Where to go in Croatia: 16 Places Not To Miss

Now that you have decided to visit Croatia, you must wonder where to go in Croatia. Indeed, with so many places to visit in Croatia, this decision isn't always easy.

Croatia is a diverse country, full of charming historical towns, karst mountains, dramatic landscapes, the blue Adriatic Sea, amazing waterfalls, wonderful national parks, and enticing history.

Croatia is also Kopacki Rit, Plesivica Hills, and the castles of Zagorje, regions of scenic beauty overlooked by tourists and loved by locals.

Each of the Croatian regions is unique in its own way and offers various things to do and see for the whole family.

In this post, we cover them all: the most popular places to visit in Croatia, less traveled destinations, and the best places in Croatia for different types of holidays. We'll also give you a short overview of each Croatian region in order to help you choose your destination in Croatia.

16 Best Places to Visit in Croatia

The majority of the best places to visit in Croatia are located in the coastal regions of Dalmatia, Istria, or on Croatian Islands.

While continental Croatia is really nice, the lack of tourist infrastructure, and well, let's be honest, the lack of beaches makes it less attractive to tourists.

If you come to Croatia for the first time, then you will perhaps want to visit the absolute highlights, the destinations everybody raves about, and the ones whose photos probably made you visit Croatia in the first place. So, they are those Croatia holiday destinations listed below.

Dubrovnik

Often called “A Pearl of Adriatic”, Dubrovnik is the most popular place to visit in Croatia, and one of the best-known Croatian destinations.

A perfectly preserved medieval city, surrounded by 2 km long defensive walls, narrow streets, and passages whose worn stone bear witness to the centuries-old history of this city, wonderful restaurants and lively bars scattered throughout Dubrovnik's streets and squares, and the clear blue of the Adriatic Sea that stretches endlessly, just are some of the reasons why Dubrovnik is one of the best places to visit in Croatia.

Add to that pebbly beaches, top-notch hotels, and lovely weather, and you will understand how Dubrovnik makes it to the itinerary of every traveler to Croatia. It is also a great base to explore the nearby islands, and wine-growing Konavle valley, or make a day trip to nearby Montenegro.

Don't miss circling the city walls, riding a cable car up Srd Hill, and taking a boat ride to Lokrum Island. Get a coffee in Gradska kavana Arsenal, ice cream at Dolce Vita, a glass of Croatian wine at D'Vino, and a yummy meal at Oyster & Sushi Bar Bota.

If you are interested in more Dubrovnik posts, find them below:

• Best time to visit Dubrovnik
• Things To Do In Dubrovnik
• Dubrovnik Travel Guide
• Where To Stay In Dubrovnik
• Day Tours From Dubrovnik
• Best Restaurants In Dubrovnik
• Best Dubrovnik Beaches
• Things To Do In Dubrovnik Beyond The City Walls

Plitvice Lakes

The single most visited place in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes is a wonderful set of lakes, waterfalls, and cascades. Plitvice Lakes is the first Croatian national park, founded in 1949, and they are also UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

Located in the heart of the Lika region, in the interior of Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes captivate visitors with their beauty. 16 interconnected lakes, 90 waterfalls, countless cascades, rich flora and fauna, and the inexplicable beauty of the surrounding nature make Plitvice one of the best places in Croatia.

The entire park is crisscrossed with wooden boardwalks and paths making it easy to walk through it.

Explore the park, hike, take a ton of photos, stop for a picnic, and rent a wooden boat on Kozjak Lake.

Read our ultimate travel guide to Plitvice Lakes or check our post on Plitvice Lakes accommodation.

Hvar Town

A playground for the rich and famous, the town of Hvar is located on the south side of Hvar Island, in a small bay. Hvar Town is winding cobbled streets, yachts-lined seafront, beaches, a day spent on the Pakleni Islands, restaurants, and partying until the wee hours.

Pack your beach gear, and make sure you don't miss it on your Croatian itinerary!

