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The stunning country of Croatia is situated in southeastern Europe, hugging the Hungarian border. Here you will find plenty of geographical diversity, ranging from pretty coastlines to turquoise waters, hidden caves and cultural cities.
For those seeking a beautiful place to visit that offers incredible natural surroundings and picturesque ports, Croatia is where you want to be! Its Mediterranean climate provides hot, dry summers and cold, frosty winters, making it a very popular holiday destination during the warmer seasons when the hotter weather makes for great days lounging on the beach, enjoying watersports activities, or strolling through the towns and cities.
If you are planning to visit Croatia, you’ll likely be planning what you’re going to do whilst you’re in the country. If you’re looking for suggestions, we’ve put together the list below that will guide you through some of the best things to do in this beautiful part of Europe.
A must-see when visiting Croatia is Zlatni Rat Beach, often referred to as the ‘Golden Cape’ or ‘Golden Horn’ due to its interesting shape jutting out into the Adriatic Sea. The large stretch of sand is situated approximately a mile west of the harbour town of Bol, with a tourist train that runs from here to the beach during peak season.
This beach is a favoured spot among windsurfers, as the winds from the Adriatic Sea provide the perfect conditions for this sport on Zlatni. The pebbly shore is also popular with sunbathers and other holidaymakers seeking to relax in a tranquil environment.
Croatia is a fantastic place for sailing, as the crystal clear waters and 1,200 islands to cruise around provide a picturesque setting to explore the high seas.
Split is an ideal location to set sail from, as yacht tours take you to the nearby islands like Hvar Brac and Korcula. North of Split is Kornat; another great place to enjoy sailing activities due to its national park and opportunity to cruise around the islets and coral reefs.
For those seeking seclusion and a chance to escape the crowds, go to Kaprije; a village in Croatia with a tiny population of 150 residents. The quaint village is a great place to sail from as it has fewer tourists, providing a quiet environment.
If you can’t sail or don't fancy chartering a boat, you can also enjoy boat tours from many of the large cities or towns near the coast.
Diocletian’s Palace is an ancient structure built in the fourth century for the Roman emperor Diocletian, situated in the Croatian city of Split. It’s a UNESCO Heritage site and has had this status since 1979, so it’s a great place to visit for those who seek to uncover some of Croatia’s history.
The palace is the only ruin in the world that is still inhabited, and not only do people live here but there is also a whole world within its walls. You will find multiple shops, bars, cafes, houses and restaurants, the perfect way to experience living like royalty.
Originally, Diocletian’s Palace was built as a luxury villa, summer house and Roman military camp and then divided into four parts, with two main streets. A visit here will take you back in time to what life was like during this period, as well as a chance to see how it has changed over the years into what it is today.
Sljeme, also known as Mount Medvednica, sits in central Croatia, north of the capital city of Zagreb. This is an excellent place for those who love to get active outdoors, as a visit will provide you with some of the country’s best views alongside several great historical sites.
The Medvednica Nature Park is brimming with flora and fauna and houses the Medvedgrad Fortress, located on the mountain's southern slope. After being restored during the 1990s, the fortress is a great way to uncover Croatia’s history, as it was once a fortified town after the invasion of the Mongols in 1242.
When deciding to spend the day exploring Sljeme, you will also come across The Shrine of the Homeland; a monument where people go to pay their respects to those who died during the war.
You can access Mount Medvednica by tram 8 or 14 north towards the end of their route, at which point you will need to change for tram 15 to Dolje and then walk from here to the cable car on the mountain.
Kayaking is a popular activity in Croatia, mainly due to the vast amount of turquoise ocean on the country’s coastline. Visitors can also explore remote and hidden islands around the Dalmatian Coast and have plenty of opportunities to witness some gorgeous, rugged scenery.
You can start your kayaking adventure in a few different places across Croatia, with one of the best expeditions being from the village of Veli Rat on Dugi Otok. Setting out on the water from here provides the opportunity to see the island of Veli Lagann and paddle above the shipwreck of an Italian merchant ship that sank in 1984.
Several other wonderful spots also offer fantastic kayaking excursions. Islands such as Sipan, Lopud and Kolocep are great options that provide excursions around the island's coastlines alongside guided experts who will talk you through the sights along the way.
Blue Cave Grotto, or Blue Cave, is a waterlogged sea cave situated in the small bay of Balun on the east side of Bisevo. Visitors can pass through the cave by boat, which wasn’t possible before the entrance was blasted open in 1884, creating a hole in the rock. Previously, the only access was for intrepid divers who could fit through the much smaller opening.
When passing through the cave, the rays of sunlight that seep through the cracks illuminate the water, creating a blue light throughout the cavern. As the light trickles through the passageway, it creates a glow under the water that makes it appear as though it is shimmering.
Tours are available to Blue Cave from either Split, Hvar or Vis, which allows easy access to this unique experience. However, remember that this attraction becomes very busy during summer when more tourists go here to experience the magic within the cave.
Historical attractions are in abundance throughout Croatia, with one of the most prominent being the Roman Amphitheatre in the city of Pula. Located around 200 metres northeast outside the city walls, it’s a relatively easy site to reach.
This attraction is the only remaining Roman Amphitheatre to have four side towers entirely preserved, which is especially impressive considering its construction took place between 27 BC and AD 68. Being among the world’s largest surviving Roman arenas makes this a unique attraction for many, as its originality provides visitors with a rare historic experience.
Throughout summer, events are held in the theatre at least once a week in the evening and usually include gladiator fights, Roman-style clothing, and plenty of food and drink.
You must purchase a ticket before entering the Roman Amphitheatre at Pula. It might also be worth booking ahead of time if you want to visit here during peak season, as it can get jam-packed with tourists.
We’ve only scratched the surface of what there is to do in Croatia on this list. This country not only has much more to discover, but its location means that trips to islands like Korcula and Brac are also easy to plan and allow you to see more of the country and its beautiful surrounding isles, towns and cities.
For more information about planning a holiday to Croatia, why not read our guides on the best time to visit and the best places to go 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 fro
