Croatia is rich in cultural history and natural beauty, with appeal for visitors of every interest. If you love Italy and Greece, but do not love the crowds, Croatia is the place for you.
Split and the Dalmatian Coast
The heart of Split is the city’s Old Town. Diocletian’s Palace, completed around AD 305, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the main attraction of Old Town. The palace contains a maze of hotels, shops, museums, and restaurants within its walls. Book a tour to learn the remarkable history of this ancient palace, but also take time to explore on your own. Getting lost within the palace walls or happening upon a candlelit concert add to the fun of exploring Old Town.
Split’s central location provides the opportunity for various day trips. Just beyond the palace walls, visitors can join boat tours of the nearby islands. Take the short ride to Brac or Hvar (known for its beautiful beaches and nightlife) or take an all-day tour to include more islands and the area’s famous Blue Cave.
A short drive down the coast, you will find the small town of Omis in the Cetina Valley. Pine trees line the small roadside beaches, which offer beautiful mountain views. More adventurous visitors can experience whitewater rafting or kayaking on the Cetina River.
Istria and Kvarner
Lovely Istria checks all boxes including ancient hilltop towns and gorgeous coastlines. From its architecture to cuisine, it is evident that this region was formerly part of Italy. Set aside several days to fully explore and enjoy Istria. In Pula, Istria’s largest town, history buffs will enjoy touring the Roman amphitheater, built in the first century AD.
A drive through farmland and country roads will bring you to Motovun, a medieval hill town in Istria’s interior region. Take a short bus ride or walk to the top of this walled city to explore restaurants, shops, and an interesting museum describing the town’s history. Motovun is also the birthplace of famed race car driver Mario Andretti.
Rovinj, located on Istria’s western coast, is known as one of Croatian's prettiest cities. Its most iconic landmark is the Church of St. Euphemia, which sits atop the city’s winding cobblestone streets. The church’s beautiful bell tower overlooks the sea. Visitors can enjoy a meal, shopping, and sea views along the way up. Rovinj is a perfect home base for day tours on the water, either on the Adriatic or nearby Lim Ford. Culinary tours include in-season truffle tastings and winery tours. This area also is well-known for its olive oils.
Opatija is on the northeast side of the Istrian peninsula but considered part of the Kvarner region. This town rose in popularity during the 1800s as a health and wellness destination for wealthy visitors across Europe. Opatija’s hotels reflect the historic grandeur and transport visitors back in time. Start your morning with a dip in the aqua-colored Adriatic Sea, or take a stroll along the Lungomare, a 7 ½ mile coastal path connecting several seaside towns. Mount Učka is nearby, and hikers can climb to the top for views throughout Croatia and beyond.
Fans of the PBS series Hotel Portofino will recognize that several scenes from this series are filmed in the Istria and Kvarner regions. Travel to Italy either by ferry to Venice, or by car to Trieste is also possible from Istria.
Nature
Croatia’s incredible coastlines often take center stage, but national parks in the country’s interior also highlight its unique natural beauty.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the country’s first national park and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Sixteen upper and lower lakes connect above and below ground to create over 90 waterfalls within the park. Wooden boardwalks wind around the lakes to provide excellent views of waterfalls. As one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations, consider booking your visit in advance.
Krka National Park is smaller, but also contains beautiful lakes and waterfalls. This park is located near Sibenik and is an easy day trip from most anywhere in the Northern Dalmatia region.
Much More
Croatia offers these and other destinations to explore and enjoy. Consider booking guided tours but save time for savoring a glass of Croatian wine, strolling through local farmer’s markets, enjoying local festivals, or finding unexpected treasures. Happy travels!
"More adventurous visitors can experience whitewater rafting or kayaking on the Cetina River."