• Travel Guide To Hvar Island
• Accommodation in Hvar
• Activities in Hvar

Rovinj

The most romantic town in Croatia, Rovinj will charm you with its narrow cobbled streets and piazzas, top-notch restaurants, hip hotels, and stunning nature. Rovinj is certainly one of the best places in Croatia and should make the Croatia bucket list of every traveler.

More about Rovinj:

• Things To Do In Rovinj
• Where To Stay In Rovinj
• Rovinj Travel Guide
• Best Restaurants in Rovinj
• Best Hotels in Rovinj

Zagreb

The first town from inland Croatia to make it to our best of Croatia list is the Croatian capital, Zagreb. So, make sure to take a day or two to explore the capital. If you are flying to Croatia, there is a good chance you will fly into Zagreb Airport when arriving in Croatia. It's the biggest transport hub in the country!

Zagreb doesn't have the charm or grandeur of other big European capitals, like Paris, Rome, or London. But, nevertheless, the town has a cool vibe, interesting sights, lots of green spaces, and quirky museums. The town center is car-free and full of locals lounging at the pavement cafes. It's one of the best spots in Croatia, and definitely worth your time.

Read more about Zagreb:

• Things To Do In Zagreb
• Zagreb Travel Guide
• Car Rental In Zagreb
• Where To Stay In Zagreb
• Best Restaurants In Zagreb For Lunch
• Must-try Restaurants In Zagreb
• Best Places For Bear In Zagreb

Split

The largest town in Dalmatia, Split is a true Mediterranean city: colorful and lively, with a nice balance of tourists and locals. Over 1700-year-old Diocletian Palace is the heart of the city, an open-air museum, a living and breathing place where you can feel Split's past and present.

Explore Diocletian Palace and get lost in the maze of narrow cobblestone streets, people-watch at Riva – the seafront promenade, climb the bell tower for the best views over the town, chill with coffee at Zbirac, play a game of local sport picigin at Bacvice Beach, have a dip in the Adriatic on one of many beaches in Split, have a dessert at Os' Kolac, town's best pastry shop. Interested in more? Below are all our posts about Split, Croatia!

• Things To Do In Split
• Where To Stay In Split
• Day trips From Split
• Split Croatia Travel Guide
• Best Restaurants In Split
• Split Beaches
• Best Bars & Clubs In Split
• How To Get From Split To Dubrovnik

Krka Waterfalls National Park

The second most popular national park in Croatia (after Plitvice Lakes!), Krka National Park is simply gorgeous and one of the must-visit places in Croatia.

A series of tufa cascades, emerald green waters, deep canyons of Krka River, water mills, monasteries, and a complex of boardwalks and wooden paths attract visitors from all over the world to this beautiful natural site.

Make sure you access the park by boat from nearby Skradin. And also, if you visit the park from June through September, you'll be able to swim at the designated areas in the park.

You can visit Krka Waterfalls on a day trip from Split. Check out this Krka National Park Day Trip with Boat Ride!

Zadar

Set on a small peninsula, and still not overrun with tourists, Zadar is famed for its two main attractions: Sea Organ, and Sun Salutation. Zadar is also a perfect base to explore nearby islands and partake in outdoor adventures like rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, and hiking.

• Travel Guide To Zadar
• Accommodation in Zadar
• Photo Journey through Zadar

Brac Island

Located in central Dalmatia, the island of Brac is less than an hour's ferry ride either from Split or Makarska. Brac Island is famed for the Zlatni Rat beach, the most photographed and best-known beach in Croatia.

Golden Cape Beach is located in Bol, the most popular tourist hub on the island. Besides this famed beach, the island abounds in many beautiful pebbly and sandy beaches. These beaches, along with the island's proximity to Split, good tourist infrastructure, and yummy local food including roasted lamb, sheep cheese, and good olive oil, makes Brac one of the most popular islands in Croatia.

• Brac Island Travel Guide
• Accommodation on Brac Island
• Things To Do in Brac
• A weekend in Brac Island
• Random Facts About Brac Island
• Stina Winery

Korcula Island

A wonderful southern Croatian island, Korcula is located just a 15-minute ferry ride from the Peljesac peninsula. Terraced vineyards, olive groves, secluded beaches, pinewoods, small villages, historical towns, good food, and local white wines Posip and Grk, characterize the island of Korcula.

