Best things to do in Croatia

From its awe-inspiring coastline, mountains and lakes, to all those atmospheric Old Towns, Croatia is a hugely rewarding destination for every kind of traveller. There are plenty of reasons you voted it one of your most beautiful countries in the world, while our experts hailed Dubrovnik one of the best places on earth for 2022.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Croatia, your essential guide for visiting Croatia.

Given the richness of its offerings, deciding where to go in Croatia is no easy task. The same is true when it comes to deciding what to do, which is why we've compiled this list of things not to miss in Croatia.

For a snapshot, check out this video before diving into our ultimate list of things to do in Croatia.

1. Hike Plitvice Lakes National Park

One of the reasons Croatia earned a spot in our round-up of the world's best adventure holidays for 2022, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that rewards solo ramblers, families, and travellers looking to take guided hiking tours. And, while you can’t cycle within the park, a fantastic network of bike trails is marked on its northern edge. 

Top tip: looking to experience a range of exhilarating outdoor activities in Croatia? Consider booking our tailor-made 9-day Ultimate Croatian Adventure trip.

Where to stay near Plitvice Lakes National Park:

• Hotel Jezero: looking like an oversized alpine chalet, Jezero is the best of the park-owned establishments near Entrance 2 – a resort-style hotel which has all the amenities you could want, from tennis courts to hairdressing salon.

2. Enjoy a concert at Pula Amphitheatre

While it's unclear why such a massive theatre was built in a small Roman town of only five thousand inhabitants, today its size serves locals and visitors well. With stadium-style concerts typically sold-out through the summer months, and a major film festival held in the last weeks of July, you'd do well to check the schedule and book tickets ahead of your visit.

But the amphitheatre isn't the only thing this gem has to offer visitors — find out why Pula should be your next Croatian city break.

Top tip: book a guided walking tour of Pula's historic sites.

Where to stay in Pula:

• Hotel Amfiteatar: comfortable, affordable and central, the medium-sized Amfiteatar occupies a renovated nineteenth-century building, with rooms decorated in cool greys with contemporary furnishings. The top-floor rooms with porthole windows and sloping attic ceilings are particularly cosy

3. Experiencing Zadar sunsets - one of the best things to do in Croatia

Sunsets aside, Dalmatia's ancient capital blends its medieval heritage with bustling café culture, fab bars, and a stylish seafront — find out why you need to visit Zadar.

Zadar also hosts several celebrated summer arts festivals, among them the St Donat’s Musical Evenings, and the Zadar Theatrical Summer.

Top tip: discover the beauty of the Zadar archipelago on a boat trip.

Where to stay in Zadar:

• Bastion Heritage Hotel: as the name suggests, this cute 27-room hotel is pressed up against the town’s medieval fortifications, bang in the centre of the Old Town. Rooms feature lush fabrics and crisp modern bathrooms.

4. Explore Adriatic islands

If you've never sailed before, read our in-depth guide to sailing Croatia as a first-timer. Alternatively, if you'd prefer to keep your feet on dry land, discover the top ten Croatian island getaways. Also, read our practical guide about island-hopping in Croatia and find some useful tips.

From handsome, hedonistic Hvar to lovely Lošinj on Croatia's Kvarner Gulf, to Mljet's unspoiled nature reserve, your main problem will be deciding where to go first.

Top tip: Fancy taking to the sea, but don't know where to start? Take a look at our customisable Sailing across Dalmatia trip

Where to stay on the Adriatic coast:

• Mljet Island
• Hvar Island
• Lošinj Island

5. Visit Zagreb's Museum of Broken Relationships

At once moving, witty and philosophical, the exhibition began life as a travelling art installation and became a permanent museum in 2010. Comprising donated mementoes, exhibits range from garden gnomes to prosthetic limbs, with each item accompanied by explanatory text that explains its significance to the donor.

Interested in urban culture? Find out why Zagreb is Croatia's capital of cool .

Top tip: discover Zagreb from a different perspective with a Zagreb City Tour Hop On Hop Off panoramic bus.

