Best Hidden Gems in Croatia

Vis

The furthest permanently inhabited island from the Croatian mainland, Vis has been largely undeveloped by tourism having been closed off to the public for 40 years when it was used as a strategic military base. It offers blissful tranquility along with spectacular natural beauty and fascinating history. There are Roman ruins, relics from the Croatian War of Independence, Venetian architecture, and museums like the City Museum in Vis Town, housed in a 19th-century fortress. It showcases a variety of archaeological treasures, including the country’s most extensive collection of Hellenistic artifacts. If you like beaches, there are plenty, often tucked in secluded coves and framed by brilliant aquamarine water. Leap in and you might find yourself swimming alongside bottlenose dolphins or loggerhead turtles.

Rab

Tucked along the northern Croatian coast in the Kvarner Gulf, Rab Island was first mentioned in 360 BC, named Arba which translates to dark and green forests. It’s home to some of the most diverse landscapes in the area with the northeast coast more barren, with high cliffs and few settlements. The southwest coast features pine forests and idyllic beaches while the fertile interior is where the island’s olives, grapes, and vegetables are grown, protected from the mountains. In addition to nature, the town of Rab offers historical and cultural attractions, including its four iconic bell towers that rise from ancient stone streets. The tallest and most appealing is the Romanesque campanile near Rab Cathedral which soars around 85 feet in height

Solta

Solta is so close to Split that it can be seen from the Riva waterfront promenade, yet surprisingly, not many visit. It’s only nine nautical miles away making it quick and easy to reach by ferry or by speed boat. Spared from much development, it offers protected coves with tranquil beaches and calm, vibrant blue-green waters for swimming. This is a diver’s paradise too, with the underwater world home to caves, steep walls, fields of gorgonians, reefs, and wrecks. There’s plenty of history to explore as well, like the remains of Roman emperor Diocletian’s fish market, the ancient ruins of sarcophagi, and a prehistoric fortress. The island is also known for producing olive oil, honey and wine.

Dugi Otok

Dugi Otok, or Long Island, is located near Zadar on the mainland, about an hour and 45 minute journey by ferry. There’s lots of unspoiled nature here and only a small human population of some 1,500 residents. At the southern tip, Telascica Nature Park is home to over 400 different plant species, many of which are rare and endemic. The bay offers remarkable visibility for diving and snorkeling along with abundant marine life. If you want to enjoy the beach, Sakuran Beach sits at the northern end of the island and is one of the longest you’ll find in Croatia. Its chalk-white sands span a half-mile and are surrounded by pine forest while edging crystal-clear cobalt water.

Motovun

The hilltop walled town of Motovun is one of the prettiest and most well-preserved of the hilltop settlements in Istria. Dating back to medieval times, within its walls are Romanesque and Gothic buildings now home to artist studios, little shops selling the area’s signature products like truffle olive oil, and eateries with menus featuring truffle everything, from truffle sauce on pasta to truffle risotto. It’s also possible to join a truffle-hunting expert and their specially trained dogs to search for the rare delicacies in the dense forest at the base of the town. The atmospheric cobbled streets are a joy just to wander – the higher you go on the hill, the older the structures are, with the original 13th-century walls at the top.

Lastovo

Located off the Dalmatian Coast facing Korcula Island, Lastovo is one of the most remote islands in the Adriatic, with a population of less than a thousand while offering a wealth of outdoor adventures. That includes small bays with crystal-clear blue water for swimming and snorkeling among vibrant coral and colorful fish. Like Vis, it was closed off to the public, and used as an army base for many years, allowing it to remain beautifully unspoiled. The main village, Lastovo, offers the chance to explore an authentic Croatia village. Nestled on a steep slope overlooking olive trees and grape vines, its streets are lined with red-tiled roof stone homes and historic churches such as the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian.

Omis

Located in the Dalmatian region, the town of Omis sits at the mouth of the Cetina River, only about 15.5 miles from Split. If you’re looking for thrilling adventures on your Croatia vacation, it’s one of the best. Whitewater rafting is popular on the Cetina which runs through the rugged Cetina Canyon offering scenic views of high mountains and lush forests while riding the rapids. Hiking, canyoning, and zip lining across the strikingly clear blue-green water are all popular too. Mirabella Fortress is the town’s symbol, built in the 13th century and used by pirates as a lookout and a hideout. These days you can climb to the top for a vista that includes the town’s rooftops, the river, and the sea.

Northern Velebit National Park

North Velebit National Park is one of the UNESCO-listed Ancient & Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe which spans 10 different European countries. The trees are recognized for their size, age, and other features while serving as a critical habitat for flora and fauna, including some that are endangered like forest orchids, holly, bear, lynx, and stag. There are scenic trails to hike for exploring the park and watching for wildlife, with one of the most popular the Premuzic trail, which some say is the best in all of Croatia. The route is just over 35 miles long but it can be trekked in sections, providing access to some of the most rugged areas of the Northern Velebit.

Silba

Silba Island is a wonderful place to recharge your batteries in northern Dalmatia, south-east of Losinj. It’s renowned for its stunning, secluded bays like Pocukmarak where you can snorkel among sunken sarcophagi and curious schools of fish. Romance seekers like to climb the Toretta tower, a landmark known as the “tower of love” which offers a panoramic vista and a love story. Historical documents say that a local captain built it for his betrothed so that she could look out at the horizon and spot his boat when he returned to her. Other highlights include the pretty pine-shaded beaches and the picturesque streets of Silba with large, “captain’s” homes that bear witness to the island’s rich maritime past.