Published in Blog
Located on the Adriatic coast, Croatia is one of the most attractive destinations not only on the Balkan Peninsula but also in Europe. With its spectacular location by the sea, it offers a wide range of magical places that will take your breath away. Centuries-old cities with rich cultural and historical heritage, picturesque beaches, hidden bays, secluded islands, and natural attractions. Many tourist sites are on the UNESCO list, such as the cities with fascinating Venetian architecture, the national parks with untouched nature, and the historical complexes that tell the extensive history of Croatia. Get ready, we are going to take you on a journey through the beautiful Mediterranean country.
The spectacular tourist attraction in Croatia, also known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is the centuries-old city of Dubrovnik, which is one of the most glamorous and famous places in Europe. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the shores of the glorious Adriatic Sea, is undoubtedly at the top of the list as the most attractive tourist area to visit in Croatia. Every trip to Dubrovnik will take you to the fantastic Old Town, which is characterized by numerous places that have high historical and cultural importance. The tour of these old ramparts starts through the old Pile Gate, then continues through the main street Stradun, a pedestrian area where cafes, restaurants, and boutiques are located. Exploring the authentic area will take you to several important landmarks such as Sponza Palace, Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and the Onofrio’s Fountain. If you climb high on the city walls, you will witness the amazing view of the sea, the surroundings, and the picturesque buildings of the old town. Once you are done exploring the old town, head to the idyllic beaches of Dubrovnik and enjoy the Mediterranean climate.
The second-largest city in Croatia has a famous old town that is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is an important historical and cultural center in the Dalmatia region. The old town is dominated by the ancient Diocletian Palace, which looks like a huge fortress. It was built in the fourth century AD by the Roman emperor Diocletian. The peristyle of the palace is especially fascinating.
The Catholic Cathedral of St. Dominus is a religious complex with a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. St. Dominus dates back to the 7th century and is the oldest Catholic cathedral. If you are in the mood for hiking, head to Marjan Hill or take a stroll down Riva Pedestrian Street in the center of the Old Town, home to restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.
The island of Hvar is located in the Adriatic Sea, near the Dalmatian coast. An ancient island that has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and later by the Romans and the Venetians. The island is characterized by picturesque nature, hills covered with vineyards and pine forests, olive groves, and orchards. The Old Town is currently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which was an important city in the Venetian era.
The symbol of the coastal city of Hvar is the Spanish Fortress, which dates back to the 13th century and offers a magnificent view of the surroundings. One of the oldest surviving theaters in Europe is located right here, as well as numerous noble buildings and medieval palaces. The city of Hvar is a famous destination for celebrities, so you will notice numerous elegant hotels and massive yachts. We should not mention that in the surrounding area are located some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia.
Beautiful Zadar is the second-largest city in Dalmatia, located on the beautiful Mediterranean coast which captivates with its picturesqueness and historical value. It has existed for more than 3,000 years, so the city is a real open-air museum. The old town abounds in phenomenal tourist attractions of high cultural and architectural value.
Be sure to check out St Donatus Church, which is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia. The Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Anastasia built in Romanesque style is another historic building that will fascinate you along with the Roman Catholic St. Chrysogonus and the Benedictine monastery of St. Mary. An impressive collection of ancient Roman glass can be found in the Museum of Ancient Glass containing archaeological
The Istria Peninsula is home to numerous cities and natural sites that delight with idyllic scenery. On the southern part of this peninsula is the city of Pula, which in recent years has become a popular destination. The city boasts many historical attractions, but also beautiful natural places located nearby. The most popular historical building is the Roman amphitheater called "Pula Arena" which is the best-preserved ancient monument in the country. It is one of the six largest surviving Roman arenas in the world, so it is undoubtedly the main symbol of the city. Another impressive building from the ancient period is the Temple of Augustus, built in Roman times and dedicated to Emperor Augustus.
