Croatia, located in the Balkans, has re-emerged as one of Europe’s top tourist destinations following its war of independence in the late 1990s. Croatia, like much of Europe, has its share of mediaeval cities and historical monuments, but what sets it apart is its abundance of breathtaking natural features such as the Plitvice Lakes, picturesque Adriatic coasts, and beautiful islands. Indeed you have a lot of Best Places to Visit in Croatia.

Dubrovnik is Croatia’s tourism sweetheart, thanks to its picturesque medieval-era old town that juts into the water. Split, located farther north along the coast, is famed for being the site where Roman Emperor Diocletian built himself a charming little palace about 1,700 years ago.

Further inland, you’ll find the capital, Zagreb, with its neoclassical architecture and trekking options in the stunning Krka National Park. Plan your journey to this stunning European destination using our list of the finest places to see in Croatia.

10 Best Places to Visit in Croatia You Will Love

1. Krka National Park

The Krka National Park, located in Central Dalmatia, Croatia, is a protected area with stunning natural landscapes, fauna, and historic sites. Located along the Krka River in Sibinik-Knin County, the national park is well known for its numerous flowing waterfalls and natural pools of beautiful, blue-green water.

The national park, which is easily accessible by vehicle and bus from Split to Sibenik, has well-maintained pathways and boat tours for visitors to explore. The park’s most popular attraction is the network of cascading waterfalls. Skradinski Buk and Roški Slap are the most popular among them.

Many routes lead directly around the waterfalls, providing excellent photo opportunities. Some of the falls cascade into natural pools, which are suitable for swimming. Aside from the waterfalls, the park’s surrounding backdrop of lush foliage, flowers, and sightings of animals such as birds and dragonflies contribute to its appeal.

Other attractions in the park include historic monasteries, archaeological sites of Roman villages, and mediaeval fortifications. In addition, there are numerous tourist attractions, including museums, picnic sites, and restaurants.

2. Zagreb

The city is located in northwestern Croatia and dates back to the second century AD when Hungarian King Ladislaus established the first diocese. Today, Zargreb is a large cosmopolitan city in the centre of Croatian culture, academia, and government.

The city is separated into two parts: Upper Town and Lower Town. Upper Town is the historic core, where visitors can walk down cobblestone streets and explore old mediaeval churches, towers, and castles.

Some of the city’s most important sites are the Stone Gate, which survived a severe fire in 1731 and now houses a portrait of the Virgin Mary. Ban Jelacic Square is the city’s major square and is home to historic architecture and restaurants. Dolac Market is a classic open-air market with many vendors offering fresh vegetables, apparel, and local handicrafts. Visitors to Strossmayer’s Walkway can witness artists, musicians, and other street entertainers.

3. Korcula

Korcula, a 30-mile (50-kilometer) island off Croatia’s Adriatic coast, is well known as the reputed birthplace of the famed merchant adventurer Marco Polo. Korcula Island, which can be reached by ferry from major Croatian cities such as Split and Dubrovnik, is known for its stunning landscapes, small settlements, rich history, and enchanting traditions.

Korcula is made up of beautiful green forests, vineyards, olive groves, and charming settlements like Blato, which is noted for its baroque churches and long avenues lined with lime trees, shops, restaurants, and hotels. Lambarda is well-known for its sandy white beaches, but it also has various ancient sites from Greek and Roman times. Korcula Town, the island’s major town, is a mediaeval walled city with Venetian Renaissance architecture, vibrant markets, and several tourist attractions.

Korcula, the Best Places to Visit in Croatia is distinguished by its vibrant cultural heritage and centuries-old festivals. The most famous of these is the Kumpanija ceremony, which includes chivalry dances and imitation mediaeval fights with actual swords.

Korcula’s cuisine is among its most popular attractions. While there are some international restaurants on the island, the local favourites of lamb, cured ham and fresh shellfish cooked with olive oil and parsley should be tried.

4. Pula

Pula, located at the southern point of the Istria peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, has long been a popular tourist attraction, dating back to ancient Roman times when crowds went to the city’s amphitheatre to watch gladiator battles. Pula, which has been ruled by numerous governments over the ages, presently belongs to Croatia and is most renowned for its Roman ruins and diverse cultures.

Pula is a bustling city with lots to see and do. The city’s main attraction is the first-century Roman amphitheatre. The Arena is one of the world’s largest and best-preserved amphitheatres. Every July, the Arena hosts the Pula Film Festival. Other notable historic monuments include the old city gates, arches, monasteries, a Byzantine chapel, a Venetian stronghold, and the Forum, the city’s largest square, which is surrounded by Roman architecture and temples.

Pula’s natural beauty, including undulating hills and sun-kissed beaches, provides opportunities for outdoor activities and adventures. The adjacent Brijuni National Park and farming communities are additional interesting sites to visit, while the turquoise coastal waters and sandy beaches provide opportunities for fishing, sailing, swimming, snorkelling, and diving among antique vessels and World War I warships.

5. Zadar

A three-thousand-year-old city located on a gorgeous beach with a rich history is bound to attract travellers. Zadar, a city on Croatia’s northern Dalmatian Coast, is one such example. Zadar may be described as the ideal tourist escape because it has so much to see and do without the throngs of other popular destinations. Zadar truly is one of the Best Places to Visit in Croatia.

The Old Town is located in the heart of the city and can be visited on foot. The historic region has wonderful sightseeing features like as Roman remains, mediaeval architecture, and numerous old churches. The Roman Forum, the circular St. Donat’s Church, the 12th century St. The city’s most renowned attractions include Anastasia Cathedral, the Archaeological Museum, and the University of Zadar, one of Europe’s oldest universities.

