Tucked somewhere between eastern and western Europe, Croatia has something to offer every type of traveler.
Its 3900-mile-long Adriatic coastline, dotted with over 1200 islands and islets, delights beach enthusiasts.
Moreover, its eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites amaze lovers of history, while its numerous national parks attract
nature enthusiasts. With picturesque towns and cities full of Roman and Byzantine ruins, and vestiges of
Venetian and Austro-Hungarian architecture, Croatia is a dream destination for art and architecture fans.

Choosing where to go and what to explore first can be challenging due to the country’s diverse offerings.
Here are the top destinations for first-timers to Croatia.

01. Dubrovnik

Address: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Get directions

Dubrovnik’s medieval walled city has been one of Croatia’s premier tourist destinations for decades.
Its city walls, gates, and towers gained fame as stunning backdrops in Game of Thrones, propelling it
to the top of many travelers’ lists. Consequently, it has become an essential stop on numerous Mediterranean
cruise routes and remains Croatia’s most-visited city, attracting over one million visitors in 2016.

The city’s greatest attraction is its impressive stone walls, dating back to the 10^th century,
which encircle the atmospheric old town. From the wide 1.2-mile-long walkway atop the walls, visitors can
enjoy breathtaking views over terracotta roofs, cobblestone streets, and church towers, with the turquoise
waters of the Adriatic Sea in the background. Other must-see sights include the 16^th century
Church of St Blaise, the Franciscan Monastery, Onofrio Fountain, and the Rector’s Palace. However, the
best way to experience Dubrovnik is by wandering its narrow, pedestrian-only streets to discover hidden gems.

02. Rovinj

Address: Rovinj, Croatia

Get directions

Visit website

Romantic Rovinj is the most visited town in Istria, Croatia’s western-most region. This town, dating back
to the Roman era, features a compact old town that occupies a circular peninsula extending into the Adriatic
Sea, adorned with colorful buildings and former Venetian-style palaces.

The skyline is dominated by the 197-foot-high bell tower of St. Euphemia’s Church. Climbing the narrow
200 steps rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the rooftops and narrow lanes of the old town, along
with small islands dotting the coastline. The cobbled Grisia street, lined with galleries and shops selling
handmade souvenirs, jewelry, and local artworks, is a must-visit. The seaside promenade offers a pleasant
stroll past the fishing port, lively cafes and restaurants, and rocky beaches popular with sun seekers.

03. Zagreb

Address: Zagreb, Croatia

Get directions

Visit website

The Croatian capital, Zagreb, was once often overlooked by travelers eager to explore the pristine beaches
and picturesque coastal towns. However, Zagreb is increasingly beckoning visitors with its eclectic mix of
Austro-Hungarian architecture, vibrant street art, a multitude of museums and galleries, and serene parks.
Ban Jelačić Square serves as the city’s bustling heart, where trams converge and cafes make for popular
meeting spots.

Nearby, Dolac offers a colorful open-air fruit and vegetable market. As visitors meander through ascending
cobblestone streets, they’re greeted by 19^th-century palaces and buildings in the charming upper town.
Highlights include the medieval Stone Gate, tree-lined Strossmayer Promenade, and engaging museums such as the
Zagreb City Museum and the renowned
Museum of Broken Relationships.
Other engaging experiences include exploring design stores in the city’s progressive design district and savoring
craft beers at trendy bars.

04. Split

Address: Split, Croatia

Get directions

Croatia’s second-largest city, Split, is also a top destination, known for its stunning seaside location on
the Dalmatian coast. The city’s old town is dominated by the well-preserved 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches over 400,000-square-feet. This walled complex includes a maze
of narrow streets and over 200 centuries-old buildings, including churches, museums, cafes, and shops.

The cathedral of St Domnius lies at the heart of the palace, where climbing its bell tower offers panoramic
views of the entire area, the Split harbor, and the distant mountains. The bronze gate leads visitors to
the bustling Riva, the seaside promenade lined with lively cafes and restaurants. It is a focal point for
locals and tourists alike, making it the perfect spot for people-watching. Furthermore, Split serves as a
gateway to nearby islands like Brač, Hvar, Korčula, and Vis, all accessible via regular ferry services.
Game of Thrones enthusiasts may be interested to know that the clifftop Klis fortress, located just
nine miles away from Split, also featured in the TV series.

05. Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s largest and most visited national park and is another UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Covering 114 square miles, the park is home to 16 freshwater lakes, connected by cascades and
waterfalls, painting a breathtaking palette of blue and green. Visitors can explore 11 miles of marked hiking
trails that wind through impressive forests of pine, fir, spruce, and beech trees. Wooden walkways border
the lakes, leading to footbridges across sparkling brooks and streams.

This park is a joy to explore in any season, with each offering distinct colors. During summer, the park sees
up to 15,000 visitors daily; therefore, spring and fall are the ideal times to visit. For those wishing to
extend their experience, three hotels located within the park allow guests to enjoy an exclusive early start
before the arrival of day tourists, complete with extended entry tickets for a second day of exploration.