Top Travel Destinations in Croatia
Welcome to my list of the best places to visit in Croatia. From the city sights of Split to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, there's so many beautiful places to see!
It's now time to think about where you want to visit.
These are some of my top Croatia travel destinations:
Dubrovnik
The ancient, walled city of Dubrovnik lies on the Adriatic coast, in south Croatia. If you are a Game of Thrones (GOT) fan, then this Croatian city is definitely the place for you!
Dubrovnik was the filming location of King's Landing in the popular TV series of GOT. Be sure to go on a Game of Thrones Tour of Dubrovnik - there are plenty of tour operators to choose from, so I recommend checking their reviews before booking.
If you don't go embark on a Game Of Thrones tour, then make sure you still visit Dubrovnik's old town. Walk along the old city walls for fabulous views across the city and out to Lokrum island! Other things to do and see in Dubrovnik include riding on the city cable car for the best sea views. Check out the gothic and renaissance architecture of Rector's Palace - now home to the Cultural History Museum.
Beautiful beaches are dotted all the way along the coastline here. The closest to the old town of Dubrovnik include Banje and Danče beach.
Note: Dubrovnik is a tourist hot spot, as well as a popular stop-off for cruise ships. Meaning it gets very busy in the high season! Plan your time to avoid the peak times.
Dubrovnik is just a 2 hour and 35-minute flight from London, England. Visit Dubrovnik for a short city break, or tie in a nearby beach holiday.
Split
Split - the second largest city in Croatia. Located in the region of Dalmatia, this city is nestled between the Adriatic sea and Mosor mountains.
The top attraction in Split is probably Diocletian's Palace. These Roman ruins are at the heart of Split's old town. With the Cathedral of St Domnius being one of the most well-preserved buildings within Diocletian's Palace. Now bars, restaurants, and shops are dotted throughout the old city walls - you can easily spend a day wandering around the labyrinth of streets.
Wander along the Riva - this pleasant harbourside promenade is filled with restaurants and bars. Note, that food and drinks are remarkably more expensive here - Remember that you're paying for those harbour views!
To escape the city, head to the hillside park of Marjan. This forest is filled with walking trails and viewpoints. But if you're not up for the steep walk to Marjan, then head past Split Marina to the small peninsula and park of Sustipan. Here you can enjoy sea views out to the nearby islands of Brac and Hvar.
Direct flights are available with Easyjet from London Gatwick, Stanstead or Luton to Split - with a flight time of just 2 hours and 30 minutes! Visit Split for a city break, or add on a few days to spend on Brac or Hvar island.
Zagreb
Croatia's capital city, Zagreb, is located inland in the north-west of the country. Its buzzing art scene and cafe culture make it an up-and-coming city break destination for Europe.
Walk around the city centre and take in the top sights, as well as its huge array of museums. Most popular museums here include the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Zagreb City Museum, as well as the Museum of Broken Relationships.
In spring and summer, you can head to the nearby Jarun lake. Or in winter, just north of Zagreb city there are plenty of mountains perfect for skiing, or other winter sports!
Splitska, Brač Island
Fresh fruit at a local market
Split Croatia
Hvar Island
Hvar Island is located in the Adriatic sea, just off the coast from Split. As one of the most well-known and popular Croatian islands, it can be a more expensive place to visit.
However, this go-to European summer destination can offer more than the top bars and restaurants. Head to Hvar for some of the most stunning beaches, and historic cultural hot spots!
Head to Hvar town to explore the pretty streets and sights, including visiting the cathedral of St Stephen's. As well as taking a stroll along the waterfront promenade. You can also venture up the Fortress (Fortica) to enjoy breath-taking views over Hvar town and out to the Pakleni Islands.
Note: If you have time, then do a boat day trip out to the Pakleni Islands - a series of 16 islands with turquoise waters and hidden beaches.
Once you've taken in some of the cultures of the island, it's time to adventure out and enjoy the luxurious beaches Hvar has to offer.
Top beaches on Hvar island include:
- Dubovica Beach
- Malo Zaraće Beach
- Pokonji Dol Beach
- Mlini Beach
- Ivan Dolac Beach
- Bonj beach
Brac Island
Also located off the coast from Split, is Brac Island. As one of the largest islands in Croatia, there's definitely plenty to do and see here! Although it has more of a relaxed and quieter feel here than Hvar Island.
Brac Island is most well known for its white-pebble beach Zlatni Rat, located just outside of the town Bol. It's also home to Vidova Gora mountain; the highest peak on the island of Brač as well as on all of the Adriatic islands! I definitely recommend hiking Vidova Gora from Bol town to enjoy spectacular views across to Hvar Island.
On the other side of Brac Island, facing Split and the mainland is the main town of Supetar, along with other pretty seaside villages of Pučišća, Splitska, and Sutivan. You can easily spend a day driving around the island and stopping at the different towns and villages.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Situated in central Croatia is the Plitvice Lakes National Park. As one of the oldest and largest national parks in the country, it is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This 295 sq.km forest is well-known for its chain of terraced lakes, all adjoined by a series of cascading waterfalls. Head here for at least one day to enjoy the many walks and hiking trails that run through the national park. More information is available online.
Note: Swimming is not permitted in the lakes.
Visiting Croatia - Overview
Head to Croatia for either a European city break or, explore just some of the 1,200 islands along its coastline!
- If you're looking for a European city break in Croatia, then head to Split, Dubrovnik, or Zagreb for a perfect weekend getaway - More on the best places to visit in Croatia.
- Croatia is also perfect for a summer beach holiday - either along the Croatian coastline or on one of its many islands! I would definitely recommend visiting Hvar or Brac Island just off the coast from Split.
- Visit Croatia either in May or June or September or October, to avoid the high season of summer and the crowds of cruise-goers - More on weather in Croatia and when it's best to visit.
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Remember to try some of Croatia's traditional dishes - would recommend the Janjetina lamb and Crni Rižot (Black Risotto)
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