The most beautiful places & sights in Croatia – your complete travel guide
Croatia – the pearl of the Adriatic Sea – is a land of surprises. Tradition and modernity blend harmoniously in breathtaking landscapes, medieval towns and unique natural wonders. From relaxing days on the beach to cultural discoveries and unforgettable nature experiences, Croatia offers the right adventure for every taste. Croatia is perfect for a round trip along the coast. One of the most popular routes leads from Istria to Dalmatia, including the many beautiful islands.
Embark on a journey and marvel at the countless sights that Croatia has to offer. I hope this travel guide, in which I take you to the best highlights in Croatia, will inspire you.
The best time to travel to Croatia
Shielded by the mountains in the east, Croatia has one of the sunniest coasts in the entire Mediterranean, with dry, hot summer days and mild, rainy winters. The summer months are therefore the best time for a beach holiday. However, if you want to go on a voyage of discovery, I recommend the period from the end of May to June or September to October. You can also enjoy relaxing moments on the beach during this time, as the weather and the sea water are pleasantly warm. There are also fewer tourists and the prices for accommodation are cheaper than in the high season in summer.
Getting around & mobility on your trip to Croatia
If you are travelling to Croatia by plane, I recommend taking a hire car so that you can be flexible and plan your own discovery tour of the country.
If you have planned island hopping on your trip to Croatia (which I highly recommend!), ferries and boat tours are a good option (e.g. Split → Hvar).
It is also possible to use public transport, but you should be prepared for the fact that rural areas are only accessible to a limited extent.
Recommended travel duration for Croatia
10 to 14 days is ideal for a relaxed round trip through Croatia. Although it is possible to limit yourself to just one week, you should then focus on 2-3 destinations to really immerse yourself in the fascinating flair. Be sure to include islands and national parks in your itinerary. More on this later.
Extra: My tip for your Croatia travel plan
- My recommended Croatia route: Start in Pula (Istria) → Plitvice → Split → Islands → Omiš
- Combination of flight and hire car – for example outward flight to Pula and return flight from Split (or vice versa)
Meine Karte mit den schönsten Sehenswürdigkeiten in Kroatien:
The most beautiful places & sights in Croatia 🇭🇷
🏛 Pula – Roman flair & Istrian lifestyle in Croatia
The coastal town of Pula is like an open-air history book. Its perfect location at the tip of Istria, with its pebble beaches and the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, combined with historical artefacts, make Pula a worthwhile destination that skilfully combines nature and culture. Take a relaxed stroll through the historic old town with its small alleyways and pretty cafés and let yourself be whisked away to a distant, bygone era. Afterwards, you can relax on the nearby beach. 3 – 4 days are ideal for exploring all the sights in Pula.
Pula highlight:
Pula’s most valuable jewel, and therefore THE top attraction, is the Roman amphitheatre from the 1st century – one of the best preserved in the world. It dominates the city skyline and is located directly by the sea. The amphitheatre is not only a historical monument, but also a place where concerts and events are still held today. A visit in the evening is particularly impressive, as the façade is beautifully illuminated.
My insider tip: Under Pula is an extensive underground city (Zerostrasse) with tunnels and shelters. It dates back to the First World War and was built by the Austrians to protect their citizens. If you are interested in history, you should definitely plan a visit. You can take a lift up to the castle with a great panoramic view over Pula.
My hotel recommendation for Pula and the surrounding:
- Quiet location with sea view
- Infinity pool
- Modern hotel with beautiful new rooms
- Excellent breakfast selection
🌿 Brijuni Islands – nature, history & safari flair
The Brijuni archipelago stretches directly in front of Pula. The national park, which covers around 36 square kilometres, includes 14 beautiful islands surrounded by crystal-clear water that is perfect for swimming. You can explore the Brijuni Islands on a boat tour from Pula. A paradise of breathtaking nature awaits you. However, not all of the 14 islands in the Brijuni National Park can be visited.
Highlight: The main island of Veliki Brijun not only has hotel facilities, but also a large wildlife park. Exotic animals such as zebras, llamas and even elephants live here. This is thanks to former President Tito, who chose the Brijuni Islands as a retreat and received animals as gifts from statesmen from all over the world. These living gifts and their offspring found a new home on Veliki Brijun. You will also find some Roman ruins on the main island that are more than 2000 years old.
💦 Plitvice Lakes & the Plitvice Valley – The clearest water in Europe
With the Plitvice Lakes, nature has created a true masterpiece that is definitely one of Croatia’s natural highlights. 16 lakes, like steps of a staircase, flow into each other through thundering waterfalls. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and enchants every visitor with its pristine beauty.
Wooden hiking trails lead through the park over the crystal-clear water, which shimmers in all colours from turquoise to deep blue, past the impressive waterfalls – a unique paradise for nature photographers.
The main attraction is the 78 metre high Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall). It is best to visit it early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds of tourists.
