From island hopping along the Adriatic coast to hiking through mountain passes and exploring centuries-old stone towns, Croatia delivers on all fronts. With its mix of wild nature and historic cities, it is easy to see why it ranks among the most beautiful countries in the world. Dubrovnik, in particular, stands out as one of the best places to visit in Croatia and a global travel favourite.
With so much on offer, choosing where to go and what to do in Croatia can be a challenge. That is why we have pulled together this guide to the best things to do in Croatia, from headline attractions to unexpected highlights worth building your trip around.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Croatia, your essential guide for visiting Croatia.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia's most famous natural wonder, and with good reason. Sixteen terraced lakes spill into one another through a series of waterfalls, all surrounded by dense forest that shifts color dramatically with the seasons. Well-maintained wooden walkways and hiking paths weave through the landscape, offering close-up views of travertine rock formations, clear pools, and plunging cascades.
There are 12 official hiking routes, ranging from easy loops to more demanding half-day treks. Route C is one of the most popular, covering the lower lakes and taking in Veliki Slap, the park’s tallest waterfall. For quieter trails and sweeping views, head to the upper lakes, where fewer visitors venture.
Plitvice is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the highlights of any Croatia itinerary, no matter if you’re after nature, photography, or just a break from the coast. While swimming is not allowed in the lakes, the experience is still immersive. In spring, waterfalls run high with snowmelt. In autumn, the forest blazes with orange and gold. Winter brings snow and silence, and a different kind of beauty altogether.
You cannot cycle within the park boundaries, but a network of well-marked bike trails outside the northern entrance makes it easy to explore the wider region on two wheels.
Plitvice is around two hours by bus or car from both Zagreb and Zadar. Buses run regularly, though renting a car gives you more flexibility if you plan to visit other nearby spots.
Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and avoiding the busiest crowds. Summer is popular, so arrive early to beat the rush. Winter transforms the park into a snow-covered landscape, though some trails may be closed.
Plitvice National Park is a top natural attraction in Croatia © Denis Kichatof/Shutterstock
Catching a performance in the ancient amphitheatre is one of the most memorable things to do in Pula. Built in the first century BC, this vast limestone structure once held up to 22,000 spectators and remains one of the largest Roman amphitheatres still standing. It towers over Pula’s old harbour, a striking reminder of the city's Roman past.
No one knows why such a huge arena was built in a town of just 5,000 people, but its presence has stood the test of time. Today, the amphitheatre is Pula’s most iconic venue. In summer, it hosts concerts, opera, and film screenings, including the Pula Film Festival, one of Croatia’s top cultural events. Watching a show here, with the night sky overhead and ancient stone all around, is a one-of-a-kind experience.
If you're visiting between June and August, check the event calendar and book in advance. Big-name performances often sell out early.
Pula has an international airport with seasonal flights from across Europe. You can also reach the city by bus from Zagreb, Rijeka, or coastal towns further south. Driving is straightforward, with good roads linking Pula to the rest of Istria.
The summer months are best if you want to catch live events at the amphitheatre. June to August is peak festival season, though the city is lively from late spring through early autumn. Visit in May or September for fewer crowds and mild weather.
Exploring Pula Amphitheatre is one of our top things to do in Croatia © Shutterstock
Zadar’s sunsets are legendary. Alfred Hitchcock once called them the most beautiful in the world, and it is hard to argue, especially when the setting sun is paired with the hum of the Sea Organ and the glow of the Greeting to the Sun. These two waterfront installations use waves and solar power to create an experience that is part nature, part public art, and unique.
But the sunsets are just part of the story. Zadar blends Roman ruins, medieval churches, and a relaxed, lived-in atmosphere. The café culture is strong, the bar scene is lively, and the old town still feels like a place where locals outnumber tourists. If you’re wondering why visit Zadar, this balance of history, creativity, and real city life is your answer.
In summer, the city hosts open-air events almost nightly. Highlights include St Donat’s Musical Evenings and the Zadar Theatrical Summer, both of which take full advantage of the historic setting. It is one of the most culturally rewarding things to do in Croatia, and one that often flies under the radar.
Zadar has its own airport with regular flights from many European cities. You can also reach it by bus from Zagreb, Split, and most coastal towns. Ferries connect Zadar to nearby islands and to Rijeka and Ancona (Italy).
