The 18 most beautiful places to visit in Croatia

Would you like to discover Croatia? You don't know where to start? Here are the 18 most beautiful places to visit in Croatia.

When deciding to spend a few days in Croatia, the most difficult is to make a choice among the many treasures it holds. The directors of the cult series Game of Thrones understood it! Between beautiful coasts, heavenly islands, cities and villages full of cultural blends, and natural parks of incredible beauty, you will realize that it is useless to go to the end of the world to find a little corner of paradise! Located at the edge of the Adriatic Sea, facing Italy, the country is nourished by Mediterranean and Slavic influences.

We have selected some of the jewels to discover, when you want to visit Croatia. Ready for the trip?

1. Dubrovnik

We're not here anymore. The « Pearl of the Adriatic » is part of must-see Croatia. Architectural and historical treasure, the old town of Dubrovnik invites the traveler to lose himself in its alleys.

From the old houses of the Placa, to the walk along the ramparts, the Rector's palace or the Dominican and Franciscan convents, you will fall under the charm of this majestic city, to the dazzling white. Do not hesitate to venture outside, in order to enjoy the beaches and the surrounding nature. We can’t visit Croatia without stopping in Dubrovnik!

2. Island of Mljet

A few kilometers north of Dubrovnik, discover the island of Mljet , happy mix of pretty coves, wild nature and protected by a national park, pretty villages and small ports. This island is still preserved from mass tourism and you can admire the Dominican monastery nestled on the island of Sainte Marie, located in the middle of a salt lake.

3. Korčula Island

Like many of Croatia’s must-see sites, Korčula Island will satisfy nature and culture lovers. In the old town of the same name, housed on a peninsula, north of the island, you can admire the old stone constructions, St Mark’s Cathedral and Marco Polo’s House. Located only fifteen minutes by ferry from the Peljesac peninsula, Korčula Island is also known for its vineyards and beautiful beaches. Do not visit Croatia without tasting a glass of white wine from Korčula or swimming in its clear waters!

4. Kornati Archipelago

A visit to the Kornati Archipelago is a must-see for those looking for calm and wild nature. Accessible by boat from Zadar, this set of nearly 100-fifty islands, almost all uninhabited, can only seduce travellers in search of singular landscapes.

Would you like to discover the Kornati Archipelago in a fun way accompanied by an expert from the region? We advise you to visit "Explora Project" , the agency that offers you unforgettable escapades. With their stay « Croatia: the Kornati archipelago by kayak » , you will dive into the heart of Croatia. Accompanied by a local guide, it is a program for small onions that awaits you: breathtaking landscapes, beautiful hiking trails and turquoise blue waters. Unbelievable!

5. Hvar Island

More frequented, but equally charming, the Croatian St. Tropez has nothing to envy on the other islands of Dalmatian waters. Hvar will seduce both travellers in search of animation, as well as lovers of swimming and hiking, or lovers of history and architecture. Come and visit the old village that houses an elegant main square, the first theatre in Europe, dating from the 17th century, and a fortress.

6. Makarska

Let's go back to the coast to discover Makarska, halfway between Dubrovnik and Split. Less known to tourists who visit Croatia, Makarska deserves to be held there. The framework is extraordinary. The Biokovo mountains overlook a superb bay with crystal clear waters and white pebble beaches. The contrast is striking!

7. The island of Brač

You will have understood, visiting Croatia passes through the discovery of a thousand and one islands! Everyone has their strengths and secrets. The island of Brač attracts for its dense vegetation, its cut ribs, its adorable little coves and its famous beach of Zlatni Rat. Located only fifty minutes from Split ferry, the island of Brač is less frequented than Hvar, and is a great spot for diving enthusiasts.

8. Split

Joyau de la Dalmatia Centrale, Split plunges the visitor into the heart of history while offering him a modern bath. You will find your happiness: museums, art galleries, shopping, bars and restaurants, walk along the sea, beaches, not to mention the sublime palace of Dioclétien. Split is also the ideal starting point for day trips or tours in the islands of Hvar or Brač.

