The 15 Must See Places in Croatia
Croatia is much more than just Dubrovnik (although Dubrovnik is spectacular). It is full of history, culture, spirit, and beauty! Make sure to spend enough time in this wonderful country to see all it has to offer!
#1 Dubrovnik and Lokrum
The "Pearl of the Adriatic" is not too lofty of a title to bestow on Dubrovnik. Even though it endured shelling after the break up of Yugoslavia, it still boasts one of the most pristine historic centers in all of Europe. No wonder Game of Thrones producers chose it as the setting for Kings Landing! Also a short ferry ride away is the uninhabited and cursed island of Lokrum which was the setting of Qarth in Game of Thrones. Lokrum is a small island, so if you have the time spend a whole day on the island and enjoy all of its beauty. Both Dubrovnik and Lokrum have an ethereal charm to them that will capture your heart. It's impossible to walk the streets of Dubrovnik and not feel like you are gazing back into history, especially when the Croatian guards dressed in their traditional costumes make their nightly walk to guard the walls of the city.
Things not to miss include; taking a walk along the 2 km worth of ancient walls where you can see panoramic views of the entire city, walking through all of the alleys of this fairy-tale city and exploring all of its wonders, enjoy the sun on Banje Beach just south of the Old Town, eat all of the seafood possible (try the black risotto), taking a cable car up to the top of a nearby hill to gaze at the city in all of its glory, get out on the water, and go on a hike at Mala Petka park and admire the gorgeous vistas of the coastline!
#2 Split and Klis Fortress
It is the second-largest city in Croatia and is another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is centered around the Roman Palace of the Emperor Diocletian but spans through other seaside areas and far back into the hills. The Palace of Diocletian is over 7.5 acres in size (not including the underground areas you can visit) and its sheer grandeur is impressive to the most seasoned of travelers. It's easy to get lost among the limestone and marble alleys as you are transported back in time wandering this city.
Split has a lot to offer! From it's lovely coastal promenade full of cute cafes and hip restaurants, to its main shopping street lined with some of the best brands, and of course the gorgeous architecture and buildings strewn through the old town. In the old town, its essential to visit the Cathedral and Bell Tower of St. Domnius since it is both beautiful and the most iconic landmark of the city. Also if you have more time get out of the old town and take a walk up the hill into and past the new town, you might learn about the religious caves in the area and see some beautiful views of the city and the coast.
Slightly outside the city is Klis Fortress, one of the biggest fortresses in Croatia and the ancient seat of many Croatian rulers. At 360 meters above sea level this beautiful structure gifts visitors with the most spectacular views of not only the Dalmatian coast, but also the countryside and mountains.
(Note: both Klis Fortress and Split were significant Game of Thrones filming sites).
#3 Mljet Island
Mljet island is one of the most naturally breathtaking and attractive of all of the Croatian isles. Most of the island is taken up by the National Park which is filled with amazing vistas, exciting hikes, and secret swimming holes including the gorgeous saltwater lakes Malo Jezero and Veliko Jezero. Inside of the larger lake is even a small island home to a beautiful Benedictine monastery.
Outside of the national park the island is dotted with small villages, vineyards, and fields. All the small villages have a rustic allure to them and the vineyards are full of some of the most delicious red wine that you can imagine.
This island oasis also claims to contain the the supposed site of where Calypso enchanted Odysseus for seven years after his ship was wrecked. One thing is for sure the cave and the water around it are completely enchanting and it is well worth the hike to get there! The Odysseus Cave, named after the famous Greek voyager, is a beautiful swimming spot and cave to pass an afternoon in the pure tranquility and beauty of nature.
#4 Pula
Like many other Croatian cities Pula has a wealth of ancient roman architecture which still remains standing today. The city is home to the sixth biggest and most well preserved roman amphitheater in the world. It is no exaggeration that the arena will take your breath away. Other prominent ancient sights within Pula include: the Triumphal Arch of the Sergii which was built by Emperor Augustus to honor the Sergii family for their fealty during the Battle of Actium, The Temple of Augustus which was built in honor of Emperor Augustus and can be found within the ancient site of the Forum, and the Hercules Gate which is named after famed mythological hero and is considered the oldest standing Roman monument in the world, dating back to the 1st century BC.
If you are looking for something a little more on the natural side of things take a quick day trip to the Peninsula of Kamenjak and enjoy its rugged coasts and secluded beaches. The area is listed as a nature preserve that includes 11 uninhabited islands which are renowned for their pristine forests, idyllic beaches, a rich diversity of wildlife, and even the ancient remains of dinosaur footprints!
#5 Rovinj
Rovinj is the true star of Istria and during the summer there is no doubt of its popularity as it swarms with tourists. The city is considered to be one of the most picturesque harbor towns in the Mediterranean and one of the last true fishing ports. The old town sits among beautiful pine woods and consists of a vast array of steep cobbled streets and piazzas. The most well-known of these streets is the Ulica Grisia; which is lined with eclectic art galleries, lively bars, and romantic restaurants. It’s hard not to be won over by the quaint charm of this former island (the channel separating it from the mainland was filled in 250 years ago). Make sure to visit the Church of St. Euphemia (which is the largest Baroque building in Istria) and climb up its bell tower to marvel at the panoramic views of the city and coast. On the south side of the old town you can find Mote beach, a semi-hidden beach which offers a rocky area to access the water and enjoy the sun. If you are looking for a more traditional beach close to the city you can take a short boat or bus ride to Punta Corrente which is within Park šuma Zlatni Rt. The area is filled with unspoiled natural treasures which you can enjoy by bike, boat, or hiking!
The Rovinj archipelago is home to 14 islands, the two most popular islands to visit are Crveni otok (Red Island) and Sveta Katarina both of which are a short taxi boat away from the main harbor. Both islands offer shady beaches, gorgeous water, and an escape from the crowds.
#6 Brac Island and Zlatini Rat
The biggest of all of the islands in Dalmatia, Brač is famous for Zlatini Rat and its locally mined pure white stone which was not only used to build Diocletian’s Palace in Split but reportedly also the White House in Washington, DC!
Bol is the main city on the island and home to what is considered the best beach in Croatia, Zlatini Rat. The walk to the beach may actually be just as beautiful as the rocky peninsula itself. The pathway is integrated into the pine forest and as you walk you can see the crystal clear water through the trees. Once you get to the beach itself there are a few shops which offer drinks, umbrellas, lounge chairs, bean bags, food, and many playful water activities, but the end of the peninsula itself is solely for people with their towels. Like most other Croatian beaches, this is primarily a rock based beach but luckily the rocks are quite small and not painful to walk on. The water is absolutely crystal clear and quite warm during the summer and you can admire the mountainous landscape and forests from the water.
Nearby to Bol is the hill Vidova Gora, the highest peak in Brac which offers some of the most spectacular views of the Dalmatian Islands. The hike up is quite steep and takes around two hours if you measure from the city-center and walk at a consistent pace. The trail consists mostly of gravel and runs through a mostly un-shaded area, so if you undertake this hike during the summer make sure to bring a hat and a lot of water! Once you get to the top you will be rewarded for your efforts with views of Zlatini Rat, Brac, Korcula, Hvar, and even Vis in the distance!
If you stay on the island for more than one day and want a dose of history, then Blaca Monastery is the place for you. Built over 400 years ago this monastery was initially just a cave refugee for monks under persecution, but over time they built up their farming and became so prosperous that they expanded their monastery to be built into the side of the cliff itself! Even if you do not want to pay the 40 kuna entrance fee the structure itself is truly impressive and the hike there is beautiful as well. In order to get to the monastery itself you either have to drive to the parking lot and then take a short 30 minute hike to the top or you can hike from town which normally takes about an hour at a consistent pace. Note it is quite steep so make sure to wear proper walking shoes and keep hydrated!
