20+ Best Places to Visit in Croatia (you should visit ASAP)

Last Updated on 14th January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.

Picture turquoise blue waters, with hundred of islands scattered around a craggy coastline, and luscious green mountains that stretch into the distance. A country blessed with extraordinary natural beauty, with its pebbled beaches, crystal clear waters and rich cultural history, Croatia is a destination that should be high up on your list of places to visit.

Read on to discover some of the best places to visit in Croatia, and get a taste for what this stunning country has to offer!

Introducing Croatia

Croatia is a beautiful country in southern Europe which is bordered by Slovenia and Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and it also shares a sea border with Italy to its west. The area enjoys a continental climate, with hot and sunny summers and cold snowy winters.

As of 2023, Croatia has been using the euro as its official currency and the country’s main highlights include stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and delicious cuisine. Over the past decade or so, more and more visitors are choosing to check out Croatia and it is even becoming a popular honeymoon destination.

If it’s your first time visiting Croatia, be sure to check out our suggestions on how to spend the perfect week in Croatia and, if you enjoy going off the beaten path, here are the best hidden gems of Croatia.

Most beautiful places to visit in Croatia

Krka National Park

Experience the magic of this hidden paradise, tucked away in southern Croatia. Situated along the Krka River and known for its series of seven sparkling waterfalls, this beautiful spot is worth a visit!

Open to visitors all year round, this natural wonder is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna that flourishes in the rich landscape. To keep this haven protected and intact, the park sometimes limits when people can swim, but you can still enjoy the winding nature trails and immerse yourself in the beautiful wildlife.

A highlight to visit Krka National Park is to see one of the world’s most stunningly located monasteries, Visovac Monastery. Nestled between cypress trees, this Franciscan monastery featuring a unique combination of Byzantine and Mediterranian architecture, occupies its very own island!

Zagreb

Known as “the city with a million hearts” the capital city of Croatia, Zagreb, is truly captivating and sure to steal your heart!

Bountiful with things to see, Zagreb quickly draws you in with its cobblestoned streets, buzzing cafe culture and quirky museums.

You can trace the rich history of the city just by getting lost in the winding alleyways and taking in the amazing, colourful architecture. And if you’re feeling hungry, the markets are a perfect place to explore, where you can indulge in all the local delights!

Visit Zagreb Cathedral, an iconic Gothic style building that has two impressive towers reaching high into the sky, it stands as the second tallest building in Croatia.

Another impressive landmark you have to visit is Mirogoj Cemetery. An easy tram hop from the centre, this hidden gem is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in all of Europe and the peaceful resting place for many notable Croatian people. If you’re planning a trip to Zagreb, check out our suggestions for how to spend one day in Zagreb.

Plitvice National Park

Lose yourself in the breathtaking views of sixteen crystalline lakes, tumbling into one another, surrounded by forested slopes of emerald green. Plitvice National Park is so beautiful that it was named a World Heritage Site, this glorious expanse is a must-see when visiting Croatia!

Korcula

This island has plenty to see and with a historic town full of intrigue, its the perfect destination for lovers of architecture!

This ancient beauty is surrounded by the ruins of medieval walls that were once used to fortify its civilians. The rustic charm of of the Gothic style town is filled with great restaurants to dine in. Visitors can also enjoy a trip to the beach and take a dip in the refreshing Adriatic sea.

A point of interest about Korcula, it is speculated that the family of famed traveller Marco Polo originated from the island!

Hvar

Also known as Lavender Island, this beautiful island blooms with fields of purple from late Mary until mid-July, and even has its very only annual Lavender Festival to celebrate!

Hvar town is one of the most beautiful spots in Croatia, wandering through the cobbled streets and colourful houses, its hard not to feel like your walking through a movie set. Buzzing with restaurants and cafes

A short hike away, visitors can also explore the abandoned stone village of Malo Grablje, a fabulous site that captures the authentic Dalmatian life of years before us.

Hvar has a popular nightlife and is the perfect spot to dance away until the early hours of the night, it’s also frequented by many celebrities each year so don’t be too surprised if you bump into someone famous! If you’re planning a trip to Hvar, check out our suggestions for how to spend 3 days in Hvar.

