It has been a favoured travel destination for almost a century now, but earlier on, it was mostly visited by Europeans from Germany and Central Europe.
Even my grandparents used to drive down here for a summer vacation in the 50s.
15 Popular Places To Go In Croatia
Croatia is not the best-kept secret in Europe.
It has been a favoured travel destination for almost a century now, but earlier on, it was mostly visited by Europeans from Germany and Central Europe.
Even my grandparents used to drive down here for a summer vacation in the 50s.
Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!
We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!
Here is my curated list of 15 must-visit popular places to go in Croatia:
1. Dubrovnik
Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring well-preserved medieval walls, baroque buildings, and picturesque cobblestone streets.
It is one of the most popular places to go in Croatia, and it gained popularity after being used as the location for the Game of Thrones series.
The Old Town is small, where visitors spend most of their time.
However, Dubrovnik also offers lovely city beaches and residential areas outside the Old Town.
It’s a beautiful place to take a sunset cruise and watch the colours change across the water.
2. Plitvice Lakes National Park
This is Croatia’s most visited national park and probably the most loved.
Nature lovers will be awe-struck by the beauty of this UNESCO-listed park, and I recommend spending a whole day here.
The park is home to cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush greenery, perfect for hiking and exploring.
I have visited during spring, summer, and autumn; each experience was so memorable that it is hard to say when the best time to visit is.
The summer months tend to be busy as this is one of the most popular places to go in Croatia, so I suggest visiting during the shoulder season.
The park has many hiking routes connected with boat rides, and a train also operates there.
3. Split
Immerse yourself in history as you wander through Split’s ancient streets, highlighted by the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace, a Roman emperor’s retirement home turned bustling hub of shops, cafes, and galleries.
Split is the second-largest city in Croatia, but it feels cosy.
My favourite thing in the morning is to stroll along the harbour promenade known as Riva as the city wakes up.
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5. Rovinj
I visited Rovinj in search of a smaller and less touristy Dubrovnik lookalike.
Locals recommended Rovinj, and I fell in love.
This romantic seaside town in Istria is a photographer’s paradise, with its colourful houses, narrow alleys, and panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.
There are small art galleries and, once again, excellent food with a heavy focus on seafood.
Rovinj is in Istria, the foodie part of Croatia. Make sure you indulge in a few dining experiences while here and explore the town’s art galleries, shops, and seafood restaurants.
If Rovinj isn’t renowned as one of the most popular places to go in Croatia yet, it’s only a matter of time.
6. Zagreb
Croatia’s capital city offers a blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy, and it has an entirely different feel from other coastal towns such as Split or Dubrovnik.
Zagreb is simply a reflection of the past. The architecture, which includes some newer communist-style buildings from the 1980s, shows the strong influence of the former Austro-Hungarian empire.
Explore the medieval Upper Town, visit St. Mark’s Church, stroll through the lively streets filled with cafes, museums, and parks, or enjoy the weekend market.
Steeped in history and surrounded by azure waters, Korčula is believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo (you’ll find a museum dedicated to him), and it is the largest of the islands.
I love it for its vineyards, its well-preserved medieval architecture and olive groves.
Try the local dessert wine made from the GRK (Grk Bijeli) grape. So delicious.
You don’t need to go to Italy to see incredible ancient sights; history buffs will be amazed by Pula’s well-preserved Roman ruins, including the impressive Pula Arena.
Pula Arena is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. It dates from the 1st century, when the Roman Empire controlled this part of Croatia.
The Temple of Augustus and the Arch of the Sergii are at the start of the entrance to the old town. The nearby beaches are also worth visiting.
Makarska is a region of Croatia that attracts European visitors for their week or two-week-long summer holiday.
Between the Biokovo Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Makarska is known for stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a charming seaside promenade lined with cafes, bars, and palm trees.
If you feel like a beach holiday, even if it is just for a little bit, this is it.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trogir is a beautifully preserved medieval town on a small island between the mainland and Čiovo Island.
Explore its labyrinthine streets, ancient churches, and Venetian architecture.
The 13th-century cathedral is one of Trogir’s most iconic landmarks, and you can explore the Kamerlengo Fortress, built in the 15th century by the Venetians.
Home to the stunning St. James Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Šibenik is a charming coastal town with a rich history and picturesque waterfront.
Explore its medieval streets and nearby fortresses.
Šibenik also hosts numerous cultural events and festivals annually, celebrating its rich heritage and contemporary art scene.
From the International Children’s Festival to the Šibenik Cultural Summer, there’s always something happening in the city, including music concerts, theatre performances, and art exhibitions.
Visitors can explore the islands by boat, yacht, or kayak, navigating through labyrinthine channels and discovering secluded beaches, underwater caves, and vibrant marine life.
Snorkelling and diving are popular activities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the Adriatic’s underwater world, teeming with colourful fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs.
15. Dubrovnik Riviera
Indulge in luxury and relaxation along the Dubrovnik Riviera, dotted with upscale resorts, pristine beaches, and scenic coastal villages like Cavtat and Mlini, offering a perfect blend of serenity and sophistication.
It is nice to escape the tourist crowds for a day or an afternoon and head out of Dubrovnik, one of the most popular places to go in Croatia.
And that’s if you’re looking for a short list of amazing and popular places to go in Croatia, maybe even this summer.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Croatia has something for everyone to discover and enjoy and let’s not forget that Croatian cuisine is delicious!
Travel Tips for Europe
We have many travel guides and tips for Europe— an incredible continent!
Are you travelling on a budget? These ten cheapest European countries will help you plan an itinerary that lets you see as much as possible while there.
Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.
Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across Europe, and our food map of Europe will inspire your culinary journey.
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