The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best places to visit in croatia"
Named by 6 of 81. DubrovnikA walled city where you can walk the ancient walls in about 90 minutes, with the sea on one side.Very crowded in summer, partly from cruise ships, so a trip outside the busiest months is suggested.Best time to visit Dubrovnik
Named by 5 of 82. Plitvice Lakes National ParkA web of 16 travertine waterfalls and turquoise lakes; the most visited national park in Croatia.Crowded in peak season; a 7 AM start or the Upper Lakes help avoid people.
Named by 3 of 83. RovinjSits on a small peninsula; compact enough to enjoy without pressure.Called arguably the most picturesque city on the Croatian coast; sunset from the bell tower is a highlight.
Named by 3 of 84. IstriaHilltop inland towns include Motovun, known for a film festival, and Buzet, known for a truffle festival each autumn.Pula has a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, the Arena.Named by 3 of 85. SplitDiocletian's Palace is a Roman palace completed in 305 A.D. that is now home to shops, restaurants and apartments.The old town keeps original Roman ruins among newer buildings and has a few beaches.
Named by 2 of 86. ZagrebUpper and Lower Town are linked by the world's smallest funicular.Compared with Prague and suited to a short break with nightlife and events.
Named by 2 of 87. KorčulaOne writer's favorite place in Croatia, far less crowded than Dubrovnik, with views to the Peljesac peninsula.Said to be Marco Polo's birthplace, with vineyards, sandy beaches and secluded coves.Named by 2 of 88. PulaThe Roman amphitheater was built by Emperor Vespasian and is visible from much of town.Reached by flights to Pula.
Named by 2 of 89. Lokrum IslandA short boat ride from Dubrovnik's old harbor, with secluded rocky beaches.Described as an escape from the crowds, with kayak tours under the city walls.
Named by 2 of 810. CavtatA quiet harbor town about 30 minutes south of Dubrovnik by car or boat.Clean, warm, calm harbor water; Kotor in Montenegro is two hours away.
Named by 2 of 811. MotovunA small hilltop town in Istria with strong views, suggested as an outdoorsy, authentic base.Known for its annual film festival.
12. Krka National ParkLess dramatic than Plitvice, but you can get in the water, which feels more relaxed.
13. ŠibenikCalled one of the most underrated stops, with narrow stone alleyways at the mouth of the Krka River.
14. TrogirAn old town set between the mainland and Čiovo with a small Venetian fortress; an easy stop between Zadar and Split.15. ZadarA lesser-known coastal city known for the Sea Organ, built in 2005, and the Monument to the Sun.
16. Hvar and BračNamed for beach relaxation.
17. TrpanjA quiet town with a promenade, clear water and sunsets, a few hours north of Dubrovnik.
18. Paklenica National ParkA mountain park mainly known to climbers for its limestone walls, with hiking too.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name May to June and September as the best time to visit Croatia.
Questions people ask
- Where is the best part of Croatia?
- One writer calls it a toss-up between Plitvice Lakes National Park and Split Old Town. Dubrovnik is named number one by another guide.
- Is Croatia cheap or expensive?
- One source calls Croatia a more affordable option than other European countries.
