Bucket List Places to Visit in Croatia

One of the lesser known and less visited gems in the Mediterranean, this Balkan country facing the Adriatic is a rewarding destination packed with unique things to do and incredible places to see.

If you plan to visit soon and want to find the best places to visit in Croatia, then this is the right place to start from.

When to visit Croatia

If you enjoy seaside holidays combined with excellent weather then summer is the best time to visit the beaches in Croatia.

However, if you also love to explore ancient sites, museums, national parks, and other natural wonders, a trip during the last months of fall or spring will be better to avoid the crowds and to find pleasant weather. Moreover, prices are more reasonable than in the high season.

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In no particular order, these are some of the most amazing places you can explore when visiting Croatia, take a look!

Zagreb

It’s impossible to avoid the magic of the capital whenever planning a trip to Croatia.

So, don’t miss devoting a few days to the city of Zagreb, a great starting point to explore all the fantastic attractions that the country has to offer.

Zagreb is the biggest city in the country but also an active entertainment center with plenty of tourist attractions, hotels, and restaurants.

Zagreb is divided into a more modern lower town, home to bars, traditional restaurants, and some important museums, as well as an older upper town, housing a picturesque historic center made of charming cobblestone alleys, breathtaking towers, and some remarkable medieval churches.

When discovering Zagreb, it can be a good idea to join a tour to see the best of the town in just a couple of hours, especially if you don’t have plenty of time to spend in the capital. Book one of the best tours of Zagreb

 

Dubrovnik

Next up during your Croatian adventure, don’t miss a stop in Dubrovnik.

Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, the city became famous thanks to the dozens of filming locations of the Games of Thrones series that fans from every corner of the world visit every year.

The city is situated on the southernmost tip of the country, facing the coast of Croatia and it has one of the most beautiful historic districts in Europe.

In fact, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a well-preserved medieval settlement, with impressive defensive walls facing the sea, tall towers, and ancient churches.

The many popular beaches surrounding the old town district give Dubrovnik a more cosmopolitan flair, making it a perfect destination to combine seaside fun, kayak trips to nearby islands, and plenty of water sports opportunities with cultural visits and tons of entertainment.

When exploring Dubrovnik, don’t miss a walking tour of the old town like this one, or even this fantastic Games of Thrones experience if you’re also a fan of the series.

 

Split

The second most important city in Croatia is Split, sitting on a peninsula off the coast, in the Dalmatian region.

The town offers incredible sea views in contrast with a breathtaking mountainous landscape.

During a visit to Split, don’t miss the Roman Empire’s marvels inside the massive Diocletian Palace, as well as the city’s Gothic architecture and ancient Roman ruins.

The Diocletian palace, almost a citadel in itself, not only houses ancient monuments, imposing columns, and other important landmarks in town, but also some fantastic souvenir shops, bars, and restaurants that make it the perfect spot for a late afternoon cocktail after the visit.

With some premium beaches and a gorgeous seaside promenade, Split is an excellent destination for a vacation in Croatia, and an excellent starting point to discover some of the islands close to the coast of Croatia.

Learn More About the Best Croatan Food

 

Plitvice National Park

Arguably one of the most photographed natural wonders in Europe, and certainly a must-see destination in Croatia, the park hosts the most magical collection of crystalline lakes and awe-inspiring waterfalls that you could imagine, immersed in a lush green forest.

Incredibly beautiful to explore any time of the year. These sixteen different lakes, situated at different levels and connected by streams and sparkling rivers, are ideal to refresh and swim or even ride a boat during the summer.

The landscape, however, is also spell-bounding in winter, with its snowy forests, icy trails, and white frozen waterfalls.

Since the park is not so easy to reach with public transport, an organized day trip, like this one from Split is the most convenient way to visit since it will also include early pick-up from your hotel and late drop-off, something you will love after a tiring day-long excursion.

 

Rastoke

Lesser known than the destinations we have mentioned so far, this is a gem that you should not skip if you have some extra time to spend in the Plitvice National Park area or while you’re on the way to Plitvice.

Rastoke can be a fantastic escape in Croatia or an interesting day trip from Zadar or Zagreb, the two closest cities.

This small settlement is perfect if you enjoy outdoor adventures, including hikes and trekking but also adrenaline-fueled kayak exploration of mighty rivers, waterfalls, and rapids.

If extreme sports are not your cup of tea, Rastoke will still enchant you with its unique whimsical atmosphere made of enchanting wooden bridges and solitary fairytale houses surrounded by lush ancient woods.

 

Hvar

Among the most popular destinations in Croatia, especially for those who prefer the tranquility of relaxing seaside resorts, this island off the Dalmatian Coast won’t disappoint!

After reaching Hvar by ferry, either from Split (from one to two hours, depending on the route) or from Dubrovnik (about 3 hours), you will fall in love with the island’s fantastic landscape made of amazing beaches as well as ancient vineyards, and fragrant lavender fields.

Since the island is quite big, plan for at least two days to see its best attractions.

However, no matter how much time you decide to stay, make some time to explore the Gothic past and attractive architectural character of Hvar Town, the island’s capital.

With more time available, don’t miss a short visit to Stari Grad, a more tranquil settlement in Hvar and one of the oldest towns in the country.

And, if Hvar got into you and you decide to extend your stay, Hvar’s nightlife scene, the island’s impressive coastline, and its delicious wines are three more things that you will certainly enjoy during the visit.

