Best Places to Visit in Croatia: 12 Amazing Destinations

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Looking for the best places to visit in Croatia? These are my 12 favourite destinations and top tips for things to do in each place!

Croatia is a stunning country located in the heart of Europe. With its rocky coastline, crystal clear waters, and lush green forests, it’s no wonder that, while Croatia started as a hidden gem, it’s now becoming one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe.

If you are looking for stunning coastal towns, awe-inspiring mountain ranges, or ancient historical sites, the best places to visit in Croatia will not disappoint. 

The country is also ideal for a road trip either through the country, or through Europe, as it has connections to gems like Venice and Slovenia in the north and more underrated countries like Montenegro and Bosnia in the south.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure-filled vacation, read on for my top picks of places to visit in Croatia!

What is the most beautiful part of Croatia?

This is a genuinely tough question to answer because, on our road trip through the country, we visited some of the best cities and towns. However, for me, the most beautiful part of Croatia would have to be a toss-up between Plitvice Lakes National Park and Split Old Town.

Plitvice is simply stunning. There’s no other way of describing it. The waters are bright blue and crystal clear and the waterfalls are magnificent. It’s a place that feels otherworldly, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best places to visit in Croatia.

Split Old Town is equally as beautiful but in a completely different way. The architecture is fascinating, the history is rich, and there’s an abundance of cafes, restaurants, and bars to explore.

I absolutely love the way the old town has been left largely untouched and how you can still see the original Roman ruins amongst the more modern buildings.

It’s the perfect place to spend a few days wandering around, getting lost in the winding streets, and soaking up the atmosphere.

What is the best part of Croatia to stay in?

The best part of Croatia to stay really depends on what kind of trip you’re looking for. If you want a relaxing beach getaway, then I would recommend staying in Dubrovnik. It’s got some of the best beaches in Croatia, as well as great restaurants and bars.

If you’re after city life Zagreb is a great choice. This is also my top choice for starting a road trip through Croatia.

If it’s old towns you love, I cannot recommend Split enough. The old town is beautiful and it has the added bonus of having a few beaches as well. So, you really do get a bit of everything in this city.

If you’re looking for a more outdoorsy and authentic trip, then I would suggest staying in one of the smaller towns or villages inland. There’s so much to do in terms of hiking, biking, and water sports, and you really get a sense of the Croatian way of life.

Personally, if you want to go down this route, I would recommend staying in Motovun. It’s a small town in Istria that is absolutely breathtaking. The views from up on the hill are incredible, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.

However, Croatia is so easy to drive in that, if you simply can’t make up your mind about which part you’d prefer to visit, I highly recommend hiring a car and road-tripping around. The roads are incredibly safe and very easy to navigate, and you’ll be able to see so many more of the best places to visit in Croatia.

What are the best places to visit in Croatia?

There are so many beautiful places to visit in Croatia, but here are my top twelve:

1. Zagreb

Croatia’s capital city is a great place to start your Balkan adventure. But, this is also a fantastic city in Europe that’s often overlooked. Zagreb is full of charm, with plenty of parks, museums, and restaurants to keep you busy.

The city’s origins date back to the second century AD. It is located in northwestern Croatia and has a rich history. Today, the city is divided into an Upper and Lower Town, with the historic core of Upper Town featuring cobblestone streets, ancient medieval churches, towers, and palaces.

To get between the two levels of the town, you can take the funicular, which is actually the smallest funicular in the world.

As well as the funicular ride, there are a few other things you definitely shouldn’t miss while in Zagreb. This includes the Museum of Broken Relationships, which is a fascinating collection of artefacts and stories from failed relationships.

Or, for something a little more light-hearted, you can visit the Museum of Illusions. This place is great fun for all ages and really makes you think about perception.

Also, be sure to see the famous church of St. Mark’s, which has a beautiful tiled roof.

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Zagreb

2. Zadar

Quite a contrast from Zagreb, Zadar is a small, coastal town located in central Croatia. It’s a great place to relax for a few days and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere.

The old town is compact and easy to explore on foot, with plenty of Roman ruins to see. Plus, Zadar offers lots to see and do without all the crowds of other popular destinations, making it ideal for a more peaceful seaside getaway.

One of the most popular things to do in Zadar is to walk along the seafront promenade and admire the beautiful natural harbour. The promenade is lined with cafes and restaurants, making it the perfect place to enjoy a coffee or meal while watching the world go by.

