Essential Places to Experience in Croatia’s Paradise

I first visited Croatia in 2019, right before the world changed. Back then, the streets of Dubrovnik were packed with tourists, and finding a quiet spot along the Dalmatian Coast felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. When I returned in 2023, I discovered a country that had found its sweet spot between welcoming visitors and maintaining its authentic charm.

What makes Croatia special is how it seamlessly blends different experiences into one incredible journey. From the ancient walls of coastal cities to the crystal-clear waters of hidden coves, from the rolling hills of Istria dotted with olive groves to the thundering waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, Croatia offers something new around every corner. The mixture of Roman ruins, Venetian architecture, and local traditions creates a place that feels both timeless and alive.

Looking for the best places to visit in Croatia? I’ve combined my personal experiences from multiple trips with advice from local friends to create this carefully curated list of destinations that showcase the country’s true character.

Dubrovnik Old Town

You can’t miss Dubrovnik’s Old Town when visiting Croatia – it’s the crown jewel of the Adriatic coast. Protected by massive stone walls that date back to medieval times, this UNESCO World Heritage site lets you walk through centuries of history along its limestone streets. The main thoroughfare, Stradun, leads you past well-preserved Gothic and Renaissance buildings, while the city walls offer perfect views of the terracotta roofs and blue waters beyond.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

I first encountered Plitvice Lakes National Park in 2018, wandering through Croatia’s mountainous heartland. One of the oldest national parks in Southeast Europe, Plitvice spreads across 73,000 acres of central Croatia’s dense forests. A network of 16 terraced lakes flows through the landscape, connected by wooden walkways that hover just above the crystal-clear water. The lakes shift from deep blue to gentle turquoise as you move through the park, while waterfalls cascade between limestone canyons. Unlike many other parks, swimming isn’t allowed here, but the miles of paths offer perfect vantage points to watch the interplay of water and wilderness. The park’s upper lakes section is notably quieter, with fewer tourists and more opportunities to spot deer and rare birds among the beech trees.

Split Historic Center

Split’s historic center feels like you’ve stepped into a living museum where Roman emperors once walked. Unlike other Mediterranean old towns that can feel like tourist theme parks, Split’s ancient core still buzzes with everyday Croatian life. Walk through the 1,700-year-old Diocletian’s Palace, and you’ll find locals hanging laundry between limestone buildings and kids playing soccer in squares where Roman soldiers once marched. The maze of narrow streets leads to hidden cafes tucked into ancient walls, while basement halls that once housed Roman guards now serve as quirky wine bars and art galleries. Thanks to its strategic coastal location, Split absorbed influences from various rulers over centuries, and you’ll spot this mix of Roman, Venetian, and Croatian architecture at every turn.

Hvar Island

Just a short ferry ride from Split lies the island of Hvar, a place where lavender fields meet crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Like many Croatian islands, Hvar boasts beautiful beaches and historic architecture, but what sets it apart is its reputation as Croatia’s sunniest spot, with over 2,800 hours of sunshine each year. The island’s history as a major naval base for the Venetian Empire has left its mark, with fortress walls and grand public squares dotting the landscape. Between the rows of purple lavender and ancient olive groves, you’ll find family-run wineries producing some of Croatia’s best wines, while the waterfront promenade comes alive at sunset with locals and visitors sharing stories over fresh seafood and local spirits.

Zagreb

Step into the heart of Croatia in Zagreb, the country’s lively capital city that blends old-world charm with modern energy. You can start your day exploring the medieval Upper Town, where the iconic St. Mark’s Church stands out with its colorful tiled roof. Take a break at one of the many coffee shops along Tkalčićeva Street, where locals gather for their daily caffeine fix and people-watching. For a unique experience, visit the Museum of Broken Relationships, which tells stories of failed romances through everyday objects. When evening falls, head to Dolac Market, the city’s main outdoor marketplace, where you can sample local cheeses, fresh produce, and traditional Croatian specialties.

Rovinj

If you’re looking for a Mediterranean gem that feels straight out of a postcard, head to Rovinj on Croatia’s Istrian coast. This charming fishing port sits on a small peninsula, with its old town crowned by the Church of St. Euphemia’s bell tower rising above a maze of cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses. The clear blue waters of the Adriatic lap against the town’s edges, while nearby beaches and islands offer perfect spots for swimming and sunbathing.

Krka National Park

If you’re searching for natural wonders in Croatia, you can’t miss Krka National Park. Located along the Krka River, this protected area features seven limestone waterfalls cascading through lush forests, with wooden walkways that let you get up close to the rushing water. The park’s crown jewel is Skradinski Buk, a series of 17 waterfalls that create natural pools perfect for swimming during summer months.

Zadar

Take in the magic of Zadar’s unique waterfront attractions along the Dalmatian coast. The Sea Organ, a musical instrument played by ocean waves, creates gentle melodies as you stroll the promenade. A few steps away, the Sun Salutation art installation puts on a colorful light show after sunset, drawing both locals and visitors to dance on its illuminated glass panels. For the best views of the Adriatic, climb the bell tower at St. Anastasia’s Cathedral, or find a spot at the Garden Lounge to watch what Alfred Hitchcock once called “the world’s most beautiful sunset.”

