Best Things to Do in Croatia: Top Places to Visit 

Planning a trip to Croatia? We are often asked what is truly worth seeing. Here is a direct list of the best things to do and places to visit across the country.

Explore Historic Cities and Culture

• Walk Dubrovnik's city walls at sunset: Wander the Stradun in the UNESCO-listed Old City in the evening. Start early or late, plan for about two hours, and bring water, as there is limited shade.
• Explore Split's Diocletian's Palace: See the Peristyle, the cellars, small chapels, and lanes with cafes. It is best to visit in the morning before the crowds arrive. Finish with a short walk up Marjan hill for views over the city.
• Hear Zadar's Sea Organ: Watch the Greeting to the Sun installation at sunset. Stay by the waterfront to experience this unique evening light and sound show.
• Step inside the Pula Arena: Visit one of the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheatres. Go early or late, and check the local schedule for evening events.
• Shop at Zagreb's Dolac Market: Visit under the red umbrellas at dawn. Bring small cash for the local cheese sellers, then ride the short funicular to the historic Upper Town.

Experience National Parks and Nature

• Follow the paths at Plitvice Lakes: Your ticket includes the electric boat across Lake Kozjak and the shuttle train. Choose a marked route, start early, and stay on the wooden boardwalks.
• Visit Krka National Park: See the Skradinski Buk waterfalls. Take the park boat from Skradin in season, or use the riverside trail. Arrive early and leave plenty of time for viewpoints.
• Hike the canyons of Paklenica: Explore the limestone canyons on well-marked trails. Start early, wear sturdy shoes, and carry plenty of water.

Island Hopping and Coastal Highlights

• Sail to Kornati National Park: Take a small group boat trip from Zadar, Šibenik, or Murter. Expect quiet coves and high cliffs. Calm sea days are best for this excursion.
• Swim at Zlatni Rat in Bol: Visit this famous pebble beach that changes shape with wind and currents. Arrive before the usual afternoon wind and pick the calmer side of the horn.
• Take a water taxi to the Pakleni Islands: Depart from Hvar Town to enjoy quiet bays and seaside lunches. Always check the time of the last return boat with your skipper.
• Visit the Blue Cave on Biševo: On clear days, from late morning to midday, bright blue light fills the cave. Tours strictly depend on sea conditions, so it's best to have a flexible schedule.
• Tour Brijuni National Park: Sail from Fažana to this historic island park. Summer boat places are limited, so book ahead. The island tour train is an easy way to see the main sights.

Regional Food and Wine Experiences

• Taste Mali Ston oysters: Try them straight from the bay and walk the historic Ston defensive walls. Combine the trip with a wine tasting in the nearby Pelješac peninsula.
• Go truffle hunting in Istria: Explore the Motovun Forest and enjoy your find paired with local wines, such as Malvazija or Teran. Book guided hunts in advance, especially during the peak season.

Connecting these highlights into a broader journey requires careful timing. Browse our Croatia Tours & Private Trips to see how we connect these destinations into a well-organized itinerary