Late spring through early autumn is the best time to enjoy Zadar’s outdoor events and waterfront atmosphere. July and August are peak season, but evenings are especially lively. Visit in May, June, or September for fewer crowds and warm weather.
Put Zadar sunsets on your things to do in Croatia list © xbrchx/Shutterstock
With over 1,000 islands stretching along 200km of coastline, the Adriatic coast is one of Croatia’s biggest draws. Some islands are known for their historic towns, others for remote beaches or forested hills; each one offers a different slice of the country. If you’re planning to visit more than one island in Croatia, you’ll quickly see how varied the landscape and vibe can be.
This stretch of coast is ideal for sailing. Calm waters, short distances, and well-equipped marinas make sailing in Croatia accessible even for first-timers. But you don’t need a boat to explore. Ferries connect the mainland with most of the major islands, making island-hopping in Croatia a smooth, flexible way to travel.
Hvar gets the spotlight with its mix of nightlife, vineyards, and Venetian architecture. Vis feels more remote and traditional, with fishing villages and quiet coves. Lošinj is all about clean air and pine forests, while Mljet is home to a peaceful national park filled with saltwater lakes and walking trails. You could spend a day or a month exploring and still have more to discover.
Most islands are linked to the mainland by regular Jadrolinija ferries and catamarans, with main departure points in Split, Zadar, Rijeka, and Dubrovnik. Hvar, Brač, and Korčula are among the easiest to reach. For remote islands like Vis or Lastovo, plan ahead: departures are less frequent.
When to visit the Adriatic islands
Late May to early October is ideal for sailing and island-hopping. July and August bring the best weather but also the biggest crowds. For a quieter trip, aim for June or September when the sea is warm but the ports are less packed.
Mljet island, Croatia — a jewel of the Adriatic © Simun Ascic/Shutterstock
Few museums manage to be as funny, strange, and deeply human as this one. Tucked into Zagreb’s Upper Town, the Museum of Broken Relationships is one of the more unexpected things to do in Croatia, and one of the most thought-provoking.
The concept is simple but powerful. Each exhibit is a donated object from a failed relationship, paired with a short explanation from the person who gave it up. Some are heartfelt. Others are biting or quietly devastating. You’ll see everything from stuffed toys and wedding dresses to garden gnomes and prosthetic limbs. What began as a traveling installation became a permanent fixture in 2010, and the museum has since become a cult favorite for visitors looking for something different.
Zagreb is well connected by train and bus to other major Croatian cities and has an international airport with regular flights from across Europe. The museum is in the Upper Town, a short walk or funicular ride from the main square.
Zagreb is a year-round destination, with a lively café scene and a packed cultural calendar. Summer is quieter than the coast, while December brings a popular Christmas market and winter charm without the crowds.
National Theater, Zagreb, Croatia @ Shutterstock
The Dalmatian coast looks good from land, but it’s even better from the water. Sea kayaking gets you up close to hidden coves, sea caves, and dramatic cliffs, and it’s one of the top outdoor experiences in Croatia.
You don’t need any experience to get started. Local tour operators in Dubrovnik, Hvar, and a few other coastal towns offer half- and full-day trips, with a guide leading a small flotilla. After a short intro on how to handle a paddle, you’re off, gliding past city walls, paddling through sea tunnels, or pulling up on quiet beaches for a swim and a snack.
It’s this mix of coastline, clear water, and low-effort adventure that puts the Dalmatian coast firmly among Europe’s best adventure vacation destinations. If you’re looking for a way to break up the beach days with something more active, this is a great place to start.
The easiest access points are Split and Dubrovnik, both served by international airports and long-distance buses. From there, coastal towns like Hvar, Korčula, and Makarska are all within reach by ferry or road.
Late spring through early autumn is ideal for sea kayaking. July and August bring the warmest water, but also the most crowds. For cooler temps and fewer people, aim for June or September.
Try sea kayaking on the impressive Dalmatian coast © lazyllama/Shutterstock
Tucked inside Lonjsko Polje Nature Park in central Croatia, Čigoč is known as Europe’s first official stork village, a title it lives up to every spring and summer. With fewer than 150 residents and more than 200 white storks, the birds far outnumber the people, building nests on wooden rooftops and electricity poles throughout the village.
