Croatia is an interesting country to visit, located in the Balkans.
It belongs to Europa’s top tourist destination and it has become popular among tourists after its War of Independence in the late 1990s.
Just like most parts of Europe, Croatia is full of medieval cities and historic ruins, but that is not everything it has to offer its visitors.
We need to mention its stunning natural attractions such as the Plitvice Lakes, the Adriatic coastlines, and gorgeous islands.
Dubrovnik is maybe the most famous city in Croatia’s tourism scene.
This is a medieval-era old town, extending into the water itself.
Plus, there is the town of Split, known for the palace built by Roman emperor Diocletian1,700 years ago.
The capital city of Zagreb, which boasts its neoclassical buildings and hiking opportunities at the beautiful Krka National Park has to be mentioned as well.
So, if you wish to pay a visit to this beautiful European travel destination, we provide you with some of the best places to see in Croatia.
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Krka National Park
Krka National Park can be found in Central Dalmatia.
This is a protected area that boasts impressive natural landscape, wildlife, and historic sites.
Krka National Park is actually situated along the Krka River within Sibenik-Knin County.
What makes this park so popular are its gushing waterfalls and natural pools of blue-green waters.
The place can be easily reached by car and bus which takes travelers from Split to Sibenik, making this place covered with both tourists and locals.
The national park is well organized with walkways and boat excursions.
The sight that must be seen in this park is the network of cascading waterfalls and the most admired of these are Skradinski Buk and Roški Slap.
You can go on many of the trails around the waterfalls if you want to make some breathtaking photos.
Furthermore, there are the falls that plunge into natural pools where you can swim.
Waterfalls are not the only interesting attraction in Krka National Park.
There is lush vegetation, flowers, and wildlife that can be seen, such as birds and dragonflies, as well as other places to visit including historic monasteries and archaeological sites of Roman settlements and medieval fortresses.
Zagreb
The capital and largest city of Croatia is Zagreb, known as is a lively metropolis that boasts historic and modern tourist attractions.
The city is located in northwestern Croatia, and it was established in the 2nd century AD by Hungarian King Ladislaus.
Nowadays, Zagreb is known as a cosmopolitan city that is the heart of Croatian culture, academics, and government.
It consists of an Upper and Lower Town.
Upper Town boasts historic sights and tourists get the opportunity to walk down cobblestone streets and visit medieval churches, towers, and palaces.
We have to mention the most important site of Zagreb- the Stone Gate with a painting of the Virgin Mary, which was lucky to survive a major fire in 1731.
Ban Jelacic Square is the city’s main square frequently visited by tourists as well as the traditional open-air market, Dolac Market.
If you choose to walk along Strossmayer’s Walkway, you will be able to see artists, musicians, and other street performers.
Korcula
Korcula is yet another tourist location in Croatia which is best known as the birthplace of the famous merchant traveler, Marco Polo.
Korcula is located 30-mile (50 km) off Croatia’s Adriatic Coast and it is an island that can be easily reached by ferries from Split and Dubrovnik.
What makes Korucla attractive are its striking landscapes, attractive towns, rich history, and charming traditions.
You will be able to explore its lush green forests, vineyards, olive groves, and charming villages.
One of the most famous villages is definitely Blato, which is eye-catching to tourists due to its baroque churches and long boulevard of lime trees.
Lumbarda is yet another village popular for its sandy white beaches and archaeological remains of Greek and Roman settlements.
In Korcula Town, you can see the remains of Venetian Renaissance architecture and colorful markets.
Korcula is unique as various cultural traditions and festivals are held there each year.
We cannot but mention the Kumpanija ritual that involves chivalry dances and mock medieval battles with real swords.
Furthermore, there is the Marco Polo Fest, a pop music celebration which is held to honor the achievements of this historic explorer.
Korcula’s cuisine is among its top attractions, being that the international restaurants that can be found on the island are not as visited as those that offer local food on the menu.
The local staples of lamb, cured ham, and fresh seafood grilled with olive oil and parsley must be tasted combined with the island’s indigenous wines, Posip and Rukatac.
Pula
Pula is another very interesting place in Croatia which is located at the southern tip of the Istria peninsula in the Adriatic Sea.
Pula has been a popular destination since ancient Roman times when this place was crowded with people who had come to the city’s amphitheater to watch gladiator fights.
Throughout its history, the city has been ruled by various governments.
Today, it belongs to Croatia and boasts a wealth of Roman ruins and a mix of cultures.
Pula is a lively city and its main attraction is the already mentioned 1st-century Roman amphitheater, well known as the Arena.
What makes it so attractive is the fact that this is the amphitheater that is the largest and best-preserved in the whole world.
At this amphitheater, every July, the Pula Film Festival takes place.
There are other historic structures that should be seen once in Plua.
These include the old city gates, arches, monasteries, a Byzantine chapel, a Venetian fortress, and the Forum- the city’s main square.
The natural beauty of Pula can be enjoyed if you visit Brijuni National Park and farming villages.
