Looking for where to go in Croatia for your next vacation? And you don’t want to miss any of the essentials of this small country. So don’t move! We have listed the 10 most beautiful destinations in Croatia . Indeed, this country is full of places to see. For example, you can swim on islands with heavenly beaches , discover incredible national parks or visit charming cities.
10 destinations to go to in Croatia
1. Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is without doubt one of the most beautiful cities to go to in Croatia. It is also the most touristic place in the country and if you should choose only one destination, this is where you should stay.
On the spot, you will be able to discover a city completely surrounded by ramparts . Inside the historic center, you will find many monuments, small shops, restaurants and cafes where it is very pleasant to stroll. On the other hand, if you want to have a view of this fortified city, you can take the cable car which will allow you to discover an incredible view of Dubrovnik.
In addition, to explore Dubrovnik differently, you can go on a guided kayak excursion around the fortress to discover all the history of this city and the surrounding islands.
2. Plitvice National Park
If you are looking for where to go in Croatia on vacation , you should not miss Plitvice for anything in the world. Indeed, this national park is known to be one of the most beautiful places in Europe .
On site, you can discover no less than 92 waterfalls through lush nature . This park is located in the heart of the country, so if you want to reach this place, you can take a bus from Zadar or go on a road trip on the roads of Croatia.
3. Splits
Are you looking for a destination to go to in Croatia with the family? Then you will have to stop in Split . Indeed, this city has many points of interest. History buffs can, for example, discover the majestic Diocletian’s Palace built in 305. Game of Thrones lovers can recall scenes from the series by strolling through the atypical alleys of the old town.
On the other hand, if you want to admire a nice sunset with a good cocktail, you will go to the side of the Riva promenade. On site, you will find many bars and restaurants with sea views.
4. Island of Brac
The island of Brac is one of the best places to go to the beach in Croatia . Indeed, along the coast, you will find sublime beaches like the famous Zlatni Rat whose shape is amazing. To reach it, you can take a ferry from Split or Makarska which takes about 50 minutes.
In addition, you will also be seduced by the interior of the island where you can explore charming villages where time seems to have stood still.
5. Krka National Park
One hour from Split, you can discover the Krka National Park. Indeed, this place is one of the must- see places to go in Croatia with the family. On site, you can go hiking to discover many waterfalls.
This place is very well laid out, you will cross for example mini waterfalls on pontoons. In the middle of summer, you can also cool off in the Krka baths which will be located at the end of your walk.
6. Sibenik
Sibenik is a great place to go in Croatia with the family. It is located between Zadar and Split and serves as an essential stopping point on your journey between these two cities. On site, you will be seduced by the many monuments that the city has. For example, you will discover the fort of Saint John which will allow you to enjoy an incredible panorama of the city and the Adriatic Sea.
In addition, you can also go to the castle of Saint-Michel where you will find various exhibitions. We advise you to take the guided tour which will summarize all the history of the important past of this castle.
In addition, from Sibenik, you can take a ferry to the island of Zlarin known for its tranquility and its sublime beaches.
7. Trogir
Located 40 minutes from Split, this charming medieval city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Indeed, once there, you will be dazzled by this fortified city.
You will love getting lost in the small narrow streets of this Croatian village, where there are various shops, boutiques and restaurants. You will also not forget to go for a walk along the bay. During this walk you will discover the majestic castle of Kamerlongo which is one of the jewels to go to in Croatia!
8. Island of Hvar
Croatia is known to be home to no less than 698 islands. We assure you that they are not all inhabited. If you are looking for the best places to go in Croatia, then stopping on an island will be a must on your trip.
In Hvar, you will go for a walk in the old town to discover picturesque streets with typical architecture and charming churches. You can also sit down in one of the many restaurants to taste the local gastronomy based on fish.
On the other hand, if you are looking for where to go in Croatia to party, Hvar is known to be one of the most party islands in the country. Indeed, the city is full of bars where the evenings are lively until the early morning
In addition, the island also has historical monuments. For example, you can go and discover the Spanish fortress built in the 13th century. From this majestic site, you will enjoy the best view of the city and the blue sea.
9. Zagreb
Capital of the country, Zagreb is an integral part of our top 10 destinations to go to in Croatia . Indeed, the city is full of points of interest. While strolling in this cosmopolitan city, you will discover buildings with baroque architecture mixed with modern style.
In the Kaptol district, you can discover the sumptuous Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption cathedral in the neo-Gothic style which has two huge bell towers.
Moreover, if you like nature, you will go for a walk on the side of Lake Jarun . Here, you can try out various water sports, such as canoeing, kayaking or sailing. At the edge of the lake you will find a few discos which are popular during the summer months. Indeed, Zagreb is a fairly young and party city.
Moreover, in the capital, you can also taste Croatian gastronomy . For this, you will order a “ Štrukli sa sirom” which is a local specialty based on a dough topped with fresh cheese and cream.
10. Zadar
To finish our top 10 of the best places to go in Croatia , we invite you to Zadar. Indeed, this city in the north of the country is a popular destination for tourists.
It is known for its churches and its cathedral which you can discover in the heart of the historic city. We advise you to climb to the top of the Sveta Stosija cathedral to benefit from a royal point of view on the red and orange roofs of Zadar.
If you want to go back to the time of Julius Caesar, you can visit the Roman forum . Here you can wander through ruins built between the first and third centuries AD .
In addition, you will not forget to go for a walk on the long promenade facing the archipelago. At this place, you can observe one of the most beautiful sunsets in the country under the sound of the sea organ. Indeed, at the end of this promenade, you will hear a melody played by the sea . It is actually the waves that trigger this sound through a mechanism that will be located under your feet. A very original concept that deserves a stop!
Our latest tips on where to go in Croatia to save money
Now you know all the best destinations in Croatia . We advise you to compare flights to Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik, Pula or Zagreb to get the best price. Indeed, your departure airport will surely serve one of these destinations and the prices can vary from simple to double depending on the place you choose.
From April to October, many direct flights are organized from several airports in France. However, in winter few companies serve Croatia. Thus, you will probably have to go through Paris and land in Zagreb to reach this country.
Once there, we advise you to rent a vehicle from €12 per day and go on a road trip on the roads of Croatia. Indeed, you can discover all the jewels of this country freely and at your own pace.