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Croatia is a stunning crescent-shaped country made up of over a thousand islands and a large mainland area. Situated in southeastern Europe, Croatia enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, balmy summers and cold, crisp winters.
There are plenty of things to do in Croatia, and with its numerous islands, cities and towns, there are also many great places to go. All these aspects help to make the country an excellent place to visit for those who seek variety on their holiday.
If you plan to visit Croatia, you are most likely wondering about the best places to go. Below are our top recommendations of the top places to go to help get you started.
Dubrovnik is a gorgeous city in the Dalmatia region of southern Croatia and is a must-visit place, especially for its lovely Old Town. The ancient city is ringed by massive stone walls created in the 16th century, containing many historical sights and well-preserved buildings.
If you seek to uncover some of Dubrovnik’s historical quarters, then a visit to the Renaissance Sponza Palace, Gothic Rector’s Palace and the St Blaise Church will do just the trick.
The city is renowned for its mediaeval architecture and stunning marble pavings and is famous for being one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe. This makes Dubrovnik an excellent place for those seeking somewhere that offers a pretty and historic atmosphere.
Split is a vibrant port city on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea in the Dalmatia region. Well-known for its ancient centre, beautiful architecture and mouth-watering cuisine, this is a great place to visit for those who want to be in the midst of a bustling Croatian city.
Some great boat excursions from Split will take you to other nearby islands like Hvar, Brac and Paklinski, making it an ideal place to visit for anyone seeking island-hopping adventures. However, if you prefer to keep your feet on land, the city is brimming with historic streets full of bars, restaurants, shops and pristine beaches.
You might also be surprised to know that amongst the dynamic city, there are also some breathtaking waterfalls near Split, such as Veliki Slap, Kravice, Bilusica Buk and many more.
Hvar is 43 miles long, making it the longest island in the Adriatic Sea. To get here, you would need to fly to Split, Dubrovnik or Brac Airport and then either rent a car or take the bus or taxi to the island.
After arriving in Hvar, you will discover the ancient port town that includes 13th-century walls, a hilltop fortress and the main square, which houses the Renaissance Hvar Cathedral. The town is brimming with culture and history, perfect for those who want to see old-world architecture and authentic Croatian culture.
There are also many boat excursions from Hvar, with one of the most popular being the trip to the Paklinski islands, where you will find incredible secluded beaches and beautiful coves. However, you don’t have to travel to find stunning beaches and lovely hidden bays, as Hvar also has plenty of these!
Pag is an island along the northern coast of the Adriatic Sea and is the fifth-largest on the Croatian coastline. Its pebble and sand beaches surround its shoreline, creating a haven for those who seek to relax and unwind when visiting the country.
The island of Pag is renowned for Pag cheese, its 15th-century church of St George and the archaeological site and remains of a Franciscan monastery in Old Town Pag, so you will find lots to see and do when visiting here.
There are also plenty of bars, restaurants and shops in the town of Pag, so if you want to spend your day wandering through the historic streets, you will find multiple places to stop off and try. The nearest airport is at Zadar, which offers approximately 7 buses that run daily to Pag town, with a transfer time of around 2 hours.
Zagreb is the capital and largest city in Croatia, located in the northwestern part of the country and along the Sava River. There are several museums, outdoor activities and stunning architecture all around Zagreb, making it an ideal place for those who like to keep busy whilst on holiday.
The city also sits at the southern slopes of Medvednica Mountain, meaning that Zagreb is enveloped by lush greenery. Alongside its stunning natural backdrop, you will find multiple food markets, street festivals and fantastic cuisine within its centre.
If you seek to spend your time in Zagreb making the most out of its shop offering, you will want to go to the Lower Town, where you will find the main square brimming with shops as well as museums and lovely parks. Tkalčićeva Street is the place to go for those who want to sit out and take in the surroundings in the many outdoor cafes and restaurants.
Being the capital city and one of the busiest in Croatia, Zagreb is also relatively easy to get to. The shuttle bus from Zagreb International Airport takes you straight into the city with a short transfer time of approximately 40 minutes.
Trogir is connected to Croatia’s mainland and the island of Ciovo by bridge, and is also 17 miles west of the city of Split, making it an ideal location for those who want to explore the surrounding areas with ease.
The beautiful historic city of Trogir has a wonderful mix of Renaissance and Romanesque buildings and is considered the best-preserved mediaeval city in central Europe. When wandering the streets of Trogir, it feels like you are in an open museum with Gothic, Roman, Renaissance and Baroque architecture at every turn.
With its countless historical attractions, eye-catching structures and beautiful surrounding scenery, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trogir is a must for those seeking lots to do when in Croatia. The city is also far quieter than some of Croatia’s other popular cities, providing you with the perfect environment to rest whilst on holiday here.
Pula is the largest city in Istria county and the seventh-largest in Croatia, meaning that you will find plenty of space to wander around when choosing to visit here. The city sits on the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula and has excellent connections to other nearby towns and villages, so is an ideal place if you want to explore your surroundings further.
The city is renowned for its fantastic offering of wine tasting routes and also provides an excellent opportunity to visit Venice, Italy by ferry which takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. You will also find a stunning harbour, the ancient Roman Amphitheatre, lovely beaches, a great tourist infrastructure and incredible restaurants, so there is always plenty to do here!
There’s a brilliant range of places to go in Croatia, from ancient historical sites to modern cultural attractions and beautiful natural spaces. With so many islands to explore and most providing excellent connections to one another, you can spend your time here seeing many of the wonders around the country.
If you’d like more recommendations on how to spend your time in the area, why not check out our post on the best things to do in Croatia?
For more information about planning a holiday to Croatia, why not read our guides on the best time to visit and the best things to do in the country?
If you’re planning a visit to Croatia and are looking for somewhere to stay in the area, Vida Villas has a fantastic selection of accommodation to choose from. Browse our range here, or get in touch and talk to our team about what you’re looking for.