LEARN MORE: 20 Best Beaches in Croatia

 

Zadar

Towards the northern part of the Dalmatian Coast, Zadar is another important seaside settlement and one of the oldest in the country.

But, above all, it is a perfect destination for travelers looking for a more relaxing destination since it’s not as packed as other more important centers in the country.

The magnificent Old Town of this three-thousand-year-old city is high on the list of places to see in Zadar, especially if you enjoy medieval buildings, old churches, and ancient Roman ruins of remarkable historic value.

However, Zadar offers a lot more… With its pristine coastline and attractive nightlife, the place is ideal for solo travelers as it is not overwhelmingly crowded as Dubrovnik or Split and yet offers affordable accommodation, entertainment, and a laid-back vibe that makes it extremely attractive for a summer destination in Europe.

And if you also want an excellent plan for the time when the sun sets in Zadar, don’t doubt it and head to the city’s waterfront to check out the famous Sea Organ.

On this seaside set of steps, you can admire impressive sunsets while the waves push the sea breeze through 35 underground pipes making an original, relaxing sound.

 

Korcula

Another unmissable island, only 50 kilometers off the coast of Croatia, Korcula comes with a typical Mediterranean escape, perfect for sun, sea, and adventures.

An amazing coastline of endless pristine beaches, paired with quaint old villages and a charming Renaissance old town dotted with majestic towers and clear Venetian roots are just a few of the spectacular places to see in Korcula.

The island is an ideal destination in the country if you’re interested in learning everything about the ancient customs and traditions of Croatia thanks to the centuries-old festivals and events that take place throughout the year.

Exceptional vineyards, verdant forests, and lush olive groves build the island’s green scent that deeply contrasts with the sandy white beaches and deep blue sea of its extensive coastline, all ingredients that make it one of the best places to visit in Croatia.

 

Pula

On the southernmost tip of the Istria peninsula, on the northern coast of Croatia, Pula is an interesting place to visit.

The city’s most iconic sight is the well-preserved ancient Roman amphitheater which, in ancient times, attracted visitors interested in witnessing gladiator fights.

However, there’s a lot more in the cosmopolitan Pula, a town that has been influenced by the culture of many surrounding countries, including nearby Italy and the former Austrian Empire.

Today, Pula is famous for its wines as well as for its winding medieval alleys stuffed with art galleries and artisan workshops.

On the same peninsula, and not far from Pula, spend at least a few hours in the small city of Rovinj, a town made of a unique complex of twenty small islands, all of them with attractive medieval traits that make this place one of the most impressive old towns in the country.

 

Krka National Park

Easy to reach either from Zadar or Split, Krka National Park is another surprising natural wonder in Croatia.

This impressive natural protected area situated in the central part of the Dalmatian region is blessed with spectacular natural scenery along the famous Krka River.

The place, just like Plitvice, features impressive natural pools of water and outstanding waterfalls, surrounded by walkways and safe walking trails that make the experience even more pleasant.

It is also possible to explore the park with boat excursions or to simply spend a few hours enjoying a picnic in a dedicated area and a refreshing swim in the deep-green waters of the natural pools which are quite safe.

The park also has something for history buffs, with ancient archaeological sites, medieval fortresses, and old monasteries.

There are some great organized visits like this one to this natural wonder that take you along the most scenic trails and balance the daily activities by combining sightseeing, swimming, wine tasting, and enough relaxing free time.

 

Trogir

Even though this destination is not as famous as the ones mentioned before, Trogir is a pretty island as well as one of the best places to visit in Croatia, with a main settlement listed among the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.

Facing the Adriatic Sea, Trogir is home to a picturesque historic district with winding, narrow, ancient streets filled with incredibly medieval buildings but also age-old Roman ruins, Romanesque churches, and Renaissance palaces.

This very old city, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a spectacular living museum with its impressive cathedral, old town square, and one incredible fifteenth-century Gothic palace.

 

Where to Stay in Croatia

While planning your Croatia itinerary these are some of the best places to stay in the country’s main cities and towns.

Zagreb

Located in the Lower Town of Zagreb, Hotel Park 45 is a great place for solo travelers. It offers easy access to the main attractions you will want to visit as it is in a very central area. The place has comfy rooms fitted with a seating area, a desk, and a minibar. Check rates Hotel Park 45 now

Dubrovnik

Boutique Hotel Porto is in a central area of town, close to the most remarkable attractions and only 10 minutes from the beach. The hotel has a garden, private parking, a terrace, and a restaurant. Rooms have a desk, a fridge, a coffee maker, and a minibar while daily breakfast is also served. Reserve Boutique Hotel Porto now

Split

Hotel Villa Diana is a small family-run, beachfront hotel in the center of Split, perfect for solo travelers with hospitable staff and a cozy atmosphere. The hotel is close to the bus and train stations.  On the premises, you will also find a restaurant offering great specialties from Dalmatian cuisine. Check rates and book Hotel Villa Diana

Hvar Island

Pharos Hvar Hotel is a fantastic three-star property surrounded by lush pine groves. The hotel has brightly furnished rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and a poolside terrace with a snack bar and a modern restaurant. The property also offers guests the possibility to enjoy water activities and sports. Book your stay at Pharos Hvar Hotel now

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