Where to go in Croatia: 10 vacation ideas

In this country, everyone can find an atmospheric place to relax and find inspiration. Find out which resort to choose for the best experience in our article.

Dubrovnik

“Anyone looking for paradise on earth should visit Dubrovnik,” Bernard Shaw once said. There's no arguing with that. It's a wonderful place, and millions of travelers have long been convinced of this. Today, Dubrovnik is the most visited city in Croatia and one of the most popular resorts on the Mediterranean coast.

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.

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.

Book a hotel in Split 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’re looking to relax on the beach, soak up the sun, and go for a swim, head to the village of Lumbarda, whose surroundings feature three beaches: the sandy Vela Pržina, the rocky Bilin Žal, and the pebbly Tatinja. You can get here from Korčula by bus or taxi.

How to get there? The island is connected by bus to Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik; however, services run only once a day. From the mainland, buses cross to Korčula by ferry together with passengers in just 15 minutes. The closest city is Dubrovnik — from there, the journey takes about 3 hours.

Pula

According to legend, Pula was founded by the Argonauts, a theory supported by discoveries made during archaeological excavations. The city reached its peak during Roman times. An amphitheater with a capacity of 23,000 spectators has survived to this day.

Pula has changed rulers many times before becoming part of Croatia, which is why it stands out from many other resorts in terms of appearance and boasts an exceptionally rich cultural heritage. In addition to the amphitheater reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, be sure to see the Arch of the Sergii, the Temple of Augustus, and the Hercules Gate. Add the Kaštel Fortress (14th century), now home to the Maritime Museum, the Franciscan Monastery with its impressive art collection, and the Marine Park — a shady oasis perfect for strolling even on the hottest days.

How to get there? The airport is located 6 kilometers from the city center and can be reached by domestic flights from Zagreb. A taxi to the city costs from €20; the shuttle is cheaper but does not run daily. There are also bus and railway connections between the capital and the resort.

Zadar Peninsula

An ideal holiday destination for history lovers and those dreaming of quality beach relaxation. In Zadar, you can see the ruins of a Roman forum, 19th-century buildings, and Romanesque churches. You can admire all of this at once from the observation deck on the City Tower.

A modern attraction also worth seeing is the Greeting to the Sun. It is a 22-meter-diameter circle made of glass panels with built-in solar cells. The system charges throughout the day, and in the evening it turns into a light show. The musical accompaniment is provided by the Sea Organ, which transforms the sound of waves into melodies.

The crystal-clear sea attracts both fans of laid-back relaxation and enthusiasts of diving and spearfishing. The resort’s most famous beach is Kolovare (pebbly with some sandy areas), awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness. For quieter beaches, take a ferry to the island of Ošljak.

How to get there? If your flight arrives at Split Airport, take bus No. 37 to Trogir and then change to a bus heading to Zadar. The total travel time is about 2.5–3 hours. You can shorten the journey by booking a transfer or taking a taxi. From Zagreb to Zadar, the train ride takes around seven hours.

Hvar Island

One of the most beautiful and sunniest islands in Croatia (113 sunny days a year). Lavender fields, lush vineyards, and stunning architecture make it a true feast for the eyes. In the island’s main town, you’ll find 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 historic buildings such as the Arsenal (17th century) and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

The island also offers plenty of active leisure options. You can go rafting on the Cetina River or take part in a jeep safari.

Fans of small, atmospheric towns should visit Stari Grad, which remarkably resembles the resorts around Italy’s Lake Garda. A good sandy beach (a rarity in Croatia and neighboring Montenegro) can be found in the village of Vrboska.

How to get there? From Split, you can reach Stari Grad by ferry in 2 hours for €11. High-speed catamarans also run from Split to the town of Hvar.

Brač Island

The island is covered with pine forests, vineyards, and olive groves and is famous for its rosé wines and restaurants serving exquisite fish and seafood dishes. An interesting fact: near the town of Pučišća, a stone the color of ivory is quarried, which has been used to clad many famous buildings, including the White House in Washington.

The most popular resorts on the island are Bol and Supetar. Near Bol lies the famous pebbly beach Zlatni Rat — a cape whose shape and size constantly change under the influence of winds 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: