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Top Croatia Attractions
- Walking through ancient Roman ruins from when Rome conquered the area in the 2nd century BC
- Exploring the beautiful Dalmatian Coast
- Visiting the urban city of Zagreb
- Taking a sailing tour along Croatia’s incredible coastline
- Savoring Croatia’s eclectic cuisine, which combines Italian, Turkish and other culinary influences
- Touring the city of Dubrovnik where much of Game of Thrones was filmed
- Enjoying an afternoon in Plitvice National Park with its hundreds of waterfalls and pristine blue water
Croatia Tours & Travel Guide
Croatia Attractions & Landmarks Guide
Croatia is a beautiful and diverse Southeast European country along the Adriatic Sea. It is renowned for its stunning coastline, historic cities, and vibrant cultural heritage.
Visitors flock to Croatia for its diverse attractions, which include ancient Roman ruins and medieval towns, breathtaking national parks, and beautiful beaches.
Guided tours provide a comprehensive and immersive experience for travelers to explore Croatia’s top tourist destinations and hidden gems with the expertise of knowledgeable guides. Travelstride’s extensive filters can help you find the most suitable tours for your vacation in Croatia.
Croatia is one of the few countries at the crossroads of history because of its key location spanning Eastern and Western cultures. This small country has acted as a bridge and melting pot of nations over the centuries. Among those who came, went, and left their influences were ancient Greeks, Romans, and Venetians.
This rich kaleidoscope of cultures, history, and natural beauty has elevated Croatia into a significant magnet for travelers seeking an authentic experience. The result: While the country ranks only 127th in size, it’s the world’s 18th most popular tourist destination.
Croatia’s cities, towns, and villages serve as living history museums that immerse visitors in centuries past.
Some of the most popular cities in Croatia are:
Split: The center for the Dalmatian Coast, Split is a sprawling combination of Croatia’s past and present. This bustling port is where many Croatian cruises and tours start, but don’t forget to check out the historic Diocletian’s Palace or Marjan Park before you leave.
Dubrovnik: A top destination in Croatia, Dubrovnik is famous for its walled city and vibrant old town, which have been featured in many films and TV shows, such as Game of Thrones. You can get lost in the staired side streets or local shops in the windy streets of the city.
Zadar: The northern point of the Dalmatian Coast, Zadar is quickly becoming one of the top sites in Croatia. With its sprawling old town and vibrant cafe scene, Zadar is drawing in visitors with a huge seaside promenade and modern architecture.
Zagreb: Croatia’s capital is distinct from the country’s coastal cities. Reminiscent more of Austria than Italy, Zagreb features stunning architecture, food streets, and some of the best off-the-beaten-path sites in all of Croatia.
Rovinj: Rovinj is one of the most photographed cities in Croatia. This small village islet is characterized by sheer cliffs, colorful buildings, and a famous church. There isn’t a bad angle in this city if you want to capture Croatia’s coastal way of life.
Dubrovnik: Pearl of the Adriatic
Dubrovnik, a World Heritage Site, was a prominent city-state and maritime trade center from the 14th through 18th centuries. Its reach and power throughout the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas rivaled that of Venice.
The fortress walls surrounding the old city are still intact and are a popular tourist attraction. The stunning architecture, historical monuments, and maze of narrow streets transport visitors back in time, which contributed greatly to Dubvronik's becoming one of the shooting locations for the HBO TV series Game of Thrones.
Dubrovnik suffered heavy damage in the early 1990s when Croatia sought to become a sovereign country following the breakup of Yugoslavia. Since then, the city's historic core has been restored to its former splendor.
The city walls, accentuated by three forts, 16 towers, and other fortifications, are among the best-preserved and most beautiful in Europe. Built over 600 years beginning in the 12th century, they create a 1-1/4-mile defensive ring around the old city, and a “walk on the walls” is a favorite activity for visitors.
This historic quality and rich culture make Dubrovnik a key destination to include in a Croatia custom tour. Travelstride offers many preplanned Croatia trips, including Dubrovnik.
Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, claims architectural treasures that echo the charms of Vienna, Budapest, Prague, and other great European cities. Many historic monuments grace the Lower Town and Baroque Upper Town.
More contemporary touches include the seemingly wall-to-wall cafes and coffee houses packed with people throughout the days and evenings.
Split boasts Roman ruins, including the 4th-century Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, built right into the city center. Remnants of Roman structures are grouped along the coastline, dotted throughout the countryside, and preserved in cities.
Split is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with medieval and Renaissance architecture. Tiny Trogir, along with the coast, is another medieval gem.
The defensive walls encircling the medieval hill hamlet of Hum are distinctive because houses were built into them. Tiny Hum, consisting of just two short streets, is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest town in the world, with a reported population of about 20.
The adjacent seaside resorts of Lovran and Opatija have a history of tourism dating back to Roman times when both were popular with patrician families who built impressive villas.
At the end of the 19th century, the towns once again became fashionable vacation destinations for aristocratic families, whose elegant homes still grace the setting. These two destinations, and many others like them, are great for those who love history, sightseeing, and culture.
Visiting Croatia on Land vs. on a Cruise
Croatia is one of the few countries in Europe that is a top destination for visiting by land or sea. Its history is intertwined with its landscape, and no matter how you see this amazing country, it will be unforgettable.
Visiting Croatia on a Cruise
Visiting Croatia on a cruise is one of the best ways to see the country’s historic old towns. The Dalmatian Coast, or the central and southern portion of Croatia’s coastline, contains ancient cities and stunning beaches.
Traveling Croatia by boat lets you easily explore these cities and quickly transfer between destinations. Additionally, if you are on a cruise, stops on the outer islands of the coast are usually included, offering unforgettable experiences.
Sailing is one of the most popular ways of seeing Croatia’s coastline. While taking cruise ships can provide views and stops at historic cities, sailing allows you to explore the area further.
Many of the smaller group tours use sailing ships to visit destinations on the coast.
Travelers can book small sailing vessels or catamarans from the popular port cities of Dubrovnik or Split to visit the islands off the coast. Depending on how long they wish to island hop, they can rent these boats for a day or longer.
Traveling by sailboat means you can visit the less visited or smaller islands large cruise ships don’t stop at. Also, you can pull into the port at many of the smaller villages up and down the coast.
Visiting Croatia by Land
If you visit Croatia on a land tour, you can explore the inland sites, such as Plitvice National Park and Zagreb. Many Croatia tours by land include stops on the coast, but transportation will be by bus, allowing you to see more views of the country.
These tours also include more opportunities to do adventurous activities like hiking or ziplining.
You can combine both types of tours. Many Croatian tours combine seeing the country by cruise ship with day trips inland to see more. Additionally, land tours have itineraries that include catamarans to the smaller islands.
Travelstride custom tours and expert planners can help you blend the two transportation options for the perfect trip.
Croatia is a rich destination for natural beauty. One of the main natural attractions is Plitvice Lakes National Park, which encompasses a series of 16 lakes linked by waterfalls and rivulets that cascade from one to another. The lakes themselves reflect the colors of their surroundings, from emerald green and turquoise to blue and gray.
Another popular setting is the line of beaches strung out along Croatia’s long coastline on the Adriatic Sea. While most are pebble beaches, there are also inviting sandy stretches—97 have Blue Flag status, an international award based on water quality and other standards.
The Croatian coast is lined with a thousand little islands like Korcula and Hvar, which combine medieval architecture and natural beauty. Small ship cruises often stop there.
The Best Time to Visit Croatia
Croatia’s location means you can visit at all times of the year. The coast has a typical Mediterranean climate with very warm summers and cool winters, making visiting during the spring, summer, and fall ideal.
However, Croatia is a perfect winter destination. The capital city of Zagreb is known for its Advent Festival during December, which features twinkling lights. There are also many ski resorts throughout the Dinaric Alps that make up central Croatia.
If you create a Croatia custom tour, consider choosing winter as your time to visit for a memorable experience!
Croatian cuisine is unique in the Balkans because it combines different cooking styles. Depending on where you visit, you can see influences from traditional Croatian dishes, Turkey, Italy, and Austria.
Visiting the Dalmatian Coast, you will find many seafood dishes and Mediterranean ingredients like olives and feta. But if you travel farther inland, towards Zagreb, the fare becomes more meat-heavy and reflects Austrian or Turkish cuisine.
One of the top items on a Croatian menu is stuffed anything. Stuffed meats, peppers, or pastries are staples in Croatian kitchens. Additionally, hearty stews and gnocchi are found throughout the country. No matter what part of Croatia you are in, you will learn about its history through its food.
Croatia is one of the top wine destinations in Europe. The birthplace of Zinfandel, Croatia, has a long history of making and producing wine and grapes on the Dalmatian Coast. The best place to taste the wine is in the central and southern regions of the coast between Split and Dubrovnik.
Most Croatian tour itineraries include visiting a winery or wine and tasting food. These tours allow you to see the countryside and experience one of Croatia’s oldest industries.
Mainland Croatia isn’t the only place to taste wine. Some of the top wine experiences in Croatia are on the islands.
Hvar and Korcula are known for having some of the best wineries, and most of the islands are made up of sprawling fields of grapevines. Work with a Croatia travel planner to include this unforgettable experience in your trip.
Top Things to See in Croatia
Croatia is full of places to see and experience, but a few destinations are top attractions to look for in a Croatia vacation package. From ancient cities steeped in history to breathtaking natural wonders, Croatia offers something for every traveler.
Whether you're exploring its vibrant cultural heritage or relaxing on its stunning beaches, here are the top things to see in Croatia:
Diocletian’s Palace
The most important Roman ruin in Croatia, Diocletian’s Palace, was once the estate of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and today makes up most of the old town of Split.
Plitvice is Croatia’s oldest national park. The sprawling park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with aquamarine lakes, waterfalls, and trails. The park aims to preserve the local landscape and teach visitors about protecting the environment.
Zagreb’s Upper Town was once two former villages but is now the oldest area in the city. This part of the city includes some of its top attractions: St. Mark’s Church, Cathedral of Zagreb, and Dolac Market.
Zadar’s Old Town
Zadar is the home of Croatia's largest old town. This massive old town features modern cafes, large plazas, and two unique architectural pieces. The Sea Organ and Monument to the Sun are examples of how art and nature can combine to create something special.
Croatia was one of the countries where the TV show Game of Thrones was filmed. When you visit, you can go on specific Game of Thrones tours that take you to each site used or influenced by an episode of the show.
Most of the TV show’s filming took place in and around Dubrovnik. Many sites in the city, like Pile Gate, Rector’s Palace, and the Jesuit Staircase, were used in filming. The show also used sites outside of the old town as well. Bokar Fortress and Lokrum island were both used in the shooting of the show.
Another top Game of Thrones destination in Croatia is Split. Spots throughout Diocletian’s Palace can be seen throughout the city of Mereen in the show. Also, Klis Fortress outside of Split was used as the inspiration and shooting for Mereen.
While Croatia is an ideal place to visit to relax, it is also a place to go on an adventure. Croatia has some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in Europe. Visitors can kayak through the bay around Dubrovnik or hike through the numerous mountain ranges, like the Velebit Range.
One of the most popular adventure activities in Croatia is sailing. Travelers can rent sailboats out of the busy ports of Split, Dubrovnik, or Zadar and spend a few days sailing the Dalmatian Coast islands and relaxing in the Adriatic Sea.
If you want to go further inland, you can visit the many mountains and national parks, like Krka and Plitvice, to see some of the best-untouched landscapes in the Balkans.
Greece to Croatia Vacation Packages
Interested in seeing more of Europe on your vacation? Croatia and Greece are two destinations often paired together for vacation packages and for good reason.
Both destinations offer many different experiences, but both are rich in history.
In Croatia, you can visit the walls of Dubrovnik or the Roman Amphitheatre in Pula, while in Greece, you can see the Acropolis or Epidaurus Theater.
Visiting these sites is more than just marveling at the stunning architecture and preservation. It's also a great way to learn more about these destinations and get closer to what makes both Croatia and Greece tick.
Greece and Croatia are perfect vacation packages because travelers will have an immersive European experience in both. Spend half of your time in Croatia and the other half in Greece, and walk away with unforgettable memories and experiences.
Custom Croatia Tours and Vacation Packages
If you're worried you won't get to see everything on your Croatia vacation, work with a travel planner to create a custom trip that matches your travel style and interests.
Our expert travel planners help travelers make travel arrangements and customize their trips. They often make reservations for accommodations and activities. This is great for travelers because the travel planner is an expert in the industry and has many connections to get you the best options to fit your desires.
Working with a Croatia travel planner means seeing and doing what you desire most instead of sticking to a pre-planned group tour that only seems a little interesting. This type of experience is often joined with a private guided tour where travelers get a one-on-one tour experience from a guide.
What better way to continue your customized trip than with a guide all to yourself to show you around Croatia? A travel planner understands that your Croatia vacation is about you and will help you craft that perfect trip you'll never forget.
Croatia Reviews & Ratings
1. Excellent itinerary 2. Excellent logistics/transport to destinations 3.
1. Excellent itinerary 2. Excellent logistics/transport to destinations 3. Excellent trip guide
Dinko Pervan was an excellent leader; he
Dinko Pervan was an excellent leader; he spoke knowledgeably and not too much :) I liked the format of the trip where we were given an introduction to a new locatio...
I like the Intrepid style of trip
I like the Intrepid style of trip where you are not organised all the time
Love small group tours, the free time
Love small group tours, the free time and travelling on loca...
The trip was actually split into two
The trip was actually split into two trips which made it difficult to develop a good rapport with the rest of the group & the tour leaders. We were just starting...
Traveling to Croatia, an FAQ
1. Does Travelstride have all the tour operators?
Travelstride has the widest selection of tours and tour companies. All the largest companies are on the site and most smaller local operators though we are adding new operators daily. Unlike other websites and agencies, we show you all the options, regardless of whether or not we are paid by the company.
2. How does the Member Savings program save me money?
Travelstride membership is absolutely free. You receive special benefits including saving up to $700 on select tours with top tour operators. The main requirement is to write a review after your trip to access the savings.
3. Can I trust the tour operator and trip reviews on Travelstride?
Yes. Travelstride has both expert reviews, written by Travelstride staff and local experts as well as traveler reviews written by people like you who have used the company and traveled to that destination.
4. What does ‘Stride Preferred’ mean?
Stride Preferred and Stride Premier are status categories to help you sort quickly through known and reliable travel companies. Since there are thousands of tour operators around the globe, Preferred or Premier badges are awarded to companies that Travelstride has determined meet the highest standards of professionalism, customer satisfaction, and quality.