Things to do in Croatia

Croatia is a breathtaking country situated in Southeastern Europe. It boasts a picturesque Adriatic coastline and a rich cultural heritage.

From Split’s ancient Roman ruins to the stunning national parks of Plitvice Lakes and Krka, and the charming medieval towns of Dubrovnik and Hvar, the country is bursting with a variety of activities and attractions.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a cultural seeker, or just looking to relax on the beach, you’ll find plenty of activities to suit your interests in Croatia.

In this article, we present the 15 top things to do in Croatia, including important attractions and hidden gems.

Top 10 things to do in Croatia

1. Visit Zagreb, the country’s capital

Anyone traveling to Croatia must see Zagreb, the country’s capital. Known for its beautiful architecture and lively culture, Zagreb is a city full of energy and excitement.

Start your visit by exploring the city’s historic core, including the Upper Town, where you’ll find the stunning St. Mark’s Church and the beautiful Croatian National Theatre.

From there, head to the Lower Town to see the bustling open-air market and the iconic Zagreb Cathedral. Be sure to also visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, which features works by some of Croatia’s most talented artists.

In the evening, head to one of the city’s many bars or clubs to experience the vibrant nightlife.

The top 10 attractions in Zagreb

1. St. Mark’s Church

This stunning medieval church is located in the Upper Town of Zagreb and features beautiful Gothic architecture and a colorful tiled roof.

Address: Trg Svetog Marka 5, Zagreb

2. Croatian National Theatre

Located in the heart of the city, the Croatian National Theatre is a stunning neoclassical building that is home to a variety of cultural events, including plays, concerts, and ballets.

Address: 15 Republic of Croatia Square, Zagreb

3. Zagreb Cathedral

This iconic cathedral is located in the Lower Town and features a beautiful Gothic design and stunning stained glass windows.

Address: Kaptol 31, Zagreb

4. Museum of Contemporary Art

Located in the Upper Town, this museum features a wide variety of modern and contemporary art from Croatian and international artists.

Address: Avenija Dubrovnik 17, Zagreb

5. Zagreb Zoo

Located on the outskirts of the city, the Zagreb Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals and is a great place to visit with children.

Address: Ul. Fakultetsko dobro 1, Zagreb

6. Mirogoj Cemetery

This beautiful cemetery is located on the outskirts of the city and features a stunning neoclassical design and a wide variety of ornate tombs and graves.

Address: Aleja Hermanna Bollea 27, Zagreb

7. Zagreb City Museum

This museum is located in the Upper Town and features a wide variety of exhibits on the history and culture of Zagreb and Croatia.

Address: Opatička ul. 20, Zagreb

8. Croatian Museum of Naive Art

This museum is located in the Lower Town and features a wide variety of naive art from Croatian artists.

Address: Ćirilometodska ul. 3, Zagreb

9. Maksimir Park

This beautiful park is located on the outskirts of the city and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Address: Maksimirski perivoj 1, Zagreb

10. Jarun Lake

Located on the outskirts of the city, Jarun Lake is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and other outdoor activities.

Address: Trg Krešimira Ćosića, Zagreb

FURTHER READING

2. Visit Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a beautiful city situated on the Adriatic coast of Croatia.

It’s recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and is well-known for its lovely old town, which is encircled by old city walls.

Any tourist to Dubrovnik should take a stroll along these walls since they provide beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea and the ancient town below.

With winding cobblestone alleys, charming squares, and a broad selection of boutiques, eateries, and other services, the old town itself is a charming and historic area.

3. Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Split

Split is a city on the Croatian coast that is home to numerous ancient Roman ruins, including the Diocletian’s Palace.

The Diocletian’s Palace is a well-preserved example of Roman architecture. It was built in the 4th century AD as a retirement home for the Roman Emperor Diocletian and features a mix of Roman and Byzantine architectural styles.

In addition to exploring the palace, visitors to Split can also visit the city’s many other ancient Roman ruins, including the Temple of Jupiter, the Basements of the Palace, and the Golden Gate.

4. Take a boat tour to the island of Hvar

The city of Hvar is famous for its crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches. It’s a popular tourist destination in the Adriatic Sea and is easily accessible by boat from the mainland.

There are several boat tours that will take you to the island and allow you to explore its many attractions.

Aside from its beautiful beaches, Hvar is home to a number of cultural and historical landmarks, including the Hvar Fortress, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Hvar Town Museum.

While on the island, try some of the delectable local cuisine, which includes a variety of fresh seafood dishes.

5. Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park

The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a breathtaking natural destination in central Croatia.

The park contains a number of stunning lakes and waterfalls that are surrounded by dense forests and lush flora. The park is well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty, and it is a favorite destination for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.

There are numerous hiking trails that will take you through the park and allow you to discover its various attractions, including stunning waterfalls and lakes.

Visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, swimming, and birdwatching, in addition to hiking.