Take 3 – 4 days to enjoy the magic of the Plitvice Lakes and the Plitvice Valley – which has much more to offer than the nature park:
Other highlights in the Plitvice Valley:
In the 3 – 5 million year old Baraceve Spilje caves, you can marvel at mighty stalactites and stalagmites as well as the remains of prehistoric animals and the remains of prehistoric man. You embark on a mysterious journey into the past. Researchers have found the skeletons of countless prehistoric animals here, such as a cave bear that lived here around 70,000 years ago. You can see it directly on site. Other artefacts and replicas, all of which were found in the caves, are on display in the new Speleon Museum.
If you like animals, I recommend visiting a horse ranch and going on an adventurous ride. We opted for the Wild Spring Ranch and were delighted by the friendliness and cheerfulness of the couple who run the ranch.
My insider tip: If you fancy a bit more adrenaline, I suggest a buggy tour to Zeljava Airbase. The former underground military airbase was built by Yugoslavia during the Cold War to withstand nuclear attacks. It is an almost eerie feeling to drive into the darkness of the tunnel. You can also race along the old runway in a buggy or explore an old aircraft wreck.
🧗♂️ Omiš – adrenalin & the romance of the old town
The picturesque coastal town of Omiš is located at the mouth of the Cetina River in southern Croatia. Its dramatic backdrop of steep cliffs rising majestically from the sea is striking – perfect for outdoor activities and adventures.
Omiš itself captivates with its charming old town centre, right by the sea, as well as two fortresses (Mirabella and Starigrad). It is super romantic to stroll through the alleyways and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the pretty little town in the small cafés.
Highlights in Omiš:
Rafting on the Cetina River: The Cetina River meanders between the towering mountains and is perfect for rafting. Get ready for an adventurous river trip with plenty of spectacular moments.
Ziplining over gorges: The adventure continues, this time not on the Cetina River, but high above it. The Cetina Zipline with a total of 7 exciting and long ziplines is absolutely amazing.
Omiš truly offers an ideal combination of breathtaking activities and relaxation.
🏙 Split – antiquity meets harbour flair
As soon as you enter the beautiful city of Split, located on the Dalmatian coast, you will literally be taken in by the ancient walls that meet chilled Mediterranean vibes up close. Split is a crossroads between history and modernity and one of Croatia’s most spectacular sights. Around 1,700 years ago, the Roman Emperor Diocletian had a gigantic palace built here for his retirement, the ruins of which were later used to build the city. More than 200 buildings can still be found today between the white stone walls and under the inner courtyards – shops, hotels, pretty cafés and bars characterise the cityscape. Just let yourself be carried away by the special flair – this magical place is truly unique.
The highlights of Split:
Start your Split visit with a walk through the monumental Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The atmosphere is so epic, especially below the city. Incidentally, one of the many Game of Thrones filming locations in Croatia is located here. You absolutely have to see it.
Afterwards, stroll along the Riva, the elegant promenade where life flows peacefully between palm trees and Austro-Hungarian façades. Relax in one of the cosy cafés or restaurants and enjoy the scent of lavender and the sound of the sea.
My hotel recommendation for Split and the surrounding:
→ The Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Split
- Quiet location by the sea
- Great beach club with sea access and beach
- Large rooms with balconies
- Great restaurants and large breakfast buffet
🚤 Island hopping in Croatia – Hvar, Brač & the Pakleni Islands
Island hopping is an essential part of your trip to Croatia, because only then will you feel the paradisiacal magic of this country. I recommend a day or multi-day tour from Split.
Hvar
It is said that the sun-kissed island of Hvar is the most beautiful of the Croatian islands. It boasts a picturesque old town, beautiful beaches and fragrant lavender fields. From the lively harbour, you can explore Hvar through the cobbled streets. The pulsating heart is St. Stephen’s Square, dominated by the imposing Renaissance cathedral. Be sure to take a walk up to the Spanish fortress, which was built at the beginning of the 16th century. It offers fantastic views of the town below and the Pakleni Islands. Hvar is a favourite destination for visitors of all ages.
Brač
No less worth seeing is the charming island of Brač with the most famous beach in Croatia, Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), which is particularly popular with windsurfers. Take a stroll through the cute harbour town of Milna, which is surrounded by picturesque bays. There are many cafés and restaurants on the palm-lined promenade, from whose terraces you have a great view over the bay.
Pakleni Islands
The Pakleni Islands are an absolute highlight when island hopping in Croatia. This archipelago, consisting of 14 islands, enchants with its picturesque bays, crystal-clear water, hidden beaches and snorkelling spots – a paradise for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet. Once you’ve witnessed one of the breathtaking sunsets, you’ll agree with me: The Pakleni Islands are a little Caribbean in Europe.
Why Croatia should be on your bucket list
Once again, I realised how many magical places there are on our planet that are just waiting to be discovered and appreciated. Croatia is definitely one of them. You simply have to experience Croatia for yourself! Every step reveals new, unique perspectives. The harmonious balance between nature and culture touched me just as much as the friendliness and warmth of the people who live here.
There’s no question that Croatia should definitely be on your bucket list. I hope I have been able to convey the magic of Croatia to you with this travel guide and arouse your curiosity to discover this country for yourself.
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