• Life is simple on Korcula Island
• Korcula Island Accommodation
• Activities on Korcula Island

Mljet

The greenest Croatian island, Mljet is a perfect place to enjoy nature and unwind. The national park covers one-third of the island, and this is where the majority of tourists wander. The southern part of the island receives very few crowds but hides some of the nicest beaches on the island.

• Accommodation in Mljet
• Activities on Mljet Island

Krk

The second-largest Croatian island, Krk is connected to the mainland with a bridge. And thus, easily accessible. The island of Krk has many nice secluded beaches only accessible by boat or on foot, good restaurants, and a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Find your accommodation in Krk!

Porec

Year after year, loads of tourists from all over Europe come to Porec to spend their summer holidays. Porec is a town of culture and history that are nicely blended with exciting activities, decent nightlife, and overall good value for money. Don't miss the Euphrasian Basilica, UNESCO's World Heritage Site, and the most popular Porec landmark.

More about Porec:

• Things To Do In Porec
• Porec Travel Guide
• Where To Stay In Porec
• Porec restaurants
• Porec Beaches
• What To See In Porec

Opatija

The lady got old, but she's still charming. Opatija was built in the late 19th century into one of the most fashionable resorts for the international elite, artists, writers, and the Austrian nobility.

Historical hotels, and villas, maintained gardens and parks, a 12 km long seaside promenade, and first-class gastronomy make Opatija one of the most popular destinations in Croatia.

• 5 reasons to visit Opatija
• Best accommodation in Opatija

Makarska

Located halfway between Split and Dubrovnik, Makarska is a small beach town with a lovely town square, and a seafront promenade lined with bars, cafes, restaurants, and pebbly beaches.

Makarska boasts beautiful white pebbly beaches (beaches along Makarska Riviera are the best in all of Croatia), crystal clear sea, secluded coves, and bays, while the Biokovo Mountain creates a perfect backdrop and offers endless opportunities for those looking for active holidays.

• Makarska Travel Guide
• Accommodation in Makarska
• Activities in Makarska

Motovun

Motovun, a small inland town in Istria, is a real gem! Located on a hilltop with views stretching far and wide across Mirna Valley, and famed for white truffles foraged in the nearby forests, it attracts foodies from all over the world. It is especially popular in October when the truffle season is in full swing.

Stay at B&B Villa Borgo! It has a lovely terrace with the best views in the town and a cool vibe, and it is owned and managed by our good friend Slaven.

Croatia holiday destinations off the beaten path

There are so many incredible places in Croatia that rarely make a list of the best destinations. However, they are charming and have all the right reasons to visit them: lovely beaches, a laid-back vibe, great weather, and stunning nature. Besides, since they are less visited they are also less crowded in summer than the most popular places to visit in Croatia.

Below we will give you an overview of less visited but still lovely, off-the-beaten-path places to stay in Croatia. We hope to entice you to search beyond the popular places to see in Croatia.

Peljesac peninsula

Croatia's second-largest peninsula, Peljesac is our favorite place in all of Croatia. You'll find here intact nature, wonderful coves, bays, pebbly and sandy beaches, wine-growing hills, olive groves, the best Croatian red wine – Plavac mali, yummy seafood, particularly shellfish, windsurfing, and hiking.

Read more about the Peljesac peninsula:

• Things To Do In the Peljesac Peninsula
• Peljesac Peninsula Travel Guide
• Peljesac Wine Tour
• 15 Awesome Beaches On Peljesac Peninsula
• Accommodation in Peljesac Peninsula

Komarna

Komarna is a small coastal village, located 70 km north of Dubrovnik. The village is best suited for those in search of peace and quiet, beach time, awesome views, and daily trips to interesting nearby places including Split, Dubrovnik, Peljesac, Korcula, Mljet island, Mostar, and alike.

It's a kind of place where nothing ever happens, yet it is never boring!