Also, be sure to check out the Zadar Sea Organ, and hear the peculiar whale-like noises created by the waves.

If you’re after a bit of culture, Zadar is also home to some great museums. The Archaeological Museum is particularly interesting and has an excellent collection of Roman artefacts. Also, don’t miss the Roman Forum, St. Anastasia Cathedral, or St. Donat’s Church.

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Zadar

3. Split

As Croatia’s second-largest city, Split is a great place to visit if you’re after a mix of culture and beach life. Split is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful scenery, numerous activities, and world-class cuisine. But don’t let its popularity put you off.

Despite the busyness, I fell in love with this ancient city pretty much as soon as I arrived and it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Croatia! It’s also an incredibly romantic destination.

The beautiful city is located on the Dalmatian Coast and is home to some beautiful Roman ruins. The most famous of these is the Diocletian Palace, which was built in the fourth century AD.

Inside the complex, you can also visit St. Duje’s Cathedral, Jupiter’s Temple, Peristil Square, and two original Egyptian sphinx monuments. Today, the palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Croatia’s most popular tourist attractions.

Outside of Split’s historic centre, there is also plenty to do. Watch the street performers along the promenade, head to the beach for a dip in the ocean, or hike to the top of Marjan Hill for beautiful views over the city and surrounding islands.

Talking of islands, Split is also a great base for exploring them. The most popular of these is Hvar, which is known for its lavender fields, historic buildings, and stunning beaches.

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Split

4. Plitvice Lakes

One of the best places to visit in Croatia, and easily one of the best national parks in Europe, Plitvice Lakes is a must-see. The park is located in central Croatia and is home to 16 interconnected lakes, waterfalls, and caves.

The best way to explore the park is by taking one of the many walking trails. There are easy routes suitable for all ages and fitness levels, or you can opt for a more challenging hike if you’re feeling adventurous.

Whichever route you take, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the lakes, waterfalls, and surrounding forests.

The lakes can be enjoyed all year round, however, the amount of water you’ll see in the lakes and waterfalls will depend on the season you decide to come.

In the summer months, much of the water has dried up so, while the lakes are full, the waterfalls are more sparse. In early spring, the lakes can be quite full because of the melting ice and snow from winter. While this means fuller waterfalls, it also means that some of the hiking paths may be closed due to flooding.

As such, the best time to visit is late April to the start of June for the best waterfall views. Of course, you can also visit in the winter months and the frozen falls are said to be just as stunning.

✅ Check out the best places to stay near Plitvice Lakes

5. Dubrovnik

Made famous by the TV show Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik is now one of the most popular destinations in Croatia. The city is located on the Adriatic Sea and is known for its stunning medieval architecture, beautiful beaches, and clear turquoise waters.

As you explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town, it’s easy to see why it’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The streets are lined with beautiful buildings, many of which date back to the 14th century.

Don’t miss the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and Franciscan Monastery.

One of Dubrovnik’s most popular attractions is its defensive walls. The medieval walls, which date back to the 11th century, are almost two kilometres long and offer stunning views over the Old Town and surrounding areas.

If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk the entire length of the walls, or you can simply enjoy the views from one of the many cafes and restaurants located along the way.

Of course, no visit to Dubrovnik would be complete without spending some time on one of its many sandy beaches. The most popular beach is Banje Beach, which is located just outside the city walls.

You can enjoy stunning views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town while you relax on the beach or take a dip in the clear turquoise waters.

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Dubrovnik

6. Rijeka

An Istrian gem, Rijeka is Croatia’s third-largest city and is located on the country’s western coast. The city is known for its vibrant port, which has been an important trade hub since the Middle Ages.

Today, Rijeka’s port is still an important part of Croatian life and is one of the busiest in the Mediterranean. The city is also home to several museums and galleries, as well as a lively nightlife scene.

If you’re looking for a city with a bit of everything, Rijeka is the perfect place to visit. Whether you want to spend your days exploring the city’s many museums or simply exploring the nearby National Parks, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in Rijeka.

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Rijeka

7. Rovinj

A picturesque fishing town located on the Istrian Peninsula, Rovinj is one of the best places to visit in Croatia. The town is known for its Venetian-style architecture, quaint cobbled streets, and beautiful harbour.

Rovinj is actually a small island archipelago with its historic centre located on a tiny peninsula. It’s home to a wealth of historic sites, delicious dining, and breathtaking scenery.

