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Croatia’s most popular attractions include its historic cities and natural beauty. Museums, galleries, restaurants, and shopping abound in Croatia’s cosmopolitan metropolis of Zagreb. There are many pebble beaches with water sports like scuba diving, water skiing, and windsurfing, as well as centuries-old harbor towns full of Venetian-era stone architecture.
Croatia’s beautiful Adriatic islands are a haven for yachters and those who want to sit back and enjoy the Mediterranean sun on the Adriatic’s beautiful beaches. If planning a trip to Croatia, keep our list of the best things to do in mind as you travel.
1. Roman Arena, Pula
Along with its beautiful beaches, the Flavian amphitheater, once the scene of gladiatorial battles and preserved in remarkable condition, is a significant draw for tourists to Pula. It is a majestic sight that, during Vespasian’s reign, could accommodate up to 20,000 spectators. It is bordered by notable historical landmarks such as the Roman Porta Gemina, The Twin Gates, and The Triumphant Arch of The Sergii, as well as a temple devoted to Rome and Augustus, a shrine to the goddess and Octavian, and the City Hall, which is located next to the Croatian Coliseum.
Additionally, Pula is a vibrant city with various museums and stores, as well as a wide variety of restaurants and bars. Pula is a great place to unwind after taking in the historic city’s splendor with its jagged coastline and location on the tip of Istria. Some of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches can be found here, too.
2. Sibenik
With a long history dating back to its time as part of the Republic of Venice, Sibenik, located near the Krka River’s mouth, was the birthplace of Niccol Tommaseo. As soon as a ship docks at St. Nicholas’ Fortress, its 32 cannons, and triangular-shaped Renaissance military architecture are readily visible.
One of Dalmatia’s most revered religious structures is the Cathedral of St. James, with its beautiful blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements. While Sibenik is well-known for its historical and architectural monuments, protected under UNESCO’s auspices, it is also surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Among the nearby attractions is the waterfall-filled Krka Park.
3. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Located in the interior of Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park contains 16 emerald-blue lakes linked by a series of roaring waterfalls. The entrance to the park (the country’s first national park) offers boat trips across the lakes and a network of walkways and wooden bridges.
There are wolves and bears in the park, but they are shy, so you are unlikely to encounter them. The park is also a home for owls, eagles, and falcons because of the lush, pure environment. There are various hotels if you want to spend the night near the park. You can take a bus tour to Plitvice from Zagreb or Zadar to view it. Reserve your tickets in advance if you intend to visit without a guide or as part of a tour; this is a popular tourist destination that draws more than a million visitors annually.
4. Hvar Town
Tourists flock to Croatia to visit the beautiful Dalmatian islands, with Hvar being the most sought-after. For those looking to sample some of Croatia’s best seafood, Hvar is a great place to start.
Its car-free Old Town, which dates back to the reign of the Venetians from 1420 to 1797, is made up of a large central square, a fishing port, and a hilltop fortification. Aside from tourists interested in the island’s beaches and water activities, yachters and celebrities flock to Hvar. From Split, a ferry travels to this island.
5. Gornji Grad of Zagreb
There are many things to see and do in Zagreb’s medieval Gornji Grad (Upper Town). Croatia’s Parliament and the Cathedral, which have neo-Gothic facades and twin steeples, are prominent tourist attractions in this city.
The 13th-century Tower of Lotrscak, with its breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding area, and the Church of St. Mark, with its famed colored tiled roof, are both must-sees in Split. Do not miss the Museum of Broken Relationships, a crowd-pleaser among visitors.
6. The Mljet National Park
Mljet’s western portion has been designated a national park. It is surrounded by deep woodland and two turquoise saltwater lakes, one of which is topped by a 12th-century Benedictine monastery that may be accessed by boat.
The park has various activities to choose from, popular with nature enthusiasts, including many wooded trails to explore. Additionally, a nine-kilometer track encircles the lakes and is perfect for hiking or mountain bike enthusiasts. Aside from swimming, the area is a popular spot for water sports, including kayaking (kayaks can be rented to explore the lakes). There is only one hotel on the island, although guests can rent rooms from local families during the summer, and there are several excellent campgrounds. Ferry or catamaran service from Dubrovnik to Mljet is available.
7. Korcula’s Charming Town
Most of the population of the South Dalmatian island of Korcula lives in the small town of Korcula, which is located on a narrow peninsula. The city’s car-free stone alleyways are laid out in a herringbone pattern with its medieval walls and towers protecting from the prevailing winds. Aristocratic stone structures date back centuries in Korcula, built under the island’s Venetian administration.
