5 Must-See Places in Croatia You Absolutely Need to Visit

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If you haven’t been to Croatia yet you should really stick it on your bucket list ASAP. Unless you’re not really into blissful sunshine, golden beaches, and delicious food. In that case, don’t bother.

But, assuming that actually you are not an alien and you love all of the aforementioned, then you should really go.

Croatia has long been a favorite with holiday-makers from all over the world. It has just the right balance of modernity and antiquity that makes it beautiful without being overwhelming.

Hvar, Croatia

What’s more, the country is easy to travel around thank to an abundance of public transport options and private transfer companies, such as Octopus Transfers. This means you don’t need to limit yourself to just one or two cities on your vacation—you can go on a proper road trip through Croatia!

Now that I have piqued your interest, here are a few spots to visit while you’re there.

1. Zagreb

Let’s start with the capital. Zagreb is a charming city that doesn’t really feel like a capital. It certainly has a buzz, but it lacks the chaos that typifies capital cities. Zagreb’s central point is the Ban Jelacic Square. Here you will find shops, restaurants and bars, all serviced by a surprisingly efficient tram network.

Spend your days here checking out the cathedral or walking up to the look out point for a great view of the city center.

2. Split

Split is the best destination in Croatia to doing nothing for a bit. The white buildings with terracotta roofs are a delight to behold and the Old Town is even better. Narrow alleys open up onto spacious plazas with white paving stones that have been worn smooth over the centuries.

If you want to see how the other half live, take a stroll along Split’s main strip and check out the yachts moored in the harbour. Alternatively, marvel at Diocletian’s Palace and its surrounding markets.

3. Plitvice National Park

There are few places on earth that can rival the Plitvice National Park when it comes to natural beauty. As you walk along the boardwalk that takes you past rivers and through lagoons, you are flanked on both sides by waterfalls tumbling over rocks. The water is crystal clear and the vegetation that surrounds it is a lush green.

If you want somewhere that is oh-so Instagram, look no further than Plitvice.

4. Zadar

Don’t let the fact that Zadar is located on a tiny peninsula make you think it is quiet or boring. Zadar’s picturesque streets buzz with life and action, from the center of town right out to the Riva (waterfront). Be sure to head out to the Riva in the evening so you can watch the sun set while you listen to the dulcet whistles from the famous sea organ.

5. Dubrovnik

Due to be the set of the final series of Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik has enticed more than just film producers in its day. But, the city is more than just a beauty queen. The city is teeming with museums, detailing the city’s fascinating history, and cute restaurants with simple but mouth-watering menus.

Being in Dubrovnik means being outdoors. The city is small enough to cover easily on foot so take some time to meander up and down its enchanting streets, or check out one of these day trips from the city.

Tara Burgess
Tara Burgess
Tara is a full-time traveler and part-time street food addict. When she's not blogging her adventures at My Life in Wanderland, you can find her sipping a glass of wine or slurping a bowl of hot noodles.

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2 Responses

  1. Islands are as a matter of first importance fascination focal point of Croatia. The normal structure and lovely seaways made consequently among little and enormous slopes are divine it itself. You can partake in numerous games related exercises which is plunging, para cruising, slope climbing and substantially more.

  2. I’ve just been helping my parents with research for their upcoming Croatia trip and, whoa! I was so ignorant of how many beautiful places there were. (I knew I wanted to see Dubrovnik and the Plitvice Lakes but nothing else was even on my radar.) I’ve already got myself a ton of places marked on a Google Map for whenever I can make my own trip happen, adding several of your suggestions too. Thanks!

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