Dubrovnik

Located on the southern tip of Croatia you can find the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik.

The city’s Old Town is possibly one of the most mesmerising places to visit in all of Croatia. With views of distinctive terracotta rooftops and limestone streets, the city is filled with remarkably preserved architecture dating back to the 13th century.

The grand medieval fortifications that surround the city made it the perfect setting for the popular TV show, Game of Thrones! Visitors can make a day out of exploring Kings Landing and other filming locations.

Dubrovnik, like most of Croatia, takes coffee very seriously. Croatians believe coffee to strengthen family ties and friendships, so if you are offered a cup, it is as a sign of respect and to show you are welcome. The city also has a great culinary scene, with regional influences from neighbouring countries, there’s a bit of everything for everyone!

Aside from it’s beautiful Old Town, beyond the city lies dramatic coastlines of rocky coves and sparkling blue water, perfect for those who love to swim. For more Dubrovnik inspiration, check out our guide to spending 3 days in Dubrovnik.

Pula

Pula, Istria’s largest city, is a hidden gem that sits between the valley of seven luscious green hills, boasting spectacular views of the Adriatic sea. A slight detour from the main spots, but worth a visit!

The city is close in proximity to Italy and this can be felt in its culture and architecture. When enjoying a bite to eat, the Italian cuisine and fresh seafood are made even more delicious when looking out onto the blue waters.

Rich with heritage, visitors can uncover the fascinating history of this important port city. Pula was conquered by Rome in the 2nd century so there are a multitude of ancient buildings, a highlight being its Roman amphitheatre!

Pula is a nature lover’s paradise. Just outside of the town are areas full of wildlife and beautiful beaches, waiting to be seen.

Zadar

The magnificent time machine of Zadar! Truly a living museum, where visitors can take in centuries of history in seconds simply by strolling through its streets.

Home to Roman ruins and medieval houses, this city is full of intrigue where you can admire Byzantine treasures without too many crowds. The city is plentiful with places to eat and drink, and you can also learn a thing or two about some of Croatia’s best glassblowers at the Museum of Ancient Glass!

A big draw to this destination is Zadar’s seafront, known to inspire filmmakers to the likes of Hitchhock, for its unbelievable sunsets.

Rovinj

Rovinj is a charming fishing port city with colourful houses and cobblestone alleyways that are easy to lose yourself down. This quaint little town is the perfect place to take a day trip to when visiting Pula.

The architecture in the Old Town will not disappoint! Located in the heart of the historic area is the beautiful Church of St. Euphemia, where for a small fee visitors can climb to the top of the bell tower and enjoy a view of Rovinj.

After relaxing at one of the many restaurants or eating some of the best gelato in the sun, there are a number of art galleries dotted around the town that are worth a visit!

Porec

One of the most frequented destinations of Istria is that of Porec, a historic coastal town with plenty to see and do!

Home to the impressive landmark, the Basilica of Euphrasius, visitors can take in history and look up into the church’s dome thats beautifully decorated with golden mosaics. Tucked away in the corner of the Old Town you can also visit The Roman Forum, where ruins of a Temple of Neptune lie.

The harbour of Porec has a romantic waterfront where you can enjoy a gelato in the sunshine or a refreshing dip in the crystal clear sea!

Opatija

Decorated in architecture from the Austria-Hungary empire, this seaside town offers a slightly different Croatian experience.

One of the best things to do while visiting is taking a stroll down Lungomare, an enchanting promenade with spectacular views of the town on one side and an endless stretch of turquoise the other.

You can also visit one of Croatia’s most famous statues, Maiden with the Seagull, a tranquil sight to behold as the sun sets over the sea.

Makarska

This wonderful seaside town is situated along the Rivera that extends from Split to Dubrovnik, the idyllic getaway spot for those with a keen interest in outdoor pursuits and good cuisine!

The Old Town is picturesque and full of history, with the terracotta tipped Church of St. Mark at its heart. There are lots of cosy cafes and restaurants, and known for its nightlife Makarska comes to life at night, with several large beach clubs along the seafront.

