20 Recommended Tourist Spots in Croatia | A Beautiful Country Facing the Adriatic Sea

The Republic of Croatia, commonly known as Croatia, is one of the countries located on the Balkan Peninsula, situated across the Adriatic Sea facing Italy. Gaining independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991, Croatia has been rising in popularity as a beautiful tourist destination full of natural wonders!

With plenty of attractions such as Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," the stylish city of Zagreb, the coastal areas referred to as the "Hidden Treasure of the Adriatic," and lakes that are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Croatia offers countless sights to see.

In this article, we will introduce 20 must-visit tourist spots that showcase the charm of this beautiful country.

1. Plitvice Lakes National Park (Plitvice)

Known as "the place with the most beautiful waterfalls in the world," Plitvice Lakes National Park boasts 16 large and small lakes and as many as 92 waterfalls. This chain of lakes is also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors can stroll along the boardwalks and enjoy one breathtaking waterfall after another.

In spring, the melting snow increases the water volume, creating dramatic, flood-like waterfalls. Summer is the best season, as the lakes shine in a stunning emerald green. In autumn, the crowds lessen, and you can enjoy the colorful foliage in a peaceful, serene atmosphere. In winter, both the lakes and waterfalls freeze over, transforming the area into a silvery white wonderland—like something straight out of Frozen!

Getting to Plitvice Lakes National Park takes about 2.5 hours by bus from the capital city, Zagreb. It’s located close to the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

2. Diocletian’s Palace (Split)

Diocletian’s Palace was built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian between the late 3rd and early 4th centuries. Over time, the palace was renovated and expanded, creating a unique cityscape that blends ancient and medieval architecture. Split’s Old Town, which is formed from the palace itself, is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are four gates leading into the walled Old Town. Near the "Bronze Gate," you’ll find the entrance to the underground palace. It’s a small entrance, so make sure not to miss it! The stone pillars stand solidly, and thanks to the acoustics, concerts are sometimes held there.

3. Ancient City of Trogir (Trogir)

Trogir is a small island located in southern Croatia. Older than Split, it was originally established as a fortified town by the Greeks in the 3rd or 4th century BC. It’s located about 20 km north of Split and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inside its city walls, you’ll find many tourist attractions. The main highlight is the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, which is regarded as one of Croatia's most iconic churches and attracts many visitors from both inside and outside the country.

The island is small enough to explore in a day, but if you have time, consider staying overnight. Trogir offers breathtaking views of both sunrise and sunset that are worth experiencing.

4. Cathedral of St. Lawrence (Trogir)

The Cathedral of St. Lawrence was mainly completed in the mid-13th century, but construction continued up until the 17th century. Because of this, the cathedral showcases a unique blend of various architectural styles, including Romanesque and Gothic—making it one of the rarest churches in the world.

The cathedral’s portal is considered a masterpiece of Croatian medieval art. The Romanesque-style door is adorned with intricate and delicate carvings of Adam and Eve, making it a must-see. Inside the cathedral, there’s a treasury room that displays many works of art.

You can also climb to the top of the bell tower for a panoramic view of Trogir’s beautiful townscape

5. Old City of Dubrovnik (Dubrovnik)

Dubrovnik is known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." The sight of orange rooftops lined up against the backdrop of the deep blue sea looks like something straight out of a postcard. At one point, the city was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger due to civil conflict, but thanks to volunteers from all over the world, it has been beautifully restored.

Dubrovnik flourished during the 15th and 16th centuries, building a fully developed city within its fortress walls. Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque-style churches, monasteries, palaces, and fountains were constructed, as well as schools and hospitals, making it one of the cultural centers of Europe at the time.

Interestingly, Dubrovnik was also the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service. Take your time strolling through the streets that look just like scenes from the movie!

6. City Walls Promenade (Dubrovnik)

The city walls surrounding Dubrovnik are about 25 meters high and stretch for approximately 1,940 meters in length. It takes around an hour to walk the entire circuit. There are three entrances: next to the Pile Gate, at the St. John Fortress, and at the St. Luke Fortress.

The view from the walls looks exactly like the world Kiki loved in Kiki’s Delivery Service! The contrast between the orange rooftops and the Adriatic Sea’s blue sky makes it a photographer’s paradise—you’ll want to take endless pictures. There are also several small shops along the way where you can take a break, so feel free to walk at a leisurely pace.

7. Placa Street (Dubrovnik)

Placa Street, also known as Stradun, is Dubrovnik’s main street stretching about 200 meters from the Pile Gate to the central Luža Square. This beautiful white marble street is bustling with tourists both day and night. On either side of the street, you’ll find cafes, souvenir shops, and more.

