What Are the Best Sites to See in Croatia

Boasting a glorious coastline, magnificent historic sites and spectacular national parks, Croatia is bursting with sensational spots to explore on vacation. 

While this makes the country a highly attractive destination to visit, it can also make the planning process a little more complicated as there are so many attractions so much to fit into a limited period of time. 

It’s only natural to be left wondering where the best sites to see in Croatia are while planning your Mediterranean vacation. From the turquoise waterfalls of Krka National Park to the majestic walls of Dubrovnik Old Town, you will be simply spoilt for things to do during your getaway.

In this article, we share the top sites to see in Croatia. In doing so, we hope to make the planning process of organizing a trip to this marvelous part of the world as easy as possible.

Serving up stunning architecture, historic ruins and a gorgeous harbor, it comes as no surprise that Dubrovnik comes up top as one of the best sites to see in Croatia. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, the city is drenched in enchanting beauty. 

Enter a world of terracotta roofs and captivating cobblestone streets lined with majestic churches, high-end eateries and lush boutique hotels. While there are so many things to do in Dubrovnik, we have listed some of the must-visit sites below. 

Stradun

Stradun, otherwise known as Strada, is the main street in Dubrovnik Old Town. It stretches 300 meters long from Pile Gate to the Gruž Harbour, almost splitting the city’s historic center in half right along the middle. 

The street once served as a dividing channel that separated the island on which Dubrovnik was built from the mainland. Nowadays, the pedestrianized lane is the buzzing hub of the city and home to many of its best bars, restaurants and cafes. 

While having the appearance of marble, the promenade is paved with limestone that has been buffed down by the soles of countless numbers of locals and visitors over the past five thousand years. 

Between the stunning scenery and buzzing atmosphere, Stradun is certainly one of the best sites to see in Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik Walls

The spectacular Walls of Dubrovnik have origins tracing back to the 9th century and stretch over 1940 meters long. A dramatic sight, the magnificent rock fortifications have been protecting the city and its residents for thousands of years. 

Due to their historic significance and striking appearance, you will not want to miss out on visiting the Dubrovnik Walls during your getaway – they are one of the best things to see in Dubrovnik. You’ll find six fortresses dotted along the 25-meter-high structure

To get here, head to the entrance of the city, Pile Gate, where you will find the ticketed entrance. Then, you can make your way up the stairs and begin your adventure along the dramatic fortifications.

Prepare to be treated to glorious views during your journey, with the city’s awe-inspiring coastline lying on one side and the UNESCO-protected streets of the Old Town on the other.

Hvar is another of the top sites to see in Croatia. While world-renowned for its sensational nightlife scene, it has much more to offer beyond its spectacular range of bars and clubs. 

The landmass is one of the best islands in Croatia. Incredibly picturesque, the landmass is lined with enchanting lavender fields, stunning Venetian architecture and historic attractions. We have shared some of the best things to see in Hvar below. 

Lavender Fields

You will definitely want to spend some time exploring the fragrant lavender fields on Hvar – they are one of the best sites to see in Croatia. There are few experiences quite as magical as meandering by these captivating fields of purple.

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Croatia to see the lavender fields, you should aim for early summer. The aromatic plants come into bloom between the months of June and July, transforming into a sea of sweet-smelling lilac flowers.

Hvar Town

Hvar Town is the hub of the island’s nightlife. It is here where you will find all of the best bars and clubs. Be sure to leave some time aside for dipping your toe into the island’s iconic party scene. 

Whether you’d prefer to stick to cocktails in a trendy bar or have a big blowout at a nightclub, you certainly won’t want to miss out on experiencing this destination after dark. Hvar Town is also home to some of the most beautiful historical sites in Croatia.

You’ll find majestic 13th-century walls, winding cobblestone streets and an abundance of dazzling churches, palaces and fortresses on this picturesque island. There is simply so much to explore. One of the best things to do in Hvar is go to Spanjola Fortress.

Otherwise known as Fortiza, the striking fortification lies perched on top of a 100-meter-high hill on the island, looming over the bright lights of the town center. The medieval structure is incredible, tracing back to 500 BC and boasting sensational views over the island.

The scenic landmass of Mljet is one of the top sites in Croatia. This Mediterranean gem is often hailed as the greenest island in the archipelago as it lies completely unspoilt, with crystal-clear sea waters, sweeping sand shores and lush Mediterranean vegetation.

Mljet National Park encompasses a third of the landmass and is located on its western end. It is in this protected forested area where you will find many of the most gorgeous spots on the island and will be able to take part in a plethora of activities including hiking, cycling and swimming.

Mljet Island offers the perfect escape into nature, with flourishing pine trees and two twinkling salt lakes situated on its southern end known as Veliko and Malo. These watering holes make for fantastic swimming and snorkeling spots, with pristine waters and a lively marine life scene.

A tranquil paradise, Mljet Island is certainly one of the most beautiful natural sites in Croatia and a must-visit during your Mediterranean getaway.

Split is the second-largest city in the country and a picturesque destination home to many of the top sites to visit in Croatia. A sea of stunning terracotta roofs fringed by azure waters, you certainly won’t want to miss out on this ancient metropolis during your vacation. 

Diocletian’s Palace

Going to Diocletian’s Palace is one of the best things to do in Split as it is among the most incredible ancient sites in Croatia. It was built between 298 and 305 AD as a combined imperial residence, military fortress and fortified town for a Roman emperor. 

A dazzling tapestry of marble promenades and lanes, the attraction is certainly one of the best places to visit in Croatia. Discover the fascinating history of the area while meandering along the enchanting alleyways of this 31,000-square-meter open-air museum. 

Not only one of the most magnificent Roman sites in Croatia, Diocletian’s Palace is famed as one of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside of Rome. Serving up fascinating history and gorgeous surroundings, it makes a terrific site to explore on a Mediterranean getaway.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most beautiful sites in Croatia. The picturesque area is located in the Lika region of the country and lies cloaked in lush green forestry and caves where you will find sixteen interconnecting lakes and ninety waterfalls. 

The water color in the area is absolutely dazzling, spanning from emerald green to cobalt blue. With such awe-inspiringly stunning scenery, it’s no wonder why Plitvice National Park is one of the most visited UNESCO sites in Croatia. 

Set off on spectacular hikes across the glorious landscape or explore the area on two wheels with a biking adventure through the magical scenery. Prepare to be left in awe no matter how you choose to uncover the beauty of Plitvice.

Along with the terrific scenery, the national park is home to a range of wildlife including wildcats and deer. Be sure to cast your eyes to the skies during your visit to catch sight of some of the 160 bird species (including eagles) that inhabit the area.

With fascinating wildlife and stunning surroundings, it comes as no wonder why Plitvice is one of Croatia’s best national parks.

For those seeking another otherworldly paradise in Croatia, head to Krka National Park. This awe-inspiring oasis lies just one hour from Split and is a stunning landscape of turquoise lakes and tumbling waterfalls. 

Follow the many walking trails and boardwalks in the park to see the landscape in all of its glory.  The famous network of waterfalls that run throughout the park is nothing short of breathtaking. However, there are a few sites in particular that often steal the show for visitors. 

Skradinski Buk is said to be among the most incredible falls in the park. It comprises a collection of 17 gushing waterfalls with a total drop of 45 meters. This majestic sight alone might warrant Krka National Park being called one of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites in Croatia. 

To get here, all you have to do is walk a 2-kilometer-long loop. You certainly won’t want to forget your swimsuit during your visit as you can actually go for a dip and swim in Krka National Park. Plunging into the pristine waters offers the perfect way to cool down after exploring the landscape.

Korcula Island is a gorgeous island off Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. Renowned for its dense forestry, vineyards and olive groves, you’ll find an abundance of fantastic attractions on offer on this landmass.

In fact, the landmass has earned the nickname of “Little Dubrovnik”. It is here that you’ll find plenty of the best sites in Croatia. From Marco Polo’s house to the spectacular St Mark’s Cathedral, Korcula has a lot of interesting attractions up its sleeve. 

As one of the most beautiful places in Croatia, it makes for a wonderful place to stay during your vacation. Korcula has a stunning medieval old town. 

The oval-shaped area is characterized by its unique fishbone shape, magnificent cathedral and the striking Venetian Renaissance architecture that line its romantic narrow streets. 

During your time in Korcula, you will also be able to set off on incredible hikes and cycles to explore the sensational surrounding landscape. You will also not want to miss out on visiting the island’s dazzling coastline. 

The shores of Korcula lie fringed with glittering turquoise waters that are perfect for windsurfing, kayaking and diving.