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A lot has changed in the last two decades. Croatia joined the European Union and started recently using the euro.
Overall, the country’s tourism has grown exponentially, and there are many popular places to go in Croatia.
For a small country of 4 million, Croatia sees a whopping 20 million visitors each year.
With more than 1700 km of coastline of the stunning Adriatic coast and over 1200 islands, Croatia manages to welcome them all.
There are beautiful cities, national parks, gorgeous islands and small villages to see so letās focus on the popular places to go in Croatia.
Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring well-preserved medieval walls, baroque buildings, and picturesque cobblestone streets.
It is one of the most popular places to go in Croatia, and it gained popularity after being used as the location for the Game of Thrones series.
The famous Game of Thrones Walking Tour in Dubrovnik is still going strong!
The Old Town is small, where visitors spend most of their time.
However, Dubrovnik also offers lovely city beaches and residential areas outside the Old Town.
It’s a beautiful place to take a sunset cruise and watch the colours change across the water.
This is Croatia’s most visited national park and probably the most loved.
Nature lovers will be awe-struck by the beauty of this UNESCO-listed park, and I recommend spending a whole day here.
The park is home to cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush greenery, perfect for hiking and exploring.
I have visited during spring, summer, and autumn; each experience was so memorable that it is hard to say when the best time to visit is.
The summer months tend to be busy as this is one of the most popular places to go in Croatia, so I suggest visiting during the shoulder season.
The park has many hiking routes connected with boat rides, and a train also operates there.
Immerse yourself in history as you wander through Split’s ancient streets, highlighted by the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace, a Roman emperor’s retirement home turned bustling hub of shops, cafes, and galleries.
Split is the second-largest city in Croatia, but it feels cosy.
My favourite thing in the morning is to stroll along the harbour promenade known as Riva as the city wakes up.
Donāt miss the local market near the old city.
If you’re looking for an excellent day trip, I recommend this full-day catamaran cruise to the Hvar and Pakleni Islands; it’s gorgeous out there!
I have visited a few islands in Croatia, and Hvar remains one of my favourites.
With its pristine beaches, lavender fields, and vibrant nightlife, Hvar is a haven for sun-seekers and party enthusiasts.
The Old Town is a nice place to relax on long summer nights and enjoy a delicious dinner before it becomes a busy party spot.
You can walk up to the top of the fortress for epic views or go to the lesser-known Pakleni Islands; we’ll discuss those later.
I visited Rovinj in search of a smaller and less touristy Dubrovnik lookalike.
Locals recommended Rovinj, and I fell in love.
This romantic seaside town in Istria is a photographer’s paradise, with its colourful houses, narrow alleys, and panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.
There are small art galleries and, once again, excellent food with a heavy focus on seafood.
Rovinj is in Istria, the foodie part of Croatia. Make sure you indulge in a few dining experiences while here and explore the town’s art galleries, shops, and seafood restaurants.
If Rovinj isn’t renowned as one of the most popular places to go in Croatia yet, it’s only a matter of time.
Croatia’s capital city offers a blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy, and it has an entirely different feel from other coastal towns such as Split or Dubrovnik.
Zagreb is simply a reflection of the past. The architecture, which includes some newer communist-style buildings from the 1980s, shows the strong influence of the former Austro-Hungarian empire.
Explore the medieval Upper Town, visit St. Mark’s Church, stroll through the lively streets filled with cafes, museums, and parks, or enjoy the weekend market.
Read more: 20 Most Popular Foods from Croatia
Steeped in history and surrounded by azure waters, KorÄula is believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo (youāll find a museum dedicated to him), and it is the largest of the islands.
I love it for its vineyards, its well-preserved medieval architecture and olive groves.
Try the local dessert wine made from the GRK (Grk Bijeli) grape. So delicious.
You donāt need to go to Italy to see incredible ancient sights; history buffs will be amazed by Pula’s well-preserved Roman ruins, including the impressive Pula Arena.
Pula Arena is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. It dates from the 1st century, when the Roman Empire controlled this part of Croatia.
The Temple of Augustus and the Arch of the Sergii are at the start of the entrance to the old town. The nearby beaches are also worth visiting.
Plan to go to Italy? Check out these 15 Best Places to Visit in Italy
Makarska is a region of Croatia that attracts European visitors for their week or two-week-long summer holiday.
Between the Biokovo Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Makarska is known for stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a charming seaside promenade lined with cafes, bars, and palm trees.
If you feel like a beach holiday, even if it is just for a little bit, this is it.
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Another natural wonder of Croatia, Krka National Park is renowned for its magnificent waterfalls, emerald pools, and lush forests.
Take a boat ride along the Krka River and swim beneath the cascades.
Some incredible hikes lead you across the park’s wooden walkways and bridge network.
And you can also swim in this park, which is a real bonus compared to Plitvice National Park.
Day Tour from Split – Krka Waterfalls, includes Boat Ride and Swim.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trogir is a beautifully preserved medieval town on a small island between the mainland and Äiovo Island.
Explore its labyrinthine streets, ancient churches, and Venetian architecture.
The 13th-century cathedral is one of Trogir’s most iconic landmarks, and you can explore the Kamerlengo Fortress, built in the 15th century by the Venetians.
Escape the crowds and discover the unspoiled beauty of BraÄ Island.
It is known for its rugged coastline, hidden coves, and the iconic Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach, a paradise for windsurfers and sunbathers.
Brac Island is famous for its olive oil production, with olive trees covering much of its landscape.
Olive cultivation has been a tradition in Brac for centuries, and many local families still produce their olive oil using traditional methods.
You can learn about olive oil production by visiting local olive groves and mills.
Home to the stunning St. James Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Å ibenik is a charming coastal town with a rich history and picturesque waterfront.
Explore its medieval streets and nearby fortresses.
Å ibenik also hosts numerous cultural events and festivals annually, celebrating its rich heritage and contemporary art scene.
From the International Children’s Festival to the Å ibenik Cultural Summer, there’s always something happening in the city, including music concerts, theatre performances, and art exhibitions.
Join a guided evening walking tour to learn more about this fascinating city.
For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, head to the Kornati Islands, a breathtaking archipelago of 140 uninhabited islands and islets!
The Kornati Islands are a paradise for boaters, sailors, and nature lovers, offering numerous opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
Visitors can explore the islands by boat, yacht, or kayak, navigating through labyrinthine channels and discovering secluded beaches, underwater caves, and vibrant marine life.
Snorkelling and diving are popular activities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the Adriatic’s underwater world, teeming with colourful fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs.
Indulge in luxury and relaxation along the Dubrovnik Riviera, dotted with upscale resorts, pristine beaches, and scenic coastal villages like Cavtat and Mlini, offering a perfect blend of serenity and sophistication.
It is nice to escape the tourist crowds for a day or an afternoon and head out of Dubrovnik, one of the most popular places to go in Croatia.
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And that’s if you’re looking for a short list of amazing and popular places to go in Croatia, maybe even this summer.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Croatia has something for everyone to discover and enjoy and let’s not forget that Croatian cuisine is delicious!
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