#7 Trogir
A wealth of Venetian architecture and elegant design is what makes Trogir a unique stop on your Croatian holiday. It is listed as an UNESCO world heritage site and considered the most well preserved Romanesque-Gothic complex in all of Central Europe. It’s easy to get lost in the web of cobble stone alleys, but each time you may discover a new treat from grand palaces to cozy restaurants.
The core area of the city surrounded by the town walls contains most of the historical buildings and consists of about ten churches and numerous buildings from the 13th century. The most significant of these churches is the Cathedral of St. Lawrence which exemplifies multiple Dalmatian architectural styles since the construction spanned multiple centuries. Master Radovan designed and sculpted the intricate entryway to the church which is covered in religious motifs including scenes from the gospels. The Cathedral stands in John Paul II square along with many of the other historically significant buildings including the Duke’s Palace, Town Loggia, and Cipiko Palace. As you wander your way around the city make sure to take your time to enjoy the urban continuity of the area and take note of the renaissance influence on many structures. Once you find your way to the water walk the seaside promenade and stop at one of the many cafes to sip a kava (coffee) by the water as fishing boats to yachts pass you by. The last stop in the city is the Kamerlengo Castle which is more fortress than castle. Although it does not have much to offer in terms of decor or educational information it does provide some pretty lovely views of the city and the harbor area.
#8 Vis Island and Stiniva Bay
Probably the most underrated and most mysterious of the Dalmatian islands. Vis was cut off from foreign visitors from the 1950s until 1989 as it served as a military base for the Yugoslav army. This isolation preserved the island from much of the development that you can see on its neighbor islands of Hvar and Brac. As Henry Wismayer of the Washington Post says, “Vis is the place to come if you want pomalo, pomalo being the Dalmatian philosophy of doing things slowly, little by little” a philosophy that is ingrained in every aspect of this wonderful island.
In the town of Vis you should first and foremost enjoy the quiet beauty of the town itself, but if you want to spice things up a little then visiting Fort George, which is not only a historical beauty but offers great views from its roof of the island’s coastline. What makes this fort even more special is that during the day it functions as a hip coffee and drink lounge, set with an amazing garden filled with fairy lights and comfy lounge chairs, but at night it plays host to some of the biggest dance parties in the country with international DJs coming to headline the evening.
Exploring the rest of the island is simple if you rent a scooter. Hit the road and visit the fishing village of Komiža which is home to an array of historical sites; from the St. Nicholas Monastery which is perched above the city set as a sentinel to all visitors by land, to the impressive city fort which sits along the ocean acting as a guard for those who wish to visit by sea.
Further along the road you reach Stiniva Bay, one of the most isolated and wonderful beaches in all of Europe. It is on the opposite side of Vis island and so you will either have to take a tour down to the area, or rent your own scooter, boat, or car to reach it. Once you get to the location on scooter or car you will have to hike down to the bay, which is a slightly strenuous hike down in the summer heat. There are no railings and there is no set “path”, just small cleared areas over large stones where you have to hop and scramble over in order to make your way down. On the bright side as you make your descent you have spectacular views of the bay and the ascent is actually much easier to accomplish. The bay itself is not very large, it is only about 200 meters of rocks enclosed by cliffs, but the water and the surroundings are absolutely gorgeous. However, like other Croatian beaches this bay consists of rocks not sand, and in the case of Stiniva these rocks are actually quite large and painful to walk on. So make sure to come prepared with wading shoes!
#9 Zadar
Zadar is another outstanding example of a historical wonderland! It dates back to the 4th century BC but is best known for still retaining many of the beautiful characteristics of an ancient roman city. The town still retains over 10,000 meters of its original walled fortifications and two grand city gates. The “Land Gate” dates back to 1543 and as you pass under the eyes of the Venetian winged lion you suddenly step onto marble roads and are seemingly transported back to the Renaissance. Nearby you can find the five wells square, a now non-functional reflection back to when the Venetians helped the city withstand Turkish sieges by building a water cistern with five ornamental wellheads. A few blocks ahead is the People’s Square which today hosts many cafes and restaurants, but still retains the gorgeous Renaissance architecture and a beautiful clock tower. The most famous and special area of Zadar of course is the ruins of the Roman Forum which is the largest found on the eastern side of the Adriatic. Near the forum are Zadar’s two most iconic structures; the church of Saint Donatus and the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia, both of which are worth the visit inside.
If you have had enough of history and would like something more modern you can take a stroll along the seaside promenade which is lined with quaint restaurants, bars, and places to sit and admire the ocean. As you walk the promenade you are bound to run into the monument to the sun and the famous sea organ. The monument to the sun is a huge circular glass solar panel which might not look like much during the day, but at night it puts on a lovely iridescent light show. No more than two meters away is the famous sea organ. This experimental musical instrument is housed within a set of marble steps and works like most organs would, but uses water instead of air! It’s the perfect way to end the day by listening to the literal music of the ocean while watching the sun set.
#10 Hvar Island
Hvar is the most well-known and popular of all of the islands on the Dalmatian coast. Tour boats, cruises, yachts, ferries, private boats, and more anchor here and during the summer the streets are always crowded with tourists looking for a good time! Hvar Town markets itself as the major nightlife destination of all the Dalmatian Islands and it is no surprise that the clientele on the island tend to be generally in their 20s and 30s. But although it is a great party destination, there is so much history and ancient beauty to the town itself. Take a walk up to the fortress and admire the amazing view of the city and the nearby Pakleni Islands, take a walk down and along the coast and make your way out to Pokonji Dol Beach, explore the alleys and cobbled streets of the town, or sit and watch the sunset with a cocktail at one of the many beach bars. Ironically, the most popular beaches to visit on the island of Hvar actually happen to be on the nearby Pakleni Islands! These islands are tiny but offer a great variety of secluded coves where you can enjoy the picturesque woods, cool off in crystal clear waters, and even pull up to a bar and grab a drink! You can reach these pebble beaches by taking a water taxi from the port of Hvar.
Also try and get out of Hvar town to visit Stari Grad, the oldest town in Croatia (established in 384 BC). If you are not in the mood for partying and crowds, this town may be the better option for you in Hvar. The town is built around an inlet in the center of the island and the seaside promenade is one of the best in the country as you can admire both pine forests, the beautiful waters of the cove, and the ancient stone houses of the town all at once. There are numerous historical buildings in the town including multiple churches and a castle! Tvrdalj Castle’s grounds are not fully open to the public, but the areas inside where you can visit allow you to view the lovely gardens and admire the ancient architecture up-close. After your day of exploring head to Lanterna Bruna, a small beach right outside of town, that offers amazing views of the sunset. You can enjoy the views either from the beach itself or from an armchair of the cute bar located on the beach.
#11 Krka National Park
Although most people only visit the most famous sections of the park, there is so much more to the area than just Skradinski Buk and Roški slap. Your entrance ticket allows you access to all terrestrial parts of the park (it does not include the price of water destinations including the two monasteries) for the day so make sure to budget your time between all of the sights. The one downside is that it is difficult to get between the different areas of the park unless you are on a tour or have your own car. There is an internal tour ferry available, but it only travels between a few of the park areas and it is an extra fee to use this service. There is a multitude of hiking trails in the park so it is possible to travel between all of the focal points on foot, but that would require staying at the park for more than a day to see all of the major points of interest (which is not half a bad idea and camping is more than feasible). The hiking trails are well marked and not frequented by many tourists so it is a good way to enjoy the true peace and beauty of the park itself.
If your main goal is just to see Skradinski Buk make sure to go as early as you can in the morning because by the afternoon the waterfall is swarming with tourists.
In the north of the park there are two important areas worth visiting; the remains of the only Roman military amphitheatre in Croatia and the arcades of the military camp and Manojlovac slap. Maojlovac is the biggest of all the waterfalls in the park and is considered to be the most beautiful. Most people do not bother to go up to this point so if you have a car available you should make your way up to this gorgeous waterfall and enjoy the time away from the crowds.
#12 Plitvice Lakes National Park
If you have limited time and can only see one park, Plitvicka is definitely the most magical of them all. The “falling lakes” this natural wonder is not to be missed! Beautiful in winter or in summer this national park is not only an UNESCO world heritage site but one of the most famous sights in Croatia. The natural history of the area is beyond fascinating. As you travel around the park you will see signs clearly stating to what prehistoric period each of the levels of the lakes date to and thus as you ascend the lakes towards their original source you literally walk back in time! You also can learn a lot about how the sixteen lakes were formed and how today they are still changing based on sediment deposits just by glancing at the informative signs on the hiking routes. Many of the routes consist of wooden pathways which are ingeniously built into the lakes themselves and allow you to get truly up-close and personal with nature.
If you have a day or less make sure to take a look at the map of the area online and plan out your hike in advance. There are multiple routes that take you around the lakes and let you experience different elevations and vantage points. Some of these paths are for more serious hikers and others are more suitable for less outdoorsy individuals, so make sure to plan what you want to see before you go. Sadly it is true that at some points on the trail queues will suddenly build up and you start wondering, “why aren’t we moving" this is usually due to such an immense clog of tourists in a spot all vying to take photos that no one can move! You may literally have to wait in line for your turn to take a picture of one waterfall for over half an hour. Sadly this does detract from some of the immense beauty of the area, but it’s something which ails most beautiful areas popular with tourists.
#13 Korcula
This island's claim to fame is being the "supposed" birthplace of the great explorer Marco Polo. Whether it was his birthplace or not, this island is not to be missed! The island is not very big, only 20 miles long so you can make sure to visit all of the charming towns along the coast.
Korcula Town is filled with whimsical medieval squares, lovely churches such as St. Marks, grand palaces and houses. You can even visit Marco Polo's supposed residence, but a better recommendation would be to climb the bell tower in St. Marks Cathedral in order to admire the rustic beauty of the town. After you leave the city center take a stroll down to Pupnatska Luca Beach or a short ride away you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Przina Beach in Lumbarda or Vela Przina which is one of the rare sand beaches in Croatia. After your day in the sun relax and sip delicious white wine at Bire winery in Lumbarda or take a hike up to the caves of Vela Spila from Vela Luka to enjoy panoramic views of the coast and experience ancient history within the caves.
#14 Zagreb
Zagreb! The capital and biggest city in Croatia. Shockingly one of the only cities you can find a McDonalds (although I do not condone eating there). The city dates back to 1094 and is recognized by it's Austro-Hungarian architecture. Although it was significantly damaged in the Croatian War of Independence, much of this historic architecture remains.
Today Zagreb is home to hundreds of hip boutiques, experimental restaurants, and a thriving night-life scene. In the upper part of town you can find the Gothic style Zagreb Cathedral and St. Mark’s Church which is easily identified by its colorfully tiled roof. The lower part of town contains the main square, Ban Jelačić, along with most government buildings, many wonderful museums, hundreds of shops, unique art galleries, and beautiful parks.
#15 Motovun
Motovun is one of the lesser known spots on this list, but is worthy of your time none the less!
Motovun is a medieval town set in the heart of Istria. Surrounded by rolling vineyards, quaint houses, and lush forest; it could out compete some of the best cities of Tuscany in charm. Here they produce only the finest Istrian wines, white Malvasia and red Teran, so it's essential to visit a local vineyard and let your pallate sample some of the local grapes. The region is also famous for being the truffle capital of the world and you can find an array of foods infused with delicious local truffles. Also make sure to visit St. Stephen's Church in the city center along with the Municipal Palace to learn about the history of the region!
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