Whether you’ve been dreaming of a relaxed getaway on the water, a food and wine focused venture or the opportunity to sink your teeth into a history that dates back thousands of years, Croatia has it all. Home to beautiful coastlines, stunning lakes and forests, a fascinating history and fresh sea-to-table cuisine, there’s good reason why many heed the calling of Croatia as their Mediterranean holiday fantasy destination. If you’ve been looking at ways to turn your long balmy day dreams into a reality, we’ve put together just the list for you! Featuring the best of Croatia, this blog will spur your wanderlust fantasies from dream to reality in no time.
Not-to-miss places
Dubrovnik
Nicknamed the ‘Jewel of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik is a destination that can’t be missed when you travel to Croatia. The small, walled city is famed for its beautiful terracotta rooftops, stunning views of the sparkling Adriatic Sea and is also perfectly located for day trips to popular locations including Montenegro or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Plus, if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you may think that Dubrovnik looks eerily similar to the fictitious King’s Landing. Parts of the television series were filmed here, with its success having created a whole new offset of tourism for Croatia, as fans from around the world travel to Dubrovnik to relive their Game of Thrones fantasies.
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Split
Croatia’s second-largest city, Split has something that will appeal to every type of traveller. The city’s unique setting between towering coastal mountains and sparkling turquoise waters creates a perfect balance of tradition and modernity. From impressive Roman ruins, to a thriving bar and restaurant scene, Split is humming with life.
Admire magnificent views of the sprawling terracotta roofs that edge onto the Adriatic when you Split your way with Trafalgar on the Balkan Delight tour.
Zagreb
Wondering what to do in Croatia that doesn’t involve the coastline? Often overlooked by the expansive coast, but also equally compelling is Croatia’s capital, Zagreb. With a population of just 800,000, the capital is home to a beautiful medieval city centre with stunning architecture and quaint cobblestoned streets.
Begin your discovery of Croatia in the historical city of Zagreb when you travel to Croatia with Trafalgar on the Best of Croatia and Slovenia tour.
Hvar
If you were to compare the Dalmatian coast to the French Riviera, Hvar would undoubtedly be St Tropez. While the island has been popular with sailors of the Mediterranean for a number of years, its somewhat inaccessibility has meant that the area has managed to hold onto its tranquil seaside charm. From medieval towns to crystal clear waters, stunning landscapes, delicious food and a lively nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Hvar.
Best places for food
Istria
Home to a rich blend of Italian and Slavic heritages, mountainous landscapes and vast vineyards, Istria can only be described as heaven on earth for globe-trotting gourmands. Located in the northwest of the country, Istria is a heart-shaped peninsula that has earned a reputation as a best of Croatia destination specifically for its agrotourism and as a home to many artists and artisans. Amongst many, some of the local foodie specialties include olive oil, wine, truffles and honey.
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Slavonia
Known as the ‘food bowl’ of Croatia, Slavonia, which stretches from the Ilova River in the west to the Hungarian border to the north, is where most of the country’s produce is grown. The local culinary and wine scene make Slavonia the perfect foodie destination, while the baroque old town appeals to architecture fans.
Best places for adventure
Plitvice Lakes National Park
No best of Croatia list would be complete without mentioning Plitvice Lakes National Park. A highlight for many travelling to Croatia, the national park attracts over 1 million visitors each year; all wanting to enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the waterfalls and the numerous walking tracks around the lakes. With plenty of tracks to choose from, whichever path you decide to walk down, you are in for a treat.
Omis
Located just 25km south of Split, on the mouth of the Cetina River is the picturesque small town of Omis. While the town itself is worth visiting, Omis is often frequented by thrillseekers keen to explore the nearby Cetina Canyon. With a host of activities on offer, visitors to the canyon can embark on some white water rafting, hiking and zip-lining. Measuring 150 metres high and 750 metres long, the zip-line at Cetina Canyon is one of the longest and tallest zip-lines in the world.
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Paklenica National Park
Home to high chalk-white limestone peaks, deep gorges and luscious pine and beech forests, Paklenica National Park is an absolute must-visit destination for avid rock climbers and hikers who travel to Croatia. With over 400 sport climbing routes, Paklenica is one of the top three climbing destinations in the Balkans. For those thrill seekers who prefer to stay grounded, there are also a number of hiking and caving trails in the area too. With more than 175km of hiking trails, you definitely won’t be short for options.
Krka National Park
Most famous for the stunning Skradinski Buk Falls, Krka National Park is home to a total of 17 waterfalls that spread over a length of 800 metres. If the thought of witnessing that doesn’t seem like quite enough, you can also immerse yourself into the waters (literally) – in the warmer months, swimming at the base of the final waterfall is a popular favourite summer pastime for locals and tourists alike.
Witness the 17 separate falls of Krka National Park as they cascade down 45 metres to the pools below when you travel to Croatia with Trafalgar on the Pearls of the Adriatic tour.
Best places for history
Pula
While the entire country hosts a number of historical feats for history buffs wondering what to do in Croatia, Pula is one location that is not to be missed! Located on the southern tip of the Istria Peninsula, Pula is a small city with a history that includes periods of Illyrian, Ostrogoth and Venetian rule. However, it was the Romans, who conquered Istria in 177BC who left the biggest mark. While there are many ruins that can be visited, the Pula Amphitheatre is the most popular. Built between 27 BC and 68 AD, the Amphitheatre is one of the world’s six largest preserved Roman stadiums and could comfortably seat up to 20,000 spectators for its gladiatorial events.
Visit the famous arena when you travel with Trafalgar on the Best of Croatia and Slovenia tour.
Zadar
Located on the Dalmation Coast, the city of Zadar is a cultural and historical mecca where both ancient and modern have mixed together. The Old Town of Zadar is filled with Roman ruins, historical buildings and is also home to one of the oldest streets in the world; Kalelarga.
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Trogir
Situated on a tiny island and surrounded by defensive walls that date back to the 15th century, Trogir is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trogir is an absolute must-visit for history buffs who travel to Croatia.
Wander the streets of the walled city of Trogir when you travel to Croatia with Trafalgar on the Balkan Delight tour.
Best places for some R’N’R
Brac
Easy to reach via boat from Split, Brac is one of the most popular islands in Croatia. Home to many beautiful beaches, the island is also famous for its delicious wines and foods that include lamb, sheep cheese and olive oil.
Korcula
Only accessible by boat from mainland Croatia, the island of Korcula is like a dream come true. Featuring white houses with red roofs, white marble streets, sprawling vines, olive, orange and fig trees galore and coastal lines of caves and beaches as far as the eye can see, there’s little persuasion required when it comes to sharing why this colourful coastal island made the best of Croatia list.
Stiniva Beach
Voted the ‘best beach in Europe’ in 2016, the secluded cove of Stiniva Beach can only be described as the place where all of your Adriatic Sea dreams come true. The beach itself does involve a strenuous 25-minute hike, however the views along the walk and the final destination make it well worth the effort.
Have you travelled to Croatia and visited any of these unmissable destinations? Or, are you hoping to in the near future? Let us know in the comments below. Or, head to our website so you can read more about how you can discover the best of Croatia with Trafalgar.