For those looking for outdoor activities, Pula has to offer sandy beaches ideal for fishing, sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and diving among ancient vessels and World War I warships.
Zadar
Zadar is a three-thousand-year-old city which is located on a beautiful coastline, on Croatia’s northern Dalmatian Coast.
Zadar is known as a popular place to run away when you are fed up with the crowds of other popular destinations.
Its Old Town can be explored on foot while there are other fantastic sightseeing attractions that should be seen, such as Roman ruins and numerous old churches.
The most famous sites among tourists are the Roman Forum, the circular St. Donat’s Church, 12th century St. Anastasia Cathedral, the Archaeological Museum, and the University of Zadar – one of the oldest in Europe.
Beautiful beaches along Zadar’s coastline also attract those who want to sunbathe, swim and try some water sports.
Two unique Zadar attractions are the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation,
The Sea Organ lets the sea make its own music when waves push air through 35 underground pipes.
The Sun Salutation produces a colorful light show at night as it absorbs the sun’s energy during the day.
Rovinj
Rovinj is known as a quiet fishing village, but thanks to its surrounding natural beauty, this is a leading tourist destination.
Rovinj is set on Croatia’s Istrian peninsula in the Adriatic Sea and it is actually an archipelago of 20 islands.
The Old Town is set on a small peninsula and it boasts some of the most famous historic sites, beautiful landscapes, as well as modern tourist facilities.
You get the chance to walk along cobblestone streets and stairways and see some other interesting architecture.
We have to mention the most famous of all sights in Rovinj’s Old Town – seven medieval city gates, the 12th-century town clock, the Balbi Arch, and St. Euphemia’s Basilica.
What is also worth visiting when in Rovinj are the Valdibora Farmer’s Market, Carrera Street, and Grisia Street, full of street artists and souvenir vendors.
Rovinj is a city that has to offer landscapes that can be explored while doing a myriad of outdoor recreational activities.
Rovinj’s beaches are considered Croatia’s most beautiful, so you can try swimming and scuba diving there.
You should not miss the Lim Fjord and the Zlatni Rt Forest Park where you get the chance to enjoy hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and much more.
Split
Split has its nickname the “Mediterranean Flower,” and it certainly deserves this title.
Split is Croatia’s second-largest city, located on a peninsula off the Dalmatian Coast.
It boasts the old Roman architecture and orange-roofed houses, which make Split a popular tourist destination.
This is a buzzing city being that it is a transportation hub to many of the Adriatic islands.
We would like to suggest visiting the city’s main attraction – the Diocletian’s Palace.
This is a building built between 298 and 305 AD and represents the beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
This Roman Emperor palace complex is more like a small city within Split.
You will go through a maze of marble walkways and buildings containing shops, cafes, and bars.
Inside this palace, you will find the St. Duje’s Cathedral, Jupiter’s Temple, Peristil Square, and two original Egyptian sphinx monuments.
Besides this historic part of Split, there are other tourist attractions, such as the seaside promenade, the Green Market, the Bacvice beach, the scenic Marjan hill to mention just a few.
Plitvice National Park
The Plitvice National Park is one of the most beautiful natural wonders, not only in Croatia but in the whole of Europe.
The Plitvice National Park consists of magnificent lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests.
The park’s main sights are the 16 interconnecting lakes which are formed by natural travertine dams and are divided into upper and lower clusters.
The lake’s water range in distinct colors from turquoise to blue, green, and gray.
Hvar
Hvar is considered the most popular tourist destination in the Adriatic Sea.
This is a beautiful Croatian island off the Dalmatian Coast which boasts stunning beaches, lavender fields, and lush vineyards.
Hvar’s main city is Hvar Town, known for its 13th-century walls, marble stone streets, Gothic palaces, churches, and an old fortress.
Hvar’s town square is one of Croatia’s largest and most beautiful squares.
What makes it so gorgeous is the 17th century Arsenal and the Cathedral of St. Stephen which surround it.
We suggest hiking on the cliffs and swimming in the secluded coves once in Hvar.
You can also go on a boat tour if you wish to explore the nearby Pakleni Islands and view ancient artifacts.
Grapceva Cave is well worth visiting, and you should not miss tasting local food at a large variety of restaurants ranging from Croatian to Mediterranean and European.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik has its nickname – the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” and it definitely deserves it.
The old city of Dubrovnik is considered the most famous tourist destination of the Mediterranean and Croatia so that is why it takes the top place on our list.
The city is located at the southern tip of Croatia off the Adriatic Sea.
Dubrovnik was established in the 7th century and is well known as a center of literature, art, science, and education.
Its orange rooftop houses are not what makes Dubrovnik so attractive.
Quite the contrary, Dubrovnik presents many sightseeing treasures including the old, defensive walls, cobblestone streets, the 15th century Onofrio’s Fountain, to mention a few.
When you leave the Old Town, there are popular beaches to go swimming and sunbathing like Banje and Lapad.
We suggest going on a ferry ride to the island of Lokrum, which boasts beaches, a monastery, and botanic gardens.