Croatia has a wealth of beautiful destinations to choose from. Whether you're looking for history, beaches, gastronomy, or adventure, there's something for everyone!
If you're looking for a laid back beach vacation, look no further than Hvar! It's also a great base for exploring outlying islands.
Zadar
Zadar is a quirky seaside city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast that has a fascinating historic centre, an enviable restaurant scene and sprawling national parks within easy reach. It’s also home to some of the best beaches in Europe.
Set on a peninsula that juts into the Adriatic Sea, Zadar’s compact old town is criss-crossed by a grid-like web of cobblestone lanes laid by the Romans. A few ruins are worth a look, too, including the Roman-era Forum and a Venetian gate.
A great way to get a feel for the city is to stroll along its promenade, called Riva. Here you’ll find a number of attractions, including the Greeting to the Sun.
Designed by world-famous architect Nikola Basic, the Greeting to the Sun is a 22-metre diameter art installation that uses solar energy to light up the floor of the promenade. It’s free to visit and can be admired after sunset, when an impressive play of lights begins.
Brac Island
Brac is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia and boasts some of the best beaches in the country. With a number of resorts to choose from, the island has something for everyone.
Located in the south of the island, Bol is the main tourist hub on Brac and is home to one of its most famous beaches, Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn). Other popular resorts include Supetar and Milna.
In addition to its stunning beaches, Brac Island is also home to an abundance of vineyards and olive groves. Its agritourism sector produces excellent wine, olive oil and figs, and locals also produce fruit.
If you’re looking for an island where you can escape the crowds, then Brac is a great choice! There are plenty of things to see and do on the island, and with a car ferry connecting Split and Supetar, you’re never too far from the mainland.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
The National Park of Plitvice Lakes is located in the Dinaric Alps region and it’s home to a series of sixteen interconnected lakes and a wide variety of plant and animal life. It’s a popular tourist destination and is known for its stunning waterfalls.
The lakes are crystal clear and offer a wonderful place to relax. You can also take a boat tour of the park to get closer to the waterfalls.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice Lakes is a protected area and it’s important that visitors respect the environment. This includes staying on the paths, not swimming in the lakes and disposing of litter in trash cans.
The main way to get around the lakes is via a series of well-maintained trails. There are also shuttle buses, a train and a panoramic train.
Makarska
If you’re looking for a summer getaway that offers gorgeous sights and tons of activities without the craziness of many of Croatia’s more touristy locations, look no further than Makarska. This charming town on the Croatian coast offers cobblestone streets, historical churches, and a gorgeous city promenade lined with palms.
- The pebbly beaches of Makarska sweep down to the Adriatic Sea and are sheltered beneath Biokovo Mountain. This combination of mountain and sea is something that can’t be found elsewhere in Croatia.
- Besides the beach, Makarska is also home to a charming Old Town. Here you’ll find the beautiful Kacic square - named after the most famous Dalmatian poet - as well as picturesque Kalelarga Street.
- There’s an abundance of cafes, bars and restaurants in Makarska that cater to locals as well as tourists. You’ll also find a number of adrenaline-fueled activities available to you such as jet skis, kayaking, and ziplining.
