Best Places to Visit in Croatia
Croatia is one of the most underrated gems of Europe. From amazing pebbled beaches to stunning nature in national parks to scenic coastal towns with rich history, Croatia makes for a perfect vacation spot. There are many places to visit in Croatia, so you won’t be bored!
Whether you’re wanting a beach getaway, a place to explore rich history or see architecture, or you want to be immersed in nature, this country along the Adriatic Sea is a great place to go.
All of these places can be visited on a Croatia road trip and islands can be reached by ferries. I highly recommend going to more places in Croatia than just Dubrovnik!
Dubrovnik
The ancient city of Dubrovnik on the coast of the Adriatic Sea has stolen the hearts of visitors for years. The rich history of this city has been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and for good reason. As you walk the medieval walls surrounding the historic Old Town, you’ll find yourself enchanted by the red tile roofs against the bright blue of the Adriatic Sea.
Wanting to explore? Walk around the city walls, wander through Old Town, or ride the cable car up Mount Srd.
Need a day of relaxation? Head to Uvala Lapad Beach and spend a day soaking up the sun! Whatever you’re in the mood for, Dubrovnik is the best of Croatia in one town.
Fun fact: Dubrovnik was used to film many scenes in the popular TV series Game of Thrones. For fans of the show, don’t miss seeing at least a few of the 16+ locations they used to film the show!
Plitvice Lakes National Park
If you want to be truly blown away by nature, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must-see in Croatia. Made up of 16 natural lakes connected by waterfalls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest and largest national park in Croatia.
Follow the winding paths throughout the park to take in scenic views and be wowed by the turquoise water and amazing fauna. You can thank the limestone and flow of water over time in the park for creating the beautiful waterfalls, lakes and caves you’ll see here.
Entrance fees range from $10-45 depending on the month you are visiting and all tickets include all shuttle buses and ferry rides within the park.
Visiting Croatia in the winter? Don’t worry, you can still bundle up and head to Plitvice Lakes! Though some areas of the park will be closed, it’s still well worth the trip and you’ll save some money on your entrance fee!
Hvar Island
The islands of Croatia are exceptionally beautiful and Hvar is one of the most popular to visit. The island’s capital, Hvar Town, is most known for its party scene in the summertime, but the island is way more than that.
The quaint town of Stari Grad will charm you with its white stone streets and relaxed vibe. Visit the beautiful lavender fields at Brusje for a unique experience, or be amazed at the rich history and architecture around the island.
If you’re looking for a beach, Hvar is boasting with secluded bays and beautiful stretches of pebbled beaches. Head to Malo Zarace beach or Dubovica beach for an amazing day of natural beauty. Hvar is also a great place to take a boat trip around the islands of Croatia and see Blue Cove!
Istria
Istria shouldn’t be skipped. The perfect blend of cute towns and gorgeous meadows, without even having to drive more than 20 minutes. My two favorite towns are Rovijn and Pula.
This quaint seafront city of Pula is most famous for the Roman architecture scattered around the city with a history of over 2000 years old. You’ll be wowed by Pula Arena – a Roman arena similar to the Colosseum in Rome.
The arena along with many other ancient Roman architectural feats scattered around the coastal town are what makes it feel like you’re taking a step back in time as you walk the streets.
The architecture alone isn’t the only reason to add Pula to your Croatia bucket list. Pula also makes a great base for exploring the hidden coves and beaches along the coast in the northern Istrian peninsula.
Another bonus of visiting Pula? Not nearly as many visitors as in the more popular cities in Croatia like Dubrovnik or Split. This makes a perfect place for a more relaxed vacation along the coast of the Adriatic Sea!