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Croatia is a beautiful and diverse country located in central-southeastern Europe. It boasts the stunning Adriatic coastline, a plethora of ancient cities and lush national parklands, making it a fantastic destination for all kinds of travellers.
Whether you’re a history lover, beachgoer, or hiking enthusiast, Croatia offers something for everyone. From Dubrovnik and Split to Zadar and Rovinj, there are many stunning regions to choose from.
To help you plan the perfect Croatian getaway, here are 5 of the very best places to visit in this Balkan gem, ensuring a holiday filled with incredible views, food, history and adventure.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is often referred to as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’, thanks to its turquoise waters and fascinating heritage. Nestled within ancient walls, Dubrovnik is a picturesque historic city instantly recognisable by its terracotta-roofed buildings and rocky beaches.
Wander through the winding Old Town streets, where you can soak in its abundant ancient history. Spot Sponza and Rectors Palace, a testament to the region’s royal past, and wander into charming boutiques, cafes and restaurants nestled in the cobbled streets.
Dubrovnik
Take a cable car up to Mount Srd to see panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. Once at the top, enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Old Town and the Elaphiti Islands. Be sure to visit at sunset when you can see the evening sun bathe Dalmatia in a golden light.
Game of Thrones fans will love visiting Dubrovnik, as it was the main filming location in this popular HBO series. Take a Game of Thrones tour of the Old Town, stopping at famous sites like the Jesuit Staircase, which featured in some of the most iconic scenes.
Split
Split is another fantastic destination in Croatia, renowned for its UNESCO-listed Palace, once owned by the emperor Diocletian. This stunning world heritage site is situated in the heart of Split, and visitors can take a guided tour of its marble structure and uncover stories of its ancient past.
Take a scenic stroll along the beautiful Riva Promenade, a long walkway lined with bars and restaurants. Here you can sample traditional Croatian cuisine, or simply soak in the views of the Adriatic from a relaxed bar right on the seafront.
From Split, you can explore nearby islands such as Brac or Hvar. Brac is known for its beautiful beaches, especially Zlatni Rat, which is often referred to as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Hvar is an upscale destination in Croatia, with a vibrant town centre and a luxurious selection of villas, bars, and restaurants.
Split
Zadar
Zadar is one of the oldest cities in Croatia and one of the country’s most beautiful destinations. With its mix of ancient Roman streets, stunning mountains and incredible sunsets, it’s a must on your bucket list.
The Roman ruins in the centre of Zadar are a focal point for history enthusiasts. The ancient Roman Forum in the Old Town dates back 2000 years, and was once a place for emperors to meet; now it is brimming with coffee shops and cafes. St. Donatus church is found here, and in the summer, visitors can enjoy classic concerts beneath its beautiful domed roof.
From Zadar, take a trip to the Kornati islands, an archipelago in northern Dalmatia. These idyllic islands are surrounded by crystal-clear waters where you can snorkel and swim, spotting sea urchins and vibrant fish beneath the still waves. The Kornati National Park offers wildlife enthusiasts the perfect day out.
Sea organ, Zadar
When it comes to places to stay, there are many beautiful villas in Zadar to choose from. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly property right on the beach, a villa in the heart of the city to be close to the nightlife, or a romantic hideaway in the mountains, there’s something for every type of traveller to enjoy.
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes is one of Croatia’s largest and most beautiful national parks. Situated just a couple of hours from Zagreb or Zadar, Plitvice Lakes covers almost 30,000 hectares of land and boasts cascading waterfalls, vibrant turquoise lakes and towering forests.
Walk along the scenic hiking trails to see the wonders of this park, making your way past gleaming lakes and tall trees. Spot incredible wildlife, including brown bears, Eurasian lynx and many varieties of bird species.
If you’d prefer a less strenuous journey, enjoy a boat ride to experience the park’s stunning waterfalls. The shuttle boats take visitors to the upper and lower lakes, which is great for kids and big group trips.
Plitvice Lake
If you want to explore Plitvice Lakes and other destinations in Croatia, a great way to do this is on a small ship cruise. There are some fantastic Croatia cruises to choose from, with luxurious vessels taking guests to multiple regions in the Balkan area, offering premium service and excursions.
Rovinj
Rovinj is a city on the Istrian Coast, renowned for its romantic cobbled streets and Venetian-style buildings. If you’re seeking the perfect place for a couples getaway in Croatia, Rovinj is the ideal destination.
Wander through the quaint streets and soak in the laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy works of art in independent galleries and the vibrant harbour market scene, where you can sample fresh produce like olive oil, fruit and vegetables.
Rovinj
On an evening, enjoy a delicious meal cooked in a traditional tavern or ‘konoba.’ From black risotto to hearty peka stew and sweet fritule balls, Croatian cuisine is rich and delicious, and there are plenty of restaurants in Rovinj Old Town that offer an authentic taste of the region.
Summary
Croatia is an all-around amazing destination, filled with fascinating history, natural beauty and delicious food. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple or a group of friends, there’s plenty to see and do in this incredible country. Be sure to visit some of the regions mentioned in this guide for a truly unforgettable getaway!
