Where to go in Croatia: 10 vacation ideas

In this country, everyone will find an atmospheric place for relaxation and inspiration. Which resort to choose for the best experiences is revealed in our article, and before traveling, don’t forget to check the new entry rules for Croatia.

Dubrovnik

"He who seeks Paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik", said Bernard Shaw. There’s no arguing with that. The place is wonderful, and millions of travelers have long been convinced of it. Today, Dubrovnik is the most visited city in Croatia and one of the most popular Mediterranean resorts.

The main attraction of Dubrovnik is the Old Town, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is surrounded by a city wall (which you can walk along around the city), dividing the present from the past Dubrovnik. Beyond the gates, you’ll see ancient churches (the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, St. Blaise's Church), numerous narrow streets with endless stairs, squares with fountains, and cozy cafes.

To capture beautiful photos of Dubrovnik and its surroundings, head to Mount Srd, from where, on a clear day, you can see 60 kilometers around. A cable car leads here (a ticket costs €11 one way, €18 round trip).

The city has not only won the hearts of thousands of tourists from different countries but also filmmakers. In the 1960s-1980s, feature films were shot here with stars like Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Mickey Rooney, and others. In the early 2000s, BBC series were filmed here, and recently, the popular resort played the role of King's Landing in "Game of Thrones."

How to get there? Dubrovnik’s international airport is 15 kilometers from the city center. The most affordable way to get to the city is by bus (around €7); a more expensive option is to book a transfer or take a taxi (from €25).

Split

This is the second-largest city in Croatia. Its main attraction is the historical center with beautiful examples of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Particularly impressive is Diocletian’s Palace, built between 298 and 305 AD (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The complex is so vast that it resembles a city within a city, and it houses restaurants, hotels, and shops.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

In Split, you can also stroll along the promenade, visit a colorful market, sunbathe on Bacvice Beach. If you crave more adventurous activities, go kayaking or canoeing, rent an electric bike, or conquer one of the climbing routes with an experienced guide.

How to get there? Split’s international airport is 20 kilometers from the city center. From there, you can reach the city in half an hour by bus (about €4) or taxi (from €30 for a car).

Pelješac Peninsula

This narrow strip of land located between the mainland and the island of Korčula is considered one of the country’s leading wine regions. Here, you can taste the "king" of Croatian wines, Dingac, and the equally famous Postup. At a tasting, you’ll learn the journey of the "drink of the gods" before it reaches store shelves.

Do you love oysters and mussels? Around Ston, there are farms where you can try the freshest delicacies.

History enthusiasts will find the village of Mali Ston interesting. It was built in the 14th century during the Dubrovnik Republic as part of a powerful defensive system.

The best beaches on the peninsula are in the villages of Orebić, Kučište, and Lovište. Windsurfers enjoy the resort of Viganj, while sport fishing enthusiasts prefer Trpanj.

How to get there? A transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Ston by car costs around €100 (travel time — just over an hour). If your flight arrives at Split airport, the trip will be about twice as expensive. Taking a regular bus is a more economical option.

Rovinj

Once a fishing village, today it is a popular resort in northern Croatia, away from the main tourist routes. It is very photogenic and boasts a rich history.

The Old Town is located on a peninsula, with its dominant feature and main attraction being the Church of St. Euphemia. In the year 800, a sarcophagus with relics, which had disappeared from Constantinople, miraculously ended up under the walls of Rovinj — in honor of this event, a basilica was built on the hill.

By the way, this same church also serves as the best viewpoint in Rovinj. Climb the stairs and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the city and the surrounding islands.

How to get there? The nearest international airport to the resort is in Pula, and a taxi from there to Rovinj will cost around €60. You can save by taking a taxi to Pula and then catching a bus to Rovinj (several buses run daily).

Zagreb

Many tourists overlook Croatia’s capital, preferring coastal resorts. That’s a pity — the narrow streets of the Old Town, numerous parks, and museums are worth at least a few days’ visit.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

Key attractions of Upper Town (the historical part of Zagreb) include the City Hall, St. Mark’s Church, the Presidential Palace, the Historical Museum, and the Primitive Art Gallery. In the modern districts, visit the Archaeological Museum and the Štrosmajer Gallery. Also of interest are Maksimir Park — the largest in the country, and Mirogoj Cemetery, where distinguished Zagreb residents are buried.

One hour from the capital is Trakošćan Castle, built in the 13th century. It is one of the most visited and beautiful castles in the country. The building houses a museum with a rich collection of books, paintings, furniture, and weapons.

How to get there? The airport, which handles regular and charter flights from various countries, is 17 kilometers from the city. A shuttle will take you to Zagreb’s central bus station for €6. You can also take a taxi or arrange a transfer.