Where to stay in Zagreb:

• Esplanade Hotel, Zagreb: situated in Zagreb city centre, right next to the Zagreb Main Railway Station, 5-star Esplanade Zagreb Hotel offers a fitness centre and sauna. Free WiFi access is featured throughout the hotel. Guests can enjoy a meal at the hotel restaurant's terrace or have a drink served by the award-winning cocktail bartenders.

6. Kayak the Dalmatian coast

It’s also extremely easy to organize, with several Dubrovnik and Hvar-based travel agents arranging half- or full-day tours. Kayakers are led in a small flotilla by the tour leader. Apart from the few short minutes required to learn how to use a paddle, no training or previous experience is required.

Top tip: mix exploring Dubrovnik's historic sites with water-based fun and island idyll on a kayaking trip to Lokrum island

Where to stay on Dalmatian coast:

• Hotel Concordia: attractive fourteen-room hotel in an old stone house on the Riva. The en-suite rooms have TV and a/c but are a bit cramped. Some of the more expensive ones come with sea views.

7. Spot nesting storks in Cigoc

While the area is beautiful year-round, you'll want to visit from mid-March to see the arrival of the storks. On the last Saturday in June, Stork Day is celebrated with a host of cultural and culinary events. The storks leave in mid-August.

Discover more about what to expect at different times of the year in our guide to when to go to Croatia.

Cigoc also affords visitors opportunities to step back in time through exhibitions of traditional tools and village households, with a handful of restaurants serving traditional Croatian food.

Top tip: Midway through the village, the park information point sells tickets for the park on an honour-based system (many people simply drive through), along with a park map. The team can also advise on trails leading east from Čigoč, and the other villages, out into the countryside, parts of which might be under water depending on the time of year.

Where to stay in Cigoc:

• Tradicije Cigoc: Tradicije Cigoc is a family-run hotel situated within the peaceful landscape of Lonjsko Polje Nature Park. Bicycles and boats are available to rent, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

8. Mix it up in Sibenik

Boasting magnificent Mediterranean architecture, island beaches and festivals cities like Split and Dubrovnik are famed for, Sibenik is far less-visited, which means all the more space to enjoy its maze-like medieval centre.

Love beautiful buildings? Sibenik's cathedral is one of the finest architectural monuments in southeastern Europe.

Meanwhile, the islands of Zlarin and Prvić can be visited on easy day-trips, and the waterfalls of the Krka National Park lie just inland.

Top tip: explore the idyllic islands and beaches of Kornati National Park on a private boat tour from Šibenik.

Where to stay in Sibenik:

• Armerun Heritage Hotel: set in a former monastery right on the seafront, Armerun’s rooms combine ancient exposed stonework with sleek modern surfaces in shades of grey. Apartments, housed in an adjoining building at the back, come with sleek kitchenettes.

9. Walk Dubrovnik's city walls

It really is the ideal city to explore on foot, with the Explore Guide to Dubrovnik on hand to help you plan your romantic rambles. Talking of which, Dubrovnik also bagged a spot in our overview of Croatia's best honeymoon destinations.

Beyond those walls, the city offers easy access to stunning islands, among them the nature reserve of Mljet, and historic, wooded Lokrum. In the unlikely event you need more convincing to visit, discover lots of things to do in Dubrovnik

Top tip: if you're into Game of Thrones in a big way, check-out our tailor-made Game of Thrones-themed trip.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik:

• Prijeko Palace: boutique hotel in the restored mansion of the IsusevićBraichi family, just a short climb above the Stradun. It’s a classy, intimate place featuring nine cosy rooms and apartments, each decorated with works by a contemporary painter or photographer.

10. Discover the untamed Kornati Islands

With a sparse covering of shrubs and sage exuding an unearthly palette of grey, green and purple shades, the islands tend to be visited by yachting folk, or on day-excursions from the mainland.

Into nature? Read up on Croatia's national parks.

Top tip: from Zadar, experience the double delights of Kornati and Telascica Nature Park on a sightseeing cruise with food.

Where to stay near Kornati Islands:

• Hotel Murter: located in Murter, 700 m from Slanica Beach, Hotel Murter provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a fitness centre and a bar. Less than 1 km from Luke Beach and 1.8 km from Čigrađa Beach, the property features a garden and a terrace. The hotel offers an indoor pool and a shared lounge and free WiFi throughout the property.

11. Fall in love with Little Venice aka Varazdin

Sitting pretty on the banks of the Drava River in northern Croatia, Varazdin's Stari Grad (Old Town) castle is a fairytale charmer, and home to a museum that glitters with art treasures. Then there's Sermage Palace, with its distinctive orange-and-white Rococo exterior.

Varazdin's architectural beauty greets visitors at every turn, with gorgeous gardens to stroll, and plenty of places to enjoy kremšnita cake. In Varazdin, this fluffy custard and vanilla slice is served with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Top tip: Walk down the city’s streets with numerous palaces, villas and the oldest city hall in Europe with the tour to Varazdin Baroque Town.

Where to stay in Varaždin:

• Arbia Dorka Heritage Palace: located in Varaždin, Arbia Dorka Heritage Palace features a garden and a bar. This 4-star bed and breakfast offers a restaurant. The bed and breakfast also provides free WiFi and private parking at a surcharge.

12. Pig out on Pag cheese

Pag Town boasts an attractive historic centre, while Zrće beach near the modern settlement of Novalja is something of a centre for Adriatic clubbing.

As for that cheese, its distinctive taste — somewhere between mature cheddar and Parmesan — comes courtesy of the sheep's diet of wild herbs, and a unique production process. It's rubbed with olive oil and ash before being left to mature. That's why visiting Pag is a thing to do in Croatia for an avid cheese lovers for sure.

Top tip: book a sea kayaking trip to see Pag's non-cheese attractions — Gače Cave will take your breath away.

Where to stay in Pag:

• Hotel Plaza: located directly by the beach, the Hotel Plaza on the island of Pag offers an a-la carte restaurant and a swimming pool overlooking the beach. Free Wi-Fi is available, and Pag town centre is 1.5 km away.

13. Live the high life in Hvar

Lively town experiences aside, Hvar also provides plenty of opportunities to find seclusion in calm coves and unspoiled countryside.

Fancy seeing a clutch of Croatia's Adriatic island gems? Read our practical guide to island-hopping in Croatia.

Top tip: Visit the highlights of the Adriatic Sea on this small-group speedboat tour. Stop by natural landmarks like the Blue Cave, Vis, Stiniva Bay, Budikovac Island, Hvar, and Pakleni Islands.

Where to stay in Hvar:

• Palace Elisabeth: is the oldest hotel on Hvar, framed by St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the famous Hvar Theatre in a beautiful setting surrounded by Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Free WiFi access is available in all areas.

14. Soak up (and in) Skradinski buk falls

The most impressive spot can be found up from the boat landing, where several tiers of falls tumble into a pool.

Elsewhere, Krka National Park is home to tiny Visovac island, which was settled by Franciscan monks in the 15th-century, Roski Slap falls, and over 200 species of bird.

Top tip: into nature and fine flavours? Take a tour of Krka with cheese and wine tastings.

Where to stay in Skradin:

• Hotel Skradinski Buk: Skradinski buk hotel, bang in the centre of the village, has swanky en-suite rooms equipped with cool Scandinavianstyle furnishings, TV and a/c.

15. Potter the Peljesac peninsula

Characterised by tiny villages, sheltered coves, and rugged mountains, development here remains low-key — for the time being at least. The area is also renowned for its robust red wines and seafood. The village of Mali Ston, for example, is especially known for its kamenice (European flat oysters) and dagnji (mussels).

It's also a top spot to windsurf, with a great range of shore-side campsites beloved by independent travellers. Discover the best places for beachside camping in Croatia. Naturally, the Peljesac penninsula features.

Top tip: visit the birthplace of Marco Polo and other famous monuments on this tour to Peljesac Peninsula & Korcula Island

Where to stay near Peljesac peninsula:

• Villa Loviste Paradise: set in Lovište, 50 m from Denka Beach and less than 1 km from Kamenica Beach, Villa Loviste Paradise offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and air conditioning. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.

16. Discover Split's Diocletian’s Palace

While the palace remains the city’s central ingredient, beyond the tangled Roman-medieval mash-up of houses, tenements, churches and chapels, Spilt is one of the Med's most compelling cities.

It's a place of seafront cafés and ancient alleyways, of stately socialist-era housing blocks that look like something from a modernist architectural stylebook. The shopping's not bad, either, especially for shoe-lovers.

Top tip: discover the highlights of Split on a 1.5-hour walking tour through the historic city center, and see sights such as the Golden Gate, Diocletian's Palace, Jewish Ghetto, and much more.

Where to stay in Split:

• Private Apartments In Diocletians Palace: set in the very heart of Split, Private Apartments are located within the UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace. It offers modern-style accommodation with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

17. Visit Vukovar

Located at the confluence of the Vuka and the Danube rivers, on the border between Croatia and Serbia, the town's history has a haunting, moving presence.

Prior to the 20th-century, Vukovar was best known for having Croatia's largest river port. It's also home to the magnificent Vukovar Municipal Museum, located in the Baroque Palace of Eltz.

Top tip: if you're interested in the region's history, explore our tailor-made 10-day best of the Balkans trip.

Where to stay in Vukovar:

• Royal Palace: situated in Vukovar, 29 km from Museum of Slavonia and 30 km from Museum Of Fine Arts in Osijek, Royal Palace features accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning and access to a garden with a terrace.

18. Uncover Croatia's peka culinary tradition

Strictly speaking, peka can mean one of two things. It's either a meal of roasted meat — perhaps lamb or veal — served with potatoes and a colourful array of vegetables. Or it refers to the magic bell-shaped lid.

Either way, anything involving peka is a very good thing indeed. Look out for ispod peke — meaning "under the lid” or "under the bell” — on menus.

Hungry? Feast on more info about Croatia's top foodie experiences.

Top tip: gourmands might want to take our tailor-made feel and taste Dalmatia trip to enjoy authentic food against spectacular backdrops of idyllic islands and historic cities.

19. Roam Italianate Rovinj

Known for its Venetian-style houses and elegant piazza, Rovinj is the most Italian of Istria’s coastal resorts — even the street signs are bilingual.

It's also been a magnet for artists since the 1950s, with studios speckling the Old Town's atmospheric streets to this day. Art-lovers will want to visit on the second Sunday in August, when the main street, Grisia, is transformed into an open-air art exhibition.

Top tip: discover how the city of Rovinj was born out of a historic coincidence on a guided walking tour of the historic Old Town

Where to stay iin Rovinj:

• Eden Hotel by Maistra Collection: surrounded by lush vegetation, Eden Hotel by Maistra Collection enjoys a peaceful location on the edge of the 100-year-old Zlatni Rt park forest in Rovinj. It offers outdoor and indoor pools and free beach chairs and parasols in the bay (subject to availability).

20. Taste truffles in Istria

That said, this stretch of coast, and the region's inland medieval hill settlements and stone villages, have retained a whole lot of charm.

For the past 80 years or so, Istria's place on the map has been further firmed-up by the truffles that were uncovered in the dense oak forests of the north. These so-called "black diamonds of Istria" draw gourmands from far and wide, with truffle-hunting season marked by festivities throughout September. 

For the ultimate foodie experience, head to Buzet in mid-September for Buzet Saturday, when the world’s largest truffle omelette is scoffed by an army of celebrants. Discover how to join the truffle trail in Buzet.

Top tip: wander between three stunning places. Pula, a Roman amphitheater, Poreč, a UNESCO protected Euphrasian basilica, and Rovinj, the Pearl of the Adriatic with this Istria day tour from Zagreb.

Where to stay in Buzet:

• Boutique Hotel Vela Vrata: a restored Old Town mansion harbouring comfortable and wonderfully soothing accommodation, with bright spacious rooms, modern bathrooms, big pillows and mildly kitschy (but never overpowering) furnishings. Also has a splendid restaurant.

21. Amble Trsteno arboretum

Trsteno's gardening glory days began back in 1502 when Dubrovnik noble Ivan Gučetić built his summer villa here. Maintained by generations of the Gučetić family, the villa and its gardens were confiscated in 1948 by a communist regime eager to destroy any prestige enjoyed by the Dubrovnik nobility.

Soon afterwards the Yugoslav (now Croatian) Academy of Sciences reclaimed the villa and created the awe-inspiring arboretum you'll adore visiting today.

Top tip: don't overlook the shore at the northwestern end of the gardens. It looks like a ruined palace but it is in fact a purpose-built nineteenth-century folly – commanding a superb view of the surrounding coastline, with the islands of Lopud and Koločep roughly opposite.

From here a staircase adorned with weird stone cactus sculptures descends towards a rocky beach and tiny harbour perfect for restful sunbathing.

Where to stay in Trsteno:

• Holiday Home Trsteno: situated 800 m from Trsteno Arboretum in Trsteno, this air-conditioned holiday home features a terrace and a garden with a barbecue and a sun terrace. Guests benefit from balcony. Free WiFi is offered .

22. Explore the Elaphite Islands

Meaning "the deer islands", and named by Pliny the Elder, only three of the islands are inhabited today — Koločep, Šipan and Lopud — the latter of which features in our overview of the best beaches in Croatia.

Despite all the day-trippers from Dubrovnik, tourism on the Elaphites remains low key, with an almost total absence of cars adding to that glorious stepped-back-in-time vibe.

Top tip: in Dubrovnik for a long weekend? Explore the Elaphite Islands on a full-day, three-island tour from Dubrovnik.

Where to stay on the Elaphite Islands:

• Lopud Island
• Kolocep Island
• Sipan

23. Relish rakija grape brandy

For a truly heart-and-soul-warming experience, try herb-infused travarica or carob-flavoured rogačica. Common non-grape flavours include medica (honey brandy) and orahovača (walnut brandy). 

Find out more about eating and drinking in Croatia.

Top tip: Into Croatian spirits? 30km from Split, Holiday Home Rustic comes with a swimmimg pool, plus a wine and rakija cellar guests are free to sample.

24. Go the distance on the Premuzic Trail

Taking in mountain ridges and dense forests as it winds through Northern Velebit National Park, this is one of Croatia's most exhilarating long distance routes.

It offers a lesser-crowded experience than, for example, the trails around Plitvice Lakes — pretty essential for those seeking a true back-to-nature experience. What's more, walkers' efforts are handsomely rewarded by awesome views that recharge the soul while flexing the muscles.

Top tip: Admire the scenic natural beauty of Northern Velebit National Park on the River Canyon kayaking tour

Where to stay near Northern Velebit National Park:

• Apartment Božo: featuring garden views, Apartment Božo is located in Krasno Polje, around 22 km from Northern Velebit National Park. This property offers access to a patio, free private parking and free WiFi.

25. Visit Mljet National Park

Both are encircled by foot- and cycle paths, and the clear, blue-green waters are perfect for bathing. If Polače is your point of arrival, it’s possible to walk over to the lakes by road or by a well-signed forest path (via the 253m Montokuc hill) in about 45 minutes. From Pomena, Malo jezero is ten minutes’ walk south, by way of a stone-paved footpath that heads over a wooded ridge just up from the port.

Once you hit the shore of Malo jezero, it’s another ten-minute walk to Mali most (Little Bridge), spanning the channel feeding into Veliko jezero, edged by magnificently soothing, tree-shaded pathways. Continuing along the bank of Veliko jezero takes you through fragrant mixed woodland before arriving at Soline, a cluster of houses presiding over a flat valley floor.

Top tip: discover the south Dalmatian islands of Mljet National Park on an adventurous day tour filled with biking, snorkeling, kayaking, walking, cave exploring, and a lot of fun.

Where to stay near Mljet National Park:

• Hotel Odisej: bland inside but beautifully located, this prim collection of whitewashed modern blocks contains a collection of ensuite rooms with a/c and TV. There is a café, restaurant and sports rental facilities on site

With its beautiful surroundings and plenty of activities to suit all tastes, Croatia is a real treat for honeymooners. Explore our guide to the best Croatian honeymoon destinations and find your perfect option.

Ready for a trip to Croatia? Check out the snapshot of The Rough Guide to Croatia. If you travel further in Croatia, read more about the best time to go, the best places to visit and best things to do in Croatia. For inspiration use the itineraries from The Rough Guide to Croatia and our local travel experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Croatia without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

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