Surrounded by mountainous natural beauty, just a short walk away visitors can immerse themselves in the large stretch of woodland, Osejava Forest Park.

Makarska overlooks the islands of Brac and Hvar, so this makes it a great base to island hop and see more of Croatia!

Motovun

This small (but mighty!) hilltop town, dominates over the valley of the Mirna River in central Istria, captivating those who visit with its stunning views!

The town is best known for its annual film festival, where it comes to life celebrating the artistic works created by small cinematographies and independent productions. Over the course of a hectic five days the town will welcome up to 30,000 visitors from all over the world.

During the calmer periods in Motovun, you can walk around this beautiful medieval settlement, visiting its churches and following the ancient walls rich with history. The surrounding emerald green forests offer enchanting nature trails which can lead you to local vineyards, a perfect chance to try some Croatian wine!

Sip on wine at sunset or enjoy a romantic meal with a view, Motovun is too easy to fall in love with.

Elaphiti Islands

Away from the crowds, these small pockets of peace offer a true authentic experience of Croatia. Nearby to Dubrovnik, this small magical archipelago of islands is the must-see when visiting!

Elaphiti is known as the ‘deer islands’ after the Greek word elaphos, meaning deer, this is thought to be because of all the deer that used to live on the islands.

Only three out of the thirteen islands in the archipelago are inhibited, and two of them are completely car-free! With beautiful monasteries sat amongst green trees and tiny towns with winding streets to explore, there’s a of history to soak up while in the sun.

Fresh seafood, fine wines and wondrous rocky coves of blue to discover, the the best way to get a taste for each island is to hop on a guided tour from Dubrovnik.

Split

Croatia’s second largest city, after its capital Zagreb, is a bustling blend of modern life and ancient history. This vibrant city is great to visit and also acts as the perfect hub when island hopping.

One of the best preserved ancient Roman structures in the world is Diocletian’s Palace, the heart of the city. Located on Split’s waterfront, the palace is probably not what you’d expect as the structure is filled with a maze of restaurants, shops and bars.

Split is array with some beautiful beaches, and for those interested in hiking there’s Marjan Hill which offers a fantastic viewpoint over the city once you reach the top! If you’re planning a trip to Split, check out our suggestions on how to spend 3 days in Split.

Vis

A unique island known as the cradle of fishing in the Adriatic, located in the main town Komiza is the Fishing Museum, showing the famous history of the Vis fisherman, truly a fisherman’s paradise!

Aside from fishing, this mysterious island is full of intrigue and rustic charm and definitely a little less known than its neighbouring island Hvar. Whether its getting lost down the tiny alleyways of the main towns or lying down on the pretty white pebbled beaches, there’s lots to see!

A must-see when visiting Vis is the Blue Cave, a gorgeous natural wonder. The best time to swim through the illuminated blue water is during the sunniest part of the day.

Go on a wine tasting tour! Visit some of the region’s best wineries and sample the delicious drink that come from the rolling vineyards that surround you.

Vis truly is the best island to completely relax and chill out on, offering tranquility to those who visit.

Rab

The Happy Island, given by its Roman name Felix Arba, is famed for its diverse landscapes and is one of the few Adriatic islands with sandy beaches.

You can visit the jewel of Rajska Plaza (Paradise Beach), one of the most famous beaches of Croatia, the name really says it all! Or take a hike through Komrcar Park and enjoy the wonders of nature, walking through trails of luscious green Aleppo pines and listening to the hum of cicadas.

For visitors to reach peak happiness on the island they just need to take a bite of the traditional delicacy that is, Rabska Torta, also known as Rab Cake. Native to the island, this sweet treat is traditionally baked in a spiral and its main ingredients are almonds and Maraschino Cherry liquor.

Brac

The island of Brac has the highest peak of all the Adriatic islands (Vidova gora) and is famous for its pure white limestone stone!

Home to some of the world’s finest stonemasons! The world-renowned Klesarska stonemason school was founded on the island back in 1906 because there was a great need for the development of this specialised craft.

