What to see in Croatia? This picturesque little country can add to the baggage of your personal impressions. All the sights of Croatia are full of attractive charm, whether it’s the emerald beaches of the Adriatic or architectural monuments. Interesting and informative trips are organized on the principle of “closer to nature”. The stunning ecology of the country, a unique field of medicinal oil, mineral springs and exquisite cuisine — all this gives a great opportunity to relax and truly merge with nature. Perhaps, acquaintance with previously unknown protected beauties will open up a new world for you.
What to see in Croatia first of all
Especially for those who want to make a vacation on the Adriatic coast the best in a lifetime, we have compiled a list of places where guides in Croatia most often bring tourists. You will find key information in the descriptions, and thanks to the photos you will be able to understand whether it is worth spending your time and money on visiting a particular attraction.
1. Diocletian’s Palace (Split)
Diocletian’s Palace is the first private castle in Europe
This unique architectural monument of the Roman Empire was erected by Emperor Diocletian. His reign lasted from 284 to 305 AD. In 1979, the palace was included in the UNESCO Heritage List. The palace is well preserved, but in excursions it is most often referred to as a kind of city within a city. The fact is that this Diocletian’s palace occupies a huge area of 3 hectares.
Life goes on behind the fortress walls. There are cafes, hotels waiting for tourists, and many souvenirs and beautiful things are sold in local shops.
According to legend, Diocletian ordered work on the palace to begin immediately before his abdication. It should be noted that the emperor loved and appreciated luxury. The last years of his life were spent in the most comfortable conditions, he lived surrounded by exquisite interiors filled with expensive decor and all kinds of luxury.
However, immediately after his death, the palace lost its status and gradually fell into disrepair. Later, local residents began to move behind the fortress walls of the palace, fleeing from barbarian raids.
Official website: http://diocletianspalace.org/
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2. Vranjaka Cave (Kotlenica)
The underground world of the Vrangak Cave
The cave is located on the slope of Mount Mosor. It is rightly called the most colorful cave in the country. Guides are professionally trained, so tourists are guaranteed a qualified story about this unique phenomenon of nature. The fact that the cave is more than 3,000 years old already deserves the attention of travelers. It was discovered after the earthquake of 1903.
The entrance to the Vrangak cave is ennobled, you can even see a stone staircase here, but in general it is perceived as a chaotic pile of gloomy stones. The cave was opened for inspection in 1929. Little has changed in her since then. The stone outgrowths extending from all sides, the bizarre outlines of the stones — all this has been preserved in the same form as the cave was at the time of discovery.
In 1963, the Vranjaka cave received the status of a geomorphological monument. This means that this area is characterized by an unusual relief of the earth’s surface. Access roads were brought to the cave, and in 2001 the lighting system was completely changed here.
3. Amphitheater (Pula)
The amphitheater of Ancient Rome in Pula
The tiny Croatian town of Pula is very cozy and welcoming. It gained worldwide fame because of the Roman amphitheater, built in the 1st century AD. It has not been preserved in its original form, but it is all the more pleasant to touch the dilapidated walls of the ancient structure. The amphitheater has huge dimensions: 133 * 105 meters. At the same time, it could accommodate more than 20,000 spectators.
Centuries have not spared the amphitheater, but the local authorities, considering it the greatest attraction in Croatia, are constantly carrying out reconstruction and maintenance work. The arena was used for gladiatorial combat, which was banned only in the 5th century by Emperor Honorius. Later, the grandiose site was used for shopping malls and even for cattle grazing.
The global reconstruction of the arena was carried out in the 19th century by architect Pietro Nobile. The work was carried out under the patronage of Emperor Franz I of Austria.
Today, military parades and official events are held here. Local authorities protect the landmark in every possible way, therefore, it is strictly forbidden to “take a stone as a souvenir”. The Colosseum is one of the places that you must visit in Croatia.
Official website: http://www.ami-pula.hr
4. Krka National Park (Sibenik)
Waterfall in Krka Park
If you decide what to see in Croatia, be sure to include the Krka National Park in your itinerary. My heart stops at his beauty. The park consists of 7 connected waterfall cascades. The water falls from a low height, so it does not pose a danger to tourists. The waterfalls are located in Northern Dalmatia and belong to the most beautiful sights of Croatia. The view from below of the cascade of waterfalls is so beautiful that it is impossible to take your eyes off it.
From all sides, the waterfall is approached by a pristine forest, untouched by man. Logging is prohibited here, and the river itself surprises with its azure hue and purity. A unique ecological system has been preserved in the park. It was formed largely due to the deep-flowing Krka River. The river defines the wealth of this park. It is rapidly rushing between limestone rocks, which have lush vegetation.
Krka National Park is a tourist infrastructure facility. All conditions for inspection are created here. Suspension bridges allow you to admire the landscape, friendly guides are happy to tell you about the history of this place. In particular, there are more than 200 species of birds in the park. The pride of the locals is made up of golden eagles.
There are many paths through the Krka Park, so it is easy and pleasant to move around it. The highest waterfall has a height of 45 m, and the lowest is 8 m. The overall composition looks divine and is accompanied by the delightful sounds of falling water.
Official website: http://www.np-krka.hr/en/
5. Golden Horn Beach (Middle Dalmatia)
The Golden Horn beach is one of the top ten beaches in the world
Beach holidays in Croatia are a whole philosophy. Any of the beaches is eco-friendly and safe. In addition, they belong to the sights of Croatia, because they are located in ecologically favorable areas and equipped with a rich tourist infrastructure.
The Adriatic Sea itself, which washes Croatia, gives the country a fabulous shade. It is very salty, and its healing properties are innumerable. The Golden Horn is the most beautiful local beach.
Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it constantly changes its shape. It depends on the wind load and the sea current. It can change direction, thereby correcting the outline of the beach. Swimming in the sea is one of the most popular activities here. However, in addition, tourists are offered to swim on jet skis and water skis.
In addition, the Golden Horn is a place where windsurfing and scuba diving enthusiasts gather. But no matter how many civilized pleasures tourists are offered, they prefer the happy opportunity to be alone with the golden sand and the sea.
Feel the atmosphere of Croatia in this beautiful video!
6. Gorny Grad (Zagreb)
The most charming area of Zagreb
Gorny Grad in Zagreb is one of the attractions that many tourists seek to visit in Croatia. Translated, the name means “upper town”. Gornji Grad is a district of Zagreb, but, in fact, it is a small town within a city with its own established infrastructure. It has hotels and inns where you can comfortably stay to explore all the sights.
In particular, the architectural sights of Croatia are literally concentrated in Zagreb. Here you can get acquainted with the Roman Cathedral or the beautiful building of the Croatian Parliament. The largest cemetery, Mirogoj, is also located in this area of Zagreb.
7. The island of Lokrum (Lokrum)
The island of Lokrum is also nicknamed “The Damned”
A small island in the Adriatic Sea is the dream of many travelers. To visit here during the beach season means to give yourself an unforgettable experience. Locals call the island magical, it is so beautiful. From the outside, it looks like a patch of velvety greenery, surrounded on all sides by an emerald sea. Seven hundred meters from the island is the city of Dubrovnik, from which pleasure boats depart hourly. The island is a magnificent natural landmark of Croatia.
There are no hotels or inns on the island. It is also impossible to see any shops here. The cafe is presented in a single copy, and it works only during the day. What explains such infrastructural features? The fact is that the island is a national nature reserve. Are you still thinking about what to visit in Croatia? In no case should you leave this amazing island with a Benedictine monastery outside the scope of your trip. This architectural landmark of Croatia was built in 1023.
They erected it as a thank you for saving them from a raging fire. The monks lived peacefully in this monastery until the French captured it in 1806. The invaders immediately decided to demolish the monastery and build a Royal fort. The monks humbly accepted the decision of the French, but cursed everyone who would be on this land. They sailed off to an unknown destination at night, and three French nobles who took part in their exile died one by one.
The subsequent rulers of the island, who acquired it, could not find their happiness here. For example, Captain Tomashevich, who bought the island, quickly went bankrupt. Another owner of the island, Maximilian, died in Mexico. All subsequent owners also had an unenviable fate.
Locals still believe that candle wax, which dripped onto the ground when the monks sent their curses, still punishes the aliens. The only people who feel good here are tourists. Perhaps because they only come to admire the local beauties.
8. Plitvice Lakes Park (Northern Dalmatia)
The power and beauty of the park’s nature
The picturesque lakes are a natural attraction of Croatia and are among the top most beautiful places on the planet. Since 1949, they have been included in the UNESCO register. Attraction of tourists to the lakes is carried out within the framework of a special state program. She started working in 1983. Since then, many swimming facilities have been purchased here for water excursions and many hiking trails have been set up for tourists. There are several hotels in the park where tourists can comfortably stay.
At the end of the last century, interest in the lakes was so high that Empress Augustine Caroline of Austria and her husband Emperor Franz 1 visited the park. Plitvice Lakes Park is the attraction that lovers of beautiful places seek to see in Croatia. It is located at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level. The ecological situation here is the most favorable. Untouched forests with rich flora and fauna grow on the territory of the park.
A special tourist electric train runs through the park for tourists. It is undesirable to go deep into the thicket of the forest on the territory of the park on your own, since it is a habitat for various animals that are not always disposed to communicate with humans. The riot of colors and shades of nature delight tourists invariably. The shade of the water in the lakes changes over the course of the day depending on the lighting.
The lakes are very deep. Moreover, their depth begins directly from the shore. The history of waterfalls in the park is interesting. Almost every year a new waterfall appears here, so the lakes are always full of clean water. Since swimming in the lakes in the park is prohibited, they retain their pristine purity.
Official website: https://np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/en/
9. Hvar Island
Hvar is a sunny island of the Adriatic
Among the sunny sights of Croatia, the island of Hvar occupies a special place. It is interesting because it is the longest. The uniqueness of the geographical location provided maximum sunlight to the island. This is a very beautiful place. It belongs to those places that should be visited in Croatia not only because of the mild climate, but also because of the lush subtropical vegetation.
The capital of the island has the same name — Hvar. The length of the island reaches 68 km, and its area is 300 square kilometers. Tourists tend to visit this place in June. This is the flowering time of purple lavender and pink oleanders. In June, the island is fantastically beautiful and filled with fragrant aromas.
10. The city of Rovinj (Istrian peninsula)
Medieval Rovinj is considered the pearl of Istria
The city of Rovinj is a truly fabulous attraction in Croatia. The style of many eras can be traced in its architecture, and the climate is so mild that it is comfortable to stay in it at any time of the year. The coastline of the city is decorated with islands of various sizes. Jules Verne mentioned this city in his works, and nowadays it is most often chosen by newlyweds as a destination for their honeymoon.
Therefore, if you have not yet decided what to see in Croatia, you can visit one of the beaches of the island. There are several of them, and they all differ from each other: pebble, rocky or platform beaches. The city is famous for hosting an international festival of photographers every year, as well as an international regatta. Along the embankment there are many stalls selling the famous soft ice cream.
Sights of Croatia: what else to visit while in Croatia
Are sightseeing tours in Croatia not for you or do you want to visit really unique places? Then the tourist sites listed below are exactly what you need. A well-organized sightseeing and entertainment program will guarantee that the trip will make an indelible impression.
11. The Princely Palace (Dubrovnik)
The Prince’s Palace is a monument of history and architecture of Croatia
What to see in Croatia? You will definitely be impressed by the princely palace in Dubrovnik, the architecture is so interesting in it. The building is built in the Gothic style, it is very strict. However, over time, the facade of the building was enriched with Renaissance-style details. The beginning of construction works dates back to the 15th century. The palace (castle) It was the working residence of local princes.
The main facade of the building is decorated with two side towers, which have been preserved to the present day. Since, according to ancient tradition, the prince was not supposed to leave the palace building, all living conditions were created for him. There are utility, utility and working rooms on the territory of the palace. There is also a courtroom and a conference room, as well as an ammunition depot and an armory.
In the 15th century, the gates of the palace were locked at night, and the keys to the city were kept in the castle. Over time, the castle was subjected to natural disasters, but it was restored every time. It was considered the residence of the princes until 1808, when the French established their own rules here.
Currently, the palace has been renovated by architect Onofrio della Cava. As for the statue crowning the upper part of the building, it was designed by the Italian Pietro di Martino. Today, tourists who are thinking about what to visit in Croatia are offered excursions to the Palace Museum, which is located on its inner territory.
12. The city of Hum (Istria)
The medieval street of the fortress city of Hum, the smallest city in the world
Among all the sights of Croatia, the city of Hum stands out for its small size. It is even included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest city. At the same time, the modern look of the city was formed back in the 11th century. Then a castle was built on the ruins of the ancient fortress. Several houses were built nearby for the residents of the future city.
It should be noted that at that time Istra belonged to the French kingdom. Count Ulrich I renovated several castles (including this one) on the border of his domain. Centuries later, Ulrich II placed Hum at the disposal of the Aquileian patriarch.
Up to the 17th century, the castle was mentioned in all documents as a fortress. Today it is a monument city and one of the sights of Croatia. Tourists will be able to see the Church of the Ascension of Mary, the clock tower, the church of St. Jerome.
13. Maritime Authority (Zadar)
The marine organ is a place of eternal concert
Among the sights of Croatia that are interesting to travelers is the Zadar Peninsula. Its main city resembles a multicolored mosaic made up of multi-format structures and buildings. What is not here! The Ancient Roman Forum, 19th century residential buildings, the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Roman Cathedral of St. Anastasia… The colorful picture of the city is presented in different architectural styles.
Tourists are always interested in high-rise buildings dating back to ancient times, and modern hotels and restaurants adjacent to them. There are many hotels in the city, tourists feel at ease here. To attract travelers, local authorities often hold jousting tournaments.
But the main attraction of the city is the Morske orgulje organ. Art historians and experts highly appreciate the peculiar sound of this musical instrument. Getting to know the sights of Croatia will not be complete if you do not hear the sound of the organ.
14. The city of Salona (Split-Dalmatia)
The ancient Roman ghost town of Salon
In different centuries, the city of Salona was under the jurisdiction of different countries. It was originally founded by the Illyrians. However, in the fourth century BC, the city was conquered by the Greeks. In the first century BC, a Roman colony was established here by Julius Caesar. According to legend, the Roman Emperor Diocletian was born in this city.
Until the 6th century, Salona was the center of early Christianity. The Slavs and Avars destroyed the city around 614. However, the palace of Emperor Diocletian has partially survived to the present day. The task was subjected to a global reconstruction at the beginning of the 20th century.
The initiator of the restoration work was the Croatian archaeologist F. Bulich. Being a major specialist in Roman sites, Bulic headed the Archaeological Museum in Split.
15. Korcula Island (Dubrovnik-Neretvan district)
Korcula Island
The history of the island goes back centuries. In the eighth century, the island of Korcula was inhabited by Slavic tribes. But up to the 15th century, the island passed under different jurisdictions several times. In 1214, the status of the island was determined and the Korculan Charter was issued.
But in 1420, the island finally came under the control of the Venetians. According to legend, the great traveler Marco Polo was born on this island. Currently, the island of Korcula is part of independent Croatia. This happened after the collapse of the country in 1990.
The island’s economy is based on tourism and agriculture. Tourists will be interested to know that the island’s wine-making traditions are carefully preserved. Croatian wines “Grk” and “Poship” are known all over the world. They are made in the wineries of this sunny island, which is rightfully considered a natural landmark of Croatia. Next to Croatia is a country with stunning architectural ensembles of various eras and styles – Hungary. While in Croatia, think about visiting this country as well. Read about the sights of Hungary and be inspired for your further journey through the countries of Europe!
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