Are you planning on taking a vacation to Croatia in the next year? This beautiful country is located along the Mediterranean and has something for everyone. There are plenty of great beaches, tons of historical sites to visit and plenty of art and architecture to charm even non-enthusiasts.
Keep reading to learn about the top Croatian destinations you simply have to see during your vacation.
1. Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a medieval city located on the edge of the Adriatic Sea and is well known for its city walls, gates, and towers that were used during the filming of Game of Thrones. The city walls date back to the 10th century, surround the entire city and are topped with a 1.2-mile walkway. At the time the walls were an important part of defending the city against warring neighbors and governments but now they just add to the breathtaking landscape of Croatia.
From the walkways on top of the city walls, you can have a fantastic view of the many houses and their terracotta roofs, the cobblestone lanes that meander through the city and the fascinating architecture of the Old Town. The city is also protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Another great thing to do while in Dubrovnik is to spend some time exploring the Stradun. This pedestrian thoroughfare, made of white limestone cobblestones, has plenty of cafes, restaurants, and boutiques for you to spend some time in. You should also visit the cathedral, Fort Lovrijenac and the impressive Square of the Loggia.
2. Rovinj
Rovinj is the most visited towns in Istria, the western-most region in Croatia. This romantic little seaside town dates back to the Roman ages and sits on a small peninsula that sticks out in the Adriatic Sea.
St. Euphemia’s Church has an impressive bell-tower that stands 197 feet high and stands over the rest of the skyline of the town. When visiting Rovinj you can climb to the top of the tower and take in the breathtaking views of the old town and turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea.
After your climb to the top of the bell-tower, you can make your way down to the cobblestone streets and do some shopping amongst the local artists or head down to the seaside promenade to watch the fisherman come and go.
For a quick day trip from Rovinj, you should head up the coast to Piran, Slovenia and see this historic seaside town. For more information about Piran, check out this article by Adventures Croatia.
3. Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia and is oftentimes overlooked by visitors who are looking to get some sun at the seaside towns on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. You really should add this city to your list of destinations however because it is rich in culture, art galleries, museums, and Austro-Hungarian style architecture.
Ban Jelačić Square is a bustle of activity and features many great cafes and is the best way to catch a tram to easily visit the rest of the city. North of the square is Dolac where you can walk through the fruit and vegetable market and then head your way north to see the 19th-century buildings and palaces.
Popular attractions to see while you are visiting Zagreb is the medieval Stone Gate, the Zagreb City Museum, and taking a stroll along the tree-line Strossmayer Promenade.
4. Split
Split is one of Croatia’s top destinations for visitors and it’s no wonder with its beautiful seaside location along the Dalmatian coast and historic significance.
The city’s main draw is the 4th century UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diocletian’s Palace. This fortress-like complex is a small city located within Split and once was home to the Roman Emperor Diocletian. It has over 200 historic buildings such as churches and chapels and also plenty of cafes and shopping. There are also some museums you can visit and learn more about the interesting history of the area.
At the heart of Diocletian’s Palace is the St. Domnius cathedral. If you’d like a spectacular view, climb to the top of the bell-tower and see the entire complex, the nearby harbor, and the mountain range to the north of the city.
5. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a wonderful location for nature lovers to visit on their vacation. The park is home to steep hillsides covered in lush forests that surrounds 16 lakes with emerald-blue waters and several waterfalls. To traverse the park there are several wooden bridges and footpaths that meander throughout and you can even take a boat ride to travel across the different lakes.
The park is home to many wild animals such as bears and wolves, though you might never come across any since they tend to hide. It is also a great place to do some bird watching for eagles, owls, and falcons so make sure you bring your binoculars and camera.
6. Korcula Town
Korcula Town is known as a miniature version of Dubrovnik with its own smaller version of Old Town. The small town is located on a small peninsula in the South of Dalmatia and is fortified by ancient walls and towers.
The historic buildings date back to the time when Korcula was ruled by the Venetians and was at one time home to the 13th-century explorer, Marco Polo. During the summer be sure to catch a performance of the traditional Moreska Sword Dance that is a tradition in Korcula.
There are also a number of beaches located nearby where you can take a dip in the sea and spend some time cooling off after a day of exploring the city.
Plan Your Visit to One of These Croatian Destinations Today!
There are many wonderful Croatian destinations for you to visit and experience on your upcoming vacation. Which sites are you excited to see?
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