Croatia captivates visitors with its stunning Adriatic coastline, over 1,000 islands, and remarkably preserved medieval cities. From the ancient walls of Dubrovnik to the cascading waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, this Mediterranean gem offers crystal-clear waters, rich history, and exceptional cuisine at surprisingly affordable prices.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Croatia.
-
1
Dubrovnik Old Town & City Walls
Walk the iconic 2km medieval walls surrounding Dubrovnik's Old Town, offering breathtaking views of terracotta roofs, the Adriatic Sea, and Lovrijenac Fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage site served as King's Landing in Game of Thrones and remains one of Europe's best-preserved fortified cities.
Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat · Bring water and sunscreen - no shade on the walls · Entrance is near Pile Gate · Counter-clockwise route is less crowded
-
2
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Croatia's most visited national park features 16 terraced crystal-blue lakes connected by spectacular waterfalls cascading through limestone canyons. Wooden walkways allow you to walk directly above the rushing water, surrounded by lush forests home to bears, wolves, and rare bird species.
Tip: Book tickets online in advance during peak season · Enter at Entrance 1 for best route · Wear comfortable waterproof shoes · Visit in spring for highest water flow or autumn for stunning foliage
-
3
Diocletian's Palace
This remarkably preserved 4th-century Roman palace complex forms the heart of Split, with over 200 buildings integrated into the ancient walls. Explore underground cellars, the cathedral built within the emperor's mausoleum, and bustling squares where locals still live and work among 1,700-year-old Roman architecture.
Tip: Join a guided tour to understand the complex history · Visit cellars early to avoid crowds · Climb the bell tower for panoramic views · Many GOT scenes filmed here
-
4
Hvar Island
Known as Croatia's sunniest island with 2,724 hours of sunshine annually, Hvar combines stunning beaches, lavender fields, and sophisticated nightlife. The Venetian-era old town features a hilltop fortress, Europe's oldest public theater, and yacht-filled harbor surrounded by restaurants and bars.
Tip: Take ferry from Split (1 hour) · Rent scooter to explore hidden beaches · Book accommodation in advance for summer · Try local wine at Zlatan Otok winery
-
5
Krka National Park
Seven stunning waterfalls cascade along the Krka River, including the magnificent 46-meter Skradinski Buk where visitors can swim in the crystal pools (when permitted). Wooden pathways wind through the park, passing old mills, monasteries, and diverse flora and fauna.
Tip: Swimming currently suspended but check current policy · Visit Visovac Island monastery by boat · Less crowded than Plitvice · Bring mosquito repellent
-
6
Korčula Old Town
This fortified medieval town on Korčula Island claims to be Marco Polo's birthplace, featuring a unique herringbone street layout designed to protect from wind. Venetian architecture, traditional Moreška sword dance performances, and excellent local wines make this a charming destination.
Tip: Watch Moreška sword dance on summer evenings · Climb St. Mark's Cathedral tower · Visit Marco Polo house museum · Try local Grk and Pošip wines
-
7
Rovinj Old Town
Often called the most romantic town in the Mediterranean, Rovinj's pastel-colored houses cascade down a peninsula to a picturesque harbor. The Venetian-influenced architecture, cobblestone streets, and Church of St. Euphemia dominating the skyline create a postcard-perfect setting.
Tip: Climb the church bell tower for sunset views · Explore Grisia Street art galleries · Take boat to St. Catherine Island for swimming · Visit during summer for Rovinj Photodays festival
-
8
Pula Arena
This remarkably intact Roman amphitheater is the sixth-largest in the world and one of the best-preserved. Built in the 1st century AD, it once held 20,000 spectators for gladiator fights and now hosts concerts, film festivals, and events beneath its original stone arches.
Tip: Visit the underground passages and museum · Check schedule for concerts and events · Best photos at sunset · Combine with other Pula Roman sites
-
9
Zlatni Rat Beach
This unique V-shaped golden pebble beach on Brač Island extends into the turquoise Adriatic and shifts shape with winds and currents. Backed by pine forests and facing the open sea, it's perfect for swimming, windsurfing, and sunbathing on Croatia's most photographed beach.
