Looking for Mediterranean magic, medieval cities, and sun-soaked islands? Head to Croatia! From the walled splendor of Dubrovnik to the emerald lakes of Plitvice, Croatia offers stunning coastal views, historic charm, and outdoor adventure. Whether you crave history, beaches, or wine country, Croatia is a bucket-list destination that blends the old and the unforgettable.
Croatia Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Kayak and cliff-jump in Dubrovnik – Paddle beneath ancient walls and explore hidden sea caves.
- For History Buffs: Walk the Roman ruins in Split and Pula – Discover a 1st-century Roman amphitheater and Diocletian’s Palace.
- For Shoppers: Browse handmade crafts in Zagreb’s markets – Pick up lace, lavender, and local art in the capital city’s lively squares.
- For Couples: Island-hop in the Adriatic Sea – Cruise to Hvar, Vis, or Korcula for wine, romance, and sea views.
- For Families: Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park – Hike wooden trails and see waterfalls that seem straight out of a fairytale.
Best Time to Visit Croatia
The best time to visit Croatia is from May to October, especially June and September when the weather is ideal and crowds are smaller. Summer is perfect for beach days and festivals, while spring and fall offer great hiking, fewer tourists, and mild temps.
How to Get to Croatia
- By Air: International airports in Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar serve direct flights from across Europe and some U.S. hubs.
- By Train: International trains connect Zagreb with cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Munich.
- By Ferry: Italy (Ancona, Bari) offers ferry connections to coastal cities like Split and Dubrovnik.
Where to Stay in Croatia
- Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik – Iconic luxury with Adriatic views and a short walk to the Old Town.
- Palace Judita Heritage Hotel (Split) – Boutique stay inside a historic palace with top-notch service.
- Maslina Resort (Hvar) – Eco-luxury resort with spa, fine dining, and tranquil island ambiance.
Best Things to Do in Croatia
⮕ Wander Through Waterfall Wonderlands at Plitvice Lakes National Park
© Courtesy of twindesigner - Fotolia.com
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a 295-square-kilometer forest reserve and national park in the middle of the country. The park is best known for a chain of 16 lakes that are seemingly stacked on terraces and joined by waterfalls. The lakes are tucked into a limestone canyon, with walkways and hiking trails offering stunning views. The twelve upper lakes and four lower ones are connected by an electric boat. There are numerous waterfalls, caves, and other interesting features to visit. The park has several restaurants, cafes, and shops to make your visit more comfortable.
Plitvicka jezera, Plitvice Lakes National Park 53231, Croatia, Phone: +385-53-751-015, Video
⮕ Step Into Ancient Drama at Pula Arena
© Courtesy of WitR - Fotolia.com
The Pula Arena is a Roman amphitheater located in the town of Pula. The amphitheater is notable because of its high degree of preservation. It is the only remaining Roman amphitheater to still have its four side towers and all three of the Roman architectural orders. It is also one of the top six largest Roman arenas still in existence. In ancient times, the arena hosted gladiator fights, hunting spectacles, and other events. In recent years, the arena has been used as a concert venue, has appeared in films, and has even hosted ice hockey games. It is a very popular attraction for tourists, travel writers, and photographers. You'll be close to some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia.
Flavijevska ul., 52100, Pula, Croatia, Phone: +385-52-219-028
⮕ Take in Historic Views from the City Tower, Rijeka
© Courtesy of anshar73 - Fotolia.com
The City Tower in Rijeka is one of the only buildings that remains from before a major earthquake in 1750. The iconic yellow City Tower originally functioned as a gate spanning from the old center of town to the waterfront. After the earthquake, the royal Hapsburgs added baroque-style decorations, including a portal with coats of arms and busts of emperors. The tower is sometimes referred to as the City Clock Tower as it has a prominent clock on it. The clock was installed in 1873 and is still working today. The area around the tower has plenty of walkable streets with little cafes, shops, and restaurants, making it a great place for spending time with friends or people watching.
Korzo, Rijeka 51000 Croatia
⮕ Roam the Timeless Halls of Diocletian’s Palace
© Courtesy of carol anne - Fotolia.com
The Diocletian's Palace is an ancient palace that was built for Roman Emperor Diocletian around the turn of the 4th century. Even though it is named a palace, in size it is closer to a fortress and it comprises approximately half of the old town of Split, Croatia.
Part of the building was used for Diocletian's residence and personal use and the other part was home to a military garrison.
Today the palace is the single most complete Roman palace and the most significant architectural feature on all of Croatia's coast. The palace has modern amenities for tourists, such as a snack bar, restaurant, and souvenir shop.
Ul. kralja Petra Kresimira lV 5, 21000, Split, Croatia, Phone: +385-21-348-600, Video
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
⮕ If You Crave Breathtaking Views, Ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car
© Courtesy of gudrin - Fotolia.com
One of the best ways to enjoy Dubrovnik is from above. The best views are undoubtedly from the top of the Srd Hill. In 1969, the Dubrovnik Cable Car
was built to offer visitors and residents an opportunity to enjoy the views from the top of the hill. The cable car travels 778 meters up to a plateau overlooking the old city and the Adriatic Sea. In clear weather, you can see approximately 37 miles. The ride takes about 4 minutes and once at the top you can partake in a snack or meal at the restaurant, take an adventurous buggy safari tour, or shop for souvenirs, pearls, and even coins from a blacksmithing shop.