Visiting Čigoč offers a very different experience from the usual coastal itinerary, and it’s one of the more unusual things to do in Croatia. Come from mid-March to see the storks arriving from Africa, and stay for Stork Day, held every year on the last Saturday in June. Expect traditional food, music, and crafts: a rare window into rural Croatian culture. The birds usually head south again by mid-August.
There’s more here than just birdwatching. Small exhibitions showcase traditional tools and farming life, and a handful of local restaurants serve up hearty Slavonian meals. The park's information point, located in the centre of the village, operates on an honor-based ticket system and provides maps and trail advice. Some of the walking routes leading out from Čigoč may be flooded, depending on rainfall, a reminder of how closely nature still shapes life here.
Čigoč is about 90 minutes southeast of Zagreb by car. Public transport options are limited, so driving is your best bet. The village is well signposted from the E70 motorway.
The storks arrive in mid-March and leave in mid-August, with peak activity from April to July. Stork Day, held in late June, is the cultural highlight. Outside those months, the area is still scenic but quieter and less active.
Spot nesting storks in Cigoc from early spring each year © Stephan Morris/Shutterstock
Most people head straight for Split or Dubrovnik, but Šibenik makes a strong case for being your next stop. This Adriatic city has all the essentials: a maze of medieval alleys, striking architecture, island beaches nearby, and a festival calendar that keeps things lively through summer. The big difference? Fewer crowds and more breathing space.
Šibenik’s historic core is compact but rich in detail. The standout is the Cathedral of St James, built entirely from stone and considered one of the finest architectural landmarks in southeastern Europe. Its mix of Gothic and Renaissance elements has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status and a place on any serious itinerary through Dalmatia.
Just offshore, the islands of Zlarin and Prvić are easy day trips. Zlarin is car-free and known for its coral history, while Prvić is slower still, with sleepy harbors and clear swimming spots. Inland, Krka National Park is a short drive away, with walkways that wind past waterfalls and natural pools you can actually swim in, unlike Plitvice.
Šibenik is easily reached by bus from Split or Zadar, both of which have airports and ferry ports. If you're driving, the coastal road is scenic and straightforward.
Late spring through early autumn is ideal. July and August bring festivals and a lively vibe, while June and September offer warm weather with fewer visitors.
Sibenik, Croatia © Hrvoje Bakovic/Shutterstock
Few city walks deliver quite like this one. Encircling the old town for nearly two kilometers, Dubrovnik’s city walls offer sweeping views over red rooftops, glinting sea, and limestone streets packed with centuries of history. It’s one of the most iconic things to do in Dubrovnik, and a big reason the city played a starring role in Game of Thrones.
The full circuit takes about an hour, longer if you stop to take photos or just take it all in. From the battlements, you’ll spot the nearby island of Lokrum, a forested nature reserve just a 15-minute ferry ride away. For a more full-day escape, the national park on Mljet is also within easy reach.
Dubrovnik’s combination of historic beauty, island access, and dramatic views makes it a strong contender for anyone planning a honeymoon in Croatia. It’s also a year-round destination, with a rich calendar of cultural events and a sea that stays swim-friendly well into autumn.
If you’re staying overnight, location matters. Some of the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik include Pile (right by the old town), Lapad (for beaches and a slower pace), and Gruž (near the port, with better value and a local feel).
Dubrovnik has an international airport with frequent connections to major European cities. Buses run to the old town from the airport in about 30 minutes. Ferries connect Dubrovnik with islands like Mljet, Korčula, and Hvar, as well as Bari in Italy.
Visit in May, June, or September to enjoy warm weather and fewer crowds. July and August are the busiest months, especially when cruise ships are in port. Winter is quieter but still pleasant, with cultural events like the Dubrovnik Winter Festival keeping the city lively.
It's no secret that Dubrovnik is one of the best places to visit in Croatia © SchnepfDesign/Shutterstock
Remote, rugged, and mostly uninhabited, the Kornati Islands show you the Adriatic in its rawest form. Spread across a stretch of sea southwest of Zadar, this national park includes around 90 islands, islets, and reefs, all scorched by the sun and shaped by wind.
There are few trees, no hotels, and little sign of modern life. Just limestone slopes, patches of hardy shrubs, and the occasional fisherman’s hut. The color palette shifts throughout the day, from silvery grey in the morning to muted greens and purples in the evening. It feels like another planet.