On the list of things to see and do are the Marco Polo House, where the legendary explorer was claimed to have been born, and the moreska sword dance, a traditional dance done for tourists on summer evenings outside the town walls.
8. Old Town Walls in Dubrovnik
With its spectacular medieval Old Town enclosed behind fortified medieval defensive walls, Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most sought-after tourist destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. First-time visitors should stroll around these historic walls, which include fortifications, turrets, and cannons.
The Pile Gate, constructed in 1537 and one of the city’s most spectacular buildings, is another common way to approach the Old Town of Vienna. Stunning views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea may be had from high atop the city’s walls. Dubrovnik’s Stradun, a 300-meter-long pedestrian promenade dotted with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, is one of the city’s most popular attractions.
9. Telascica
It is ideal for scuba diving or a relaxing sailboat cruise in Telascica Park if you enjoy the water. The archipelago of Dugi Otok, Zadar’s largest, contains small islands, cliffs, and verdant bays. Its location is advantageous since it faces the Kornati islands, a wild paradise of dozens of small islands. Its position is important.
There is a lot of beautiful scenery in the park. There are colorful coral and peregrine falcon nests on the steep rocks known as Stene extending further 80 meters below the sea’s surface. The cliffs, which are 160 meters high, plunge into the sea. Amazing views await visitors to the saline Lake Mir, only separated from the ocean by a narrow sliver of land. In addition to donning a mask and flippers, you can ride a bike or wander the park’s trails. One of the best-sheltered natural ports in the Adriatic can be found in Telascica cove, a must-see for boat lovers worldwide.
10. Rovinj
There are pastel-colored cottages encircling a charming fishing bay in Rovinj, a beach town in northwest Croatia on the Istrian peninsula that dates back to the Venetian period and is dominated by a hilltop church with an opulent bell tower.
The Batana Eco-Museum on the seashore, which depicts the tale of the batana, a type of wooden boat used by local fishermen, is the principal tourist attraction in the area. Many of the best hotels, restaurants and art galleries can be found in the city. Residents of the area speak a unique dialect that combines elements of Croatian and Italian. Pula International Airport is the closest one to where you’re staying.
11. Ivan MestroviC Gallery
Artwork by Croatian sculptor-poet Ivan MestroviC is displayed in the Ivan MestroviC Gallery in Zagreb. Sculpture, drawings, furniture, design, and even building by the artist are all included in this collection. Based on plans drawn by the artist himself, the gallery and its surrounding gardens were built.
The proposed features included living quarters, offices, and an exhibition gallery. Both of the gallery’s levels house the museum’s permanent collection. Rather than being arranged chronologically, the work is arranged by subject matter. In addition, there is an outdoor park with numerous sculptures to enjoy.
12. Gorski Kotar
Beaches and sunbathing come to mind when we think about Croatia. In the northwestern Croatian region of Gorski Kotar, a vast verdant high plain, walkers will find many fantastic options for excellent trekking through fields and forests. With its enormous expanse of beech and fir forests, abundant wildlife, and resident eagles, the Risnjak National Park in Gorski Kotar is Slovenia’s most mountainous region.
The tallest mountain is Risnjak, which reaches a height of 1,500 feet; with a backpack, you may trek to the top and see the island of Krk from afar. If you aren’t a fan of climbing, there are plenty of other options for you, such as quiet hikes around Lake Fuine and Lake Lovke, where you may go fishing or rowing. After checking the water’s temperature, you could even take a dip in the river!
13. The Krka National Park
Croatian national park Krka is named after the Krka River. The park was established to safeguard the area around the Krka River, which has an area of 109 square miles. The park has a very high concentration of vegetation and wildlife because of its largely unspoiled nature.
It is a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy hiking, kayaking, shopping at souvenir shops, and dining at restaurants and museums. Other fortifications that have stood here have been excavated, and you may see their ruins. However, Skradinski Buk, a big pool with steep waterfalls on one end and cascades on the other, is one of the park’s most popular attractions.
14. Plitvice
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous park in Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes are a must-see for anybody visiting Croatia. In eastern Lika, an enchanting universe opens up: the beauty of the sea life that is continually regenerating and rising is the protagonist. The Plitvice National Park is home to a collection of lakes at various elevations in the middle of forests, pools, and waterfalls. The reflections, colors, and emerald hues of the cliffs, which are covered with flora, leave you speechless.
Walking over the wooden walks and paths of the tour is a rejuvenating experience. Electric boats and comfy trains are available to explore the park’s 16 lakes, which are connected by waterfalls, and the karst topography provides jaw-dropping splendor.