Ulica kralja Petra Kresimira IV, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Phone: +385-20-325-393
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Explore Masterpieces at the Ivan MestroviC Gallery
© Courtesy of Ch.Allg - Fotolia.com
The Ivan MestroviC Gallery is an art museum dedicated to the artwork of Croatian artist and sculptor Ivan MestroviC. The collection consists of the artist's significant works, including sculpture, drawings, furniture, design, and even architecture. The gallery and surrounding grounds were based on plans that the artist himself drew. The plans included residential and working areas as well as a gallery that was meant to house exhibitions. The museum's permanent exhibit encompasses two floors of the gallery. The art is arranged by subject matter, not along a chronological timeline. There is also an outdoor park with many sculptures on display.
setaliste Ivana MestroviCa 46, 21000, Split, Croatia, Phone: +385-21-340-800
⮕ Stroll the Storybook Streets of Kastav
© Courtesy of xbrchx - Fotolia.com
Kastav is a historical town located on a hill near Rijeka. The town is popular among tourists for its historic downtown, many outdoor parks, and large forested area, where hiking is a popular activity. The historic walled town contains a large number of historic buildings, including a 13th-century church. The high season for tourists is in summer, when outdoorsmen, hikers, and athletes come out to walk the forest trails. In the wintertime, Kastav is one of the first places to receive snow. There are several annual international events in the city, such as the Kastav Summer of Culture, White Sunday, and the Carnival Parade, all of which are an outstanding way to get a taste of Croatian culture.
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Shop, Dine, and Wander Along Korzo
© Courtesy of xbrchx - Fotolia.com
Korzo is the main promenade in Rijeka. It is a picturesque thoroughfare lined with coffee shops, cafe bars, benches, and more. The street is a meeting place for locals and tourists and is perfect for people-watching any time of the year. It is truly the best place to really get the pulse of Rijeka. There are beautiful fountains and a centuries-old clocktower. There are quite a few souvenir shops offering plenty of interesting items to help you remember your trip. Dining options abound and include a wide variety of cuisines. Traffic is banned on Korzo but that's okay as it's best explored by foot anyway.
⮕ Chase Cascades at Krka National Park
© Courtesy of zm_photo - Fotolia.com
Krka National Park is a Croatian national park named after the river of the same name. The park was formed to protect the area around the Krka River and encompasses 109 square kilometers. The park features mostly untouched wilderness and has an especially high concentration of flora and fauna. Tourists come to hike the various footpaths, participate in tours and boat trips, shop at the souvenir shops, and visit the museum and restaurants. You can also see the archeological remains of several of the area's fortresses. However, one of the most attractive parts of the park is Skradinski buk, a massive pool with high waterfalls on one end and cascades at the other.
Lozovac, Croatia, Phone: +385-22-201-777
⮕ If You Love Hidden Escapes, Sail to Lokrum
© Courtesy of Dario Bajurin - Fotolia.com
Lokrum is an island in the Adriatic Sea located less than a kilometer off the coast of the city of Dubrovnik. The island can be reached by a 15-minute ferry service, which travels several times a day from Dubrovnik. The attractions include an inland saltwater lake, one of Croatia's many nudist beaches, and a Benedictine monastery. One of the most interesting things about Lokrum is that its only permanent residents are peacocks. The birds wander the island freely and may join you while relaxing on the many beautiful and peaceful beaches. The island has no cars and people are not allowed to spend the night, so it's easy to find a solitary stretch of shoreline to relax in peace.
If you are interested in local events:
- Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July–August) – Theater, music, and dance in open-air historical settings.
- Ultra Europe Festival (July, Split) – One of Europe’s biggest EDM festivals drawing global DJs and fans.
- Pula Film Festival (July) – Screenings inside a Roman amphitheater under the stars.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Top Croatian Cities:
- Lokrum Island (Dubrovnik) – Take a short ferry to this nature preserve with beaches, trails, and a monastery.
- Klis Fortress (Split) – Historic hilltop fortress and filming site for *Game of Thrones*.
- Trakošcan Castle (Zagreb area) – Romantic 13th-century castle surrounded by forest and a lake.
- Pag Island (Zadar area) – Known for lunar landscapes, Pag cheese, and hidden beaches.
- Marjan Hill (Split) – Hike or bike to this pine-covered hilltop for the best views of the coast.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Where is Croatia located?
-
Croatia is a relatively small country bordering the Adriatic Sea in Central Europe, home to breathtaking scenery, amazing beaches, sunny summers, deep cultural roots, interesting historical buildings, and fresh seafood.
-
Why do nature lovers visit Croatia?
-
Nature lovers and outdoorsmen come to Croatia to enjoy the many beautiful beaches, stunning waterfalls, mysterious caves, towering mountains, and crystal-clear lakes.
-
What is a must-visit natural attraction in Croatia?
-
You absolutely must include a visit to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, thought by many to be the most beautiful national park in the world.
Plan Your Trip