The Travellio

Best Places to Visit in Croatia

Best Places to Visit in Croatia That Will Amaze You

Planning a trip to Croatia had me narrowing down so many different places that sounded like unforgettable adventures, the kind of travel I’d always dreamed about but never tried on my own. 

Back home, I felt nervous and a bit scared because I don’t speak much English fluently, let alone Croatian, and the idea of travelling far away for such a long journey made my heart race—expect the layover in Amsterdam to last just one hour, but it stretched to 2, turning my first big trip into a real test of patience. 

When I finally landed there, though, Croatia remains one of the best countries I’ve travelled to, cemented as one of my favourites because I managed to see this beautiful country in ways that definitely help you fall in love with its diversity of landscapes and cultural attractions. 

From island-hopping on buses, ferries, and trains to hiking trails and crossing drop-dead gorgeous inhabited islets, I explored quite a few Croatian cities like Dubrovnik—neighbouring Slovenia felt close during my breaks—and ventured inland from the coast in both the south and north, making hard-to-navigate spots feel like stand-alone destinations that stole my breath everywhere.

That entire adventure visited national parks with gushing waterfalls, beaches for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling amid kaleidoscopic waters on lazy days under the sun, plus islands peppered with gorgeous mix of experiences from lakes and rivers to mountain ranges. 

Promises of troves full of Roman and Venetian-era architecture, UNESCO sites blending cultural and natural heritage of nature, all along 2500 miles of coastline—close to 1200 sun-drenched credentials that are truly impressive—kept me going, even in spring, summer, winter, or off-season fall when things slow down for a more guarded, fortified, walled, mediaeval, historic vibe. 

Walls of Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Walls of Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia. Credits: https://unsplash.com/@matthiasmullie

Dubrovnik’s Old Town in Europe stood out as a top contender, but the very best places to visit on your next trip include these destinations for a rundown that covers single spots like the city itself, turning my solo exploration into something sure to start your own love affair with this destination full of historic wonders.

Best Places to Visit in Croatia

Croatia is packed with stunning destinations, from the turquoise lakes of Plitvice and Krka to the medieval beauty of Dubrovnik and Split. Explore island gems like Hvar, Brač, Vis, and Korčula, or wander through charming towns such as Rovinj, Pula, and Zadar. Don’t miss Zagreb’s vibrant culture, the peaceful nature of Mljet and Kopački Rit, and nearby escapes to Slovenia or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Korčula

Korčula
Korčula. Credits: https://www.pexels.com/@lukas-kosc-525097851/

Getting to Korčula meant dealing with bus delays that had me skipped a ferry, forcing a quick detour via a short hop from Orebic—just a couple of hours on public transport that turned out reasonably easy for access, though I learned to book my own cruise or private gulet charter next time to avoid relying solely on ferries and maximise my time for a more leisurely journey. 

As a planning tip, it’s an easy day trip from Dubrovnik, but staying longer lets you properly explore this handsome, verdant island that’s a special gem beyond the peninsula, like a miniature version further away from the mainland hustle, where I once pitched my tent for camping and woke up to the sound of waves lapping at gorgeous beaches and quiet swimming spots shaded by peaceful pine forests and rolling vineyards that produce delicious white wines—oh, how they taste better at sunset along the pretty Adriatic shores.

What draws me back to Korčula as one of my favourite places to visit in Croatia is the main reason: Korčula Town, this sweet little seaside town set against imposing walls and towers, a small, fortified settlement that’s compact and laid out in a fascinating fishbone pattern—less crowded compared to Dubrovnik, making it perfect for a stroll or walk down every one of its narrow, old-world streets in Korčula Town. 

The labyrinth leads to an extraordinary cathedral adorned with downright kooky set carvings, and from there, a less than hour leaves plenty of time for an al fresco meal under umbrella pines at restaurants lining the sea-facing Petra Kanavelić promenade, where I savoured fresh seafood while watching boats glide by. 

To explore the islands further, hop to ancient Vis for its isolated isles, or contrast with the party-centric Pag, but Korčula’s old town vibe, blending history and relaxation, keeps it a top part for any visit.

Rijeka

Rijeka
Rijeka. Credits: https://unsplash.com/@ozren_c

Rijeka, this bustling seaport town and first of the Croatian cities I travelled through, turned out to be the perfect place to get up early and go for a run, especially when trying to ward off that nagging jet lag after a long flight—lucky enough, there will be a lively farmer’s market open right during your visit, the only great way to save yourself some money down the road, especially if you’re road tripping and plan to be in a car for hours on end. 

The food also looked delicious with fresh picks that made my morning snack unforgettable, and since Rijeka is very small, you really don’t need to spend too much time here, but I stay at least one night to take advantage of some amazing restaurants you’ll stumble across in the city square, where the also perfect vibe of salty sea air mixed with local chatter made it my go-to place for easing into through Croatia’s charm.

Pula & Rovinj (Istria) 

Pula
Pula. Credits: https://unsplash.com/@niels_to

Pula, this coastal charmer on the Istrian peninsula, hooked me right away with its magnificent attractions like the Pula Arena, a well-preserved amphitheatre that’s two-thousand-year-old and the Temple of Augustus, making the whole city feel like a mini Rome—mostly because it does have own ruins that very much resemble the Colosseum, and I’d read how it’s been occupied so many times over the years by different groups, including Romans, Venetians, and even the Allied Forces during World War II, which definitely sounds like the type of place history buffs would relish as one of the best places to visit in Croatia for that raw experience on the side of the country still whispering Italian control through its Roman sights you see compared to the busier Dubrovnik or Dalmatian coast, turning it into a true European hidden gem far from the crowds where I wandered for hours, soaking in the salty breeze off a gorgeous Adriatic beach. 

Rovinj
Rovinj. Credits: https://unsplash.com/@eleanorye

From there, it’s an easy shift to postcard-perfect Rovinj, my must-visit in Istria despite its busy size, with jutting cluster of colourful houses that decorate a web of narrow streets leading to calm waters and a collection of small islands I explored on a lazy boat day trip—unfortunately, I didn’t make that stop last time and really wish I did, because the lovely town’s pastel-hued facades, cobblestone lanes lined with art galleries, and spots sitting by the Sea screamed for lazy afternoons sketching the view.

Motovun
Motovun. Credits: https://unsplash.com/@sundancer

Wandering inland from these seaside spots brought delights like the undulating hills dotted with charming hilltop towns, and Motovun stole my heart as a picturesque spot rising from a forested valley at the Park base, where you can hop a shuttle bus or simply walk steeply uphill past medieval walls for vistas over rolling landscapes—the southernmost tip holds Cape Kamenjak, an undeveloped nature reserve fringed by a string of pebble bays and secluded rocky beaches that felt like my private playground for cliff-jumping and tide-pooling during a solo hike. 

As a planning tip, find accommodation that’s central so it’s easy to get anywhere, whether chasing more favourite Croatian cities or just letting the region’s must vibes pull you into another day of unhurried discovery.

Hvar

Hvar
Hvar. Credits: https://unsplash.com/@oww

Hvar has long been my secret bolthole, a rich and famous holiday hotspot that established itself as one of the best places to visit in Croatia about fifty years ago, with its continually growing popularity ever since turning it into one of the most popular islands—it’s usually featured in most 10-day itineraries, especially those covering Dalmatia, where I once squeezed it into a packed schedule and ended up lingering far longer than planned, mesmerized by how the summer sun dazed revellers who descend in droves to the tiny seaside spots. 

In Town, yachts anchor like jewels against the sea, drawing a party crowd for beachside cocktail hours that spill into the night, but if you step back from the action, there’s a superb way to unwind: head up the looming hill to find a swimming spot by following the waterfront promenade, then stake out one of those rocky bays before a quick hop on a taxi boat to the nearby Pakleni islets, where the views feel equally beautiful and the water’s clarity begged me to dive in for hours, a ritual that balanced the buzz with pure bliss.

What keeps pulling me back, though, is how this island founded by the ancient Greeks and shaped by the Venetians layers gorgeous architecture you can admire alongside panoramas from the Fortica Fortress, that mediaeval castle high above the Old Town combining two eras in a way that’s warned to come with a bit of a price tag compared to some other spots—plenty of upscale bars and restaurants dot the island, including five listings in the Michelin Guide that aren’t full stars but still shine, plus luxe villas tucked away in the prettiest corners. 

Still, if you’re dubious about visiting thinking it would break your budget, don’t worry; snag a few affordable deals from the local scene to enjoy without needing to sacrifice a thing.

Split (and Trogir) 

What keeps pulling me back, though, is how this island—Hvar, founded by the ancient Greeks and shaped by the Venetians—layers gorgeous architecture you can admire alongside panoramas from the Fortica Fortress, that mediaeval castle high above the Old Town combining two eras in a way that’s warned to come with a bit of a price tag compared to some other spots, yet from Split, it’s an easy ferry hop that definitely blends into your Dalmatian days without missing the mainland magic. 

Split
Split. Credits: https://unsplash.com/@averymeeker

Plenty of upscale bars and restaurants dot the island, including five listings in the Michelin Guide that aren’t full stars but still shine, plus luxe villas tucked away in the prettiest corners, and still, if you’re dubious about visiting thinking it would break your budget, grab a few affordable deals from the local spots to enjoy with no need to sacrifice a thing, just like I did on a whim during a harborside stay that let me wander lavender-scented paths at dawn, proving Hvar’s charm truly works its magic on any wallet—meanwhile, back in Split, the rich history of Diocletian’s Palace echoes that same allure.

Split has long been my go-to bolthole, a famous holiday hotspot that established itself as one of the best places to visit in Croatia about fifty years ago, with its continually growing popularity ever since making it one of the most popular hubs—it’s usually featured in most 10-day itineraries, especially those covering Dalmatia, where I once squeezed it into a packed schedule and ended up lingering far longer than planned, mesmerized by how the summer sun dazed revellers who descend in droves to the tiny seaside nooks along the Riva promenade. 

In Town, yachts anchor like forgotten dreams against the sea, drawing a party crowd for beachside cocktail sips that spill into the night, but if you step back from the action, there’s a superb escape: head up the looming hill of Marjan to find a swimming spot by following the waterfront promenade, then stake out one of those rocky bays before a quick hop on a taxi boat to the nearby shores, where the views feel equally beautiful and the water’s clarity begged me to linger for hours, a ritual that balanced the buzz with pure bliss—and just a short bus ride away, Trogir’s compact old town, with its imposing cathedral and labyrinthine alleys, offers a quieter counterpoint.

BRAČ ISLAND

Zlatni Rat
Zlatni Rat. Credits: https://www.pexels.com/@ollivves/

Down on Brač’s southern coast, the lively town of Bol at the island’s tail hooked me with its easygoing vibe, where I based myself for a week of salty mornings and sunset dips, letting the shaped sands of Zlatni Rat—Croatia’s most photographed beach—draw me in with its astonishing shape that shifts like a living thing under two-toned blue-green waters lapping at the strand of fine pebbles, and on the east side, a steady breeze had me grinning as it came drawing swarms of wind kitesurfers slicing the waves like pros while I watched from a cliffside café, feeling that raw thrill without even grabbing a board. 

Looming above, Vidova Gora, the highest peak on any of the Adriatic islands at 778m (2552ft), called for a hike that rewarded my sweaty climb with gorgeous vistas stretching to nearby islands, right down to the famous beach below, where I paused to taste island life at a full halt amid the quiet hum of cicadas, then biked over to make stops in the colorful fishing villages like Milna and Sutivan, their harbors alive with nets drying and fresh catches grilling—planning tip: stop by the Olive Oil Museum in Škrip to learn Brač’s history of production.

CRES

Cres
Cres. Credits: https://unsplash.com/@emtisquare

Cres embodies a wild, rugged, unspoiled allure with its signature off beaten track vibe, where I first landed in Cres Town, the busy port town framed by pastel colored facades that hinted at hidden stories, prompting a swift escape to the quiet fishing village of Valun, bookended by immaculate pebble beaches ideal for dawn reflections. 

The hiking path then heads upwards to the lofty hamlet of Lubenice, featuring stone houses perched on the edge of a dramatic 378m (1240ft) high sea facing cliff that commands the horizon, evoking ancient solitude amid crashing waves below. 