The triumphal Roman Arch of the Sergii should also not be missed, while the Pula Cathedral has been an important site for the Roman Catholic Diocese, which has been used for religious services since ancient times. Once you are done with the historical adventure, it is time to head to explore the natural sites of Istria. The Brijuni Islands are one of the most picturesque landscapes, declared a national park, and known for their unique beauty. If you want to relax on the Adriatic coast, head to Gortan Beach. It is one of the most beautiful beaches for swimming and enjoying the warm sun in Pula.
Plitvice is the oldest and most popular national park in Croatia, located between the Mala Kapela and Plješevica mountains, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It consists of 16 interconnected ponds that form incredible cascades and waterfalls up to 78 meters high. Depending on the light, and minerals, the color of the water is constantly changing, so you will notice a variety of turquoise, blue and green shades. Numerous hiking trails extend through the park, surrounded by lush greenery and rich flora.
Nature has created stunning views here that leave visitors breathless. The whole area is a haven for wildlife, so it is home to rare species such as the European brown bear, wild cat, gray wolf, and Eurasian lynx. The national park is easily accessible from Zagreb or Zadar and is a perfect traveling adventure through Croatian nature. One of the most visited tourist attractions in Croatia, which has more than 1 million tourists a year.
Korchula Island is a real gem and one of the most beautiful attractions in South Dalmatia. The town of Korchula dates back to the medieval era, filled with monumental stone buildings that are considered Croatia's priceless cultural heritage. The fortified city was home to the famous Marco Polo, so there are several sights associated with the explorer. You will have the opportunity to explore the house of Marco Polo, which is believed to have been his birthplace in the 13th century. The Marco Polo Museum is an important institution that nurtures the work of a famous merchant.
The central part of the city is dominated by the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Mark with a Romanian-Gothic façade. Through the old part, you will find fascinating Venetian buildings, noble palaces, and valuable architectural buildings that will take your breath away. Due to its extensive cultural and historical heritage, the town of Korchula is also called "Little Dubrovnik". The most idyllic beaches in the surrounding area of Korcula are located in the resort of Lumbarda.
The attractive town on the phenomenal Croatian coast fascinates with its unique beauty and extensive history of 2300 years. In the past, it was ruled by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Venetians. A walk through the old town is a real historical adventure. You will come across numerous examples of elegant stylistic architecture dating back to the Renaissance and Baroque.
The seafront promenade is phenomenal, while a visit to the iconic Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Lawrence is a must. It is also recommended to consider Kamerlengo Castle, which dates back to the 15th century. The most beautiful palace from the medieval era built in Gothic style is Cippiko Palace. Trogir is considered to be the best-preserved city from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. As an area of valuable historical and cultural significance, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Brijuni National Park is a group of fourteen small picturesque islands in the northern Adriatic Sea, near the Istra Peninsula. The largest island of Veliki Brijun is open for tourist visits and it is the tourism center of this national park. The surroundings of the islands are characterized by lush Mediterranean vegetation and a variety of plant species. Many animal species are imported to the islands that have quickly adapted and survived due to the ideal climate. Several archeological and cultural sites are located on Brijuni.
An interesting fact is that over 200 dinosaur feet have been discovered here. The Church of St. Mary from the 13th century is the most famous monument, built by the Knights Templar. The former president of Yugoslavia, Tito, visited the islands and met with prominent politicians who brought him gifts of exotic animals. You can see the offspring of these animals in the safari park. Elephants, antelopes, and zebras are the animals that attract the attention of tourists.
The most photogenic beach in Croatia is Zlatni Rat, located on the island of Brac. It is about half a kilometer long, and it is constantly changing its shape. But what attracts worldwide attention is that it forms a spectacular shape of a golden horn, which makes it truly unique. The view here is stunning, so get your camera ready. Numerous luxury hotels are located nearby if you want to spend the night in this Adriatic beauty. Water sports are popular here, such as kayaking and surfing. To get to the island, rent a boat from Split.