula.
Korčula is also known for its stunning white sand beaches. The most popular beaches on the island include Pupnatska Luka, Vela Przina, and Proizd Island. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a wide range of water sports, including snorkelling, scuba diving, and kayaking. You can also explore the nearby Pelješac Peninsula, a stunning nature reserve that's home to a wide range of wildlife, including dolphins and sea turtles.
A great destination for foodies, Korčula is home to many restaurants serving traditional Dalmatian cuisine, such as black risotto, fresh seafood, and homemade pasta, accompanied by delicious local wines.
No. 6 - Zadar
Zadar is a charming coastal city located in northern Dalmatia, overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
One of the most famous landmarks in Zadar is the Sea Organ, a unique musical instrument that's played by the waves of the sea. The organ is made up of a series of pipes that produce musical sounds as the waves move in and out of the sea. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing evening listening to the beautiful sounds of the sea organ, while watching the stunning sunset over the Adriatic Sea.
Another famous landmark in Zadar is the Church of St. Donatus, a beautiful 9th-century church that's considered one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in Croatia. It's well worth checking out the church's beautiful interior, which features stunning mosaics and ancient artefacts.
Whilst in Zadar, be sure to explore the nearby Velebit Mountains, a stunning nature reserve that's home to a wide range of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and lynx.
No. 5 - Rovinj
Rovinj is a picturesque coastal town located in Istria. This charming town is situated on a hill overlooking the beautiful blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.
The town's historic centre features narrow cobbled streets lined with colourful buildings, ancient churches, and historic landmarks. One of the most famous landmarks in Rovinj is the St. Euphemia's Basilica, a beautiful Baroque church that dates back to the 18th century. Visitors can climb to the top of the church's bell tower and enjoy stunning views of the town and the surrounding coastline.
Rovinj is also a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous hiking and biking trails winding through the town's beautiful natural scenery. Visitors can explore the nearby Lim Fjord, a beautiful nature reserve that's home to a wide range of wildlife, including birds and dolphins.
No. 4 - Hvar
Hvar is a beautiful, rugged island located off the southern coast of Croatia, in the Adriatic Sea. The island's beautiful scenery includes rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves.
Hvar Town is the main town on the island, and it's a popular destination for visitors looking to explore the island's historic landmarks and cultural heritage. The town's historic centre features beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architecture, with narrow streets lined with stone houses and ancient churches.
One of the most popular landmarks in Hvar Town is the Fortress of Fortica, which dates back to the 16th century and offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding coastline. Be sure to climb to the top of the fortress and enjoy panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.
Hvar is also great place for beachgoers, with a number of white sand beaches with crystal-clear seas. Some of the most popular beaches on the island include Dubovica Beach, Palmizana Beach, and Stipanska Beach - all great places for swimming, sunbathing, and a wide range of water sports, including snorkelling, scuba diving, and windsurfing.
In the evening, Hvar comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars, nightclubs, and restaurants lining the town's waterfront promenade.
No. 3 - Split
Split is a beautiful coastal city located in central Dalmatia. It's the second-largest city in Croatia and an important transportation hub, with a large ferry port that connects the city to nearby islands and other coastal destinations.
Split is famous for its historic old town, which is built around the ruins of the ancient Roman Palace of Emperor Diocletian. The palace was built in the 4th century AD and is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. Today, the palace serves as the heart of the city's old town, and visitors can wander through its labyrinthine streets, admiring its beautiful architecture and historic landmarks.
One of the most famous landmarks in Split is the Cathedral of St. Domnius, which was built inside the ancient palace walls in the 7th century. The cathedral's bell tower offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding coastline. Visitors can also explore the underground chambers of the palace, which were used as storage and living quarters for the emperor and his retinue.
The nearby Marjan Hill is a popular hiking and biking destination, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding coastline.
No. 2 - Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia's most famous and stunning natural wonders, and it's a must-visit for nature lovers. The park is located in the central part of the country, near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. It covers an area of over 295 square kilometres and features a series of interconnected lakes, waterfalls, and cascades.
The park's lakes are known for their striking blue and green colours, which are caused by the interplay of sunlight and minerals in the water. The lakes are also surrounded by lush forests and meadows, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wolves, and bears.
The park's main attraction is its series of waterfalls, which cascade down from one lake to the next. The most famous waterfall in the park is the Veliki Slap, which is over 70 metres tall and is the highest waterfall in Croatia. Visitors can walk along a series of boardwalks and trails that wind through the park, offering stunning views of the lakes and waterfalls.
Plitvice Lakes National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, and it's easy to see why. The park is not only a stunning natural wonder, but it's also a testament to the power and beauty of nature. The park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, boating, and other outdoor activities. It's a must-visit for anyone travelling to Croatia who loves nature, hiking, or photography.
No. 1 - Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a historic city located on the southern coast of Croatia, overlooking the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic" due to its beautiful old town, stunning coastline, and rich cultural heritage. The city's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia.
Dubrovnik's Old Town is surrounded by massive stone walls that were built in the 14th and 15th centuries to protect the city from invaders. The walls are still intact and visitors can walk along them, enjoying stunning views of the city and the sea. The old town is also home to numerous historic landmarks, including the Stradun, the main street that runs through the centre of town, and the Rector's Palace, a 15th-century Gothic-Renaissance palace that now serves as a museum.
One of the most famous landmarks in Dubrovnik is the Dubrovnik Cathedral, which dates back to the 7th century and features a stunning Baroque interior. Another must-visit attraction is the Dubrovnik Cable Car, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea.
In recent years, Dubrovnik has become famous as a filming location for the popular TV series Game of Thrones. Many of the show's iconic scenes were filmed in and around the city, and fans can take guided tours to visit the locations used in the show.
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best places to visit in Croatia. We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments and do let us know your favourite places to visit in Croatia.
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