Things To Do In Croatia & The Best Places To Visit

Located in Europe, Croatia is known for its history, breathtaking views and rocky beaches. The country is home to some of the world’s most historic Roman ruins and has 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which is remarkable as it’s a relatively small country. Croatia is popular with tourists from all over, with celebrities also frequenting the country. There are many tours available, and it’s a must to visit at least one of the country’s national parks during your trip. There, you’ll find beautiful waterfalls, lakes and picturesque views.

In this blog post, we’re sharing the best places to visit in Croatia. Let’s dive right in with what to do in Croatia.

What To Do In Croatia

Below are some of the many things to do in Croatia:

Rent a bike

Croatia is a great place to cycle. Many cities have dedicated bike lanes, making it extremely convenient for people to travel around. During your cycling travels, you can admire stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. Cycling around Croatia is a great way to explore the country.

Go on a hike

Croatia boasts several breathtaking walking and hiking routes, both in cities and in the country’s many national parks. Several of these hiking routes are located right next to the Adriatic Sea, making them great for a mid-hike swim. You will likely find many others doing the same.

Summers in Croatia can get very hot so you should keep an eye on the weather. You may choose to go out earlier in the morning or late afternoon when the temperature is slightly cooler. You should also remember to keep your skin protected by wearing sunscreen and bringing a pair of sunglasses.

Visit the Old Towns

Croatia is known for its rich history and culture. With so many historical sites to explore, it can be difficult to know which to prioritise. We recommend visiting at least a couple of Old Towns to truly immerse yourself into the country’s history. Some of the most popular Old Towns include Dubrovnik (which we will further discuss below), Trogir and Korcula.

Head to the beach

Croatia is home to some wonderful beaches. However, visitors should be aware that most Croatian beaches are more rocky than sandy. Nonetheless, many tend to have some sand, which is great for children to play in. Some of the most famous beaches in Croatia include Zlatni Rat beach, Stiniva beach and Mlini beach.

Go on a gulet cruise

At Blue Cruise, we are experts in gulet cruises in Croatia and Turkey. A gulet cruise offers a unique way to explore like never before. Gulets are much smaller than traditional cruise boats, therefore can fit into hidden coves, allowing you to see things you’d never see during a bigger cruise. For more information about gulet cruises in Croatia, you can check out our Gulets in Croatia page.

Now that we’ve discussed things to do in Croatia, let’s look at places to visit.

Best Places To Visit In Croatia

With so many iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites, beautiful islands and fortresses to choose from, you’ll never be bored wondering where to visit Croatia. Below we’re sharing our top picks for where to visit in Croatia, to give you some inspiration for your holiday.

Dubrovnik

Croatia’s most popular tourist destination, Dubrovnik, is a stunning city known for its iconic architecture and rich history and culture. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik is one of only a few walled cities left in the world. The city has been featured in many famous films and TV shows, including Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Robin Hood. There is even a Game of Thrones tour, which is not to be missed by fans of the series.

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is one of its most notable tourist attractions and is called Ragusa. If you decide to visit Dubrovnik, expect a visit rich with history, culture and stunning views.

Zagreb

One of Europe’s oldest cities, Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and is also the country’s largest city. Known for its rich history, Zagreb is home to many museums, ensuring there’s something for all visitors. This city is also famous for its food, with its most notable dish štrukli a must-try for all visitors.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Zagreb, you can find useful information below. The Lower Town is more lively and allows tourists to soak up the atmosphere, while the Upper Town is more peaceful, perfect for those after a quieter, more relaxing break away.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is the country’s top national attraction. With 16 lakes flowing through, over 90 waterfalls and 4 hiking routes, a visit to this park is enjoyable for visitors of all ages. Open all year round, visitors can experience the beauty of the park through all the seasons.

Croatia is home to 8 national parks, however the Plitvice Lakes National Park takes the top spot for best park.

Split

Croatia’s second largest city, Split is another popular tourist destination, visited by people from around the world. The stunning city offers several restaurants and beaches, which are what make the city so attractive. Split is also home to the Palace of Diocletian, which now displays some of the most iconic Roman ruins in the entire country.

If you’re wondering whether Split Croatia is worth visiting, then the answer is yes!

Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful island located in the Adriatic Sea. It is home to many pebble and rocky beaches, which are a staple in Croatia. The island is also home to the fishing village Vrboska which is worth a trip to. Here, you will find Vrboska canal, which has earned the village the nickname ‘Little Venice’.

There’s no need to worry about how to get around, as Hvar has an excellent public transport system, making it easy for visitors to travel. Celebrities also tend to visit Hvar, with the lively island offering several attractions and things to do.

The World’s Smallest Town, Hum

Hum is considered the smallest town in the world. Measuring just 100 metres in length and 35 metres in width, the town is truly petite. It’s a favourite for tourists, as they love to go over and explore. Hum has just two streets and is a great place to visit in Croatia for a unique experience.

Krka National Park

Krka National Park is known for its beautiful waterfalls. Krka National Park is not as big as Plitvice Lakes National Park, however is still worth visiting thanks to its stunning views. Additionally, Krka National Park is closer to cities like Split and Zadar, making it more accessible for visitors.

The main waterfalls at the park are Skradinski Buk and Roški Slap, with Skradinski Buk being the biggest and most famous waterfall at the park. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing lots of walking during your visit!

Zadar

Zadar is not as well known as some of the other cities on this list, however it is another city worth visiting in Croatia. It is a great escape from overcrowded areas such as those in Split, and has a real small town feeling. A visit to Zadar will be filled with history, culture and beautiful views.

The city is home to one of the oldest higher education establishments in Europe, the University of Zadar. The university has since been updated and its present form was founded in 2002, however its history dates back to 1396.

Summary

And there we have it. You should now have a better idea of things to do in Croatia and the best places to visit. Croatia really is a beautiful country with lots to see, do and explore. The country’s history and culture are its real selling points, and its national parks, beaches and atmosphere are perfect for all kinds of different visitors.

If you would like to book a luxury gulet cruise in Croatia, contact us here. Our friendly team will be happy to help you book the right cruise for your requirements.