Lying at the island’s southern end, Osor delights as a charming village of quaint stone cottages nestled among rose gardens boasting a pleasing artistic bent, its paths revealed through stylized bronze sculptures of musicians decorating the cozy squares like timeless performers—planning tip: from Osor, a short bridge connects the Cres island to Lošinj, unlocking twin-island wonders effortlessly.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Okay, this isn’t really a Croatian city much a region, but I had to include it because although I love travelling to cities around the world, just visiting these unique, breathtaking landscapes hits different, and there’s something about being out in Croatia’s interior that sure feels like magic.

Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park. Credits: https://unsplash.com/@pascal_habermann

Plitvice Lakes National Park, this UNESCO-listed gem, became my rainy-day haven one crisp October when I ditched the coast for its protected, wonderful waterfalls shrouded in forest, where waters run crystal clear and you can cross wooden walkways that weave through, letting you pause for admiring nature afar or feel part of the whispery woods up close. 

There’s no denying it’s one of the best places to visit for that raw, earthy pulse, especially when you get those amazing colours in autumn that paint everything beautiful, plus if you go during off-season, you will likely have it all yourself, like we did on a solo loop trail that echoed with nothing but dripping leaves and my own footsteps, turning a simple wander into a soul-stirring reset.

What seals it as an awe-inspiring sight is the listed turquoise ribbon linked by gushing falls through the forested heart of the continental wilds, where the park comprises interconnected lakes long about 1.5 miles, with Kozjak as the largest among dozens smaller ones, plus reed-fringed ponds and travertine expanses covered in mossy plants that divide bodies of water into startling colors—a product of the underlying bedrock that glows like jewels underfoot. 

From the most impressive points, like the terraced tumble high inside a limestone canyon, you peer into an underground world of caves and canyons, exploring misty nooks that feel like stepping into a fairy tale, all via boardwalks that allow you to easily traverse this extraordinary watery maze without a splash—warned, it’s summer crowded, but absolutely worth making the journey from Zadar in two hours or Split in 2.5 to see it shimmer. 

Planning tip: Entry tickets are limited to avoid overcrowding, so book online in advance to snag your slot for those hushed, emerald moments.

Zadar

Zadar
Zadar. Credits: https://www.pexels.com/@frankie-creative-2149783845/

People told me Zadar wasn’t worth spending much time there, but I actually ended up with it being one of my favourite places to visit in Croatia, perhaps because it’s a more underrated European city compared to Croatia’s big hitters, so I enjoyed fewer tourists and it felt a bit local, though locals said assuming it might be a different story if you’re here when a day cruise ship docks—many of the finest cities get that swarm, but most attention goes to Zadar’s Old Town.

This compact peninsula crammed with than thousand years of history where the Roman Forum, various religious buildings, and the archaeological museum keep you busy for at least a whole day, wandering inside walls to find a number of Venetian ruins including the Church of St Donatus, that odd structure that’s something seeing all the same amid Byzantine churches and Romanesque cathedrals dating back to times of defensive strongholds now recognized by UNESCO and transformed into a tree-lined promenade tracing the seafront until nightfall, when the northwest corner becomes a stage for celebrated sunsets as an ethereal installation of the quirky Sea Organ.

This instrument is built into the promenade that creates sounds from waves and makes excellent sunset entertainment, letting you really need just two seaside spots to spend hours lost in the rhythm.

Sea Organ
Sea Organ. Credits: https://www.pexels.com/@deluca-g-412104326/

The seaside here is also small enough to walk the entire thing on your own personal part, especially near the sea organ where I know anything like it in the world—truly incredible, I’d sit and listen for hours as 35 pipes hidden in stone steps let the wind use them to create music just a few feet away, right by the Sun Salutation, a circular surface of solar panels that transforms into a colorful light show at night, turning the harbor into a glowing canvas that had me sketching feverishly one balmy evening, feeling the city’s quirky soul pulse underfoot. 