Immediately to your right after passing through the Pile Gate is the Large Onofrio Fountain, where you can still drink fresh, tasty water. And if you step into one of the side alleys, you’ll feel like you’ve time-traveled back to the medieval era. Chatting with the locals can also be a fun experience!

At the end of Placa Street, on the eastern side of the Old Town, is Luža Square. This is the central area of the Old Town, where you can visit famous attractions like the Rector’s Palace, St. Blaise Church, and the Arsenal (old shipyard).

8. Fort Lovrijenac (Dubrovnik)

Fort Lovrijenac is perched on a high rocky cliff to the west of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Dubrovnik famously maintained its independence even as the Ottoman Empire expanded its influence. At the fortress entrance, an inscription reads, "Freedom must not be sold for all the gold in the world."

From this western stronghold, the view is spectacular. You can see the entire Old Town of Dubrovnik spread out beneath you. Behind the city rises Mount Srđ, and the contrast between the blue sea and the white city walls is absolutely breathtaking! Since the fort is located on a hill, it’s also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset.

If you visit on the same day, you can enter both Fort Lovrijenac and the City Walls Promenade with a combined ticket.

9. Mount Srđ (Dubrovnik)

Mount Srđ rises behind Dubrovnik at an elevation of 412 meters. At the summit, you’ll find the Imperial Fortress, built during Napoleon’s occupation, and a large white cross. The original cross was destroyed during the civil war, and the one standing today is a restored version.

The view from the top is a must-see when visiting Dubrovnik! You can reach the summit by cable car in about 15 minutes. However, during the busy summer tourist season, there can be long lines. It’s also possible to hike up the mountain, but the steep trail is recommended only for those confident in their fitness.

The daytime view is stunning, but the sunset and night views are equally breathtaking and unforgettable. At the summit, there are shops and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the spectacular scenery.

10. Zagreb Cathedral / Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Zagreb)

Zagreb Cathedral, officially called the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a Neo-Gothic cathedral that was constructed between the 13th and 18th centuries. Its two towers, each over 100 meters high, are visible from all around the city and have become a symbol of Zagreb. Inside the cathedral, you’ll find the tombstone of a Croatian hero who fought against the Ottoman Turks.

During summer weekends, you can see the ceremonial changing of the guards in front of the cathedral. If you’d like to watch the parade, visiting around noon is recommended. Nearby is the famous "Stone Gate," which houses an image of the Virgin Mary that was miraculously found unscathed after the great fire of 1731, even though the surrounding walls were burned down.

11. St. Mark's Church (Zagreb)

St. Mark’s Church is a Catholic church located in Zagreb’s Old Town. It was originally built in the Romanesque style and later renovated in the Neo-Gothic style. Its charming roof is decorated with colorful tiles that display the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Croatia and the emblem of Zagreb.

The church faces St. Mark’s Square, where key institutions such as the Parliament, the Prime Minister’s residence, and the Supreme Court are located. St. Mark’s Church plays an important role in Zagreb, often serving as the site for state funerals and other significant events.

This is a sacred place for prayer, and tourists are only allowed to enter during Mass. Why not join the locals and experience a quiet time of reflection and prayer?

12. Dolac Market (Zagreb)

Just a short walk to the left from the cathedral is Dolac Market, often referred to as “the stomach of Zagreb!” It’s the oldest and most vibrant market in the city, bustling with activity from 6 AM to around 2 PM.

Dolac Market is famous for its scene of red parasols spreading out under the open sky, which often appears in Croatian guidebooks. In addition to fruits, you’ll find meats, fish, dairy products, honey, and other foods. There are also daily essentials and souvenirs for tourists.

Highly recommended are the locally made prosciutto, cheeses, pickled cabbage, and even specialty shops for mushrooms and pasta. Even if you’re just browsing, it’s a fun and lively experience.

13. Blue Cave on Biševo Island (Biševo Island)

While the Blue Grotto on Italy’s Capri Island is famous, Croatia’s Biševo Island also boasts a beautiful “Blue Cave.”

From Biševo Island’s port, you’ll board a small boat to reach the Blue Cave. Access to the cave depends on sea conditions, and the best season to visit is from June to August. When sunlight filters into the cave, the entire space glows with a mysterious blue light—it’s an unforgettable sight!

The ideal time to visit is between 11 AM and noon, when the sun’s rays penetrate through an underwater opening, illuminating the cave in a glowing blue color.

The most common way to visit the Blue Cave is by joining a tour from Split. Even if you reserve in advance, you won’t know for sure whether the boat will depart until the day before, so be sure to double-check. In winter, the weather is often rough, making it difficult to visit—please keep this in mind!

14. Old Town of Rovinj (Rovinj)

Rovinj is a harbor town facing the Adriatic Sea. It was once an important city in Istria under the control of the Republic of Venice and has an atmosphere reminiscent of Italian cities like Venice and Florence.