6. Take a trip to the island of Korčula

Korčula is a quaint and gorgeous resort off Croatia’s coast, famed for its magnificent beaches and charming ancient town.

Korčula is a renowned visit for history buffs because, according to legend, it is the birthplace of Marco Polo, the great Venetian trader, and traveler.

Korčula’s old town is a lovely historic district with small cobblestone alleys, charming squares, and a diverse range of stores, restaurants, and other services.

7. Visit the historic town of Zadar

Zadar is a historic and charming town on Croatia’s coast renowned for its magnificent beaches and spectacular sunsets.

The town’s sights and attractions include the Zadar Cathedral, St. Donatus Church, and the Zadar Archaeological Museum. Zadar is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, having a range of amazing beaches and parks to explore in addition to its cultural and historical attractions.

The Sunset Promenade, a lovely waterfront walkway with spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea and the sunset, is one of Zadar’s most popular attractions.

8. Swim in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea

The Adriatic Sea is a beautiful body of water off the coast of Croatia that is popular for swimming and other water sports.

The sea is famed for its pristine seas and gorgeous beaches, making it an ideal area to unwind and soak up the rays.

Along the Adriatic Sea coastline, there are several beach resorts that provide a variety of services and activities such as swimming, sunbathing and water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving.

The Adriatic Sea is also an excellent location for water activities like as surfing, windsurfing, and kayaking.

9. Take a wine tour

Croatia boasts a broad selection of tasty local wines, and joining a wine tour is a terrific chance to experience some of the best.

The country has a number of wine districts, each with its own distinct climate and terroir, producing a wide diversity of wine varieties.

Istria, Dalmatia, and Slavonia are three of Croatia’s most popular wine regions, producing a wide range of red, white, and sparkling wines.

A wine tour allows you to visit a range of wineries and vineyards, where you can learn about the winemaking process and sample a variety of wines.

10. Visit the national parks of Risnjak and Northern Velebit

The national parks of Risnjak and Northern Velebit are Croatia’s stunning natural attractions.

Risnjak National Park in Croatia’s Gorski Kotar region is recognized for its lush woods, magnificent mountain streams, and diverse flora and wildlife. The park has a number of hiking trails that will take you through its beautiful landscapes and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and woods.

Northern Velebit National Park is located in Croatia’s Lika region and is noted for its spectacular karst scenery, which includes a number of caves, cliffs, and canyons to explore. The park has a number of hiking paths, including the well-known Premui’s Trail, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

11. Go rafting or kayaking on the Cetina River

The Cetina River is a magnificent and scenic watercourse in Croatia that is ideal for rafting or kayaking.

The river flows through the beautiful scenery of mountains, woods, and canyons, with a mix of challenging rapids and tranquil sections to explore.

A variety of rafting and kayaking tours are offered along the Cetina River, providing a thrilling and exhilarating outdoor adventure.

These excursions are appropriate for paddlers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced, and are an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beauty and thrill of the Cetina River.

12. Visit the island of Brač

The island of Brač is a lovely and picturesque resort off the coast of Croatia, renowned for its spectacular natural beauty and wonderful beaches.

The Zlatni Rat beach, a gorgeous stretch of coastline famous for its crystal blue seas and gorgeous golden beaches, is one of the island’s most popular attractions.

The beach is a popular site for swimming, sunbathing, and other outdoor activities, and it’s a perfect spot to unwind and take in the island’s natural beauty.

Visitors to Brač may visit the beach as well as the island’s numerous other attractions, including the Brač Island Museum, the Vlatka Matruko Gallery, and the Brač Summer Music Festival.

13. Take a boat trip to the beautiful Kornati Islands

The Kornati Islands are a stunning archipelago in the Adriatic Sea, right off the coast of Croatia.

The islands are famous for sailing and other outdoor activities thanks to their spectacular natural beauty.

A boat excursion to the Kornati Islands is a must-do activity for anybody visiting Croatia, and it is an excellent opportunity to appreciate the beauty and charm of this beautiful archipelago.

There are several boat cruises that will take you to the Kornati Islands, allowing you to explore the archipelago’s numerous coves, bays, and inlets.

14. Go skiing in the mountains of Gorski Kotar

The Gorski Kotar mountains are a magnificent and gorgeous location located in the heart of Croatia that is ideal for skiing.

The region is home to a number of ski resorts that provide a range of slopes and paths for skiers of all abilities.

Gorski Kotar’s ski resorts are well-known for their high-quality amenities and good snow conditions, making them a popular destination for both domestic and foreign skiers.

15. Visit the charming town of Rovinj

Rovinj is a quaint and scenic village on Croatia’s coast known for its gorgeous ancient town and breathtaking coastline vistas.

Rovinj’s old town is a picturesque and historic enclave with small cobblestone streets, charming squares, and a diverse range of stores, restaurants, and other services.

A trip around Rovinj’s old town is a must-do activity for any visitor, as it provides insight into the town’s rich history and culture.

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