Pula

If you love Roman ruins and history, Pula should be at the top of your Croatia itinerary. Located on the Istrian Peninsula, this coastal city is home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world – the Pula Arena. Built in the 1st century AD, this massive structure once hosted gladiator fights and now serves as a venue for summer concerts and film festivals.

Trogir

History buffs will fall in love with Trogir, a small island city connected to mainland Croatia by bridges. This UNESCO World Heritage site feels like an open-air museum, with its well-preserved medieval core showcasing Gothic palaces, Romanesque churches, and Renaissance buildings. At its heart stands the impressive Cathedral of St. Lawrence, whose intricate portal carvings tell stories from centuries past.

Korcula Island

Ever wondered where Marco Polo got his sense of adventure? Legend has it that Korcula Island, a gem off Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, is where the famous explorer was born. This medieval paradise combines dense pine forests with hidden beaches and crystal-clear waters that make you forget about the outside world. Wandering through the Old Town’s narrow limestone streets feels like stepping into a history book – the buildings are arranged in a fishbone pattern that cleverly shields locals from both strong winds and summer heat. You can spend your days hopping between secluded coves, sipping local white wine made from the Grk grape (which only grows here), or watching the traditional Moreška sword dance that’s been performed on these cobblestones for centuries.

Mljet National Park

On the southern Dalmatian coast lies Mljet National Park, an island paradise that feels worlds away from Croatia’s busy tourist spots. Unlike the well-known beaches of Split or Dubrovnik, Mljet moves at its own peaceful pace, where dense pine forests meet two saltwater lakes in mesmerizing shades of blue. The island’s unique geography includes Veliko and Malo Jezero (Big and Small Lake), connected to the sea by narrow channels that locals have used for centuries. Thanks to its protected status since 1960, Mljet remains largely untouched – you’ll find old stone paths winding through Mediterranean pines, and in the middle of the larger lake, a former Benedictine monastery sits on its own tiny island, telling stories of the park’s rich history.

Vis Island

Ever dreamed of escaping to a quiet Mediterranean paradise? That’s exactly what you’ll find on Vis, Croatia’s most distant inhabited island that sits peacefully in the Adriatic Sea. Once a restricted military base closed to visitors, this hidden gem has managed to preserve its authentic charm and laid-back atmosphere. You can spend your days exploring secret beaches tucked between limestone cliffs, diving into crystal-clear waters to discover ancient Greek shipwrecks, or wandering through family-owned vineyards that produce the island’s famous white wine, Vugava. Don’t miss the chance to stay in one of the traditional stone houses in Komiža, a fishing village where locals still head out to sea in wooden boats each morning.

Brac Island

Out of all the Croatian islands I’ve explored, Brac holds a special spot in my travel memories. This laid-back slice of Dalmatia is home to the famous Zlatni Rat beach, a white pebble peninsula that changes shape with the winds and currents. Beyond its poster-child beach, Brac charms visitors with its quiet fishing villages, family-run olive farms, and the white limestone quarries that once supplied stone for Diocletian’s Palace. It’s an island that feels refreshingly real – where you’ll find locals tending their vineyards and kids playing in village squares rather than tourist crowds. The hilly interior roads lead to viewpoints where the Adriatic stretches endlessly before you, dotted with boats heading to and from the mainland.

Paklenica National Park

If you love rock climbing or hiking, you need to visit Paklenica National Park. Located in the Velebit mountains along Croatia’s Adriatic coast, this natural wonderland features two impressive limestone gorges – Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica – with over 500 climbing routes and 150km of marked hiking trails that wind through beech forests, caves, and rocky peaks.

Sibenik

Nestled along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, about an hour north of Split, sits the medieval city of Sibenik. Like many coastal towns in Croatia, Sibenik has its share of stone buildings, seaside cafes, and winding alleyways. But unlike its neighbors, it holds the distinct honor of being the only city on the coast built entirely by Croatians, not Romans or Greeks. Walk through the limestone streets and you’ll spot the UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture that took over a century to complete. Thanks to its position along important trade routes, Sibenik became a melting pot of architectural styles, and you’ll find a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences in its buildings and fortresses overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Makarska Riviera

The first time I visited the Makarska Riviera was during a late summer road trip along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast in 2019. Tucked between Split and Dubrovnik, this 60-kilometer stretch runs parallel to the towering Biokovo Mountain, creating one of Croatia’s most loved coastal regions. Small medieval towns and pebbled beaches dot the coastline, where the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea meet pine-covered slopes. The heart of the region, Makarska town, sits in a natural harbor, its main square filled with cafes and its waterfront promenade alive with evening strollers taking in views of nearby islands Brač and Hvar.

Rijeka

Located near the northern tip of Croatia’s Adriatic coast, Rijeka has long been a crossroads of European cultures. Much like other coastal cities in Croatia, it features a mix of beaches and historic sites, but its industrial port heritage sets it apart from its neighbors. Walk through the city center and you’ll notice the blend of Habsburg-era buildings alongside Communist-era structures, telling stories of its complex past. Because of its role as Croatia’s main seaport, Rijeka developed a unique identity shaped by sailors, merchants, and immigrants who made this city their home, and you’ll find Italian-style cafes next to Croatian taverns serving hearty local dishes.