Croatia is an endlessly appealing destination with sun-drenched beaches, picturesque hilltop towns and atmospheric streets.
22.07.2023 - 12:29 / lonelyplanet.com
With 2500 miles of coastline and close to 1200 islands, Croatia's sun-drenched credentials are impressive – and that's before you add its troves of Roman and Venetian-era architecture, Unesco sites of cultural and natural heritage, and gorgeous nature parks, mountain ranges, lakes and rivers.
There's such a diversity of landscapes and cultural attractions that a single visit can’t possibly cover them all. Here’s our rundown of some of the best places to visit in Croatia.
Best for cultural heritage and architecture
The extraordinary fortified city of Dubrovnik is a Unesco World Heritage site for good reason. Enclosed within its massive city walls are more than a dozen churches, medieval monasteries, elegant squares of limestone and centuries-old residential quarters. An absolute must-do is the circular walk atop its walls, where you can catch glimpses of hidden courtyards and gardens and sweeping sea views.
Planning tip: Walk the walls first thing in the morning or an hour before closing to avoid the crowds and summer heat.
14 things to know before going to Dubrovnik
Best for spectacular waterscapes
A turquoise ribbon of lakes linked by gushing waterfalls in the forested heart of continental Croatia, Unesco-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park is an awe-inspiring sight.
There are 16 interconnected lakes, the 2.35km-long (1.5 miles) Kozjak being the largest, plus dozens of smaller ones – some just reed-fringed ponds. Travertine expanses covered with mossy plants divide the lakes, whose startling colors are a product of the underlying bedrock. Wooden boardwalks allow you to easily traverse this exquisite watery world.
Planning tip: Entry tickets are limited to avoid overcrowding. Be sure to book online in advance.
The 15 best things to do in Croatia
Best for beachside parties
Summer is when yachts anchor at this tiny seaside party town and sun-dazed revelers descend in droves to the beachside cocktail bars.
For a step back from the action and superb views over the town, head up to Fortica, the medieval castle looming on a hill above the town. To find a swimming spot, follow the waterfront promenade and stake out one of the tiny rocky bays, or hop on a taxi boat to the nearby Pakleni Islands.
Best for epic landscapes
Cloaked in dense pine forests, marvelous Mljet is an island idyll. Legend has it that Odysseus was marooned here for seven years, and it’s easy to appreciate why he took his time leaving.
The entire western section of Mljet is a national park, where you’ll find two sublime cobalt-colored lakes, an island monastery and the sleepy little port of Pomena, which is unbelievably pretty. Don’t neglect eastern Mljet, home to some tranquil little bays and brilliant beaches.
Best for city and cafe
Croatia is an endlessly appealing destination with sun-drenched beaches, picturesque hilltop towns and atmospheric streets.
With Mediterranean beaches galore, a delightful mix of cultural sights, family-friendly adventure parks and playgrounds aplenty, Croatia is a have-it-all destination for those traveling with babies, children and teens.
There’s much more to Croatia than its glittering Adriatic coast.
You don’t need to jet off to Croatian islands like Hvar and Brač to see the country’s best beaches. Coastal towns run the length of Croatia, and while they may not look like the coastal destinations in Mexico or surf havens in California that you typically equate with a beach town, they bring European charm and elegance to the concept of a town that’s centered on a stretch of coast, and whose identity is in some ways shaped by that fact. For scenic beaches accompanied by stunning architecture and non-sunbathing activities ranging from hiking to bar-hopping, these are the Croatia beaches and beach towns to visit on your next trip to Croatia.
Croatia has vibrant cities, tumbling waterfalls and rolling vineyards.
With its glittering Adriatic coastline, 1244 islands, endlessly fascinating cities and extraordinarily dramatic landscapes, Croatia has been steadily making its way up people’s must-go list.
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