Most Beautiful Places in Croatia

Croatia serves up many slices of natural beauty: alluring islands with picture-perfect beaches; verdant vineyards and lush forests; historic, architecturally rich cities; photogenic hill towns, mountain passes, and hundreds of miles of dazzling coastline. 

Whether you’re exploring off-shore or on land, during a bespoke tour or luxury cruise in Croatia you’re never far away from beautiful scenery. We’ve put together our absolute favorite beauty spots in Croatia below.

Plitvice Lakes

Croatia’s most famous UNESCO-listed national park, Plitvice Lakes National Park is comprised of 16 cascading lakes and travertine waterfalls, and with endemic flora and fauna, they make a thriving ecosystem.

Plitvice is beautiful any time of the year, showing the change of seasons, making them a must-see whatever the time of your visit and really should not be missed whilst in the country.

Zlatni Rat, Brac

The island of Brac sits just south of Split. One of the most famous spots on the island is Zlatni Rat beach in Bol. This pebbled beach stretches almost half a kilometer out into the Adriatic Sea, with the tip of the beach changing shape from the waves and current.

One of the very best beaches on the Dalmatian Coast, it is often referred to as the Golden Cape or Golden Horn because of its unusual shape, earning this beach 3rd place on the ‘Best Beach Destinations in Europe’ list.

Rovinj

The charming medieval fishing port of Rovinj competes with Dubrovnik, as Croatia’s most photographed town. The beauty of the old town, bursting with Venetian houses squeezed one to another right down to the water’s edge, is full of romance and intrigue.

Take a stroll through the postcard-pretty cobbled streets and admire the colorful facades of the local buildings. Tucked along the narrow passages and alleyways there are many interesting shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants that are well worth exploring. 

Losinj

Well known for its lush green hills, stunning bays, and natural harbor, Lošinj Island is both tranquil and scenic. The island is located in the northern region of the Adriatic Sea and is home to the popular tourist resort of Mali Losinj. 

The island’s indented coastline and landscape are studded with fragrant centuries-old pine trees and endemic plant species. Stunning vistas of the tamed wilderness, and the Lošinj and Cres archipelago, are yours to enjoy from the top of St Ivan Mt.

Dubrovnik

As you enter Dubrovnik, you will quickly understand why this UNESCO World Heritage site-listed city of Dubrovnik is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. Protected through the ages by massive 16th century stone city walls, Dubrovnik is filled with evidence of its rich history and culture, striking architecture, and old-world charm. 

Enter the historic city – a key shooting location for Game of Thrones – and enjoy a world of Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic-themed buildings. Dubrovnik is as famous for its shiny marble streets as it is for breathtaking, panoramic views of the ocean. From the top of Srđ Mountain, you can admire the views of the magnificent Old Town and the Elaphiti Islands beyond.

Kornati

The Kornati archipelago is made up of 140 enchanting islands, islets, and reefs with little sign of civilization in most. Sailing here, winding through the isles with picturesque grottoes and dramatic cliffs that tower as high as 262 feet above the sea, can only be done by private yacht or charter in a smaller vessel, or via one of the Croatia small ship cruises. 

Here you can enjoy leaping into the brilliant turquoise Adriatic to swim or snorkel, taking breaks to soak up the sun on one of the beautiful beaches while gazing at the blissful blue of endless sea and sky – look up and you might even see one of the rare peregrine falcons soaring overhead.

Krka National Park

Situated in Lozovac, Krka National Park covers a sprawling 142 sq km. Two-thirds of the Krka River is located within the park’s boundaries. The spectacular natural environment features a series of 7 cascading waterfalls and the tiny Visovac Island.

Krka National Park’s top attraction is most definitely Skradinski Buk falls, which flaunts an impressive total of 17 waterfalls. There is also Roski Slap, with 12 waterfalls, and numerous gorges. The best way to explore the stunning scenery is on the water. You can sail through the park in a boat, swim under the refreshing waterfalls, or set off on one of the hiking trails.  

Zadar

Zadar has been the center of Dalmatia, both culturally and politically, for centuries. It’s a city with the oldest university foundations in the land were laid and where the first newspapers in the Croatian language were printed.

With an abundance of archaeological sites, monuments, beautiful seaside promenades, and numerous islands scattered in front of Zadar, it’s perfect for exploring. Listen to the Sea Organ, enjoy the lights of the Greeting to the Sun or follow in the steps of Alfred Hitchcock, who once said that Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world.

Northern Velebit National Park

Covering just over 100 sq km of craggy peaks, highland pastures, and dense forests, the Velebit mountains are a trekker’s dream. The Northern Velebits are housed in a protected reserve that teems with alluring nature such as bears, deer, butterflies, wildflowers, and many species of birds. 

Views across to the coast and Rab island beyond are spectacular. As well as hiking, other popular activities include cycling, photography, bird-watching, and visits to the nearby Velebit Botanical Garden. 

Pula

Pula is a fascinating and historical seafront city on the tip of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, renowned for its protected harbor, beach-lined coast, and especially its Roman ruins. it was originally founded in the prehistoric era due to its strategic location. 

Pula has been occupied, destroyed, and rebuilt many times. The Romans, Ostrogoths, and Venetians, as well as the Allied Forces in World War II, have each administered the city. The well-preserved amphitheater and harbor are major attractions in this stunning city.

Explore all of these fantastic destinations and more on a tailor-made tour or deluxe cruise to Croatia. To discuss further, contact us online or call our travel experts today on +18448797838 and let us help you plan your ultimate holiday.