Planning tip: take a one hour drive south to Vransko Lake Nature Park, the largest natural home to 100 bird species, where I once spotted a flock of herons at dawn, binoculars in hand, adding a feathered twist to Zadar’s coastal spell.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik. Credits: https://unsplash.com/@jekkiliciouss

While I first hit Dubrovnik as one of the top places to visit for any Game Thrones fan on a trip that was pure delight, just a casual walk around the mighty Walls had me hooked on its medieval magic, but returned years ago after a bumpy journey across Bosnia Herzegovina that made the busy unpleasant experience of pushing shoving through the Old Town feel like a trial by crowds—devoted souvenir shops hawking overpriced poor food turned me off quick, so my tip for this gem among European destinations is to aim for March when the weather pleasant means fewer cruise ships calling and visiting crowds are tame, prepared for those busiest summer days that can turn overwhelming if you’re spending one week there. 

The best start is to head off to calmer quarters beyond the mass tourism, where Croatia’s exclave shines as an incredible destination—I staying outside old town for some real peace, lodged near Lozica so those late evenings gave me time with the city after day-trippers gone, and thinking everyone going there just for the show, but nah, there’s good reason in the architecture medieval looking well preserved, the fact people live within walls that makes it pulse like a living storybook.

Believe me, it’s beautiful night during day, walking through narrow streets where golden lights leading way create something never forget, so do yourself favour and costs little to get up early for those unbelievable moments without regret, wondering seeing actually real as the popular most fortified city’s extraordinary massive Enclosed core unfolds with a dozen more churches monasteries dotting limestone squares elegant over centuries residential quarters—an absolute must do for circular rambles that let you glimpses catch of hidden courtyards gardens and sweeping sea vistas atop views high above via the cable car, two highlights that had me perched there one golden dusk, notebook in lap, tracing the horizon like an old friend. 

Planning first thing in the morning hour before closing lets you avoid heat and claim the ramparts as your own quiet throne.

Krka National Park

Krka National Park
Krka National Park. Credits: https://unsplash.com/@photosimon

Exploring Croatia’s coast can feel endless, but for a quicker reach to an alternative like Plitvice, head straight to Krka National Park, where a great number of beauty waterfalls steal the show as the star among famous destinations, those couple impressive cascades of water tumbling in enchanting veils that I loved to swim under years back before banned rules kicked in, turning misty mornings into forbidden thrills near Šibenik, one of my favourite places and an excellent place to spend a night or two visiting its gorgeous, millennia-old city buzzing with tourists yet hiding quiet alleys that whisper old seafaring tales. 

Follow the national River as it goes rushing through canyons broadening into serene lakes splashing with numerous falls, then stroll boardwalks past the mighty Skradinski Buk to marvel at a multitude of fish darting in emerald waters, pausing to find ruins of a Roman military camp and amphitheater, plus historic watermills grinding echoes of the past, or ferry out to fascinating monasteries hopping one island to another built over ancient catacombs that felt like peeking into a submerged history book during my foggy dawn paddle years ago.

ŠIBENIK

ŠIBENIK
ŠIBENIK. Credits: https://unsplash.com/@mana5280

Šibenik reveals itself as a sly charmer that somehow undeservedly falls off most travelers’ radar, but oh boy, for starters, dive into its two UNESCO sites that had me grinning ear to ear on a solo ramble one drizzly spring day, starting with the gorgeous landmark of the 15th century St James’ Cathedral, where the notable frieze of 71 comical faces carved into the facade stared back like cheeky locals mocking my wide-eyed awe, then hopping over to the St Nicholas Fortress, a sea bound fortification built in Venetian times and linked to the mainland by a sleek walkway, earning World Heritage honor in 2017 as I perched there sketching the horizon, wind whipping tales of old sieges. 

This once carefully guarded city still boasts three other fortresses, with Barone topping as the most visit worthy for its excellent visitor center packed with interactive exhibits that brought dusty battles alive through touchscreens and holograms, making me feel like a pint-sized explorer piecing together the past—planning tip: hop a ferry for a short trip to the tiny Zlarin car free island, where I once wandered carless lanes lined with coral divers’ huts, the salt air thick with stories of pearl hunts that turned a half-day escape into a full-hearted love affair with this hidden coastal soul.

Zagreb

Zagreb
Zagreb. Credits: https://unsplash.com/@aarsoph

Zagreb ranks high among places visit Croatia that often criminally skipped or rushed by people who take quick tour before exploring more country, but I suggest staying couple nights to get know this largest city better, diving into its abundance museums like the Ethnographic Museum that help unravel folk tales through embroidered skirts and wooden flutes, also some somewhat quirky spots like the now-infamous Broken Relationships where then typical expectations any European capital shatter with glass cases of unique things that exactly sounds talk about weird breakups you’d see plus not uplifting but oddly, they can spark laughs during travels made cathartic in the rain-slicked streets. 

