Top Things To Do And See In Croatia

Discover Croatia’s best things to do, from island-hopping and coastal cities to hidden waterfalls and medieval towns. Explore authentic culture, stunning nature, and unforgettable Adriatic adventures year-round. 

Top Bucket List Experiences, Must-Do Things & Unmissable Attractions.

Dubrovnik Old Town 
Step through the stone gates of Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and into a world of marble streets, red-tiled rooftops, and Baroque churches overlooking the Adriatic. Stroll the ancient city walls for sweeping sea views and cinematic scenery recognizable from “Game of Thrones.” The golden light at sunset turns every corner into a photo moment.

  • Insider Tip: Visit early morning to beat the cruise crowds.
    Timing / Best Time: May to June or September for mild weather and fewer tourists.

Plitvice Lakes National Park 
Sixteen turquoise lakes spill into one another through a series of spectacular waterfalls, surrounded by emerald forest. Wooden boardwalks wind above rushing waters and mirror-clear pools that change hue with the light. Croatia’s most famous national park feels like walking through a natural fairytale.

  • Best Way: Follow the upper and lower lake trails; take the panoramic train and ferry for full coverage.
    Good to Know: Tickets must be booked in advance online during high season.

Split & Diocletian’s Palace 
Ancient Roman grandeur blends with coastal living inside Diocletian’s Palace - a living museum filled with cafés, boutiques, and cobbled alleys. Locals still call it home, giving it an authentic, lived-in charm. History and hedonism mix effortlessly in Split’s atmospheric Old Town.

  • Insider Tip: Climb the bell tower of Saint Domnius Cathedral for panoramic Adriatic views.
    Timing / Best Time: Late spring and early autumn; evenings for fewer crowds and golden light.

Hvar Island 
Known for lavender fields, crystalline waters, and stylish nightlife, Hvar exudes Mediterranean allure. Explore quiet coves, medieval villages, and chic seafront bars in one perfect island blend. The scent of pine and sea salt lingers as sailboats drift in the glittering bay.

  • Best Way: Rent a scooter or small boat to access remote beaches and hidden coves.
    Good to Know: Accommodation fills quickly in July and August - book early for seaside stays.

Rovinj, Istria 
Perched on a small peninsula, Rovinj charms with pastel houses, art galleries, and Venetian-style alleys leading to the sea. Its Old Town feels suspended between Italy and Croatia, alive with scents of truffles, seafood, and espresso. Climb St. Euphemia’s bell tower for one of the best coastal panoramas in the country.

  • Insider Tip: Visit the local market early for truffle cheese and Istrian olive oil.
    Timing / Best Time: Spring and September for ideal temperatures and clear skies.

Krka National Park 
A lush paradise of waterfalls, emerald pools, and shaded walking paths, Krka offers a slightly wilder feel than Plitvice. The Skradinski Buk falls thunder into travertine pools where visitors once swam beneath the cascades. The river’s energy and the surrounding forest create a serene escape close to Split.

  • Best Way: Enter from Skradin and take the scenic boat ride upriver.
    Good to Know: Swimming is now prohibited, so plan for scenic walks instead.

Zagreb Old Town & Street Life 
Croatia’s capital is a vibrant blend of Austro-Hungarian architecture, leafy parks, and lively café culture. Wander Tkalčićeva Street for alfresco dining or visit Dolac Market for local produce and flowers. The city’s art scene and youthful energy offer a refreshing inland contrast to the coast.

  • Insider Tip: Explore on foot or by free funicular between Upper and Lower Town.
    Timing / Best Time: Year-round, but December’s Christmas markets are especially magical.

Unique Experiences

Istrian Truffle Hunting 
Join local hunters and their dogs in the misty forests of Motovun and Buzet to uncover prized truffles. This earthy, sensory experience reveals the region’s culinary soul - from the rich aroma of the hunt to tasting truffle-infused pasta and olive oil in a rustic tavern.

  • How to Do It: Book through local farms or tour operators offering guided truffle hunts with tasting menus.

Sailing the Dalmatian Islands 
Cruise between islands like Brač, Vis, and Korčula aboard a small yacht or gulet. Each stop offers something new - turquoise bays, vineyard-clad hills, and ancient port towns. Watching the sun dip below the Adriatic horizon from deck is pure bliss.

  • Good to Know: The best sailing season runs from May to October, with calmer seas and warm winds.

Peka Cooking Experience 
Learn the art of preparing “peka,” a slow-cooked meat and vegetable dish baked under a bell-shaped lid covered with embers. It’s a centuries-old tradition rooted in family gatherings and farm kitchens. The smoky, tender flavors define the heart of Croatian comfort food.

  • Timing: Best enjoyed in rural taverns year-round; autumn is ideal for heartier dishes.

Klapa Singing in Dalmatia 
Experience the haunting harmony of Dalmatian “klapa” singers echoing through coastal streets and churches. This UNESCO-recognized tradition brings goosebumps as voices blend into a soulful, melodic celebration of love and sea life.

  • How to Do It: Catch live performances in Split, Šibenik, or at summer festivals across the coast.

Wine Tasting in Pelješac Peninsula 
Sample bold reds like Dingač and Postup in sun-soaked vineyards overlooking the Adriatic. Pelješac’s steep slopes and sea breezes produce some of Croatia’s finest wines, paired beautifully with local oysters and cheese.

