Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Croatia is a dream destination for nature enthusiasts, offering a blend of breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and lush forests. With its rich biodiversity, scenic waterfalls, and serene islands, Croatia provides countless opportunities to explore the great outdoors. This article highlights the top places to visit in Croatia, showcasing its natural beauty and unique ecological treasures. Whether you’re a beach lover, a hiker, or simply seeking tranquillity, the tourist attractions in Croatia are sure to captivate your heart.
10 Best Places To Visit In Croatia
This Croatia tourist places list is perfect for planning your next nature-inspired getaway. Here are some of the best 10 places to visit in Croatia:
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons
Among the most-visited sites in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its cascading waterfalls and interconnected turquoise lakes. Surrounded by lush forests, wooden walkways allow guests to see firsthand the 16 terraced lakes that spill one into another. The park boasts a variety of flora and fauna. There are bears, wolves, and other rare species of birds. The vibrancy of colours and serenity of the environment make it a must-place on any tourist places list in Croatia.
Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Central Croatia
Entry Fee: 10 – 40 EUR, depending on the season
2. Zagreb
Photo: Nick Savchenko / Wikimedia Commons
The Upper Town (Gradec) and Lower Town are the two divisions of Zagreb, while New Zagreb, located across the Sava River, is the third. Two important landmarks are St. Catherine’s Church, a stunning Baroque treasure, and St. Mark’s Parish Church, which is renowned for its colourful tiled roof. Discover the vibrant Dolac Market, the tiled exterior of Kallina House, and the glass ceiling at Oktogon. Beautiful parks and squares make up the Lenuci Horseshoe.
How To Reach: Fly into Zagreb International Airport or take a train from Ljubljana, Slovenia.
3. Mljet National Park
Photo: Patrick Rouzet / Wikimedia Commons
Mljet National Park is a nature lover’s paradise situated on the beautiful island of Mljet. The park is known for its saltwater lakes, Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero, and is one of the quietest Croatia tourist places. The park offers ideal kayaking, cycling, and hiking, which gives visitors a break from the crowds. A small island here offers a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, giving a touch of history to your visit. Be it in pursuit of adventure or serenity, Mljet is one place nature lovers can choose from among the places they visit in Croatia.
Location: Island of Mljet, Southern Croatia
Entry Fee: Approx. 5 – 15 EUR
4. Zlatni Rat Beach
Photo: Marin0110 / Wikimedia Commons
One of Croatia’s most famous beaches is Zlatni Rat or Golden Horn. It’s located on the island of Brač amidst some of the clearest waters and one of the prettiest pebbled beaches in the world. Due to its constantly changing shape, which is affected by winds and tides, it is one of the top places for Croatia trip plans. These include windsurfing, swimming, and sunbathing. It has a scenic beauty surrounded by pines. Without a doubt, Zlatni Rat would be on the top priority list for any tourist visiting Croatia seeking beaches and enjoyment in water sports.
Location: Bol, Island of Brač, Croatia
Entry Fee: Free access; parking charges may apply
5. Šibenik
Photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons
Šibenik, a beach city in central Dalmatia, is often underestimated when compared to Split and Dubrovnik. But it’s a hidden jewel, with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: St. James Cathedral, a stunning stone basilica, and St. Nicholas Fortress, located on an islet across from the old town. The city also includes attractive heritage hotels, such as Armerun, a boutique hotel on the seashore, and Pelegrini, a Michelin-starred restaurant noted for its inventive Croatian cuisine.
Tourist Attractions: Šibenik Cathedral, St. Nicholas Fortress, St. Michael’s Fortress, St. John Fortress
6. Brijuni National Park
Photo: David Lukšić / Wikimedia Commons
Brijuni National Park is a group of 14 small islands with a nice mix of history and natural beauty. These islands are located off the Istrian Peninsula, featuring rich green vegetation, archaeological sites, and various wildlife. Visitors have access to ancient Roman ruins, safari parks, and walking trails. The tranquil landscapes of Brijuni make it one of the most relaxing places to visit in Croatia. Whether one is exploring its historical landmarks or taking in its pristine beaches, it stands as a wonderful standout on any list of Croatia’s tourist places.
Location: Istrian Peninsula, Croatia
Entry Fee: Approx. 25 – 35 EUR for guided tours
7. Paklenica National Park
Photo: Tfinc / Wikimedia Commons
The Paklenica National Park is a heaven for hikers and climbers, with dramatic canyons, rugged cliffs, and dense forests. This national park is a must among the places to visit in Croatia for adventure-hungry individuals. The trails are varied, from casual strolls along its trails to high-experience climbing. There are also Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica canyons, which are well known for their sheer rock walls. Birdwatching and wildlife spotting also attract tourists here. Paklenica is certainly a must-go destination in any tourist’s place of interest in Croatia, offering adventures and views to die for.
Location: Northern Dalmatia, Croatia
Entry Fee: Approx. 5 – 10 EUR
8. Rijeka
Photo: Antonio199cro / Wikimedia Commons
In 2020, the third-largest city in Croatia, Rijeka, was designated the European Capital of Culture. With villages speaking the Venetian-based Fiuman dialect, it is a culturally diverse place where the Istrian Peninsula meets continental Croatia. Buildings of the Habsburg, Venetian, and fishing port styles coexist on the city’s skyline. The city’s centre is the harbour, and Treat Fortress provides stunning views. See the distinctive Cathedral of St.
How To Reach: Fly into Rijeka International Airport or take a bus from anywhere in Croatia
9. Kopački Rit Nature Park
Photo: Donatus Darko Tepert / Wikimedia Commons
Known as the “Amazon of Europe,” Kopački Rit Nature Park, located in eastern Croatia, is one of Europe’s largest wetlands. It is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The park is home to more than 300 bird species, including herons, storks, and eagles. One of the most serene Croatia tourist places, this wetland is a sight to behold. Boat tours and walking trails allow visitors to explore its unique ecosystem of marshlands, rivers, and forests.
Location: Near Osijek, Croatia
Entry Fee: 5 – 7 EUR
10. Blue Cave On Biševo Island
Photo: dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons
On Biševo Island lies the natural wonder known as the Blue Cave, which is indeed a highlight of any Croatia tourist places list. Here’s why: its glowing blue light has been created when the sun’s rays pass through it and reflect off the seafloor into the cave, creating an ethereal experience that is truly one of the most magical nature-lover places to visit in Croatia. For those searching for tourist attractions in Croatia that reveal nature, the Blue Cave must be noticed.
Location: Biševo Island, near Vis, Croatia
Entry Fee: Approx. 10 – 15 EUR
Croatia’s diverse natural attractions make it a haven for nature lovers. From the serene waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes to the dramatic cliffs of Paklenica National Park, the places to visit in Croatia offer unforgettable experiences. Now that you have a list of Croatia’s stunning natural attractions, make sure to visit these breathtaking spots on your next trip. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or scenic beauty, Croatia has it all for an unforgettable experience with your loved ones. Book your trip with TripXL for a hassle free trip.
Cover Photo: Matthias Mullie / Unsplash
