The most beautiful places in Croatia are of course linked to the Adriatic, but it’s a mistake to think that it’s only worth visiting in summer! These 11 locations prove it!
The country lies in the north-west of the Balkan Peninsula. Its special feature is its long coastline, along which there are many beautiful beaches and villages. It is bordered by Slovenia to the north-west, Hungary to the north, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east, and a short stretch of Montenegro to the south-east.
Table of Contents
Best places in Croatia
Makarska
With the Dinaric Alps closest to the sea here, we find one of the most beautiful coastal areas of the Croatian Adriatic.
The town nestles under soaring mountain ranges, offering a stunning panorama from the famous Saint Peter’s Peninsula.
It’s no wonder it’s one of Croatia’s most beautiful places, as the Makarska Riviera stretches nearly 80 km along the coastline.
It’s worth visiting multiple locations here, as there are excellent beaches and hidden coves to discover. From here, it’s also the easiest access to the island of Brač.
Makarska Riviera attractions, beaches
Plitvice Lakes
One of Europe’s most beautiful natural attractions, the lake system attracts many visitors throughout the year.
Plitvice Lakes National Park consists of sixteen larger and two smaller cascading lakes, connected by numerous spectacular waterfalls. This, along with the surrounding environment, has gained international fame.
The highest lake lies at 637 meters, from where the water reaches the lowest lake at nearly 500 meters. In high water, you can see up to 200 waterfalls!
Trip to Europe’s most beautiful waterfall – Plitvice Lakes
Rovinj
Istria is a popular destination for Hungarians, where Rovinj is perhaps the most beautiful coastal town.
Its old town, jutting into the sea, consists of narrow streets and alleys built around the Saint Euphemia Church. The city’s Romanesque-Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical buildings have preserved an ancient atmosphere with their windows, terraces, balconies, rooftop terraces, gateways, and stairways.
There are many other beautiful towns in Istria, but Rovinj stands out among them.
Istria attractions, activities, beaches
Dubrovnik
Croatia’s southernmost major city, and perhaps the most beautiful in the country.
I think everyone has seen pictures of its old town. Many European cities have beautiful old towns, but this is surely among the most beautiful! It’s no surprise that it has long been part of the Cultural World Heritage.
You can walk through narrow alleys within the 25-meter high city walls, where many cafes and restaurants are hidden. And for a fantastic view, take the cable car from the old town to the top of the mountain.
Dubrovnik attractions, beaches
Korčula
Did you know that Marco Polo was born here in 1254? At least according to local lore, though there’s no evidence of this. But this shows it’s not just any Croatian place!
The island, located between Makarska and Dubrovnik, has a center, the town of the same name, that is a must-see! The town is also known as ‘Little Dubrovnik’ due to its similarly stunning old town by the sea.
Especially during summer, you can often see programs organized around the Moreška sword dance. This tradition, with its fast rhythm, is now only visible in this region of the Mediterranean and is a popular attraction.
Zadar
It should be noted that here too, there is a peninsula with a wonderful old town built on it.
Zadar’s old town preserves numerous Roman and Venetian remnants. The most beautiful examples include the Land Gate, the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia, and the Captain’s Tower.
The city is a great starting point if you’re visiting the nearby islands of Pag or Vir.
Krk Island
The second-largest island in the Croatian Adriatic is popular among Hungarians, as it doesn’t require much travel to reach.
On the island, everyone can find their favorite pastime. You can walk in the beautiful old town of Krk, the center of the island, enjoy the beaches of Baska, explore the Tuscan-style small town of Vrbnik, or visit a stalactite cave.
Krk Island attractions, beaches
Zlatni Rat
Earlier, when mentioning Makarska, I referred to the island of Brač. One of the most beautiful and well-known Croatian beaches is located there.
On the southern part of the island, the “Golden Horn” beach is an iconic image of Croatia. The pebble beach extends in a triangle shape into the sea, offering a magnificent view.
Zagreb
The Croatian capital is conveniently located on the way to the Adriatic Sea, making it a perfect city tour destination!
The Upper Town and Kaptol Hill house Zagreb’s historical memories, where almost all the sights can be found. The most beautiful building is the cathedral, one of the finest Gothic churches in Europe. It has a Hungarian connection, as it was built by King Ladislaus I.
But it’s also worth visiting in winter for a day! The Zagreb Advent Fair has been named Europe’s best Christmas market several times, making the trip well worth it.
Split
The second largest city in Croatia is one of the centers of the Adriatic. Its historic old town is located within the walls of the former Diocletian’s Palace. The ancient palace, built around 300 AD, was constructed by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, where he lived after his abdication. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979.
The city is famous for its seaside promenade, the Riva. The street is filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and beautiful palm trees.
Split is also an important transportation hub. It is the easiest point from which to reach the islands of Hvar and Brac. Many consider that the most beautiful part of the Croatian Adriatic, including Makarska and Dubrovnik, begins south of the city.
Split and surrounding: attractions, beaches
Trogir
The town near Split is actually located on a small island between the island of Čiovo and the mainland. Its surroundings feature numerous picturesque bays. The historical city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The old town developed within the city walls built between the 13th and 15th centuries. The main parts of its defensive system are the Kamerlengo Fortress and the St. Mark’s Tower. The Kamerlengo Fortress is located in the southwestern part of the island, with St. Mark’s Tower to the south.
In the main square of the town stands the St. Lawrence Cathedral, built in Romanesque-Gothic style. Its main portal, created by Master Radovan in 1240, is the most valuable architectural sculpture in Dalmatia.
Motovun
In Istria, not only the coastlines and coastal towns are the main attractions, but also a town built on a hilltop in the middle of the peninsula.
Above the colorful houses on the hillside, a fortress stands on the top, whose walls were already standing in the 13th century. Their length is 436 meters, and their height varies between 9 and 15 meters.
Today it has developed into a significant tourist village. If you are heading to the Istrian coast, be sure to visit!
Krka National Park
Located between Zadar and Split, near Šibenik, the park encompasses much of the Krka River from Skradin to Knin.
The national park can be explored by bus, boat, and on foot. Its most beautiful feature is a large waterfall, Skradinski Buk. Visitors can enjoy the park’s diverse wildlife and eroded landscapes while walking the 1900-meter trail that circles the waterfall.
The area around the park is also rich in historical monuments. The most valuable of these, beyond the waterfall, is a Franciscan monastery situated on a small island in the middle of a lake.
Hvar
Finally, we close our list of Croatia’s most beautiful sights with another island.
Located south of the island of Brac, parallel to it, this elongated island is one of the most popular tourist destinations. The international press has repeatedly ranked it among the most beautiful islands in the world.
Hvar is one of Europe’s sunniest islands, famous not only for its beaches but also for its lavender and olive plantations.
Osijek
The center of the eastern part of the country lies on the banks of the Drava River. The city features numerous beautiful Art Nouveau buildings.
The most significant building in the city center is the fortress. Its central square, the Holy Trinity Square, is lined with 18th-century Baroque buildings. The most notable among them is the two-story palace of the Slavonian Military Command, the Generalkomande.
A standout attraction is the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. This Neo-Gothic church, built of red bricks, has a bell tower that is 90 meters high, making it the second tallest church tower in Croatia and all of Southeast Europe.
