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Home » Destinations » Europe » Croatia

5 Best Places To Visit in Croatia

Modified: Apr 5, 2025 · Published: Mar 8, 2023 by Mark Lee Falcon |

Croatia is a beautiful country, a destination that has many wonders just waiting to be discovered. No matter the time of year, whether winter or summer, there is so much to see and do that you'll want to keep returning.

Dubrovnik is one of the best places to visit in Croatia (photo: Geio Tischler)
Dubrovnik (photo: Geio Tischler)

When deciding which places to visit in Croatia, reflect on your reasons for traveling there and the activities you typically enjoy in a new country.

Are you looking to explore, and would you consider a catamaran charter in Croatia? Would you prefer to relax and enjoy Croatia's major cities, or would you like a combination of time on land and water? 

From Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes National Park to Zagreb and Zadar, we explore Croatia's best places to visit. 

Table of Contents

  • 1. Dubrovnik 
  • 2. Zagreb
  • 3. Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • 4. Nugal Beach 
  • 5. Zadar 

1. Dubrovnik 

One of the first places to consider is Dubrovnik, a popular destination that millions flock to each year to explore. Many will have heard of Dubrovnik because it is a significant part of Game of Thrones - you can see some of the sets when visiting.

Others will know of the delicious foods available in the city as well as the countless things that you can do. If you want to try something new in Dubrovnik, why not rent a boat? It's a great way to see the place from a different perspective. 

2. Zagreb

A beautiful day in Zagreb (photo: Maja Vujic)
A beautiful day in Zagreb (photo: Maja Vujic)

Just as when you visit England, you must visit London, the same can be said: when visiting Croatia, you must see Zagreb.

The capital of Croatia has many fun things to see and do. You'll want to visit the Cathedral of Zagreb, Park Maksimir, St Mark's Church, Stone Gate, and the Botanic Gardens.

Whether visiting on a romantic vacation, a family holiday, backpacking solo, or going with friends, Zagreb will show you a good time. 

3. Plitvice Lakes National Park

Walking through Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia (photo: Dominik Lange)
Walking through Plitvice Lakes National Park (photo: Dominik Lange)

We've mentioned two major cities to see in Croatia, and now we want to share a national park that should be on your agenda. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a magnificent place to visit - you don't want to forget your camera when visiting.

You can hike on the trails or take boats along the upper and lower lakes. You won't want to miss the waterfall, among all the other beautiful scenery.

4. Nugal Beach 

Overhead view of Nugal Beach (photo: Ante Hamersmit)
Overhead view of Nugal Beach (photo: Ante Hamersmit)

Some would argue this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. Expect crystal clear waters as far as the eye can see. Nugal Beach is only accessible on foot, so it tends to be quieter than other significant beaches in Croatia.

Here you can relax and unwind, sunbathe and read a book, enjoy the waters, and snorkel or test your nerve by jumping off the local cliffs nearby (be safe when doing so, of course). It's worth noting this is a nude beach, so don't be surprised to see people sunbathing without clothes. 

5. Zadar 

Historic building in Zadar, one of the top places to visit in Croatia (photo: Lothar Boris Piltz)
Historic building in Zadar (photo: Lothar Boris Piltz)

If you're into history, Zadar should be on your shortlist of places to visit in Croatia. Full of Roman and Venetian ruins, it's a historian's dream - the food here is also delicious - as part of your trip, you will want to visit the Roman Forum and the Land Gate.

The Bell Tower is also particularly fascinating. If you are not interested in history, this shouldn't stop you from visiting. Zadar has many other things to do, such as speed boat tours, walking tours, and pub crawls. Buggies and spear diving are also available. 

Weather-wise, it's a lovely place to visit all year round. Outside dining is popular in the summer, and there are plenty of indoor activities during the winter months.

The landscape itself is beautiful; you'll want to walk around to take it all in and, of course, take many photos. The sunsets and sea views are magnificent, some of the best in Croatia.

We hope the above five destinations give you some insight into Croatia's best places to visit. Deciding where to go can be challenging, as many beautiful spots exist.

Your interests will also be a significant factor in your decision. Before booking anything, do your research and make sure it matches your requirements. 

Have you been to any of the above five places? Which one of them are you planning on visiting? Is there a place you think we should include that we haven't?

Please let us know in the comment box below if you have anything to share that will help our readers. We would love to hear from you. 

_____

This story is published in partnership with Click&Boat.

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Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

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I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

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