Aside from the Old Town, guests will find a string of lovely beaches all along Zadar’s coastline where they may sunbathe, swim and participate in a range of water activities. Two must-see sites in Zadar are the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation, man-made marvels that employ nature to create amazing light and sound experiences. The Sea Organ, located on Zadar’s picturesque seafront promenade, allows the sea to create its own music as waves pump air through 35 underground pipes. After receiving energy from the sun throughout the day, the Sun Salutation creates a colourful light show at night.

6. Rovinj

Rovinj may appear to be a sleepy fishing village on the surface, but its old-world charm and surrounding natural beauty have made it a popular tourist destination. Rovinj, located on Croatia’s Istrian peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, is an archipelago of 20 islands with its Old Town situated on a tiny peninsula. Historic sites, magnificent scenery, superb restaurants, and sophisticated tourist facilities are just a few of Rovinj’s many attractions.

The Old Town offers a sightseeing trip with its narrow cobblestone lanes, stairways, arches, and other intriguing buildings. Seven mediaeval city gates, a 12th-century town clock, the Balbi Arch, and St. Euphemia’s Basilica, an enormous baroque church filled with exquisite art pieces, are among the Old Town’s historic treasures.

The Valdibora Farmer’s Market, the picturesque harbour, Carrera Street with its numerous boutiques and art galleries, and Grisia Street, which is lined with artists and souvenir vendors, are all worth seeing.

Outside of the Old Town, Rovinj is surrounded by breathtaking scenery that offers plenty of outdoor activities. Rovinj’s beaches are recognised as among Croatia’s most beautiful. The tranquil coves are ideal for swimming and scuba diving, while the outer islands provide visual treasures like as pristine woods, the Lim Fjord, and the Zlatni Rt Forest Park, where visitors may enjoy hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and other activities.

7. Split

Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, is located on a peninsula off the Dalmatian coast and is nicknamed the “Mediterranean Flower.” Its historic Roman architecture and orange-roofed buildings stand out against the blue sea and spectacular coastal mountains. Split is a famous tourist destination due to its abundance of sunshine, stunning sights, restaurants, and nightlife. Furthermore, the thriving city serves as a transit centre for many of the Adriatic islands.

The city’s major attraction is its historic core, which features stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the Diocletian’s Palace being the crown jewel. Built between 298 and 305 AD, this Roman Emperor palace complex is more like a little city, with a tangle of marble corridors and buildings housing stores, cafes, and taverns.

Other notable constructions within the palace include St. Duje’s Cathedral, Jupiter’s Temple, Peristil Square, and two ancient Egyptian sphinx statues.

Outside of the old centre, there is plenty to see and do, such as strolling along the coastal promenade, shopping at the bustling Green Market, swimming at Bacvice beach, hiking and cycling on the picturesque Marjan hill, and watching football at the Poljud Stadium.

8. Plitvice National Park

Plitvice National Park is one of Croatia’s and Europe’s most spectacular natural beauties, with multiple breathtaking lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests. The park’s most remarkable feature is its 16 interconnected lakes, which are separated into upper and lower groups.

The lakes are formed by natural travertine dams and range in colour from turquoise to blue, green, and grey. Visitors can explore the lakes and surrounding area by walking along the many wooden walkways or by boat.

9. Hvar

Hvar is a picturesque Croatian island off the Dalmatian Coast that is known for its gorgeous beaches, lavender fields, and lush vineyards. It is one of the Best Places to Visit in Croatia.

Hvar Town, the principal city, is a charming place with 13th-century walls, marble stone avenues, Gothic mansions, gorgeous churches, and an intimidating mediaeval fortress. The town square is one of Croatia’s largest and most picturesque, surrounded by several historic buildings, including the 17th-century Arsenal and the Cathedral of St. Stephen.

The island’s natural splendour provides opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and adventure, such as hiking among the cliffs and swimming in isolated coves and beaches. Boat rentals and trips are offered for people who want to explore the surrounding Pakleni Islands. Archaeological sites on the island include views of ancient artefacts and information about Hvar’s Neolithic history. Grapceva Cave is well worth exploring for its fascinating structures. The quaint settlements dotting the verdant landscape are ideal for exploring local culture.

Tourists visiting Hvar will find a wide range of eateries, from Croatian to Mediterranean and European. At night, Hvar Town comes alive with parties, bars, and nightclubs featuring live music and dancing.

10. Dubrovnik

The historic city of Dubrovnik, nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a popular Mediterranean tourist destination, and the Best Places to Visit in Croatia. Dubrovnik, located on Croatia’s southern coast off the Adriatic Sea, was founded in the seventh century to facilitate marine trade. Despite persistent territorial challenges from Venice and the Ottoman Empire, Dubrovnik thrived during the Middle Ages as a centre of literature, art, science, and education.

Dubrovnik’s orange rooftop houses stand out against the blue sky, and it offers many sightseeing opportunities. The historic district, known as the Old Town, is filled with historic landmarks such as old defence walls, cobblestone streets, majestic castles, and breathtaking cathedrals. Onofrio’s Fountain, a 15th-century technical marvel, is not to be missed.

At night, the Old Town is illuminated, providing a wonderful scene. Banje and Lapad are popular beaches near the Old Town, where you can sunbathe, swim and do water sports. Lokrum, an island with beaches, a monastery, and botanical gardens, is accessible via ferry.