Perfect for hiking, you can also visit the beautiful beaches of Brac and enjoy the quiet of this lovely little island.

Pag

A crescent shaped island where you’ll want to tuck into some of the local delicacies, Pag is world-famous for producing and exporting high-end cheese, olives and wine.

Pag Cheese is undoubtedly Croatia’s best cheese and milk from the Pag sheep is always in demand! Generations of families from this island pass on shepherding techniques to keep this unique cheese coming.

With vast stretches of olive groves that reach into the sea and Nin’s Salt Factory Tour, where you can learn the entire process of making pure and fine sea salt, Pag will keep surprising you!

If you consider yourself a foodie then this is an island you won’t want to miss.

Telascica Nature Park

Truly an enchanting gem of nature, Telascica Nature Park fascinates visitors with its extravagant cliffs and its mineral-rich Salt Lake!

With countless water activities available and a hiker’s paradise, this is a gorgeous setting to immerse yourself in the great outdoors and feel at one with nature.

Solta

This beautiful island is a short ferry ride away from Split, and much like Rab Island, it is famed for its tasty local delights, in particular olive oil, wine and honey.

For three generations the Tvrdic family have been beekeeping and making honey, overlooking the endless blue of the Adriatic. When in Solta you can experience the tranquility of nature and learn about the fascinating life of bees while tasting some of the best Croatian honey!

As well as little towns to explore, Solta has beautiful secluded beaches that are perfect for relaxing on and coves within the bay that are pleasant to swim in.

Veli Losinj

Neighbouring Krk and Rab lies the Island of Vitality, Veli Losinj, a go-to destination for those looking for a slower pace of life and focusing on health.

Enjoy the serene bliss of this charming port town, where you can enjoy a slow cup of coffee by the sea and wander the streets. Be sure to visit The Tower Museum, a 15th century tower built in the Venetian domination to protect town residents from pirate raids.

To get a better view of this paradise, you can climb the hill and visit the church of St. John the Baptist, a beautiful church built in 1755.

Lose yourself in this surreal little pocket of the world, where there’s so much to see but not a lot happening all at the same time!

Kopacki Rit Nature Park

Located in the east of Croatia lies an abundance of waters and forests, including one of the largest natural wetlands in all of Europe, Kopacki Rit Nature Park.

Perfect for those with a love for nature and photography, this Nature Park is home to large herds of deer and wild boar and a over a whopping 300 different species of birds, so bring your binoculars!

The best way to experience this wonderful piece of nature is by taking one of the the professional guided boat tours where you can learn in depth about the surrounding flora and fauna.

Krk Island

Connected to the mainland by a bridge is one of the largest and busiest islands Krk, a place of natural beauties and historical sights!

Discover ancient history! In the main town you’ll find the Cathedral of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, Krk Cathedral. The imposing 12th centure Romanesque structure was built on the remains of Roman Baths! Another profound monument of Krk is that of the medieval era, Frankopan Castle, the former home to the Frankopan noble family, this castle played an important role in the defence of the city.

Take a mud bath! Meline beach is a popular destination where visitors can bathe in the thought to be ‘medicinal mud’. If mud doesn’t sound fun to you, have no fear! Krk is bountiful with beautiful pebbled beaches and crystal clear waters.

Full of natural beauty, you can also visit Biserukja Cave, a geological wonder and main visitor attraction of the island. And an absolute must-see is, as previously mentioned above, Krk National Park!

Mljet

Croatia’s greenest island, thick with Mediterranean vegetation and lined with sandy coastline, Mljet is a seductive Island that remains largely untouched by tourism.

Sobra, a small port village tucked in at the bay, is the main point of entry to the Island. Although there’s not much of sight-seeing in Sobra, it’s a pretty fishing village with apartments and rooms to rent if you want an outdoorsy holiday thats based around heading to the Mljet National Park.

This slice of paradise is definitely a haven for adventure lovers and the perfect place for water excursions.

Enjoyed reading about the best places to visit in Croatia? Pin this article now, read it again later: