Where to Visit in Croatia
Croatia has so much to see that it’s hard to know where to start. We’ve broken it down into regions and seasons below to give you a feel for what’s on offer. If you have any questions, send us an email and we’ll help you plan.
Regions
Dubrovnik
The ancient walled city of Dubrovnik, surrounded by ramparts and fortresses, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Croatia’s most iconic destinations. For panoramic views, walk the ancient city walls — or take the cable car for views over the old town and the Adriatic. The wide marble-paved squares, steep cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings have remained largely unchanged. During July and August, Dubrovnik holds its Cultural Festival, including outdoor concerts in the Rector’s Palace. For more on the city’s fascinating past, see our History of Dubrovnik guide.
Split
Split is Croatia’s second-largest city, built around the extraordinary Diocletian’s Palace — a Roman emperor’s retirement home that became a living city. The old town is packed with museums, churches and archaeological sites, but it’s also a place of cafes, restaurants and the famous waterfront promenade, the Riva. Split moves at its own pace — relaxed, lively, and always worth a couple of days.
Trogir
Trogir is a compact walled town on a small island, connected by bridge to the mainland and to the larger island of Čiovo. Its historical core is UNESCO-listed, with layer upon layer of Romanesque and Renaissance architecture packed into a tiny area. Trogir is well connected to Split — a local boat runs several times daily (May to September), arriving directly on the Riva in the heart of Split’s old town, which avoids high-season traffic. Čiovo island has beaches, bays, restaurants, beach bars and walking paths. Trogir is also a convenient base for day trips to Plitvice Lakes, Krka National Park, Šibenik and Dubrovnik.
Zagreb
Zagreb, the capital, is known for its museums — there are more per square kilometre than almost anywhere else in Europe. The Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and Kaptol are the historical heart of the city, with churches, galleries and cobblestone streets. Zagreb hosts year-round cultural events including film festivals, music festivals, and the famous Advent Christmas markets.
Istria — Pula, Rovinj, Poreč, Motovun
The Istrian peninsula in Croatia’s northwest has a distinctly Italian-influenced character. Pula is known for its remarkably preserved Roman amphitheatre, still used for events today. Rovinj is a charming Venetian-style town with narrow cobblestone streets and the Cathedral of St Euphemia with the tallest church tower in Istria. Poreč has the stunning 6th-century Euphrasius’ Basilica with its shimmering mosaics. Hilltop Motovun is Istria’s most photogenic medieval town and the centre of the region’s truffle industry.
Kvarner — Opatija, Krk, Cres, Lošinj, Rab
The Kvarner coast features white beaches, rocky landscapes, and picturesque fishing villages. The islands of Krk, Cres, Lošinj and Rab each have their own character — medieval architecture, monasteries, hidden bays and crystal-clear water. Opatija is a traditional seaside resort with elegant Austrian-era villas. Not far inland, Plitvice Lakes National Park — 16 terraced lakes connected by 92 waterfalls in thick forest — is one of Croatia’s most visited natural sites.
Zadar
Zadar packs a remarkable amount into a small area. Within a hundred kilometres you can find transparent turquoise seas, snow-covered mountains, fertile plains and ancient towns. The old town’s narrow streets are full of Dalmatian cuisine, street-side cafes and acapella singing. Zadar is also home to the famous Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation installation on the waterfront.
Šibenik
Šibenik’s old town preserves some of Dalmatia’s most valuable architecture, centred on the Cathedral of St James — a UNESCO World Heritage site built entirely of stone from the islands of Brač and Korčula over a period of 105 years. Šibenik is an excellent base for visiting the Kornati Islands, Murter, and Krka National Park.
Pag Island
Pag is known for two things: Zrće Beach near Novalja, which has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s top open-air party destinations, and Pag cheese — a distinctive hard sheep’s cheese produced on the island. The island also has several outstanding wineries.
The Islands
Many of these islands feature on our small ship cruise itineraries. For a closer look at what makes each port special, see our Top Picks for Cruise Stops in Croatia.
Hvar
Hvar is often called the queen of the Dalmatian islands. Fields of lavender, ancient olive groves and vineyards surround towns of Venetian-era stone buildings. Hvar Town itself is lively — cafes overflowing, a marina full of yachts, and nightlife that runs late in summer. Crystal-clear water and secluded bays are everywhere. Catamarans run daily from Split all year round.
Korčula
Korčula is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic. Korčula Town is considered the birthplace of Marco Polo — his family home, just steps from St Mark’s Cathedral, is open to visitors. The old town’s narrow streets are lined with medieval buildings leading to thick stone walls. Connected to Dubrovnik by ferry and to Split by catamaran.
Brač — Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) Beach
Brač is the third-largest Croatian island, famous for its white stone — used to build the White House in Washington, the parliament building in Vienna, and the towns of Split and Trogir. The island’s most famous feature is Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach near Bol, whose tip shifts with the wind and currents. Accessible by ferry from Split, Makarska and Hvar.
Vis
Vis is quieter and more remote than the other major islands. The water is exceptionally clear, and the island is known for diving — sunken ships, caves, and marine life. The Blue Cave (Blue Grotto) on the nearby islet of Biševo is the island’s most famous attraction. The towns of Vis and Komiža have a relaxed, unspoiled character.
Mljet — National Park
Half of Mljet island is a pristine national park. There are few residents, no large towns and only one major road. The highlight is two inland saltwater lakes — Malo Jezero and Veliko Jezero — connected to the sea by a narrow canal. In the middle of the larger lake sits a tiny islet with a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, now a restaurant. You can walk, cycle, kayak or swim the lakes, all surrounded by dense pine forest. The island is famously seductive — according to legend, Odysseus stayed for seven years.
Seasons
Summer (June, July, August)
The Dalmatian coast comes alive in summer. Beaches are busy, coastal towns buzz with music festivals and late-night cafes, and the sea is warm enough for swimming from mid-June. Popular activities include sea kayaking around Dubrovnik, snorkelling in Hvar, boat trips to the Kornati islands, and parasailing along the Makarska Riviera with the dramatic Biokovo mountain as a backdrop. July and August are the hottest and busiest months.
Autumn (September, October, November)
The crowds thin out and the light turns golden. September is still warm enough for swimming — many locals consider it the best month for the beach. Plitvice Lakes is particularly stunning in autumn, when the surrounding forest turns rich reds and oranges against the vivid blue water. The cooler temperatures also make it ideal hiking weather — Biokovo mountain and the Velebit range are popular choices.
Winter (December, January, February)
Croatia’s coast is quiet in winter, but the cities come alive. Zagreb’s Advent markets have been voted among Europe’s best. There’s skiing at Mount Sljeme, just outside Zagreb, and Plitvice Lakes takes on a completely different character with frozen waterfalls and snow-covered forest. Split, Zadar and Zagreb all have active nightlife year-round.
Spring (March, April, May)
Spring brings mild weather, fewer tourists, and wildflowers across the countryside. Dubrovnik hosts its International Film Festival in late spring. Istria’s wine roads are at their best during the blossoming season — every village has small restaurants serving local smoked ham (pršut) and regional wines. It’s a great time to experience Croatia’s culture and history without the summer crowds.
For more on the best time to travel, see our Best Time for a Croatia Cruise guide.
Discover Croatia (Sydney)
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