Tip: Popular windsurfing spot with equipment rentals · Walk around the point to find quieter sections · Pine forest provides shade · Ferry from Split to Bol takes 50 minutes
-
10
Trogir Old Town
This UNESCO World Heritage island town is a perfectly preserved medieval city showcasing Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture within compact Venetian walls. The Cathedral of St. Lawrence features Croatia's most beautiful Romanesque portal and a 47-meter bell tower with panoramic views.
Tip: Just 30 minutes from Split - perfect day trip · Climb bell tower for best views · Visit morning market on waterfront · Very crowded when cruise ships dock
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Dubrovnik City Walls
2km medieval fortifications with Adriatic views, UNESCO World Heritage
Diocletian's Palace, Split
1,700-year-old Roman emperor's residence, still inhabited
Plitvice Lakes National Park
16 terraced turquoise lakes and waterfalls, UNESCO World Heritage
Pula Roman Arena
One of six best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world
Zadar Sea Organ
Musical sea organ played by waves, unique public art installation
Museums
Museum of Broken Relationships, Zagreb
International museum collecting objects from failed relationships
Meštrović Gallery, Split
Works by Croatia's greatest sculptor in his villa
Croatian Museum of Naive Art, Zagreb
World's first museum of naive art, Hlebine School masterworks
War Photo Limited, Dubrovnik
Award-winning war photography gallery in Venetian palace
Nature
Plitvice Lakes National Park
UNESCO natural wonder with 16 turquoise lakes
Mljet National Park
Saltwater lakes and forests on Croatia's most unspoiled island
Kornati National Park
Archipelago of 89 islands with exceptional diving
Paklenica National Park
Limestone gorge canyon with rock climbing and hiking
Krka National Park
Waterfalls and medieval fortress accessible by boat
Cultural
Euphrasian Basilica, Poreč
Finest early Byzantine mosaics outside Ravenna, UNESCO Heritage
Trogir Historic Center
UNESCO World Heritage island town with 2,300 years of architecture
Stari Grad Plain, Hvar
Oldest unchanged Greek field system in the world, UNESCO Heritage
Varaždin Baroque Old Town
Croatia's finest Baroque city with water castle museum
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most museums open Tuesday-Sunday 9AM-6PM; national parks daily 7AM-8PM in summer. Dubrovnik walls 8AM-7:30PM summer, 9AM-3PM winter.
- Fees
- Average museum €5-10. Dubrovnik walls €35 (Croatia's most expensive). Plitvice €19-40 seasonal. National parks €10-35.
- Best Times
- Early morning for Dubrovnik walls and Plitvice (before crowds and heat). Afternoon for indoor museums. Sunset for cliff bars and sea views.
- Booking
- Book Plitvice online — sells out weeks ahead in summer. Dubrovnik walls don't require booking but arrive at opening. Zagreb museums rarely require advance tickets.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Dubrovnik walls are best before 9 AM or after 5 PM to avoid peak crowds and heat — sunscreen and water essential
Plitvice Lakes: book tickets minimum 2 weeks ahead for July-August online at np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
Split's Diocletian's Palace streets are free to explore 24/7 — the underground cellars (€12) add important context but the palace itself needs no ticket
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Croatia?
May-June and September-October for optimal combination of warm weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices. July-August for beach maximum but extreme crowds at Dubrovnik.
Are guided tours available for Croatia's attractions?
Free walking tours available in Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik (tip-based). Licensed guides €80-120/half day. Context Travel offers expert walking tours €95+/person.
Can I take photos at attractions in Croatia?
Allowed at virtually all Croatian attractions. Tripods require permission at some museums. Dubrovnik walls photography unlimited. No flash in churches and dark art spaces.
How much time do I need for Croatia's main attractions?
Minimum 7-10 days to see Dubrovnik, Split, one island, and Zagreb. Two weeks allows Istria, Plitvice, and more island exploration. Trying to rush Croatia in 3 days results in seeing nothing properly.