10 Best Places to Visit in Croatia

Zagreb is a bustling capital, but the pace is relaxed, with streets made for strolling and architecture that feels as though it was designed strictly for gazing at.

The past meets the present in world-class museums featuring distinctive pieces with unique perspectives on the very definition of art.

Sidewalk cafes, boutique shops, colorful murals, and endless music will sweep you into Zagreb’s youthful energy and old-world charm.

Highlights: Upper Town • Zagreb Cathedral • Lotrscak Tower • Stone Gate • The Museum of Mimara • Maksimir Park • Dolac Market • Ilica Street

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

Exuberance and authenticity easily define Split, Croatia’s second-largest city. Drama exudes from the coastal mountains, while the turquoise Adriatic Sea creates a dazzling display of natural beauty.

The city seamlessly blends the past and present, tradition and modernity inside the Diocletian’s Palace, where bars, restaurants, and boutiques thrive within the antique walls.

Venetian opulence, Byzantine luster, and Austrian pride add to the layers of historical heritage in a city inhabited continuously for millennia.

Highlights: Diocletian’s Palace • Cathedral of St. Domnius • Zlatni Rat • Marjan Forest Park • Split Archeological Museum • Klis Fortress • The Old Town • Riva Promenade

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 days

Dubrovnik is an awe-inspiring city, plunging you into the beauty of Old Town’s limestone streets and Baroque architecture that edges the Adriatic Sea.

The ancient walls feel sophisticated beneath the steep slopes of Mt. Srd. Picturesque streets, a beautiful cathedral, and a collection of regal palaces blend to create a pearl rising out of the Adriatic.

The city exudes the glamour of the past, supported by enchanting panoramas and strengthened by the cannons that continue to defend the city walls.

Highlights: Dubrovnik Cathedral • City Gates • Old Walls • Loggia Square • Fort Lovrijenac • Dubrovnik Stradun • Franciscan Monastery • Sponza Palace

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

Rovinj offers Venetian charm, with pastel-colored houses edging the shimmering fishing harbor.

Pebble beaches have become attractions in their own right as they bask in the Mediterranean sunlight overlooking the turquoise Adriatic Sea and wooden fishing boats. Steep cobblestone streets lead to small, hidden small squares in the shadow of a soaring church tower.

Whether looking for a medieval exploration or a coastal resort, a countryside retreat or archeological discovery, Rovinj is your gateway to Croatia’s fascinating diversity.

Highlights: St. Euphemia’s Church • City Museum • Golden Cape Forest Park • Old Town • Red Island • Motovun

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 days

Cosmopolitan and historic, energetic, yet serene, Zadar is a coastal city.

The intriguing marble streets of Old Town lead to the lush hills of the hinterland. Modern art installations contrast the ancient ruins and Bohemian cafes juxtapose the Romanesque churches.

With millennia of history traced back to the Stone Age, Zadar features golden treasures and religious paintings, but also offers a charming ambiance in which you can stroll by the water or dine on a mouthwatering traditional dish in an elegant restaurant.

Highlights: Church of St. Donatus • Zadar Cathedral • Kornati National Park Kolovare Beach • Roman Forum • Sea Organ

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

Medieval Sibenik embraces its position on the Dalmatian Coast, but is often overlooked as merely a gateway to the Kornati Islands.

With year-round mild temperatures, its incredible architecture, labyrinth of steep backstreets, and surprising views will instantly delight.

Wandering beneath the imposing silhouette of St. Michael’s Fortress makes the entire city feel like an open-air museum preserved in the heart of Old Town.

Highlights: St. John’s Fortress • Sibenik Cathedral • Old Town Hall • St. Michael’s Fortress • Civic Museum • Dalmatian Ethno Village

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

A visit to a place that feels untouched by time is not an experience you can often have, but Korcula captures this spirit, from its pristine Old Town to rich vineyards, quiet villages, and thriving olive groves.

With a history dating back to Greek settlers, some of the best beaches in Croatia, and serene coves, Korcula maintains an ambiance of tradition and ceremony protected by medieval walls and staggered towers dressed in the glamour of former Venetian rule.

Korcula makes it easy to relax, explore, dine, shop, or discover the home of the famous 13th-century explorer Marco Polo.

Highlights: Old City • Pupnatska Luka Beach • St. Mark’s Cathedral • Proizd Island • Kocje • Marco Polo’s Home

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 days

Vis exemplifies bohemian tradition and natural allure on isolated island shores, making it one of the must-visit Croatia vacation spots for island hopping. The entire island carries a feeling of authenticity, steeped in untouched nature and gourmet dishes founded on its bountiful ingredients.

The peaceful ambiance makes Vis, with its limestone walls and turquoise waves, feel like a true Adriatic escape, accentuated by its ancient grape, 17th-century architecture, and succulent seafood.

Highlights: Luka • Tramontana Palace • Gradina • Kut • Gariboldi Palace • Church of St. Cyprian and Justina

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

The 16 emerald-blue lakes and powerful waterfalls are why Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s most popular inland destination.

Nature takes center stage as a haven for wildlife within the tranquil forest, above which eagles circle and falcons soar.

The protected landscape also acts as a haven for wildlife like wolves and bears, which hide in the hills beneath the dense forest canopy, far from the network of footpaths and wooden bridges.

Highlights: Great Waterfall • Kozjaka Bridge • Lake Kozjaka • Lower Lakes • Upper Lakes

Recommended Length of Stay: 1 day

Peel back the layers of Trogir and you will find hints of Greeks, Romans, Hungarians, and Venetians dating back to the 4th century BC.

The city radiates beauty on the Dalmatian Coast, with several historic landmarks revitalized over the years. From Renaissance palaces to Romanesque churches and the 15th-century city walls, the maze of medieval streets creates an immersive atmosphere.

The welcoming waterfront promenade glows at night beneath antique streetlights and hums with enticing restaurants and energetic cafes.

Highlights: Trogir Cathedral • Cipiko Palace • Kamerlengo Castle • Church of St. Peter • Trogir Beaches

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 days

Ten days is the perfect amount of time to discover Croatia’s highlights.

You can visit the three major cities and the surrounding historical landscapes, gorgeous coastline, and distinctive cultures.

Using the main cities as central destinations, you can spend more time visiting each and exploring the authentic charms of their surroundings, immersing yourself in the country’s diverse scenery.

Learn more: 10-Day Croatia Itineraries

Croatia is an idyllic combination of natural and historical must-see places that offer unique, exciting, and mesmerizing things to do. Truffle hunting in the woods or wandering medieval walls, finding a unique vineyard or sailing between stunning islands only scratch the surface of possibilities on Croatia vacations.

Our Croatia travel guide offers tips and information on how you can discover the culture, heritage, cuisine, and scenery however you prefer.