Korčula Island

According to one version, the famous merchant-traveler Marco Polo was born here. The island stretches 50 kilometers along the Adriatic coast of Croatia, covered with forests, vineyards, olive groves, and known for its excellent sandy beaches. Its capital is Korčula — an old town surrounded by a massive defensive wall. Visitors come here to immerse themselves in the spirit of Venetian Renaissance, visit colorful markets, and see St. Mark’s Cathedral, which has retained its appearance since 1806. Also worth visiting are the Ducal Palace, the Franciscan Monastery, the Church of All Saints, St. Peter’s Chapel, and the Marco Polo House-Museum.

If you want to relax on the beach, sunbathe, and swim, head to the village of Lumbarda, where there are three beaches: the sandy Vela Pržina, the rocky Bilin Žal, and the gravel Tatinja. You can reach these beaches from Korčula by bus or taxi.

How to get there? The island is connected by bus services to Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, but transport only runs once a day. Buses, along with passengers, cross to Korčula by ferry in 15 minutes. The closest city is Dubrovnik — you can get to your destination in 3 hours, with a ticket costing around €18.

Pula

Legend has it that Pula was founded by the Argonauts, a version supported by finds from archaeological excavations. However, the city reached its peak during Roman times. The amphitheater, with a capacity of 23,000 spectators, has survived to this day.

Pula has changed its rulers many times before falling under Croatian rule, so it looks different from many other resorts and boasts a rich cultural heritage. Besides the amphitheater, reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, you should see the Arch of the Sergii, the Temple of Augustus, and the Hercules Gate. Include in your program the Kastel Fortress (14th century), which now houses a maritime museum, the Franciscan Monastery with an excellent collection of paintings, and the Maritime Park — a shady oasis pleasant to walk through even on the hottest day.

How to get there? The airport, located 6 kilometers from the center, can be reached by a domestic flight from Zagreb. A taxi to the city costs from €20, and a shuttle is cheaper but doesn’t run every day. There are also bus and train connections between the capital and the resort.

Zadar Peninsula

An ideal place for history lovers and those dreaming of a quality beach vacation. In the capital, Zadar, you’ll see both the ruins of a Roman forum and 19th-century houses, and Romanesque churches. You can admire all of this and more from the City Tower’s viewing platform.

A modern attraction worth noting is the Greeting to the Sun. It is a 22-meter diameter circle made of glass panels with built-in solar batteries. This system charges all day, and in the evening, a light show begins. The sea organ, which transforms the sound of the waves into melodies, provides the musical accompaniment.

The clear sea attracts both fans of "lazy relaxation" and enthusiasts of diving and underwater hunting. The most famous beach of the resort is Kolovare (pebble, partially covered with sand), awarded the "Blue Flag" for cleanliness. For less crowded beaches in Croatia, head to Ošljak Island, reachable by ferry.

How to get there? If your flight arrives at Split airport, you can take bus №37 to Trogir, and then transfer to a bus to Zadar. The trip takes about 2.5-3 hours in total. You can shorten travel time by arranging a transfer or using a taxi service. It takes about seven hours by train from Zagreb to Zadar.

Hvar Island

One of the most beautiful and sunniest (113 sunny days a year) islands in Croatia. Lavender fields, green vineyards, and wonderful architecture make it a real feast for the eyes. In the main town of the island, you’ll see Gothic palaces, ancient churches, and an impressive fortress. Hvar’s central square is considered one of the largest and most beautiful in Croatia, surrounded by historical buildings like the Arsenal (17th century) and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Active recreation on the island is also great. You can raft on the Cetina River or join a jeep safari.

For those who love small, atmospheric towns, we recommend visiting Stari Grad. It strikingly resembles resorts around Italy’s Lake Garda. A good sandy beach (which is rare in Croatia and neighboring Montenegro) can be found in the village of Vrboska.

How to get there? You can ferry from Split to Stari Grad in 2 hours and for €8. Speed catamarans also operate from Split to Hvar town.

Brač Island

Covered with pine forests, vineyards, and olive groves, Brac is famous for its rosé wines and restaurants serving delicious fish and seafood dishes. An interesting fact: on the island, near the town of Pučišća, they quarry ivory-colored stone used to clad many famous buildings, such as the White House in Washington.

The most popular resorts on the island are Bol and Supetar. Near Bol is the famous Zlatni Rât beach — a pebble cape whose shape and size constantly change due to wind and sea currents.

Supetar is convenient for two reasons: it is connected by regular transport with the mainland and most interesting places on the island. Nearby is the museum village of Škrip, and the Blaca Monastery, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Drach caves with stone bas-reliefs.

Brac is also suitable for active recreation enthusiasts. You can engage in diving (with many underwater caves in the bays), windsurfing, rock climbing, kayaking, and other sports.

How to get there? Ferries from Split to Supetar or from Makarska to Sumartin cost €7 and the trip takes 50-60 minutes. You can also take a high-speed catamaran from Split to Bol and Milna.

Also, check out Andrei Burenok’s video on the best places to vacation in Croatia: