Looking for the top attractions in Croatia? Look no further! Here are the best spots to visit on the Adriatic coast!
Planning a trip to Croatia later this year? I’ve got you covered! After traveling there for three whole months I am more than happy to share with you the 10 top attractions in Croatia!
Believe me, traveling there is more than worth it. Paradisiac beaches, crystal clear water, delicious food… I can’t think of one reason not to visit “the land of a thousand islands”… So keep reading and start planning your trip to Croatia!
This blog post highlights the 10 top attractions in Croatia that you have to add to your Adriatic coast bucket list!
zadar
Less popular than some other cities like Split, or Dubrovnik, Zadar is definitely worth a visit! And here is why you should add it to your top 10 attractions in Croatia list!
- As the city is less popular and known from other big Croatian cities, it will be less crowded! And who doesn’t like to visit a place without having to worry about thousands of other visitors?
- Zadar old town is packed with history and beautiful Romanian buildings. It also looks different from other cities, so don’t miss out and take a walk into history!
- The Sea Organ! If you haven’t heard about it, you will undoubtedly want to see it for yourself after this quick explanation. The Sea Organ is an “an architectural sound art object” which works with the waves of the Adriatic sea. Looking like random stairs, you can hear music coming from it as the sea moves.
Honestly, it is one of the coolest thing I have seen in Croatia.
- Zadar is close to numerous beautiful and crystal-cleared water beaches! Here are some of them to help you plan your itineray: Queen’s beach, Petrcane Beach, Crvena Luka Beach, and my favorite of all… Jaz Beach, on the small island of Ugljan.
- And last (but not least) reason to visit Zadar? The food! In the area of Zadar you will find local North-Dalmatian cuisine. I don’t even have words to describe it… Just try it!
split
One of the country most popular city, and with reasons, Split is one of the main places to visit in Croatia. Be aware, though, it will be packed with tourists! But here is why you can’t miss out on this Croatian gem!
- The Diocletian’s Palace and the old town. Just for visiting el Diocletian’s Palace you should head to Split. I’ve lived there for a few months and never got bored with the pretty narrow streets, and how lively this place is.
- Go for a walk in the Marjan Park and enjoy sunset from the top of the hill. The view you will get from up there is worth every stair you will have to climb to get there. Honestly, one of my best sunset memories in Croatia!
- If you are looking for the best places to visit in Croatia for couples, Split is one of these places! Cute alleys, restaurants and cafés, if you go for a stroll early in the morning, you will have the place for yourselves! Nothing more romantic than that!
- Klis Fortress. Although I have been a bit disappointed with this place, I still think it is worth a visit. And if you are a Game of Thrones fan, you will be immersed in the city of Meereen. That’s pretty cool!
- Partying and nights out. If you are a party enthusiast, Split is the place to be! And during summer there are a lot of events you can assist to.
- Beaches in the city. Although they are not the prettiest beaches of Croatia, it is always nice to have a place to refresh and get a sunbath at walking distance from your accommodation.
Medulin
If you are looking for things to do in Croatia with family, Medulin might be a great choice as a base. And especially if you have young children! Here is why this lovely town could be a great fit for you and your family.
- Considered as a family oriented resort, you will easily find the kind of accommodation you are looking for there. And everything you need really.
- Located in the very southern part of the Istria region, the surroundings of Medulin are beautiful and different from other places you might have on your top 10 attractions in Croatia list!
- Medulin is located just 20 minutes away from the famous city of Pula (a day-trip there is mandatory by the way). And it is a great option for beach vacations in a smaller place than Pula.
- If you are a sportive kind of traveler, you will have endless options in the area of Medulin. Water sports, hiking, cycling… You name it.
- An other MUST-DO in the area is the Cape Kamenjak nature park, located only 11 km away from Medulin. Crystal-clear waters, cliffs, 30 km long coast… Don’t miss out on this natural Croatian gem!
trogir
One of the most charming small town of Croatia, Trogir will make you fall in love in a second. Here are all the reasons why you should visit Trogir and add it to your Croatian bucket list!
- The city of Trogir is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. I believe that just this fact will make you want to visit!
- The historic center of Trogir is one of the cutest I have seen in Croatia. Narrow alleys, cobbled streets, small shops and cute cafés and restaurants. Wandering around Trogir will make you feel like you went back in time.
- There are a lot of monuments to see for such a small place! Church, palace, castle… Just wander around and visit the ones you are attracted to!
- It is really easy to get there! Even though Trogir is a small town, its popularity makes it easily accesible by public transportation if you haven’t rented a car.
Pasjača Beach
Looking for a secret beach to add to your TOP Attractions Croatia List? Pasjača Beach might be the one! So take a look at the following information to plan your day trip there and enjoy this natural Croatian gem.
- Pasjača Beach is located in the southern part of Croatia. Only 29 km south of Dubrovnik, which is perfect for a day trip if you are staying in the famous Croatian city for a few days.
- If you are staying a few days in the area and want to do something else than going to the beach, check out Mikulici Nature Park, located 10 km away from Pasjača Beach.
- A small hike is required to get to Pasjača Beach, but don’t worry, you shouldn’t have any trouble completing it.
- The cliffs surrounding the beach makes it a truly unique place to visit in Croatia. If you are into photography don’t forget your camera to shoot beautiful photos. And if you need some tips to learn how to take great travel photos, head this way!
brela
Located an hour away from Split, Brela might be the perfect day trip to get out of the busy city! But to avoid the crowds, check out these few tips!
- Brela is a popular beach amongst tourists but also locals. So if you want to avoid the crowds, get there early and try to go during the week.
- As the place can get very crowded, you might want to take the local bus to get there to avoid having to find a parking spot for your car. Nothing is easier, really. Go to Split’s bus station, and they will help you find the right bus and the time of departure.
- There are loads of shops and restaurants along Brela Beach so if you don’t want to worry about packing a picnic or thinking of what to bring with you for the day, you will find everything you need there.
- On the way from Split to Brela, there is a small, but lovely, town called Omiš. If you have time, you might want to check it out!
Šibenik
Located between Zadar and Split, you should definitely make a stop and visit Sibenik between these two bigger cities. One day there is enough, but here is what you need to know!
- Historians think that Šibenik was built by Slav migrants, which makes it an important historical place.
- If you are a Game Of Thrones fan, Šibenik appears in three different episodes of the season five of the show. Why not try to spot these places?
- If you have time on your trip, visit Krka National Park while you are there! A natural gem that will blow your mind!
- Šibenik is a less popular and touristic destination than many other cities in Croatia. But believe me, it is worth to visit! The best about it? You will be able to enjoy the beauty of its charming historic center without the crowds!
Pula
With its Roman amphitheater, Pula will give you Italian vibes. But there is much more to see than this in this lovely city. Here is what you shouldn’t miss!
- If you are thinking of visiting Pula, it is probably because of its arena. And you are right. The Pula amphitheater is the only that remains with an intact circular wall but also the 6th biggest in the world. Now it is used to host events, concerts… So check out the program while you are there, it would be a fun experience to have!
- Visit Brijuni National Park! This natural park is made of 14 small islands and is home to several Roman vestiges and even DINOSAUR FOOTPRINTS! How cool is that?
- Explore Zerostrasse tunnel system. This underground system has been built during World War II to provide shelter. Nowadays, it is used for exhibitions and sometimes concerts. Don’t miss out on this!
- Walk around the city and explore the monuments! I firmly believe that the best way to discover a new city, its history and its culture, is by wandering around and getting lost.
DUBROVNIK
One of the most popular destinations in Croatia, along with Split and Zagreb, Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful and charming place on the Adriatic coast. Here is what you need to know before visiting!
- Dubrovnik is REALLY popular amongst tourists. Chances are, it will be crowded when you visit. So if you want to avoid the crowds, get there early! And I mean 7 am early!
- Be aware that Dubrovnik is more expensive than other places in Croatia. So if you are on a budget, you might want to stay in a less popular place and go there on a day trip with a packed lunch!
- The lovely historical center of Dubrovnik is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will quickly understand why when you visit!
- Walk around the city walls to get one of the best views of the city, but also a panoramic view over the Adriatic Sea. If you go there during summer be aware that it will be hot and the entire path is exposed to the sun. So bring a hat, sunscreen and water!
- An other way to get a breathtaking view of Dubrovnik? Get to the top of Mount SRD! You can either walk up there (1h30 walking up hills) or take the cable car. The cable car is quite expensive though… Around 20€ per person for a round-trip ticket.
ZLATNI rat Beach
Zlatni rat Beach, also called the Golden Horn beach, is one of the most popular (and beautiful) beach in Croatia. You don’t want to miss out on this spot, so here is what you need to know before adding this place to your Top Attractions Croatia List!
- Zlatni rat Beach is located on the Island of Brač. Which means you will first have to get from the continent to the Island. Getting there is really easy, you will just have to take a boat from the city of Split or you can directly land there, as there is an airport on the island.
- If you are already staying on the Island of Brač, the Golden Horn Beach is just a 20 minutes walk away from the town of Bol. You can also take a taxi to get there but I believe walking by the the sea is a better option if you want to enjoy the beauty of this Island.
- The beach changes shape so it might not look exactly the way it looks on the photos. I’ve heard a lot of people when I was there saying that it didn’t look like they expected it to look because the “Horn Shape” was smaller or bigger. These changes are totally normal and simply due to the winds and movements of the sea.
- If you can visit during shoulder seasons (instead of summer), I’d definitely recommend you to do so. Zlatni rat Beach is very popular amongst tourists, and if you visit during peak season, you will not be alone there.
- An other downside of this place being so popular? Everything there is more expensive than it would be on the continent! It might seems logical, as it is also an island, but keep it in mind so you won’t be surprised when visiting!
Planning a trip to Croatia? You might also like my Budget tips To enjoy the country at lower costs!
