Explore Croatia: 7 Most Beautiful Places in Croatia

The rise in Croatia’s popularity was undoubtedly influenced by the release of Game of Thrones. Whether or not you’re an avid follower of the show, you’re likely to fall in love with this place. The country is mesmerizing, and we’re excited to share more about what we believe are the 7 most beautiful places in Croatia.

Croatia offers a magical blend of natural wonders and rich cultural heritage, from its stunning coastline along the Adriatic Sea to its historic cities. In this blog post, we will take you on a virtual journey through the 7 most beautiful places in Croatia to visit. Whether you are an avid nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, Croatia has something extraordinary to offer. 

And if you’re looking specifically for a road trip along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, make sure to check out our full itinerary here.

How to Get Around Croatia

If you want to travel throughout Croatia, we highly recommend driving. It’s the easiest way to get around and allows you to discover remote and unknown places. Just note that tolls can get quite expensive, and roads can be narrow and windy around the mountain regions. For car rentals, we recommend using Discover Cars. The site is very user-friendly and aggregates all types of vehicles and prices to ensure you find the best deal.

Best Time To Visit Croatia

For those of us who love exploring places during the quieter periods, Croatia’s off-season, spanning from October to April, holds a special appeal. While the weather may be chilly at times, it offers a beautiful opportunity to truly get to know major cities like Dubrovnik without being overwhelmed by tourists. However, we advise against visiting the islands during these months, as many establishments such as restaurants and hotels close for the season.

On the other hand, June, July, and August mark the peak of the summer season. The weather turns hot and inviting, making it an ideal time for beach lovers. However, note that prices soar during this period, and you’ll run into bustling crowds in most places you go. Nevertheless, if your heart is set on a dream beach vacation, this is undoubtedly the best time to explore the 7 most beautiful places in Croatia.

For a more tranquil experience and a chance to embrace the beauty of Croatia without the overwhelming influx of tourists, we highly recommend considering a visit in May or September, often referred to as the “shoulder season.” While the weather may be slightly more unpredictable, most places remain open for business. The ocean might be a tad cooler, but the payoff is smaller crowds and more affordable prices, making it a worthwhile compromise for an unforgettable Croatian adventure.

7 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Croatia

1. Dubrovnik

The city has become increasingly more popular since the Game of Thrones series, as it was the central filming location for King’s Landing. It’s an absolutely stunning place with incredible architecture, well-preserved historical landmarks, and breathtaking natural beauty. It might be our favorite and certainly one of the most beautiful places in Croatia.

The city is often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic” due to its location on the waters of the Adriatic Sea and its rich cultural heritage. One of the most impressive features of Dubrovnik is its well-preserved Old Town, which is surrounded by massive stone walls that date back to the 16th century. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to some of the city’s most impressive landmarks, including the Sponza Palace, St. Blaise Church, and Onofrio’s Fountain.

Things to Do in Dubrovnik

Explore the city walls. Constructed during the 13th and 14th centuries and surrounding the historic Old Town, the city walls must be Dubrovnik’s most iconic landmark. Though the price to visit them is not cheap (35 Euros, including access to the Lovrijenac Fort), it’s essentially a must. You’ll get to admire stunning views of the city and the architecture from a completely different perspective and get a sense of the impressive defensive capabilities of the walls. If you’re visiting in the summer, we highly recommend going early to avoid the crowds and the sun. 

Hike to the Lovrijenac Fort. Getting up there is a bit of a hike, but the views are incredible. It’s located on the western side of the Old Town, outside the city walls a rocky cliff. For Game of Thrones fans, Fort Lovrijenac doubles as the Red Keep in King’s Landing. Note that your ticket for the city walls includes an entrance into this fort, but not vice versa.

Do your own GOT tour. Of course, there are plenty of official GOT tours you can take. However, if you’re like us and don’t necessarily want to pay for one, we recommend finding a blog online and following along. We Seek Travel does a great job laying out the filming locations for you to embark on your own self-guided tour.

Take a boat to Lokrum Island. This is the perfect place to relax and escape the crowds, just a short boat ride away from Dubrovnik. Again, for GOT fans, this is the place where they filmed Qarth. You can walk around the island and explore the Monastery and an extremely salty area called the “Dead Sea”. Then, find a spot on one of the large rocks and enjoy the views. These are some of our favorite waters in Croatia.

Hire a photographer for your own mini photo shoot. Mike was not a huge fan of this idea initially, but even he was surprised. We found Katica on Instagram and cannot recommend her enough. She was incredibly professional and made us feel comfortable throughout the whole shoot. And the photos were absolutely stunning – and nothing we could’ve gotten on our own or by borrowing a friend. Just make sure to do this early in the morning (we went at 6am) to avoid the crowds.

Go kayaking around Dubrovnik. This is the one thing we didn’t get to do that we really wanted. We simply ran out of time, but we can only imagine that the views of the city from the water have to be absolutely breathtaking. 

Shop at Life According to Kawa. This is a really cute boutique, outside the walls of the city, selling wonderful things made in Croatia, from food and spices to jewelry and clothes.

Places to Eat & Drink in Dubrovnik

Proto (delicious fish and scallops in the heart of the old town with wonderful service)

Gradska Kavana Arsenal (the most spectacular views of the walls and crystal clear waters)

Azur (total mix of flavors, resembling Asian-Mediterranean fusion)

Barba (yummy seafood sandwiches, perfect for a quick lunch)

Take Away Dubrovnik (good burgers and ćevapi, perfect for a late night snack)

D’Vino Wine Bar (incredible selection of wines, 60+ by the glass)

Buza Bar (small hole in the wall, but in the best location, directly on the cliffs, right next to the water. Great spot to go to at sunset)

Glam Beer Therapy (great beer selection and yummy espresso martinis)

Places to Stay in Dubrovnik

Villa 5bd (modern rooms, beautifully decorated, in the heart of the Old City)

Boutique Hotel Stari Grad (charming property, with incredible views from the rooftop)

Apartments Luna (comfortable apartments, with a wonderful terrace overlooking the City Walls)

Apartments Villa Ankora (exceptional views, just a 10-minute walk away from the Old City)

Dubrovnik Finest Apartments (cozy and well-equipped studio apartments, steps away from the Old City)

Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik (lovely hotel with private beach, 15-minute walk away from the Old City)

Villa Orabelle (stunning boutique hotel with a pool, gorgeous views, and a yummy breakfast, a 30-minute walk away from the Old City)

2. Hvar

Hvar is one of the largest islands in Croatia, and it perfectly balances our wish to explore, rest, and discover while on vacation. Hvar has some incredibly pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters. Many of them are only reached on foot or via boat. Because of its size, it also has incredibly diverse landscapes, from rolling hills covered in lavender fields and vineyards to rugged coastal cliffs.

This island really has something for every type of traveler. For history enthusiasts, the Old Town offers a glimpse into the past, while the city center is bustling and has a super vibrant nightlife. Adventurers can enjoy hikes and discover abandoned villages, and the foodies can relish the island’s incredible cuisine. Plus, Hvar stands out for its exceptional wine and olive oil, widely regarded as among the finest in the region.

Things to Do in Hvar

Hike along the coast. This is one of the parts that makes Hvar one of the most beautiful places in Croatia. You start in Pokonji Dol Beach, which gets quite crowded, so try to go early but it does have some lovely large rocks to lay on and soak in the sun. There are two restaurants there, but they are pretty expensive. From there, keep walking to Mekićevica Beach. It’s a nice but small cove, perfect for a quick cool-down dip. And lastly, keep going until you reach Robinson Cove. It’s a lot less crowded, with more space to relax and a cute restaurant.

Relax in Dubovica Beach. This is a lovely cove and one of our favorite beaches on the island. Make sure to go early because since you have to park on the side of the road, there really aren’t many parking spots available. From there, you’ll need to hike down about 10 minutes, but it’s incredibly worth it. We went at about 7am, so the water was certainly a bit chilly, but it felt magical because it was entirely secluded. 

Take a road trip around the island. The best way to explore Hvar is with a car, and you can easily bring yours along on the ferry. The southern side is home to some of the best beaches, but there is something to explore all around, including some beautiful olive fields on the way to Sućuraj. If you do make that drive, make sure to stop in one of the stands along the street for some delicious olive oil.

Explore Stari Grad. This is a lovely old town on the northern side of the island. It’s actually one of the oldest towns in Europe. It’s much calmer than the center of Hvar but also has beautiful shops and restaurants. Make sure to check out Za Pod Zub for some yummy snacks or souvenirs.

Discover the abandoned villages. Hvar is known for having several abandoned villages that are undoubtedly worth exploring. We loved Malo Grablje, partly because of the lovely Stori Komin restaurant, and Velo Grablje is about 40 minutes away. If you’re up for it, you can keep hiking for another hour until you reach the beautiful Hvar Lavender Fields.

Take a ferry to Bol. We chose to take a ferry to Bol one day, mainly to visit the Stina Winery. A waiter in Hvar had told us all about it, so we had to check it out. Stina means stone in Croatia, and Bol is famous for the Brač white stone. As a result, the wine cellar is uniquely designed using that stone. But the coolest part is the labels. They are entirely white, made from a paper that resembles white stone, with the hopes that people will get inspired to draw their own labels.

Places to Eat & Drink in Hvar

Zlatan Otok (nice restaurant on the water, offering tastings from the Zlatan Otok winery)

Konoba Stori Komin (the most memorable meal of our trip, located in the abandoned village of Malo Grablje, with incredible views and the most peaceful atmosphere. Make sure to call ahead and order the octopus under the bell)

Konoba Maestro (delicious seafood, in a small alley in between old buildings)

Oaza in Milna (fresh seafood restaurant, right on the beach)

Wine Bar Prsuta 3 (excellent selection of local wines, with a vibrant atmosphere)

Kava37 (a small spot with yummy coffee and pastries)

Vinarija Braća Plančić (incredibly friendly winery with delicious wines)

Vina Tomić (beautiful winery and cellar)

Places to Stay in Hvar

Hotel Fortuna (cute hotel, right on the beach in the Milna village)

Hotel Moeesy, Blue & Green Oasis (brand new property, on the beach and close to the center)

B&B Buzolic (nice apartments, just 10 minutes away from the center)

Holiday Home Rudina (peaceful and secluded home in the north part of the island)

Plage Cachée (beautiful glamping property, with a large property and incredible views)

Villa Ekatera (charming villa with a pool in Stari Grad)

3. Zagreb

Zagreb is not often placed on these kinds of lists. To be fair, there are more beautiful places in Croatia than its capital city. However, we find it deserving of inclusion due to its undeniable charm and vibrancy. The architecture is stunning, with several beautiful Austro-Hungarian structures, complemented by quirky street art and a range of creative museums. It’s also a very walkable city, generally less crowded than the rest of the country, making it in our opinion, one of the most beautiful places in Croatia.

Most importantly for foodies, its restaurant scene is incredible. They have a range of Michelin-starred restaurants, mixed with lively cafes, and delicious food trucks. Plus, there are over a dozen food markets scattered across the city. However, what makes Zagreb perhaps even more remarkable is its spectacular coffee culture. The city has an array of exceptional coffee shops and charming patios that together create a coffee lover’s haven.

Things to Do in Zagreb

Explore the Upper Town. This is the oldest part of the city, dating back to the 11th century, where you’ll find most of the city’s big attractions and the smaller, cobbled streets. This is where you’ll find the Cathedral of Zagreb and the Stone Gate.

Wander through Lower Town. The Lower Town sits beneath the hill and is a much newer part of the city, created at the end of the 19th century. This part has wider streets, lined up with big houses and Austro-Hungarian structures. This is where you’ll find the beautiful Trg bana Josipa Jelačića square and the Botanical Gardens.

Walk through the Grič Tunnel. This is a pedestrian tunnel in the center of the city, connected by two passageways to Mesnička Street and Stjepan Radić Street. It was built during World War II by the Ustaše government to serve both as a bomb shelter and a promenade. It also hosted one of the first raves in Croatia in the 1990s.

Visit the Dolac Market. This is Zagreb’s main farmer’s market, with many stands selling flowers, fruits, veggies and meat. Make sure to bring cash with you just in case.

Check out the different museums. Though you’ll also find the more traditional museums, Zagreb is home to many quirky museums that are worth a stop, like the Museum of Broken Relationships and the Museum of Illusions.

Explore Maksimir Park. This is the oldest public park in Croatia and the perfect place for peace and quiet. It’s quite large with several trails and lakes. It is by far our dog’s favorite spot in Zagreb.

Places to Eat & Drink in Zagreb

Mali Bar (nice courtyard and rooftop in the center of Zagreb, with delicious carpaccio and pork belly bao buns. Great beer and wine list too)

Melt (perfect for brunch, with lots of healthy choices and nice coffee. Fills up quickly so try to get there by 10am if you want to avoid waiting for a table)

Rougemarin (not in the center, but nice atmosphere, good food, and great wines)

Pod Zidom Bistro (a more upscale spot, in the Michelin Guide since 2019. The menu changes depending on the season but is always fresh and so tasty)

Cogito (great coffee with about 4 different locations around town)

Teneo Coffee Shop (super cool coffee shop. They even offer coffee-making workshops)

Amelie (beautiful cakes and desserts)

Places to Stay in Zagreb

Hotel Academia (Simple, clean, and comfortable hotel in the center of Zagreb, right next to the pedestrian area, with a parking garage and a grocery store below the hotel)

Met Boutique Hotel (Modern and luxurious hotel, with a beautiful rooftop restaurant and a parking garage, located in the Lower Town)

Hotel Capital (Beautiful hotel with a luxury feel and top-quality facilities, located in the Lower Town)

DOLAC 1 Main Square Apartments (Nice studio or 1 bedroom apartments located in the Upper Town. Perfect if you want a stop with a kitchen)

Hotel Vila Tina (Nice hotel near Maksimir Park. A great option if you’re looking to stay outside of the city center)

4. Rovinj

Unlike most other places in this list of the most beautiful places in Croatia, Rovinj is located on the north Adriatic Sea, on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula. It’s a picturesque port city, with narrow, winding streets, colorful buildings, and a charming old town that leads down to the coast. 

This area is less well-known than the towns in the southern Adriatic, with fewer tourists. However, its views and beaches are equally stunning. Rovinj has a unique fusion of Italian and Croatian influences, so expect to find this throughout the city, in its cuisine offerings, distinct character, and vibrant ambiance. 

Things to Do in Rovinj

Explore the Old Town. While the historic center is relatively small, it has lots of restaurants and cafes, and cobblestone streets perfect for wandering. Make sure to spot Balbi’s Arch, the gateway to the Old Town known as Stari Grad.

Enjoy the views from the marina. The Rovinj Marina is a narrow harbor and the perfect place to admire Rovinj and its picturesque houses.

Climb up the St. Euphemia’s Basilica bell tower. St. Euphemia’s Basilica is one of the most prominent buildings in Rovinj’s Old Town, and you can actually climb up the bell tower for some magical panoramic views.

Catch the sunset. Rovinj is known for its beautiful sunsets. Valentino is a perfect place to do it. You can grab a drink at the bar, and enjoy it on the rocks, overlooking the ocean and the sunset. The drinks are not cheap, but they make for a fun experience. If you’d rather avoid the prices, you can plan a picnic in Lone Bay as the sun goes down.

Bike to Zlatni Rt Beach. This is a beautiful and calm natural beach, located within Rovinj’s forest park. The flat stones of the rocky plateau are ideal for sunbathing, with lots of shade, thanks to the numerous pine trees that grace the coastline.

Places to Eat & Drink in Rovinj

Stancija Collis (stunning winery a 15-minute drive away from the city center, offering walks through the vineyards and olive groves, complemented by delightful wine tastings featuring local meats, cheeses, and olives)

Monte (one Michelin star restaurant, known for its creative dishes with a focus on Istrian ingredients)

Mediterraneo (great bar to watch the sunset) 

Konoba Tugurio (nice local spot, on the outskirts of the city)

Rio Bar (incredible Istrian food with nice breakfast and lunch options)

Gelateria Italia (delicious gelato)

Places to Stay in Rovinj

Villa Dobravac Wine Estate (located just a 20-minute walk away from the city center, offering comfortable rooms, incredible views, and delicious wines)

DUO Loft (modern loft apartment in the heart of the city, beautifully decorated, with incredible views of the city)

Angelo d’Oro Apartments Trevisol (nice one-bedroom apartment, directly in the city center and just a 5-minute walk from the beach)

Porton Nature Hideout (perfect family home with two bedrooms and a pool, overlooking the coast and a 25-minute walk from the city center)

5. Pelješac Peninsula

This is an absolutely stunning part of the country often overshadowed by the more popular destinations. It’s located in between Split and Dubrovnik, but remains relatively untouched by tourists, creating a perfect place to unwind and avoid the crowds The area is home to beautiful wineries and oyster farms, and some of the best seafood we’ve ever had. It has historical treasures like the Town of Ston and an incredible landscape that helps create a truly scenic drive.

Things to Do in the Pelješac Peninsula

Take a road trip around the Peninsula. Given the coastal drives and incredible restaurants and wineries along the way, this is the perfect place for a road trip. Check out our full road trip itinerary here.

Explore the town of Ston. The town is famous for its historic defensive walls, which were built in the 14th and 15th centuries to protect the town and its salt pans from invaders. The walls are much longer than the famous ones of Dubrovnik, making them the longest defensive structure in Europe, and sometimes even referred to as the “European Walls of China”. It’s also a great spot to enjoy oysters and mussels. 

Check out Mljet National Park. This is a large area that borders two saltwater lakes. In the middle of it, there’s a small island with a former monastery from the 12th Century, which has now been converted into a cafe.

Go wine tasting. More on that below, but we can state this enough.

Places to Eat & Drink in the Pelješac Peninsula

Matuško Winery (this winery is all about the reds. Since it’s located on steep, rocky slopes, with a Mediterranean climate of warm summers and mild winters, it’s the perfect place to produce the Plavac Mali grape, known for its depth and complexity).

Grgić Winery (small winery with a lovely terrace overlooking the Mediterranean ocean and the harbor. In addition to Plavac Mali, it’s also known for its crisp white wines made from the Pošip grape, indigenous to the island of Korčula).

Vitaceae (fairly casual restaurant, with a large terrace overlooking the harbor. We went with the seafood platter and actually got to go back to see the outdoor, stone grill, and the food being prepared. The plate is so fresh, caught that morning and seasoned simply with oil and salt).

Kapetanova Kuća. This restaurant is located in Mali Ston, with a beautiful terrace and incredible seafood. We highly recommend trying their famous oysters and mussels.

6. Split

Split is a charming city, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty, certainly making it one of the most beautiful places in Croatia. The city was actually founded as a Greek colony in the 3rd or 2nd century BCE. It has an incredibly complex history, serving at one point as a Venetian city and later granted to the Austrian Empire.

This has helped make it incredibly unique because a big piece of the city was built around the remains of Roman ruins and the Diocletian Palace. So, throughout the city, you’ll continue to see a unique blend of historical ruins right next to modern shops and delicious restaurants. Today, it’s the second-largest city in Croatia, on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. This makes it a great hub in the island but also to hop into the Croatian islands.

Things to Do in Split

Explore Diocletian’s Palace bright and early. This is the best preserved Roman palace today. It is no longer a palace, but the city’s center, where you can still catch glimpses of the original columns and arches. It can get very crowded, so we highly recommend exploring very early to get a real sense of the magic behind these alleyways.    

Bask in the sunshine at Bačvice Beach. The water is crystal clear, and the beach is very accessible from Split, but for that reason, it can also get quite crowded. There are areas with chairs and umbrellas to rent as well. If you need a break from the sun, head up to Cafe Bar Zbirac for a drink on their lovely terrace.

Climb up Marjan Hill. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Diocletian Palace and not too challenging, but the views of the city will make it absolutely worth it. You can grab a drink at Vidilica Cafe or keep heading up to explore more historical buildings.

Walk over to the Varoš neighborhood. This is a cute neighborhood, about a 20-minute walk away from the Diocletian Palace. It’s one of the oldest in Split, and since it’s a bit outside of the city, it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds. It’s also home to Obojena Beach, which we actually preferred over Bačvice. Just note that there are no umbrellas, so come prepared.  

Grab a drink on the Riva waterfront. This is Split’s famous waterfront, and it’s packed with small cafes and the perfect place to grab a drink, relax, and people-watch.

Places to Eat & Drink in Split

Uje Oil Bar (deliciously simple food with very kind staff)

Restaurant Dvor (beautiful terrace and unique plates)

Articok (wonderful dishes with a beautiful outdoor rooftop terrace)

Ćiri Biri Bela (delicious brunch and lovely outdoor terrace)

Kat’s Kitchen Deli (nice brunch in Varoš, worth the wait) 

Vidilica Cafe (incredible views of Split)

Monika’s Wine Cellar (great selection of local wines)

Cafe Bar Zbirac (super cool day bar, just above Bačvice Beach)

D16 Coffee (very popular for its cold brew)

Oš Kolač (gorgeous cakes)

Luka Ice Cream & Cakes (best gelato in Split)

Places to Stay in Split

Hotel Vestibul Palace & Villa (luxury, boutique hotel in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace)

Hotel Slavia (stunning hotel in the historic city center)

Backpackers Fairytale (affordable hostel, just 3 minutes away from the city center)

Hotel Park (right next to Bačvice beach, with an outdoor pool and nice restaurant)

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa (a bit outside the city center, but with the perfect resort feel)

Luxury Apartment Mirage Split (nice apartment in the Varoš neighborhood)

7. Korčula

The island of Korčula is smaller than Hvar, and not surprisingly, is known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, endless oil groves, and picturesque medieval towns. From the moment you pull into the island on the ferry, you can tell it’s spectacular. The island’s main town is often compared to Venice due to its winding streets and impressive architecture, and the seaside town of Lumbarda is just a taxi ride away and surrounded by magical vineyards

Korčula is perfect for first-time visitors to Croatia or those who want to get a lot done in one place. But one of the most memorable parts about this island (and one of the main reasons it falls into the category of the most beautiful places in Croatia) is its crisp white wine, made from the unique Grk and Pošip grapes, which grows right behind the Vela Przina Beach. 

Things to Do in Korčula

Get lost in the Old Town of Korčula. The town is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, narrow streets, and stunning sea views. It’s the perfect place to walk around without looking at Google Maps and explore hidden alleyways. Make sure to walk along the Old Town’s defensive walls, which are still intact today.

Visit Marco Polo’s house. Many believe that Marco Polo was born in Korčula, and people can explore the Marco Polo Museum to learn more about his life and travels.

Catch some rays on the beach. Croatian beaches are usually pebbled, but if you take a 15-minute bus ride to the village of Lumbarda, you’ll spot two lovely sandy beaches (Vela Przina and Bilin Zal). Pupnatska Luka is another excellent option.

Go wine tasting. The island of Korčula is known for its crisp white wine, made from the unique Grk grape, and there are many great wineries worth exploring. We love the Zure and Bire wineries in Lumbarda, but there are plenty of options throughout the island.

Places to Eat & Drink in Korčula

Lole Wine & Tapas Bar (small spot but delicious fish platter)

LD Restaurant (Michelin-star restaurant right on the water)

Zure Winery & Restaurant (traditional Dalmatian cuisine, paired nicely with their wines)

Konoba Maha (traditional cuisine with a lovely atmosphere)

Bokar Wine Bar (excellent wine and friendly staff)

Cukarin (beautiful local treats)

Bire Winery (beautiful vineyard serving local Grk white wine)

Places to Stay in Korčula

Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel (the oldest hotel on the island, in the heart of Korčula)

Loft in Ismaelli Palace Korcula (cozy apartment in the old city center)

Korcula Hill (beautiful property with a pool and beach access)

ECO Aparthotel The Dreamers’s Club (incredible property in Lumbarda with magical sunsets) 

Apartments Lumbarda Beach (spacious apartment in Lumbarda, right on the water and with a lovely terrace)

Boutique Rooms Kastel Ismaeli (spacious and modern rooms in Vela Luka)

Pine Tree Apartment Zanetic (secluded villa in Blato, with direct access to the sea)

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