9. Šibenik

Less tourist than Zadar or Split, Šibenik is the ideal place for those looking for animation and character. Walk in the small streets of the old town and discover beautiful places, where you can relax at the end of the day, at the terrace of a café. You who visit Croatia, do not leave Šibenik without admiring the magnificent Saint-Jacques Cathedral, dating from the 15th century and classified as Unesco World Heritage.

10. Šibenik Archipelago: Zlarin and Prvić Islands

Would you like to visit Croatia but get out of the tourist circuits? Not far from the mainland, escape from the crowd by landing on the Zlarin and Prvić islands. You will taste peace, on these islands where car traffic is forbidden. If you extend your day trip by staying one night or two at home, authenticity and rest are assured!

11. Krka National Park

Visiting Croatia is also discovering many parks where nature is queen. With its multiple waterfalls, natural pools with transparent waters, reptiles and birds, Krka National Park is a great example. Are you out of culture? Don't panic! You can also go by boat to the small island of Visovac and visit the Franciscan monastery, in which monks still live.

12. Zadar

Like Dubrovnik, it would be a shame to visit Croatia without discovering Zadar. Between small streets and Roman ruins, between small churches and pretty squares, between bright whiteness and orange tiles, you will necessarily be seduced! Zadar is also modern. You knew the sea was playing music? Have you ever seen a spectacle of natural light games? Zadar is known for two jewels it holds: the organ of the sea and the salutation to the sun. If you want to escape away from the city, nothing simpler! Zadar is the starting point for many hikes and excursions at sea.

13. Plitvice Lakes

If it is a park that it would be a shame to miss, it is Plitvice’s. Located in the land, halfway between Zadar and Zagreb, this set of lakes and waterfalls is classified as UNESCO World Heritage. You can taste the pleasure of a walk in a preserved environment, in the heart of a forest of conifers and foliage, where you may have the chance to cross a wolf or bear! The turquoise color is not only the privilege of the waters of the Adriatic. You will be under the charm of blue hues that dress the lakes of the park. Don't miss under any pretext!

14. Krk Island

Easily accessible thanks to the bridge that connects it to the continent, the island Krk lies north of the Adriatic. It will satisfy travellers in search of animation, like amateurs of secret nature. Tourist beaches or remote coves, culinary specialties or nightlife, nautical activities or hiking, natural curiosities or historical vestiges, there is for all tastes!

15. The small villages of Istria

Cultural and gastronomic wealth, the beauty of the coves and the charm of the hills explain why Istria attracts more and more travellers. If you want to visit Croatia, without suffering from the tourist affluence, turn to two small remote villages, such as Motovun or Oprtalj. Perched on hills, between vineyards and forests, these two destinations allow you to discover another Croatia, far from the beaches and the mugging of the cities. Real jewelry!

16. Pula and Rovinj

Pula and Rovinj are the pearls of Istria. Located on the edge of the Adriatic, west of the peninsula, Pula is full of Roman vestiges, such as the amphitheatre, the temple of Augustus or the forum, which are particularly well preserved. For baroque architecture lovers, Rovinj will seduce more than one. Visit the old town and the Cathedral of Sainte-Euphemia. Come and refresh yourself in the crystal clear waters!

17. Slavonia and Kopacki Rit Natural Park

You want to get out of the beaten paths? Visiting Croatia is also discovering the continental part of the country. Uncontestably less tourist than the coast or Dalmatian parks, Slavonia It's worth the detour. A region of history and character, you can visit the city of Osijek and enjoy the beauty of its baroque architecture. Kopacki Rit's natural park is home to a huge ornithological reserve.

18. Zagreb

How to visit Croatia without stopping in the capital? Less popular than its counterparts on the Adriatic coast, Zagreb is yet a striking city. Take the time to enjoy the charms of Zagreb by walking in the small streets of the high city, visiting the multiple museums, taking a coffee on a flower square or letting you take the rhythm of the nightlife.