Share
Captivating and colourful, rich in history and varied in landscapes: Croatia really does have it all. From the immense natural beauty of its lakes, mountains and coastal scenery to the heritage and culture of its towns and cities, these are our favourite places to visit if you want to experience the very best Croatia has to offer:
The Croatian capital is renowned for its thriving arts scene, with a variety of museums and galleries that showcase its history and cultural heritage. Within the medieval, cobbled streets of Zagreb’s Upper Town, you’ll unique gems such as the Museum of Broken Relationships and the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art. The wide boulevards, parks and squares of the Lower Town are just as charming – the cafes, bars and restaurants of the pedestrian-only Tkalčićeva Street are one of our favourite places to soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed park is a surreal landscape of crystal-clear turquoise lakes, interconnected by a series of cascading waterfalls. During the spring and summer months, the surrounding forest is lush and green, while in autumn, it becomes a tapestry of red, orange, and yellow hues. If you visit during the winter, you’ll find a magical winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls and snow-covered trees. You can explore Plitvice, which is the oldest national park in Croatia, via an extensive network of scenic hiking trails and wooden walkways, or take a tour of the most popular sites by scenic ‘trains’ and electric boat.
Nicknamed ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik’s ancient walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its well-preserved medieval architecture and cobblestoned streets. Game of Thrones fans who recognise Dubrovnik as the real-life setting for King’s Landing can even join a guided tour to visit key filming sites.
The city’s historical highlights include the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace and the Franciscan Monastery, which houses one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. An evening walk around the ancient stone walls that encircle the Old Town is a must – you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking sunset views of the city and the Adriatic Sea.
This charming town is located at the mouth of the Cetina River on Croatia’s beautiful Dalmatian coast. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history and thrilling outdoor activities, most of which are centred around the river’s scenic canyons a short distance upstream. Omiš is a popular destination for hiking, rock-climbing, swimming and abseiling; you can even soar high above the river, soaking up spectacular views while enjoying an exhilarating zip-line ride.
For beach lovers, it’s an easy walk from the Old Town to the sandy beach of Velika plaza, where you can buy the kids an ice cream, hire a jet ski, kayak or paddle boats, or join a friendly game of beach volleyball. A day trip to the spectacular Blue Cave (Modra Spilja) on the island of Biševo is a bucket list Croatian experience, so be sure to book your tour in advance to avoid missing out. Sunlight enters the cave through an underwater opening and reflects off the white sandy floor, creating an ethereal blue light that has to be seen to be believed.
During the daytime, Diocletian’s Palace is the undisputed highlight of any visit to Split – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed palace that is a modern-day reminder of the city’s importance to ancient Rome. The palace is set amidst a picturesque maze of narrow streets filled with historical buildings, shops and cafes. By night, these streets are alive with a vibrant assortment of bars and clubs, as well as some of Europe’s biggest festivals. The Split Summer Festival features theatre, opera, ballet and music events in historic venues throughout the city, while the Ultra Europe Music Festival is a world-class electronic music festival that attracts top-tier DJs and thousands of visitors every year.
Krka, like Plitvice, is renowned for its karst limestone landscapes: a unique collection of otherworldly geological formations that includes caves and sinkholes, waterfalls and lakes. From the stunning cascades of Skradinski Buk to the serene atmosphere of an ancient Franciscan monastery set on a small island in Visovac Lake, a guided boat tour along the Krka River is a fantastic way to explore the park’s most beloved highlights.
Located at the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula, the city of Pula contains some of Croatia’s most outstanding examples of ancient Roman architecture. You can tour the vast Pula Arena, which once hosted gladiatorial games and now serves as a venue for concerts and festivals, and marvel at the equally well-preserved Roman Temple of Augustus and Arch of the Sergii.
A visit to the Archaeological Museum of Istria is a great way to gain insights into the region’s ancient history, with exhibits ranging from prehistoric times to the Roman Empire, or you can simply soak up the historic atmosphere while enjoying a stroll through the cobbled streets and squares of the Old Town. If you’re short on time, you can fly into Pula as a starting point for exploring the rest of Istria.
The 89 islands, islets and reefs that make up this stunning archipelago just off Croatia’s central Adriatic coast provide a haven of untouched natural beauty that is ideal for an idyllic sailing holiday. Large portions of the park’s crystal-clear waters are protected marine environments, providing excellent conditions for snorkelling and diving expeditions, while the countless hidden coves and beaches provide sheltered conditions for kayaking and paddle boarding. When you are ready to venture ashore, you’ll find tranquil fishing villages where you can sample delectable fresh seafood and locally produced olive oils.
The nature reserves of Krka and Kornati National Parks are both an easy day trip from the pretty coastal city of Šibenik – just one of the reasons that it is the ideal base for a family holiday in Croatia. It’s also the setting for the annual International Children’s Festival, which features performances, workshops and other fun activities for children and attracts families from all over the world. If your family enjoys hiking and cycling, the surrounding countryside offers plenty of choice in scenic trails, while the nearby Solaris Beach is a kid-friendly haven of beaches, water parks and resorts.
Often referred to as “Little Dubrovnik”, Korčula’s historic Old Town is a well-preserved medieval walled city with narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming squares. Venture beyond the city and you’ll find a variety of lovely beaches, from the sandy shores of Lumbarda to the picturesque, pebbled expanse of Pupnatska Luka. The island is easily accessible by ferry from major Croatian coastal cities such as Split, Dubrovnik, and Hvar, and it’s a great base for day tripping to other islands like Hvar, Mljet and Brač.
The vibrant waterfront promenade of this picturesque fishing port is lined with cafes and restaurants where you can try traditional Istrian dishes such as truffle pasta and seafood risotto while watching the sun set over the Adriatic. Browse for locally produced picnic ingredients, including fresh fruit, cheeses, olives and cured meats, at Rovinj’s open-air market. Add a bottle of white Malvazija wine and you’re all set for a blissful day of swimming and sunbathing on the beautiful rocky beaches of Golden Cape Forest Park.
Trogir’s well-preserved architecture and spectacular setting make this historic town on Croatia’s Adriatic Coast is a must-see. Its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a stunning collection of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings. Soak up the panoramic views from the belltower of the thirteenth-century Cathedral of St. Lawrence (St. Lovro), take in an open-air summer concert in the grounds of the fifteenth-century Kamerlengo Fortress or browse the collection of art, relics and manuscripts housed in the Museum of Sacred Art.
With its stunning natural landscapes, rich historical heritage and vibrant cultural scene, Croatia is a bucket list destination for many travellers. To plan your Croatian holiday experience, talk to your personal travel manager.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