From soaring Cathedrals to colorful S. Mark’s Church on grand squares, you enjoy drink and got different look south due Austro-Hungarian architecture, where I found atmosphere really welcoming there amid outstanding wine bars around mediaeval Upper Town—unfortunately explored least during trip, so I must go back as it felt one modern Croatian cities visited that actually bursts with amazing food all along main strip, the city’s largely inspired Austro-Hungary flair mixing goulash with strudel in spots that warmed my belly after chilly hikes.

The best thing do here is to walk bring appetite for strolling that made my days hum, wander tree lined Strossmayer promenade that winds medieval defensive walls offering panoramic views across red rooftops and church spires in the Lower sprawl, afterward stop at the lively open air Dolac Market where farmers peddle fresh produce beneath bright umbrellas fluttering like festival flags. 

MLJET

MLJET
MLJET. Credits: https://unsplash.com/@kevin_charit

Mljet unfolded as a marvelous island idyll during my lazy summer sail from Dubrovnik, where the legend of Odysseus marooned for seven years lingered like mist over the waves, making it easy appreciate why ancient sailors spun such tales, but I took time leaving the ferry to wander its cloaked dense pine forests that shaded my path like old friends, breathing in that earthy scent that cleared my head after city chaos. 

Pushing deeper, I saved the entire western section for last, slipping into the national park to find two sublime cobalt colored lakes ringed by reeds, where a quick rowboat rental let me circle the smaller one until spotting the island monastery perched like a wise hermit, its bells tolling softly as I picnicked on goat cheese and figs, then drifted back to the sleepy unbelievably pretty little port of Pomena for sunset gelato that melted too fast in the heat. 

VIS ISLAND

VIS ISLAND
VIS ISLAND. Credits: https://unsplash.com/@jredl

Before Mamma Mia put Vis on everyone’s list, this gem among Croatia’s more remote islands was my hushed best known site for a former Yugoslavian military base that still echoes with secretive vibes from my off-season trek years back, where rusted bunkers dotted the cliffs like forgotten giants, pulling me into whispers of Cold War ghosts amid wild herbs. 

Docking at the port of Vis and its neighboring Komiža on the western end of the island, those major towns made of lovely stone townhouses lining seaside promenades felt like stepping into a painter’s sketch, with hidden bays and rocky coves along the southern coast begging for discovery—best explored by boat, especially the postcard perfect Stiniva Bay that I chased on a borrowed dinghy one foggy dawn, its turquoise hug framed by sheer walls, though otherwise reached via a steep rocky path that left my legs jelly but my heart full of that raw, unscripted thrill only Vis delivers.

KOPAČKI RIT NATURE PARK

Before the world caught on to Croatia’s hidden corners, Kopački Rit Nature Park was my serene escape among the more remote floodplains near Osijek, best known as one of Europe’s richest wetlands where the site of tangled former river arms still echoes with the calls of over 300 bird species during my misty autumn paddle years ago, those rusted observation hides dotted like watchful eyes amid reed beds, pulling me into whispers of migratory flocks amid wildflowers. 

Gliding from the port of Tikveš and its neighboring hamlet on the western end of the park, those quiet major trails made of wooden lovely boardwalks lining shaded paths felt like slipping into a naturalist’s diary, with hidden lagoons and rocky oxbows along the southern edges begging for quiet spotting—best explored on a boat, especially the emerald shallows where I trailed a finger in the water one foggy dawn, its silty embrace framed by overhanging willows, though otherwise reached via a steep embankment path that left my boots muddy but my spirit buzzing with that raw, unfiltered thrill only Kopački Rit delivers, a birdwatcher’s haven teeming with herons and deer.

ZAGORJE

Trakošćan Castle pulled me in like a fairy tale come alive during a drizzly drive from Zagreb, this 1334 gem with its neo Gothic 19th century exterior that hides far older internal structures, where I journey back through echoing halls to learn excesses of the Croatian aristocracy via a well presented museum full of gilded portraits and dusty swords that made me chuckle at their lavish feasts, then wander 215 acres of castle grounds landscaped in a romantic English style park dotted with exotic trees around an artificial lake that mirrored the mist like a secret mirror. 

Further west, the hilltop castle of Veliki Tabor offers an even moodier trip into the 16th century with its pentagonal towers turrets guarding atmospheric interiors that smelled of aged stone and stories, surrounded by bucolic landscapes that surround you in green waves—perfect for picnics under oaks where I once sketched the turrets at dusk, feeling Zagorje’s postcard worthy medieval castles sit waiting for curious time travelers like us to claim their quiet magic.

Bosnia & Herzegovina or Slovenia 

Bosnia Herzegovina
Bosnia Herzegovina. Credits: https://unsplash.com/@christianlue

Thinking about the best places to visit in Costa Rica always pulls me into memories of touring stunning sights across Bosnia and Herzegovina during an old yet bizarre double border-crossing bus journey right through Neum, their tiny spot of coastline that somehow grew less enticing beyond the quick bridge connecting Croatia’s exclave back to the bulk country, all built purely for those fleeting glimpses.

Yet grabbing plenty day trips alongside extended options flipped it into a true gateway toward Mostar, forever known for that gorgeous Old Town paired with the history-defining Stari Most Bridge, not forgetting the eerie Blagja caves that left me shivering pure awe on one foggy afternoon when I chose to keep exploring far past what I planned down those winding Ottoman alleys, chatting as locals shared warm rakija alongside heavy war stories carving a lasting impression straight into my heart.

What a crossing nations ritual it turned out to be, easily my top favourite spot to visit Croatia straight from there, turning every big trips across the country that started fresh and ended smooth in some neighbouring land into pure natural ease while combining fresh worlds, always urging folks to consider extra detours whenever time truly allows since nothing deepens your love for a country quite like that pull toward something even deeper, a vibe I chase every single day now amid Costa Rica’s wild wonders—especially when diving deeper into those best places to visit in Costa Rica that keep calling me back for more.

Slovenia

Slovenia. Credits: https://unsplash.com/@arnaudsteckleUp north, the urge flips to Slovenia for seamless combining Croatia vibes, where Ljubljana, the capital Slovenia, is easily reached around three hours from Zagreb as Europe’s greenest capital cities, letting you sip wine along river banks before a day trip to dreamy Lake Bled or to explore incredible vineyard region in the misty Vipava Valley that I once biked through on a whim, baskets overflowing with grapes that stained my fingers purple. 

These two extensions, whether a swift neighbouring country hop or a lingering wander, weave Croatia’s best towns, cities, coastal hotspots into broader tales, the kind that leaves you with a lasting impression of borders as mere suggestions on a map.

Faq

Is Split or Dubrovnik better to visit?

Split beats Dubrovnik as the better destination for island hopping, adventure activities like zip-lining and rafting, plus exploring nearby medieval towns, though Dubrovnik excels in day trips and tours to neighbouring countries such as Bosnia and Montenegro.

What is the nicest part of Croatia to visit?

The nicest part of Croatia to visit is Dubrovnik, with its café-lined squares, bustling harbour, ancient treasures, and imposing city walls. It’s one of the best places that hooked me on cliff walks and harbor dips, turning a solo week into endless sunset sketches.

What is famous in Croatia?

Dubrovnik’s Old Town stands famous in Croatia, enveloped by fortified walls constructed over periods from the 13th to 17th centuries, crammed with churches, palaces, museums, galleries, shops, restaurants, and bars that I roamed until midnight, each corner spilling tales of silk traders and sea captains.

Where is the most beautiful city in Croatia?

The most beautiful city in Croatia is Trogir, a tiny island town with stunning architectural heritage among captivating cities, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and architecture lover’s dream—its historic center on the island founded by ancient Greek settlers wove stone wonders that stopped me mid-stride for hours of shaded awe.

About the author
Amaid Abbas
Hi, I’m Amaid Abbas, a passionate traveler from Pakistan. My heart beats for travel, and my words are my compass. Through my blogs, I aim to guide and inspire fellow wanderers, sharing not just destinations but the essence of journeys.

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