Elaphiti Islands

Islands off Dubrovnik coast, Elaphiti is an archipelago consisting of over 12 small islands. The inhabited ones are the car-free islands of Kolocep, and Lopud, and the largest Sipan Island.

These islands are very close to Dubrovnik, yet like a world apart. They are quiet, have lovely beaches, laid back atmosphere, and a few good restaurants, like Obala in Lopud, Bowa in Sipan, and Villa Rose on Kolocep. Thus, these are all valid reasons to visit Elafiti.

• Elafiti Islands Near Dubrovnik
• Accommodation in Elafiti Islands
• Activities in Elafiti Islands

Vis

The furthest inhabited island in Croatia, Vis is a peaceful oasis, and it feels very authentic. Vis has lots of hidden coves, pebbly beaches, and a crystal clear sea. Therefore, it's a perfect place to visit if you like hanging out on a beach, sea kayaking, chilling with a glass of local wine, untouched nature, small villages, and little crowds.

Vis Island served as an important military base for the Yugoslav army until 1990, and access to the island was limited. This fact alone makes not only Vis history but also today's experiences in Vis, quite unique! Vis is one of our favorite places in Croatia!

• Vis Beaches: Stiniva Beach
• Accommodation in Vis
• Activities in Vis

Lastovo

The small island of Lastovo is almost devoid of tourists. Certainly, it has to do with the fact that it takes 4 hours to reach the island by catamaran from Dubrovnik, and 3 hours from Split.

Lastovo is popular among sailing aficionados for its wonderful archipelago consisting of 46 small islands. Above all, you'll like it for its stunning nature, rocky coast, thick forests, and outdoor activities like cycling, swimming, and walking.

Find accommodation in Lastovo!

Solta

Just a short hop by ferry from Split, Solta Island is still overlooked by tourists who rather flock to the more popular islands of Brac and Hvar.

However, Solta is a good place to stay if you just like to relax away from the crowds, and big tourist attractions.

Find accommodation in Solta!

Sutivan

Although the island of Brac is very popular among island-hoppers, the majority of visitors to the island head either to Bol or Supetar.

Other places on the island stay pretty quiet throughout the year. The small village of Sutivan, located in the northwest part of Brac Island, remains quiet even in high season.

Sutivan is popular for mountain biking and has lots of nice little coves perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Find Accommodation in Sutivan!

Milna Hvar

A vacation on the island of Hvar doesn't have to be crazily expensive and crowded. In other words, this is only the case in the town of Hvar.

Hvar is a beautiful island, and we highly recommend visiting it. To escape the crowds, and spend quiet beach time on the island, head to Milna, a small bay with a gorgeous pebbly beach, and only a dozen houses or so.

Find accommodation in Milna!

Dugi Otok

If you like beaches, intact nature, small villages, very few visitors even in high season, and an authentic island lifestyle, then consider visiting Dugi Otok.

Famed for its sandy beach Sakarun, and nature park Telasica, the island of Dugi Otok has a laid-back vibe, a lovely lighthouse, rocky coast, forests, and a vineyard.

Find accommodation in Dugi Otok!

Popular activities in Dugi Otok:

• Full-day kayak tour on Dugi Otok
• Dugi Otok self-guided bike tour
• Speedboat tour to Dugi Otok and Molat islands

Mali Losinj

“The Island of Vitality”, Mali Losinj is famed for its lush vegetation, and thick pine forests, and it has always been popular among camping aficionados, nature lovers, and those looking for a piece and quiet. Some of the best 5-star hotels in Croatia are located in Mali Losinj!

Mali Losinj is not as off-the-beaten path as other destinations on our list, but it is certainly under the radar of overseas visitors. However, many Europeans spend their summer holidays on the island of Losinj.

Find accommodation in Mali Losinj!

Kopacki Rit

When talking about the least visited places in Croatia, the eastern region of Slavonia wins the game! In the terms of tourists, it can't get more remote.

If you would like to visit one place in the Croatian Slavonia region, choose Kopacki Rit. This nature park, formed at the crossing of rivers Danube and Drava, consists of ponds, lakes, meadows, and forests shaped and changed daily by the movement of the two rivers. It is one of the best-preserved alluvial plains in Europe with very rich biodiversity.

