Last Updated on January 6, 2024
Croatia is a beautiful Central European country that is fortunate to border the Adriatic Sea. A long, beautiful coastline, over 1240 stunning islands filled with amazing flora and fauna, breathtaking views and unforgettable landscapes attract almost 20 million tourists every year! Even if you had a month, it still wouldn’t be enough time to fully enjoy and visit all the beautiful places in Croatian coastline. Are you’re thinking of traveling to Croatia, but you don’t know where to go in Croatia? Read on to find out what I consider five of the best places to visit in Croatia – all located along the country’s stunning coastline.
The best places to visit Croatia
A popular way to see Croatia is by boat – island hopping allows you to get to explore some of the more remote islands and see stunning beaches that can only be accessed by boat. It’s not only an incredibly convenient form of transportation, but also the fastest way to get around and see a lot in little time. Obviously, you don’t have to own a yacht to be able to travel this way. Yachts, sail boats and other types of boats can be rented.
Tip: For an even more immersive experience during your Croatian travels, consider learning Croatian. While many locals speak English, making an effort to learn the local language can enhance your interactions, provide a deeper understanding of the culture, and enrich your overall travel experience. There are various language courses and resources available to assist you in picking up the basics of Croatian before or during your visit.
The variety of stunningly beautiful places that you should see in Croatia is so wide that it’s pretty much impossible to visit them all. Because of that, I compiled a list of the most beautiful places to visit in Croatia.
1 Nakovana Ghost Town
If you love exploring abandoned places, the ghost town of Nakovana is a place you have to see! In the past, it was a vibrant farming village, but most inhabitants had to leave the city, because of the Italian and German troops invasion during the Second World War. An event that eventually finished the town off was the national civil war in the 1990s. Nowadays tourists can wander along cobblestone streets and feast their eyes on abandoned houses. Go there and feel like you traveled back in time. Don’t forget to bring some food and water, because there are no shops or restaurants in this area.
2 Dubrovnik
I don’t need to tell you that Dubrovnik is one of the best places to visit in Croatia – you already know that. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia for a reason though – it is just incredibly scenic with its seaside location, beautiful architecture and majestic city walls. Start your exploration of Dubrovnik with a walk of the city walls. It won’t take more than 2 hours, and you’ll be able to see beautiful landscapes and take dozens of photos. Also, make sure to take a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car. It was built in 1969, and millions of tourists use it to enjoy marvelous panoramic views over the city and the Adriatic Sea.
Are you a Game of Thrones fan? Even if you’ve never been to Dubrovnik before, you might feel that you’ve already seen some of these places before. It is because the city was the main location for King’s Landing, the largest city and capital of the Seven Kingdoms. If you want to sit on the Iron Throne, make sure that you visit this picturesque city.
3 Korcula Island Vineyards
A place that every connoisseur of the vine has to see. Vineyards extend to the horizon, and you can admire this stunning landscape, and indulge yourself with a tasting tour. It’s a place that you’ll never forget. But vineyards are not the only tourist attraction that you’ll find on this island. Rumors says that Marco Polo was born in Korcula town, so if you want to know more about this famous merchant, you have to visit Marco Polo museum.
4 Odysseus Cave in Mljet Island
Homer’s Odyssey is a book that many people have read. According to the legend, Odysseus shipwrecked on Mljet Island, and Nymph Calypso, who ruled this island, kept him in captivity for seven years. While this legend is now attributed to the island of Gozo in Malta, it is still worth visiting Mljet, as you will find a wonderful island, which is 70% covered in pine trees and has only one single road. The island has many gorgeous places to swim, and one of them is known as Odysseus Cave. You’ll need to rent a car or scooter to explore Mljet, sin Odysseus Cave is in the south of Mljet It’s recommended to go there during the midday hours because sun rays provide this place with exquisitely beautiful illumination.
If what you’re looking for is a tranquil, serene place, you don’t have to wonder anymore where to go in Croatia: It doesn’t get much better than Mljet!
5 Brac Island
Brac Island is best known for the Zlatni Rat, often described as the most scenic European beach. Unfortunately, because of this title, it often gets very crowded, especially during the summer months. While Zlatni Rat puts Brac Island on most people’s list of the best places to visit in Croatia, it is a good idea to explore other parts of the island and find other beaches that are less-visited, but just as stunningly beautiful as Zlatni Rat. 
If you are looking for rest & recreation, this is the perfect place for you. Spend your days on the beach, swim in the crystal clear, turquoise water, and you’ll feel recharged after a few days of not doing much here. As for accommodation, I highly recommend checking out Airbnb, where you can find apartments for as little as US$22 per night!
6 Konavle
Konavle is a small region south of Dubrovnik running all the way to the border with Montenegro. The region is known for its many vineyards, but the picturesque hilly landscapes also attract hikers and cyclists. Turquoise waters and palm trees are what make the coastal villages of Konavle so attractive. As of now, this region is still talked about as a “hidden gem”, but it won’t be long until word gets out and more tourists head to this southernmost part of Croatia.
Photo Credit: All images used via Flickr’s Creative Commons Licensing. (1) Dubrovnik by Michael Gwyther-Jones; (2) Dubrovnik cable car by Luca Sartoni; (3) Korcula Island by Kate Tann; (4) Out of Odysseus Cave by Laurie Ray; (5) Brač Island by Nicolaj Potanin; (6) Konavle viewpoint by Miroslav Vajdic