The Old Town stretches along cobblestone paths that lead up a hill, lined with colorful, charming houses on both sides. There are many souvenir shops around, making shopping for trinkets and local crafts a delightful experience. At the top of the hill stands St. Euphemia’s Church, and the 60-meter tall bell tower next to it is the symbol of the town.

At Rovinj’s port, numerous boats are docked, and seafood restaurants line the area. Be sure to try some fresh seafood when you visit!

15. Krka National Park (Šibenik-Knin County)

Krka National Park is a Croatian national park located about an hour by bus from Split. The park is well-maintained with walking trails, magnificent waterfalls, historic monasteries, and even swimming areas in the lakes. It’s so vast that one day may not be enough to see it all—making it a perfect destination for nature lovers seeking relaxation.

One of the park’s highlights is the area around Skradinski Buk Waterfall, where boardwalks offer comfortable hiking paths.

The Franciscan Monastery on Visovac Island is also a popular stop. Accessible by sightseeing boat, the monastery retains its historical charm and offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.
In summer, you can freely swim in the park’s lakes, so don’t forget to bring your swimsuit if you plan to visit during this season!

16. Brijuni National Park (Brijuni)

Known as a “paradise on earth,” the Brijuni Islands consist of 14 beautiful islands, both large and small. It’s a fascinating tourist destination that attracts celebrities from Europe and all over the world. In fact, it used to be the summer retreat of the former Yugoslavian president, Tito, and has welcomed numerous world leaders and famous artists.

On these nature-rich islands, you can enjoy activities such as golf, tennis, and snorkeling, and it’s also a popular spot for weddings. In addition, there are historical ruins to explore, including ancient Roman villas and temples, and fortresses from the Eastern Roman Empire. The islands are also famous for archaeology—more than 200 dinosaur footprints have been discovered here!

17. Nin (Zadar County, Nin)

Nin is located in northern Croatia. Although it’s a small town today, it has been inhabited for over 3,000 years. It was once the capital of the first Croatian state. As a result, the town is home to many historical sites, including the largest ancient temple ruins on the Adriatic Sea, mosaics, a church known as the world’s smallest cathedral, a unique and romantic coronation church, and the old Croatian ship Condura.

Salt production by solar evaporation has been carried out in Nin since the 1st century BC. The salt harvested from the beautiful sea—renowned for its 50-meter visibility—is famous worldwide and makes a popular souvenir.

In the Nin Lagoon, there’s a beach called “Queen’s Beach,” where healing mud has been collected since Roman times to treat illnesses. Even today, Nin’s medicinal mud is known for its effectiveness in treating rheumatism, spinal conditions, infertility, and skin diseases, attracting many visitors seeking its therapeutic benefits.

18. Ogulin (Ogulin)

Ogulin is a historic town where medieval castles and old churches still remain. It’s also famous as a town of legends. Mount Klek, located on the outskirts of Ogulin, is said to be a gathering place for witches from all over the world on stormy nights.

Croatia’s famous fairy tale writer, Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić, was born in this town. As you walk around Ogulin, you’ll find plaques with local legends written on them, giving you the feeling of stepping into a fairy tale. About 3 km south of town, you’ll find Lake Sabljaci, which is popular as a cycling route and a great way to spend an active day.

19. Velebit Nature Park and Northern Velebit National Park

Velebit Nature Park and Northern Velebit National Park are some of the largest protected natural areas in Croatia. Their most notable feature is the karst landscape, shaped over time by erosion from rain and other natural forces. The rugged terrain is perfect for hiking, cycling, and rock climbing, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities.

Since access to Velebit Nature Park and Northern Velebit National Park can be challenging, joining a local tour is highly recommended for sightseeing.

20. Old Town of Cavtat (Dubrovnik)

Cavtat, a resort area near Dubrovnik, is the perfect place to relax. There are fewer tourists, and the locals enjoy their holidays at their own pace.

You can visit churches, relax at cafes along the beach while gazing at the sea, or explore the narrow alleyways at your leisure. Since it’s a small town, you can see everything in about half a day. If you’re tired of sightseeing or the busy city, Cavtat is an excellent place to unwind. It’s only about 30 minutes from Dubrovnik.

◎ Summary of Recommended Tourist Spots in Croatia

Croatia is a fascinating country rich in nature and history. In recent years, it has been gaining popularity as a tourist destination. Its charming towns, delicious cuisine, and shopping for unique goods make it especially appealing for girls’ trips. In addition, Croatia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for weddings and honeymoons.

Aside from the places introduced here, there are still plenty of attractive tourist spots in Croatia. When you visit Croatia, take your time strolling through its streets and experience its many charms firsthand!