Croatia, a country at the crossroads of central and southeast Europe, is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. This European country on the coast of Adriatic sea is small, yet geographically diverse. It is home to many great towns and cities famous for its culture, history and beauty.
It has something or other for any kind of holiday, find answers to which are the best offbeat, romantic and outdoor travel destinations.
Croatia is one of the best shoulder season destination with amazing Roman ruins, Game of thrones feel, and pretty beaches. Read ahead to know more about the best destinations and top cities to visit in Croatia.
Zagreb, the capital, is the largest city of Croatia located in its northwestern region. This old town has a history of around 1000 to 1500 years.
The city offers you many great things to do like you can visit its elegant upper town, where you can see the Gothic Cathedral of Zagreb and old St. Mark’s Church.
The Museum of Broken Relationships is a must visit attraction during your trip to Zagreb.
Ban Josip Jelacic Square gives a nice view of the architectural buildings, and is an amazing place to capture some really great photos.
Best time to visit Zagreb is from April to September.
How to reach Zagreb? – You can book a flight to Zagreb international airport and can come to city centre via bus. You can also enjoy tram ride in its streets.
Dubrovnik is an old port town in Croatia located at its southern side, along the Adriatic sea.
This old distinctive town is filled with a number of famous landmarks, making it one of the most popular places in Croatia and a perfect getaway for a romantic trip.
You can just stroll around the beautiful streets with your partner, and have amazing food sitting at the many cafes.
Wall of Dubrovnik is the most famous landmark, and you would recognise it as King’s Landing from the Game of Thrones. St. Blaise Church, Renaissance Sponza Palace, Lokrum, Stradun.
Best time to visit Dubrovnik is during the months of September and October.
How to reach Dubrovnik? – You can book a flight to the Dubrovnik or Cilipi airport located at Čilipi and from there take bus to the city.
Rijeka is the third largest city of Croatia and is the cultural capital of the country. This port city on the Kvarner Port in Northern Adriatic sea is a gateway to the Croatia’s island holiday.
The city is filled with a number of historical monuments, castles and churches to highlight its cultural richness.
You can visit the Rijeka Cathedral, Trsat Castle, Museum of the City of Rijeka, City clock tower, Sanctuary of the Mother of God Trsat, Capuchin Church of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Best time to visit Rijeka is from May till August.
How to reach Rijeka? - The Rijeka airport is 30 km away from the city, from where you can reach via a motorway.
Split is a coastal city in Croatia that is well known for its beautiful beaches and its fortress like structure in its center.
In Split, you must explore its various beaches and resorts along Bacvice beach, Zlatni Rat beach and more.
Visit Diocletian’s Palace, Klis Fortress, Palace Square Galleries, St. Domnius Cathedral on your next vacation to Split.
Best time to visit Split is during the months of September and October.
How to reach Split? - you can book a flight for Split airport which is just 24 km away from the city centre.
Pag Island is the fifth largest island of Croatia, and is a must visit destination for partygoers and to enjoy lively nightlife.
The island is well known for its barren and moon like landscape with lace production and pag cheese.
Its Novalja town in the north direction is a nightlife hub. The island is filled with a number of beaches like Rucica Beach, Zrce Beach, Beach Planjka Trincel, Plaza Zrce Beach and many more.
Add flavour to your vacation by visiting archaeological sites like Ruine Fortica and monasteries along with party and festivals.
Best time to visit Pag is during June and July when there is party season.
How to reach Pag town? - the nearest airport is Zadar airport from where you can reach the Novalja town and Pag town by bus.
Zadar is a town located at Croatia’s Dalmatian coast that is well known across the country for its rich historical sites and amazing culture.
Get a glimpse of Roman and Venetian ruins of this old city and its history of 8th, 9th and 11th century on your Zadar holiday.
The city is home to many great historical sites like the People’s Square, Church of St. Donatus, Zadar Cathedral ,Sea Organ, Museum of Ancient Glass, Land Gate.
Best time to visit Zadar is during the months of May to September.
How to reach Zadar? - you can book a flight for Zadar airport. Also, there are connecting trains from cities like Zagreb and Split.
Pula is located in Istrian county of Croatia and is a must visit place in Croatia for a family holiday. With your family you can explore the Adriatic sea along its beaches and seafronts.
Pula is also well known for its Roman architecture with the Pula Arena as the most famous landmark here.
The city also has a great tradition of wine making, ship building and fishing. You can also try some great Italian cuisine on your trip to this Croatian city
Best time to visit Pula is during summer vacations around April, May and June.
How to reach Pula? - flying is the best way to reach and Pula airport is in proximity to the city.