Rovinj’s historic Old Town is the perfect place to spend a day exploring. Start at the town’s main square, Trg Antonija, and wander the narrow streets lined with cafes, shops, and galleries.

Be sure to visit one of Rovinj’s many churches, including St. Euphemia’s Basilica, which offers stunning views over the town and the Adriatic Sea.

Rovinj’s beaches are also regarded as some of Croatia’s most beautiful and the best beaches in all of Europe. Swimming, boat trips, and scuba diving are all popular activities in the peaceful bays.

Plus, the nearby islands provide breathtaking natural beauty in the form of pristine forests, the Lim Fjord, and Zlatni Rt Forest Park, where you can go hiking, rock climbing, and exploring the great outdoors.#

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Rovinj

8. Pula

This charming town is the largest city in Istria and is located on the southern tip of the small peninsula. Pula is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins.

This includes a stunning amphitheatre that dates back to the first century AD. The amphitheatre, which is also known as the Arena, is one of the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient amphitheatres.

Pula’s Roman heritage isn’t its only claim to fame, however. The old city gates, arches, monasteries, Byzantine chapel, Venetian fortification, and the Forum are all worth seeing. Plus, the city’s main square is bordered by Roman buildings and temples, making it an extremely picturesque area.

As well as Roman history, there are several museums, art galleries, and beautiful beaches in Pula. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sun, Pula is the perfect destination.

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Pula

9. Krka National Park

The second most popular National Park in Croatia, Krka is located in central Croatia. The national park, located in Sibenik-Knin County along the Krka River, is known for its cascading waterfalls and natural swimming pools of clear, blue-green waters.

The Park is home to some of my favourite waterfalls in Croatia. This includes the famous Skradinski Buk, one of the largest waterfalls in Europe.

It’s also much simpler to reach Krka than it is Plitvice, as it’s much closer to the coast. This makes it an easy car or bus ride from many top destinations like Split and Zadar.

Krka National Park is a great place to spend a day hiking, swimming, and exploring the many caves and rock formations. There are also many restaurants and cafes located within the park, so you can refuel after a day of adventure.

✅ Check out the best places to stay near Krka National Park

10. Trogir

One of the lesser-known destinations, Trogir is actually one of my top 3 favourite places to visit in Croatia. This small town is located on the Adriatic coast and is known for its Venetian-style architecture and well-preserved historical sites.

Trogir’s Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with narrow streets, medieval buildings, and Romanesque churches. The Cathedral of St. Lawrence is the town’s most iconic site and is definitely worth a visit.

If you’re looking for a place to relax, Trogir also has several lovely beaches. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can go kayaking or windsurfing in the nearby bay.

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Trogir

11. Hvar

A delightful island, Hvar is it’s known for its lavender fields, olive groves, lovely beaches, and medieval towns.

The island’s main town, also called Hvar town, is located on the east coast. This is a great place to start your exploration of the island. The town is home to a number of historical sites, including the Spanish Fortress, which was built in the 16th century.

You’ll also find 13th-century walls, marble stone streets, Gothic palaces, stunning churches, and a breathtaking old town centre with red-roofed buildings.

If you’re looking for a place to relax, Hvar is also home to some of Croatia’s best beaches. Pack your sunscreen and swimsuit and head to one of the many beautiful beaches, such as Dubovica, Zaraće, or Pokonji Dol. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can go kayaking or windsurfing in the nearby bay.

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Hvar

12. Motovun

This Croatia hidden gem is located in the Istria region. It’s known for its medieval architecture, beautiful scenery, and truffles.

The small town of Motovun is located on a hilltop and is accessible only by foot or by car. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The town itself is quite small but is packed with historical sites. This includes a 13th-century Venetian loggia, a 15th-century palace, and several churches.

Motovun is also the perfect place to go truffle hunting. You can join a guided tour or go on your own hunt with the help of a trained dog.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and soak in authentic Croatian culture, Motovun is definitely the place to be.

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Motovun

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Visit in Croatia

There is so much more to Croatia than the popular places that everyone knows. Yes, Dubrovnik is beautiful, but so is the lesser-known city of Trogir.

Don’t skip the National Parks in Croatia because they are completely stunning and full of natural wonders. Similarly, be sure to visit some of the hidden gems in the country like Motovun or Hvar.

There are some truly wonderful places to visit in Croatia, and I hope this article has given you plenty of inspiration for your next adventure in the Balkans.

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