Top 7 Places to Visit in Croatia

Some of the best tourist destinations in Croatia

The old town of Trogir, located near the city of Split, is a historical city, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

A small, beautiful Mediterranean country located in the European continent, Croatia is a popular tourist destination. Croatia is home to blue seas, spotless beaches, breathtaking national parks, medieval ruins, captivating lakes, and countless heavenly islands.

Here are the top 7 places to visit in Croatia:

Zagreb

The capital city of Croatia and a lively metropolis, Zagreb is full of history as well as modern attractions. Zagreb is also the largest Croatian city and has existed since the 11th century. It is the cultural, academic and administrative hub of Croatia.

The parish church of St. Mark, in St. Mark's Square in Zagreb, is recognizable by its colourful roof tiles representing Croatia's and Zagreb's coat of arms.

Zagreb consists of The Upper Town which is the historic core, and the Lower Town which is the buzzing city center. You’d love walking down the cobbled streets in the Upper Town while visiting churches and towers of the Middle Ages. The Lower Town is all about business centers, wide streets, spacious parks, and international concerts.

Among the myriad attractions that Zagreb offers, make sure to visit the outdoor Dolac Market, the colorful St Mark's Church, and the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships.

Korcula

Most known as the supposed birthplace of Marco Polo, Korcula is one of the largest Adriatic islands in Croatia. Korcula is home to dense green forests, vineyards, pristine sandy beaches and enchanting villages. An amazing escape from the urban neon lights and burger cafes, this island is indeed one of Europe’s most romantic destinations!

The town of Korčula (as it's spelled locally) is the largest town on Korčula island, one of the largest islands in Croatia's archipelago.

Korcula Town is the island’s chief town packed with vibrant markets and ample tourist facilities. Korcula Town has historic significance dating back to the Middle Ages, with numerous towers and monuments exhibiting Venetian Renaissance architecture.

There is an interesting museum in Korcula Town which provides insights into the island’s history through various exhibits including native stone carvings, cultural objects from Ancient Greece and Coats of Arms objects.

At night, on the island’s edge, enjoy the Moreska, a worth seeing brilliant, choreographed sword dance.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

One of Europe’s best natural wonders, the Plitvice National Park abounds with captivating cascading lakes, scenic waterfalls and dense green forest. Sixteen interconnecting lakes created by natural limestone dams are truly the park’s most striking feature.

Minerals flowing through the lakes impart a variety of distinct colors to the waters, from emerald green to deep blue to turquoise and grey.

Plitvice Lakes is one of the best known tourist destinations in Croatia, visited by over one million visitors annually from around the world.

Besides the notable lakes, the park has countless waterfalls that naturally emerge with the continual formation of limestone barriers. Depending on the time of the year that you choose to visit this place, you can indulge in activities like hiking, lake tours, skiing, and cycling.

Dubrovnik

A favorite vacation getaway of celebrities and the background to popular television series, Dubrovnik is very rightly called the “Pearl of the Adriatic”.

This picturesque old town dating from the Middle Ages is full of historic attractions such as the ancient, defensive walls, cobbled limestone streets, majestic palaces, and beautiful churches.

With its long history as one of the most recognized medieval city-states, Dubrovnik has a rich architectural and cultural heritage to explore.

Taste absolute adventure by taking an off-road motorcycle trip through the surroundings of Dubrovnik. Ensure that you rent a dirt bike with reliable Brisbane motorcycle accessories for a safe and enjoyable ride.

Make sure to ride the Dubrovnik cable car and take in the best views atop the Srđ Hill where, if the weather is clear, you can see as far as 37 miles away while also enjoying a meal.

Split

Also called the “Mediterranean Flower”, Split is beautifully located amidst mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Split is one of the busiest port cities in Croatia. Getting bored here is impossible, with day trips, remarkable nightlife, and numerous eateries.

Originally established by the Roman emperor Diocletian as his summer getaway, the city of Split is now one of the most sought-after destinations in Croatia.

Split’s prime attraction is the 4th-century Diocletian's Palace, one of the most magnificent Roman monuments in the world. The palace complex is almost like a small city consisting of a network of marble walkways and buildings which house shops, eateries, and bars.

Besides touring the palace complex, you’d also enjoy a stroll by the side of the Riva seafront which is lined with small restaurants and souvenir shops, shopping at the vibrant, outdoor Green Market and swimming at Bacvice beach.

Zadar

Known to be the place where you’d find the world’s most gorgeous sunset, Zadar is a Croatian city of unique cultural heritage. The Old Town of Zadar abounds with fantastic Roman ruins, architecture belonging to the Middle Ages and several ancient churches. Zadar’s coastline boasts of a string of lovely beaches where you can enjoy a swim, sunbathe and relax.

Zadar city is home to two of the most unique attractions in Croatia, the Sea Organ and The Greeting to the Sun, seen on the above photo, to the left.

The city offers two particularly novel attractions. One of them is the Sea Organ, a sound art structure that uses the movement of the sea waves to play music, especially at sunset. The other unique attraction here is “The Greeting to the Sun”, equipment that collects solar energy during the daytime, and plays a psychedelic LED show from sunrise to sunset.

Zlatni Rat

This beach is sure to catch your eye for its unusual shape. Furthermore, Zlatni Rat changes its shape according to the sea current, wind and the smooth, extremely small golden pebbles which make up the beach. Also known as the "Golden Cape", Zlatni Rat truly deserves a big cheer and offers adventurous activities like windsurfing and stand-up paddle surfing.

The shape of Zlatni Rat beach changes with the sea currents, making it one of the most unique beaches in the world. (Image: https://media.bolcroatia.com)

Zlatni Rat beach is a preserved natural region and is easily reachable by car or a mere 20-minute stroll by the seaside, from the town of Bol, on Brač island.

Conclusion

Croatia is a beautiful country and these were just a few places to visit. There’s a lot to be explored here. So, why not plan a trip right away!

A guest blog by Jessica Smith

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