Hvar is a popular island in Croatia that is well known for its summer resorts and beautiful beaches.
Hvar is the most instagrammable place in Croatia and you can click some great photographs with its lovely beautiful backgrounds.
You can visit the places like Hvar Cathedral, Spanish Fortress - that gives a great view of the city, Paklinski Island and many other great places.
The inland lavender fields and its pretty beaches are a must visit on your next trip to Hvar.
Best time to visit Hvar is from the months of July to September.
How to reach Hvar? – you can reach the Hvar island with a ferry from major cities of Croatia like Dubrovnik and Split.
Omiš is a port town in the Dalmatian region of Croatia. Located around 25 km away from Split city, the city is a must visit place for solo travel in Croatia.
Omis is amazing for hiking, sailing or just roaming around seeking adventure.
This coastal town is home to many great beaches like the Plaza Mala Luka beach, Ruskamen beach, Artina beach and more.
Omis also offers a number of historical landmarks to visit like the Church of St. Petra – Priko, Samostan I Crkva Gospe Od Karmela Museum, Omis Riviera and many other places.
Best time to visit Omiš is from May till mid July and from mid August to November
How to reach Omiš? – Omis town can be reached from the Split ferry port which is 25 km away from the city.
Porec or Parenzo is a small town in Croatia located at the Istria peninsula.
The town is home to many great wines and winery with the Damjanic wines being the most famous wine shop here.
You can also visit many other popular wineries like Agrolaguna dd winery, Wine Corner Porec.
Porec also offers some other great places to see like the 6th century old Euphrasian Basilica, beautiful beaches, islands, and wonderful gardens.
Best time for traveling to Poreč is from June till August.
How to reach Poreč? - the nearest airport is Pula airport, which is 34 km away from the town can be reached by bus.
Vis a small island in Croatia is rarely explored by the visitors in Croatia, but the region is a must visit if you want an unconventional experience.
This ancient rare town sits on the foot of a wide, horseshoe shaped bay.
Vis is filled with many unique landmarks like Tito's cave, Blue Grotto, Barcrawl Skor for a night out.
You can sail like the locals, enjoy fishing in the Island and explore the amazing greek history during your holiday in Vis.
Best time to visit Vis is during the May and September when the weather is pleasant.
How to reach Vis? - Vis island can be accessed by ferry and catamaran from Split.
Located in the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, Korčula is one of the most beautiful islands in the entire world.
The island is home to many great places to visit like the Badija Island, house of Marco Polo, Vrnik Island, Vela Przina Beach, Proizd Beach, Vela Spila, Cathedral of St. Mark, Marco Polo Museum.
The place is claimed to be the house of Marco Polo and you can also see many historic monasteries, fortress and sites here.
Best time to visit Korčula is from June to September.
How to reach Korčula? - you can get to Korcula island with a ferry that are available from many major cities of Croatia.
Lika-Senj is a beautiful county in Croatia, known all across the country for its hiking trails.
With its rivers, mountains, forests, spring wood, gorges, pools and caves, Lika gives the best opportunity for hiking in Croatia with a wonderful view.
Velebit Mountain, a part of the Dinaric Alps is the most popular hiking destination in Croatia that is located in Lika region.
A 100 km long trail has been built for the tourists who wants adventure that takes almost 9 days to complete.
Best time to visit Lika is during May, June, September and October.
How to reach Lika? - the Lika region can be accessed through the Zadar airport, from where you can reach the city by bus.
Jelsa is a budget destination in the expensive Hvar Island.
The city is home to many great landmarks, hotels, restaurants and bars that can be enjoyed in just a limited budget.
You can explore the beauty of Scedro Island, Otok Hvar Island, Zecevo Island and many other islands here.
Grapceva cave is a must visit nature lover travel attraction of Jelsa.
Best time to visit Jelsa is June to September.
How to reach Jelsa? - the city can be accessed with the help of ferry to Hvar island from major cities of Croatia.
Paklenica or Plitvička Jezera is a national park in Croatia that is around 43 km away from the Zadar.
The park is well known for its dramatic canyons of Velika and Mala Paklenica. The park is a must visit place for travelers who want to do something adventurous.
You can enjoy many activities like mountain climbing, hiking, trekking, bungee jumping and rock climbing on your trip to Paklenica.
You can also explore beautiful landscape and discover many rare animals and birds in this park making it a cool place for nature lovers too.
Best time to visit Paklenica is during the months of September, October, April and May.
How to reach Plitvička Jezera? - the nearest airport from the park Paklenica is Zadar airport from where you can come to the park via a bus.