  • Good to Know: Hire a driver or join a guided tour from Dubrovnik for safe and scenic tastings.

Hidden Gems / Off-The-Beaten Path

Kornati Islands National Park 
A maze of 89 barren yet beautiful islands, Kornati is a sailor’s dream - where turquoise seas meet limestone cliffs and endless horizons. Few places feel as untouched.

  • Getting There: Boat trips from Zadar or Šibenik; private charters allow flexibility.
    Timing: Best in summer with calm seas and clear visibility.

Ston & the Ancient Walls 
This quiet coastal town boasts one of the longest defensive walls in Europe, stretching across hills once used to protect salt pans. The views from the top are breathtaking.

  • Good to Know: Try Ston’s famous oysters, harvested fresh from nearby Mali Ston Bay.
    Timing: Visit in spring or autumn for mild weather and fewer visitors.

Rastoke Watermill Village 
A storybook hamlet where small waterfalls weave between cottages and wooden bridges - Rastoke feels like a smaller Plitvice frozen in time.

  • Getting There: Located near Slunj, easily reached by car from Zagreb or Plitvice.
    Good to Know: Stay overnight to enjoy the sound of waterfalls after dark.

Lonjsko Polje Nature Park Croatia’s largest wetland area offers wooden stilt houses, birdwatching, and a glimpse of traditional village life along the Sava River.

  • Timing: Visit in spring for migratory birds and green landscapes.

Velebit Mountains 
Rugged limestone peaks rise above the Adriatic, offering scenic hikes and incredible views. Less crowded than coastal sites, it’s ideal for adventurers.

  • Good to Know: Bring sturdy shoes and layers - temperatures drop quickly at altitude.

Hum – The World’s Smallest Town 
With only a few dozen residents, Hum in Istria is officially the smallest town in the world. Cobbled lanes, stone houses, and homemade grappa make it a delightful detour.

  • Getting There: A short drive from Buzet or Motovun.
    Timing: Spring or early autumn to avoid midday heat.

Unusual / Quirky Experiences

Museum of Broken Relationships (Zagreb) 
A witty yet poignant collection of donated objects telling stories of love and heartbreak. It’s moving, humorous, and entirely unique - a human experience wrapped in art.

  • Why Go: No museum captures emotion quite like this one.
    Good to Know: Allow an hour; it’s near the Upper Town funicular.

Blue Cave on Biševo Island 
Enter this sea cave at midday when sunlight refracts through the water, bathing the chamber in an ethereal blue glow. A surreal natural wonder near Vis.

  • Why Go: It’s one of the Adriatic’s most photogenic spots.

Nikola Tesla Birthplace Museum (Smiljan) 
Discover the birthplace of inventor Nikola Tesla in Lika, complete with exhibits on his genius and experiments that shaped the modern world.

  • Good to Know: Combine with nearby Plitvice for a cultural and natural double-stop.

Sinj Alka Tournament 
Held annually since 1715, this horseback competition celebrates Croatian bravery. Riders gallop full speed to spear a hanging metal ring - a thrilling spectacle of skill and tradition.

  • Why Go: A living piece of history and community pride.

Suggested Activities by Region / City

Dubrovnik Region

• Walk the ancient city walls at sunset for unforgettable views.
Insider Tip: Go early or late to avoid cruise crowds.

• Take a cable car to Mount Srđ for panoramic coastal photos.
Best Way: Buy return tickets online for quick access.

• Day trip to Lokrum Island for swimming and botanical gardens.
Good to Know: Boats leave every 30 minutes in summer.


Split & Central Dalmatia

• Visit Diocletian’s Palace and wander its hidden cellars.
Insider Tip: Arrive before 9 a.m. for quiet streets.

• Explore the island of Brač and Zlatni Rat Beach.
Best Way: Take the ferry from Split to Bol for a day trip.

• Discover Trogir’s medieval charm and waterfront cafés.
Good to Know: It’s only 30 minutes from Split by bus or boat.


Istria Region

• Sample local truffles and Malvasia wine in Motovun.
Insider Tip: Visit during autumn harvest for peak flavour.

• Swim and kayak along the rocky coast near Pula.
Best Way: Rent kayaks from Verudela Beach operators.

• Visit the Roman Amphitheatre for concerts under the stars.
Good to Know: Summer shows sell out - book in advance.


Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Do’s / Recommended Activities:

• Hike the Velebit or Paklenica National Parks for dramatic mountain trails.
Tip: Early mornings offer the best light and cooler air.

• Kayak the Zrmanja River through canyons and emerald rapids.
Good to Know: Guided tours run from May to September.

• Go diving in Vis for shipwrecks and clear waters.
Tip: Experienced divers should book with certified local centres.

• Cycle the Parenzana Trail through vineyards and hilltop towns.
Good to Know: Ideal in spring or autumn; bring plenty of water.


Cultural & Food Experiences

Do’s / Recommended Experiences:

• Join a klapa singing night in Dalmatia for soulful local music.
Tip: Check festival calendars in Split and Omiš.

• Taste oysters fresh from Mali Ston Bay.
Good to Know: Visit local farms or join a small tasting boat trip.

• Learn traditional lace-making in Pag Island workshops.
Tip: Buy directly from artisans for authentic souvenirs.

• Dine at konobas for rustic dishes like octopus salad and black risotto.
Good to Know: Ask locals - the best are hidden in backstreets.