A white-tailed eagle is the most famous inhabitant of the park, although you can observe many interesting birds, swans, deer, and other animals in the park.

Take a small boat tour through the waters, and enjoy the beautiful nature, and diversity of plants, birds, and other animals you will encounter.

Croatian Regions

Croatia has a total of 21 administrative units: 20 counties and the city of Zagreb. However, from a traveler's point of view, we find that there are 7 distinctive regions of Croatia.

In short, these include:

• Istria & Rijeka, the northern Adriatic region;
• Dalmatia, the southern Adriatic region;
• Dubrovnik Riviera, the southernmost part of Croatia;
• Croatian islands; and continental regions of
• Slavonija & Baranja,
• Lika & Gorski Kotar, and
• Zagreb with its surroundings

Istria & Rijeka

The most visited region in Croatia, Istria is a heart-shaped peninsula located in the northern Adriatic.

Moreover, Istria is rolling hills, charming hilltop towns, colorful coastal towns, rocky coasts, vineyards, and olive groves. Above all, Istria is a great place to visit in Croatia for foodies.

Many visitors compare it with Tuscany, and sometimes call it “Tuscany with colors”. Istria is also a place that we call home (another reason to visit perhaps?!).

Dalmatian Coast

Vera comes from Dalmatia, and Dalmatia is very close to our hearts. Dalmatian Coast stretches from Zadar in the north to the Peljesac peninsula in the south.

Above all, Dalmatia is rugged mountains, pebbly beaches, hidden coves and bays, dramatic landscapes, thousands of islands, UNESCO's world heritage sites (5 out of 7 are in Dalmatia), national parks (4 out of 8 are located along the Dalmatian Coast), and ancient towns.

Croatian Islands

The Croatian side of the Adriatic is dotted with a thousand islands, islets, and reefs. However, only a small number of them are inhabited.

Moreover, when you think about Croatian islands, imagine small villages, fishing boats, wonderful, secluded beaches, terraced vineyards, sheep and goats grazing on the meadows, fresh veggies, and super tasty fruit.

But furthermore, each island is a world for itself. In other words, some islands offer a very laid-back vibe, some are perfect family destinations, and some attract the young and restless.

Which island is the best island to visit in Croatia depends a lot on your style of travel, and what you are after.

Dubrovnik Riviera

The southernmost part of Croatia, Dubrovnik Riviera stretches from the Peljesac peninsula to Konavle south of Dubrovnik.

First of all, Dubrovnik Riviera is history and culture, salt pans, wonderful architecture, preserved coast, vineyards, citrus and orange orchards, scenic roads, fresh seafood, and lovely beaches.

Zagreb & surroundings

A Croatian capital town, Zagreb is the largest town in Croatia, but also an administrative, and economic center of the country.

Zagreb is above all myths and legends, river Sava, hills of Kaptol and Gric, buzzing cafes with street-side terraces, lovely restaurants, cool hostels, clubbing, green spaces, parks, and forests.

Gorski Kotar & Lika

The least visited part of Croatia, these two continental regions are perfect for those in search of peace and quiet.

Gorski Kotar & Lika are mountains and pastures, natural wonders of Plitvice and Risnjak, emerald rivers, streams, creeks and rapids, snow-covered peaks, vast spaces, and very few crowds (except for Plitvice Lakes).

Slavonia & Baranja

Very few tourists wander to this part of Croatia. Slavonia and Baranja (the easternmost part of Croatia) are very beautiful and interesting parts of Croatia, although they still lack tourist infrastructure.

However, Slavonia and Baranja are golden plains, centuries-old forests, beautiful Danube, Drava, and Sava rivers, spicy food, folklore festivals, and becarac, a traditional song that made it to the UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.

Type of holidays

If you search for a specific type of holiday, that fact alone can narrow your choice of where to stay in Croatia.

While some activities, like water sports, are available in all holiday destinations in Croatia, rafting, canyoning, or tandem jumping, can only be found in a few places in Croatia.