Most visitors arrive by private boat or on day trips from Zadar, Murter, or Šibenik. It’s not a place for high-end resorts or beach bars, but if you’re looking to swap tourist crowds for big skies and quiet coves, this is one of the more unique things to do in Croatia.
The easiest access is from Murter, which has direct boat tours into the park. Day trips also run from Zadar and Šibenik. Private sailing trips offer more flexibility but need to be booked in advance.
Late spring to early autumn is best, when the sea is calm and boat tours run daily. July and August offer the most tour options, though June and September are quieter and more relaxed.
Visit the Kornati islands to discover untouched Croatia © Ivan Pikunic/Shutterstock
Elegant, compact, and full of Baroque character, Varaždin feels more like Austria than the Adriatic. Once the capital of Croatia, this northern city sits on the banks of the Drava River and offers a slower, more refined kind of charm.
The centrepiece is Stari Grad, a fairytale-like castle surrounded by gardens and home to a museum packed with historical treasures. Just a few streets away, the orange-and-white Rococo facade of Sermage Palace houses one of the region’s most important art collections.
Wander the town and you’ll pass manicured squares, pastel mansions, and green courtyards where time feels like it’s standing still. Take a break at one of the local cafés and try a slice of kremšnita, Varaždin’s take on the classic custard-and-vanilla cake, here topped with a swirl of chocolate sauce.
Varaždin is around 90 minutes by car or bus from Zagreb. There’s no direct train connection, but the roads are good and public transport is reliable.
Spring and autumn are ideal, with mild weather and fewer crowds. In late summer, the city hosts Špancirfest, a popular street festival that fills the old town with live music, art, and food stalls.
Visit Varazdin for Baroque architecture and art © DragonPhotos/Shutterstock
At first glance, Pag looks barren: all pale rock and scrub, with barely a tree in sight. But this island supports more sheep than people, and that’s exactly what makes it one of the best stops for foodie experiences in Croatia.
Pag cheese (paški sir) is the island’s pride, a hard, salty, aged cheese made from the milk of sheep that graze on wild herbs and salt-streaked grasses. The result is a flavour that falls somewhere between mature cheddar and Parmesan, but with its own distinctive bite. Wheels are rubbed with olive oil and ash, then left to mature, sometimes for over a year.
You can sample it in restaurants all over the island, but the best place to dive into the details is at one of the small-scale dairies around Kolan, where you can learn about the production process and taste it fresh from the source. If you're hunting down authentic things to do in Croatia, eating your way through Pag cheese is high on the list.
Beyond the cheese, Pag has more to offer. Pag Town is quietly atmospheric, with a small harbour and old stone streets. Novalja, further north, is all about beach parties, especially at Zrće, one of the Adriatic's clubbing hotspots.
Pag is connected to the mainland by a bridge, about a 45-minute drive from Zadar. Buses also run from Zadar and other regional towns. Ferries serve the northern end of the island from Prizna.
May to September is ideal, with cheese tastings, beach time, and festivals in full swing. Visit in spring for cooler weather and wildflowers, or in late summer when crowds thin but the sea stays warm.
You won't want to miss tasting tangy Pag cheese © Natalia Bratslavsky/Shutterstock
Hvar is where old-world elegance meets modern-day flash. Known as the Queen of the Dalmatian Islands, it’s long been a magnet for yachts, celebs, and travelers looking for a dose of Adriatic glamour. Hvar Town itself is packed with Renaissance architecture, sleek bars, and a harbour full of polished boats.
But there’s more to Hvar than its party reputation. Beyond the buzz of the old town, the island opens up into lavender fields, vineyards, and quiet coves, many of them only accessible by boat or footpath. This mix of energy and escape makes Hvar a solid choice for couples, groups, and even those tackling Croatia with kids. The smaller villages of Stari Grad and Vrboska are more laid-back and great for families or anyone after a slower pace.
When it comes to swimming, you’ll find some of the best beaches in Croatia scattered across the island and its nearby Pakleni islets. Some are pebbled and tucked into pine-scented bays, others rocky and secluded, with calm, clear water perfect for snorkelling.
The easiest way to reach Hvar is by catamaran from Split, which docks in Hvar Town or Stari Grad, depending on the route. There are also seasonal ferries from Dubrovnik and other Dalmatian ports.
June and September offer a good balance of warm weather and fewer crowds. July and August are peak season, with the island at its liveliest. Spring is quieter, with flowers in bloom and hiking trails at their best.
Hvar Town, one of Croatia's glossiest island resorts © Kite_rin/Shutterstock
Skradinski buk is the standout attraction in Krka National Park: a chain of seventeen cascades tumbling down a 500m stretch of river. Surrounded by semi-submerged forest and rich in wildlife, it’s one of Croatia’s most photogenic natural sights.
The most impressive view is just upstream from the boat landing, where several tiers of falls spill into a wide pool. Swimming isn’t allowed here anymore, but the boardwalks and footpaths still bring you close to the water, with great views at every turn. It’s an easy hike, and the route loops through shaded woodland and past old watermills that once powered local industry.
Beyond Skradinski buk, the park is worth more than a quick stop. Don’t miss Visovac Island, a picture-perfect monastery site set in the middle of the river, or Roški Slap, a series of falls linked by walking trails and wooden bridges. With over 200 bird species, Krka is also a top spot for nature lovers keen to take things slow.
The easiest entry point is Skradin, which has a seasonal boat service to the falls. You can also access the park by road via Lozovac. Buses run from Šibenik, though driving gives you more flexibility.
Spring and early autumn offer lush scenery and fewer crowds. Summer is busiest, especially in July and August. Water levels are highest in spring, making the falls even more dramatic.
Skradinski buk falls - an impressive alternative to Plitvice Lakes National Park © ZM_Photo/Shutterstock
Jutting into the Adriatic across from Korčula, the Pelješac peninsula is a wild, low-key alternative to Croatia’s busier coastal spots. Winding roads pass through stone-built villages, olive groves, and steep vineyards, with rugged mountains rising inland and hidden coves scattered along the shore.
Development here has stayed minimal, a big part of the appeal. You’ll find seafood restaurants serving oysters and mussels straight from the bay, especially around Mali Ston, and plenty of local wines to go with them. This region produces some of the country’s best reds, with Dingač and Postup leading the charge.
For independent travelers, beachside camping in Croatia doesn’t get much better. Pelješac has a string of laid-back shorefront campsites, particularly near Viganj and Kučište, which also happen to be top spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The strong summer winds and uncrowded coastline make this one of the more active and rewarding things to do in Croatia, without the crowds or price tags of more famous destinations.
You can reach Pelješac by road from Dubrovnik via the Pelješac Bridge, which connects the peninsula directly to the mainland. Ferries also run from Korčula to Orebić, the main town on the western tip.
May to September is ideal for camping, swimming, and watersports. July and August are busiest, though even in peak season the peninsula feels more relaxed than the rest of the coast. September is grape harvest season, with local wineries offering tastings.
Medieval Mali Ston on the Peljesac peninsula © OPIS Zagreb/Shutterstock
If you're into Roman ruins, this one is non-negotiable. Built in AD 295 as a retirement home for Emperor Diocletian, the palace forms the beating heart of Split, though it’s more like a living, breathing city within a city than a standalone historical site.
Wander through the old stone gates and you’ll find a tight maze of ancient alleyways packed with houses, chapels, shops, and bars, all layered over centuries of history. Laundry hangs between columns, cafés spill onto old courtyards, and local life carries on around Roman pillars and medieval walls.
While Diocletian’s Palace is the centrepiece, Split itself is worth exploring in full. It’s a city that doesn’t try too hard to charm you; it doesn’t need to. The seafront promenade is buzzing year-round, the café culture is strong, and the contrasts run deep: Roman arches one minute, brutalist housing blocks the next, all backed by mountains and framed by sea.
And if you’re into shoes, the shopping scene will surprise you.
Split is one of Croatia’s main transport hubs, with an international airport and frequent ferry, train, and bus connections. The palace is in the old town, just a short walk from the port and bus station.
April to June and September to October offer great weather without peak-season crowds. July and August are the busiest, but also the liveliest, especially at night when the city stays up late.
Diocletian's Palace — a highlight of Split, Croatia © Kirk Fisher/Shutterstock
Vukovar stands as one of the most powerful places to visit in eastern Croatia. The town is forever marked by the 1991 Siege of Vukovar, a brutal 87-day conflict during which around 2,000 Croatian civilians and defenders held out against overwhelming force. The memory of that siege is still deeply woven into the city’s identity and is impossible to ignore.
Sites like the Vukovar Hospital Memorial and the Ovčara Memorial Centre offer stark insight into the human cost of war. But Vukovar is more than just a place of remembrance. It’s also home to contemporary museums, riverfront promenades, and Baroque landmarks that tell a broader story.
The Vukovar Municipal Museum, set in the restored Palace of Eltz, traces the city’s history from prehistory through to the present day. Before the war, Vukovar was known for having the country’s largest river port, and its location at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka rivers gives it a distinctive setting on the Croatian-Serbian border.
Vukovar is around four hours by bus or train from Zagreb, with regular connections via Vinkovci. Driving is the quickest option and gives you flexibility to explore nearby towns and memorial sites.
Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds. November 18, the official day of remembrance for the siege, sees commemorative events and is a particularly moving time to visit.
Elegant Vukovar © Shutterstock
Rovinj may be in Croatia, but it wears its Italian roots on its sleeve. With Venetian-style buildings stacked along narrow lanes, a skyline pierced by church spires, and bilingual street signs, this Istrian port feels more Adriatic-Italian than Balkan.
The town has long balanced its identity as both a historic fishing village and an upmarket resort. Riviera-style cafés line the waterfront, while pastel houses crowd the hillside below the Church of St Euphemia. Despite its polish, the Old Town remains atmospheric, with cobbled streets, sea views at every turn, and a lived-in feel that adds to the charm.
Since the 1950s, Rovinj has been a magnet for artists. Studios and galleries fill the side streets, especially around Grisia, the town’s main art drag. If you’re visiting on the second Sunday in August, the whole street becomes an open-air exhibition, with artists displaying their work on stone walls and windowsills.
Rovinj is about 40 minutes by car or bus from Pula, which has an international airport. Buses also run from Zagreb, Rijeka, and Trieste (Italy), though connections may require a transfer.
Late spring through early autumn is ideal, especially for swimming and open-air dining. August is the busiest, with events like the Grisia art fair drawing big crowds. For fewer visitors and better light for photography, aim for May, June, or September.
Rovinj, Croatia © Shutterstock
Istria isn’t just about sun and sea. This northwestern peninsula has long been a hit with beachgoers, but inland, the region tells a different story, one of hilltop towns, stone villages, and dense oak forests that hide something special: truffles.
For nearly a century, Istria’s forests have produced prized black and white truffles, making it one of the region’s top culinary destinations. These so-called “black diamonds of Istria” are more than just a delicacy; they’re part of local identity. Autumn is peak truffle season, and the festivities kick off in September with food fairs, truffle hunts, and tasting menus across the region.
One of the best things to do in Croatia for food lovers is to head to Buzet, Istria’s self-declared truffle capital. Each September, Buzet Saturday draws a crowd with live music, local wines, and the world’s largest truffle omelette, cracked and cooked in the town square and shared among a hungry, happy crowd.
You can also join a truffle-hunting tour with local guides and dogs. It’s a muddy, aromatic, and surprisingly fun way to experience Istria’s forested heartland.
Pula is the region’s main gateway, with an international airport and road links across the peninsula. Buzet is best reached by car from Pula, Rovinj, or Rijeka. Public transport is limited in rural areas, so driving gives you more freedom to explore.
Truffle season runs from September to early winter, with white truffles at their best in October and November. Spring and summer offer milder black truffles, along with warm weather and fewer events.
Istria is the place to be for truffle season in Croatia © Alessandro Cristiano/Shutterstock
Just 13km northwest of Dubrovnik, the coastal village of Trsteno is home to one of the oldest arboretums in this part of Europe, and easily one of the most atmospheric. Even if you’re not into horticulture, the setting alone makes it worth the detour.
The arboretum began in 1502, when Dubrovnik noble Ivan Gučetić built a summer villa surrounded by terraced gardens. Passed down through the family for centuries, the estate was nationalised in 1948, and later taken over by the Yugoslav (now Croatian) Academy of Sciences and Arts. Since then, it has evolved into a striking blend of cultivated beauty and gentle decay.
Giant plane trees, exotic plants, fountains, sculptures, and sweeping sea views all add to the sense of faded grandeur. At the far end of the gardens, you’ll find a 19th-century seaside folly that looks like the ruins of a palace. A stone staircase, lined with odd cactus-shaped sculptures, leads down to a quiet cove and tiny harbour, a perfect spot for a swim or a peaceful sunbathe.
Buses between Dubrovnik and Slano stop at Trsteno village, though service can be infrequent. Driving is quicker and more flexible. The arboretum is signposted and has a small parking area nearby.
Spring and early summer bring the gardens to life, but the arboretum is beautiful year-round. For shade and sea breezes without the heat or crowds, aim for early morning or late afternoon.
Fountain Neptune in Trsteno Arboretum, Dubrovnik, Croatia © nadtochiy/Shutterstock
A short ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s Gruž harbour, the Elaphite Islands are where the Adriatic slows to a crawl. With forested hills, quiet villages, and barely a car in sight, the islands feel a world away from the mainland.
Named “the deer islands” by Pliny the Elder, only three of the islands are inhabited today: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. Each offers a slightly different vibe, but all share a sense of calm and simplicity that’s increasingly hard to find on the Croatian coast.
Koločep is closest to Dubrovnik and known for its cliffs and pine-shaded footpaths. Lopud has sandy Šunj beach and faded grand houses from the town’s days as a summer escape for Dubrovnik’s nobility. Šipan is the largest, dotted with olive groves, old churches, and the occasional vineyard.
Even with day-trippers from Dubrovnik, the islands remain low-key. No nightlife, no big resorts, just a few konobas, some quiet swimming spots, and the sound of the sea.
Jadrolinija ferries run daily from Dubrovnik’s Gruž harbour to Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. The journey takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the island and route.
Late spring through early autumn is best. July and August are busiest, especially on Lopud, but even then, the pace is slow. Visit in May, June, or September for quieter beaches and fewer ferry queues.
Lopud island, Elaphite Islands, Croatia © canvaspix/Shutterstock
Hiking is one of the most rewarding things to do in Croatia, and few routes deliver like the Premužić Trail. Winding through Northern Velebit National Park, this well-marked path follows mountain ridges, limestone crags, and deep forests, offering serious distance without technical difficulty.
Built in the 1930s, the trail stretches for around 57km, with dry-stone switchbacks that climb gradually through dramatic terrain. You don’t need climbing gear or advanced experience, but you will need stamina, especially if tackling long sections in one go. Along the way, expect sweeping views over the Adriatic and a good chance of spotting chamois, golden eagles, and other highland wildlife.
Compared to busy routes around places like Plitvice, the Premužić Trail stays relatively quiet, even in high season. It’s ideal for hikers looking to get off the radar and into Croatia’s wilder landscapes.
The trail runs through Northern Velebit National Park. The easiest access point is Zavižan, about a two-hour drive from Rijeka or three hours from Zagreb. You’ll need your own transport, as public options are limited.
Late spring through early autumn offers the best hiking conditions. July and August are the warmest, but June and September bring clearer skies and fewer walkers. Snow can linger into late spring at higher elevations.
Serious hikers won't want to miss walking the lesser-travelled Premuzic Trail — one of best things to do in Croatia © Shutterstock
By the time you arrive in the villages of Polače or Pomena, you’re already inside Mljet National Park; there’s no formal entrance gate, just pure Adriatic wilderness waiting to be explored. The park’s main attractions are its two seawater lakes, Malo jezero (Small Lake) and Veliko jezero (Big Lake), connected to the open sea by narrow channels and surrounded by dense pine forest.
Veliko jezero stretches for nearly 4km, with both lakes encircled by walking and cycling paths. The water is calm, clean, and perfect for a swim, especially in summer, when the lakes are warmer than the sea.
If you arrive in Polače, it takes around 45 minutes to reach the lakes on foot, either by road or via a marked forest trail that climbs Montokuc hill for sweeping views before descending to the shore. From Pomena, Malo jezero is just a ten-minute walk south, along a shaded stone path over a wooded ridge.
From the edge of Malo jezero, a short walk brings you to Mali Most (Little Bridge), which crosses into Veliko jezero. Follow the lakeside trail and you’ll pass through aromatic woodland before reaching Soline, a quiet village on the far side of the park.
Passenger ferries run from Dubrovnik and Split to Polače and Pomena during the tourist season. In high summer, day tours also run from Korčula. Outside of summer, connections are limited and require planning.
Late May through September is best for swimming, hiking, and ferry access. July and August are the warmest but busiest months. Visit in June or September for quiet trails and perfect water temperatures.
Mljet National Park is a popular island hop from Dubrovnik © OPIS Zagreb / Shutterstock
written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 03.09.2025
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