Dearest France, Spain and Italy. You’re delightful, but you’d better watch out. There’s another European country working its way up the bucket list of travellers everywhere – and it’s gunning for the top spot!
Yup. Croatia is soaring in popularity and deservedly so. Wondering what to do there after you’ve been up the Dubrovnik cable car, checked out all the Game of Thrones filming locations and admired the olive groves? Here are the ten best places to visit in Croatia.
1. Hvar Island
Hvar is beauty island-ified. With historic Hvar town, idyllic beaches and handy connections to the nearby Pakleni islands. From pine forests to rocky coves, and the epic night life of Hula Hula Beach, it’s safe to say this Croatian island has it all.
Don’t miss: Spanish Fortress for epic ancient city walls and stunning views.
Image source:Photo by Geio Tischler on Unsplash
2. Stari Grad
One of the oldest towns in Europe (with a name that actually translates to ‘Old Town’), Stari Grad may just be one of the most romantic too. With enough cathedrals and churches to keep your medieval architecture itch satisfied for a while. Just wait till you amble your way down the picturesque promenade, admiring the boats before you call in at one of the many cafes or souvenir shops.
Don’t miss: Stari Grad plane, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Image source:Photo by Geio Tischler on Unsplash
3. Krka National park
Krka National Park is home not to one waterfall but 7! Yup, proof that Mother Nature is that daddy of all architects. A must-visit if you love to swim in natural settings, or if you love otters. And who doesn’t?
Don’t miss: Visovac Monastery – which sits at the heart of a tiny island.
Image source:Photo by Hrvoje_Photography ?? on Unsplash
4. Mljet Island
This island in the Adriatic sea is most well known for its national park and luxurious lakes. It’s scenic, it’s peaceful, and you can even explore by bike. It must be one of the best places to visit in Croatia if Prince Charles loves it so.
Don’t miss: Odysseus for cave swimming and a sprawling ocean view.
Image source:Photo by Aleksandar Vučin on Unsplash
5. Plitvice Lakes National Park
This nature park is Croatia’s most popular tourist attraction – and it’s easy to see why. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with 16 (!) lakes, connected by waterfalls (the tallest of which is 78m high). It really is a natural wonder, with enough hiking trails to keep you enthralled until you’re ready for a swim.
Don’t miss: the wildlife, including lynx, lots of birds and even brown bears.
Image source:Photo by Mike Swigunski on Unsplash
6. Sea Organ
Sea Organ in Zadar is perhaps the ultimate collab between humanity and nature. Especially for music lovers. And ocean lovers. A giant musical instrument by the sea, making sounds in time with the waves. You can walk on it, and the beautiful minimalist setting is a lovely place to sit and watch the sunset.
Don’t miss: Sea Organ at night. Yup, it lights up.
Image source:Photo by Partha Narasimhan on Unsplash
7. Diocletian’s Palace
A UNESCO World Heritage Site on the harbourside, making up around half of the old town of Split. There’s lots to admire like statues, arches and columns, plus plenty of bars and restaurants. A must-see for fans of ancient history.
Don’t miss: Gregory of Nin’s Big Toe – a statue of the Croatian national hero, with a big toe that’s rumoured to bring good luck.
Image source:Photo by Chris Curry on Unsplash
8. Zlatni Rat Beach
Nope, it’s not a beach crawling with rats. It’s a white pebbly beach, also known as the Golden Horn for its unique shape. With the kind of seas you see in Bond movies, this is one of the best places to visit in Croatia if you’re seeking Europe’s answer to Thailand. (And aren’t we all?)
Don’t miss: speedboat tours. Coz… it’s obvious.
Image source:Photo by Oliver Sjöström on Unsplash
9. Pula
This seaside city is known for its Roman ruins. It’s had a rough time as cities go, having been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, most recently during WW2. But it’s all the stronger for it today, and the epic Roman amphitheatre could rival the Colosseum in Rome. Well, almost.
Don’t miss: the night time kayak tours – glide through the coast and check out all the marine life by LED light.
Image source:Photo by Derek Sutton on Unsplash
10. Lovrijenac
A fortress. A theatre. Out on the coast of Dubrovnik with unbeatable panoramic views. Lovrijenac is credited with resisting Venetian rule back in the 11th century. If you’re ever in Dubrovnik, don’t miss it.
Don’t miss: The GoT tours, of course!
Image source:Photo by Zhivko Dimitrov on Unsplash