We list below some of the common reasons people visit Croatia in order to make it easier for you to choose where to go on holiday in Croatia.

Croatia beach holidays

If you wonder where to go in Croatia for beaches, check Rabac in Istria, northern Croatian Islands like Krk, Cres, and Rab, and the wonderful Makarska Riviera.

Get inspired by reading the following posts:

• 49 Awesome Croatia Beaches
• Sandy Beaches In Croatia: Where To Find Them
• 5 Things I Love About Croatia Beaches

Party

Although Croatia isn't Ibiza, in the last few years some destinations in Croatia turned into clubbing hot spots with excellent clubbing scenes, a load of music festivals, and pretty much partying 24/7.

Zrce Beach near Novalja on the island of Pag is the best-known party destination in Croatia, followed by Tisno on the island of Murter, and Pula in Istria. Tisno and Pula organize many festivals throughout the summer.

In addition, other best places to go in Croatia for nightlife include Porec, Hvar Town, and Zagreb.

Outdoor Adventure

In Croatia, you'll have lots of opportunities for all kinds of outdoor activities. But when it comes to ultimate adventures, two places in Croatia stand out – Zadar and Omis.

Omis is a small town 25 km south of Split. It's a place where the river Cetina reaches the sea. As the river flows through a beautiful canyon, it makes ample possibilities for canyoning, white water rafting, and canoeing, as well as rock climbing, trekking, and zip-lining, among other things.

Zadar, on the other hand, is perfectly located to enjoy ultimate rock climbing in Paklenica National Park, as well as hiking, and mountaineering. Also, the Zrmanja River Canyon, perfect for rafting and kayaking, is just a short drive from Zadar.

Away from it all

Do you like long, quiet walks, secluded beaches, mingling with locals rather than tourists, the slow pace of life, and basically not much to do except relax?

If the answer is Yes then look for places on the smaller, northern & southern Croatian Islands, like Iz, Pasman, Silba, Mljet, or Lastovo; small villages along the Dalmatian coast and the Peljesac peninsula.

Family holidays

A nice balance of beach time, activities for the whole family, family-friendly, and overall good value for money, you'll find in Porec, Rabac, Rovinj, Losinj, Zadar, Sibenik, and Bol. Thus, narrow your search down to these destinations.

All-inclusive holidays

Croatia isn't a popular all-inclusive destination. However, you will still find some all-inclusive hotels.

You will also notice that many hotels in Croatia offer all-inclusive light formula. In other words, this means that you get three meals a day, and a selection of drinks included at mealtimes. At all other times, as well as at all other hotel bars, you will need to pay for your drinks. No free snacks either.

Also, all-inclusive hotels in Croatia are mostly intended for families with children.

If you are not sure where to visit Croatia for all-inclusive holidays, then check these Croatia destinations: Rabac, Porec, Funtana, Zadar, and Makarska Riviera.

Couples

Good destinations for couples with romantic towns, a good choice of restaurants, and cozy accommodations you'll find in Rovinj, Opatija, Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, and Vis Island.

Centrally located

If you would like to find a good base from where you can explore many Croatian points of interest, even by public transport, then consider staying in Split, Zadar, and Sibenik.

Recommended multi-day tours

Below you'll find a few coach and boat tours that will give you a chance to do some serious Croatia sightseeing in a relatively short time.

Recommended travel guides

• Fodor's Croatia Travel Guide (we are co-authors!).
• Lonely Planet Croatia Travel Guide
• Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia

Further reading:

• Croatia Travel Guide: 26 Things To Know Before Traveling To Croatia
• Things To Do In Croatia
• Ultimate Guide To Accommodation In Croatia
• Packing List For Vacation In Croatia
• How To Choose Your Destination In Croatia
• Outdoor Activities in Croatia
• 49 Awesome Beaches In Croatia
• Snorkeling In Croatia
• White Water Rafting In Croatia
• 20 Must-Try Foods In Croatia

We hope you get a better idea of where to go to Croatia after reading this post. As always, if you have any questions or suggestions leave them in the comments below.