Depending on where your next Balkan adventure takes you, it wouldn’t surprise us if you landed in one of these hidden gems. Last June, Croatia experienced a 57% increase in tourists and 58% growth in overnight stays in comparison to the same time frame in 2020. As more people are beginning to feel comfortable traveling internationally this year, there’s no doubt that Croatia’s tourism will continue to grow exponentially.
We’ve put together a list of spots that are worth checking out for your next visit.
1. Hvar
Image Credit: @adrianakljucaric
With its old-fashioned architecture, this beautiful spot is located right outside of Dubrovnik. With multiple beaches in the area, it is not hard to find something to do in Hvar. Along with the glimmering blue-green water, there are also rocky coves and pine forests just waiting to be explored. In the summer, you can expect to find this location filled with motor and sailing yachts. Once you’re done getting your tan for the day, stop by Hula Hula Beach for live music, drinks, and entertainment.
Aside from its party atmosphere, Hvar is also best known for its lavender fields which turn whole strips of land into a beautiful mix of colors during the late spring/early summer.
2. Trogir
Image Credit: @skopljak
This hidden treasure is located between the mainland of Croatia and the island of Ciovo. It is known for its renaissance inspired architecture, along with baroque and Romanesque mixed into it. In the 13th-century the Cathedral of St. Lawrence was built and still stand today, housing Renaissance Chapel of St. John and providing a city wide view from it’s bell tower. Fun fact, there are even parts of the medieval city walls that are still standing.
In 2015, National Geographic named Trogir the best city-island in the world. If you’re looking for the ultimate treat-yo-self package, consider booking a stay at the Trogir Residence Villas.
3. Kraljičina (Queen’s) Beach
If you are looking for the perfect family vacation spot, this is it. The beach is not populated and the water levels are perfect for kids to play or even learn how to swim. The water here is so clean that you can see the bottom, including the underwater sea animals. Sandy beach with warm water. Fun fact, this beach gets its name from Croatian King Tomislav, along with his queen, he watched the sunset over the beach during his stay in Nin.
Best known as Croatia’s longest sand beach.
4. Rastoke
Image Credit: @garden_slunjrastoke
This has got to be one of the most beautiful villages in the world, it was even voted as one of the best hidden gems of Europe. If you are looking for a get away that is set around nature – this is it. The village is located in the town of Slunj, and famous for its Slunjčica River. This same river flows into the Korana River in Rastoke. Would you believe this magical place is located less then two hours away from Zagreb? Fun fact, it was the center-of-attention in the Yugoslav war.
The village of Rastoke is best known as the “city of cats” because according to statistics it has more cats per person, in all of Croatia.
5. Hrvatsko Zagorje
Image Credit: @overdrive54
If you are looking to unplug from the busy world around you, this amazing location between Zagreb and the Medvednica mountains is the perfect place. It is known for hiking, wine tasting, restaurants and for viewing it’s old fashion architecture. Fun fact, in 1966 the Kajkavian Song Festival was founded and it has taken place every year since.
6. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Image Credit: @campingplitvice
Waterfalls anyone? If this doesn’t look like the most peaceful place then, I don’t know what is.
This is a chain of 16 lakes that are held together by more than 90 waterfalls, which stretch into a limestone canyon. Around and across the water you can find walkways and hiking trails, that will provide you with some of the most amazing views. The park sees an estimated 1.1 million visitors every year, from all over the world. Fun fact, it is the largest national park in Croatia and it is also home to highest waterfall in Croatia.
Best known as one of southern Europe’s oldest national parks.
7. Dugi Otok
Image Credit: @dalmatia_onmymind
Personally, this view alone is enough for me to never leave this place.
If it is not enough for you there is also kayaking, sailing, swimming, relaxing on the beach and even local shops. Estimated at about 1 hour 20 minutes, ride by ferry from Zadar to Brbinj on Dugi Otok. Fun fact, it is the seventh largest island, part of the Adriatic Sea, and it is also known as the largest island, as part of the North Dalmatian islands.
8. Mljet
Image Credit: @visitmljet
Also, known as paradise. This island is part of the Adriatic islands in the Dalmatia region. It is surrounded by trees, wildlife and architecture dating back to the 13th century. Fun fact, the island is also part of the Mljet National Park, founded sometime in the 1960s. it is also known as the most seductive out of all the Adriatic islands.
However, it is best known, as Croatia’s greenest island.
9. Slavonia
Image Credit: @jovana_dokic
One out of the four main historic regional parts of Croatia, Slavonia is famous for its traditional culture, which is often shown during folklore festivals. Including traditional music like tamburica and bećarac. It was once part of the Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia, which was put together in 1868 with the combination of the Kingdoms of Croatia and Slavonia into one.
The region is best known for, its breeding of the Croatian Lipizzan horse.
10. Diocletian’s Palace
Image Credit: @croatia_vacations
Built in the 4th century for the Roman emperor Diocletian, whom lived in the palace after he retired from the throne of the Roman Empire, it is now part of Split, Croatia. After the death of emperor Diocletian, the palace did not fall but instead provided shelter for the emperors family. It was sometime after the fall of Rome, that the palace became abandoned, however it is not clear what year. Fun fact, the palace was used in the filming of popular show Game of Thrones.
It is best known, as one of the most preserved monuments of Roman architecture within the world.
11. Pula Arena
Image Credit: @kah_yuu
Made sometime between 27 BC and 68 AD, during the ruling of Emperor Vespasian. It is 6th largest Roman arena still standing and the only Roman amphitheater with all four sides preserved, still remaining. The arena itself, is known as Croatia’s, best-preserved ancient monument. Fun fact, the arena is still used today for live concerts and some past performers include- Stjepan Hauser of the 2Cellos, Foo Fighters, and Sting. It also hosts a film festival every year.
12. Vis
Image Credit: @lizagarcia
If you’re looking for a quieter place to spend to soak up the Adriatic sun, then definitely don’t overlook the island of Vis. While it’s a bit lesser known than Hvar, it’s worth the trek for a romantic getaway. After all, this island was chosen as a filming location for Mamma Mia 2 instead of Greece, where the original movie was filmed.
13. Korčula
Image Credit: @morgan.yates
This is by far one of the cutest little islands in Croatia. Our recommendation is to take a trip down to the Pelješac Peninsula, which stretches all the way from Ston to Orebić. The easiest way to get there from by Orebić is by taking the ferry. While you’re there, grab a table at one of the picturesque restaurants, order a glass of local vino, and dive into a platter of oysters.