Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Croatia

10. Mljet

cc by Ian Bancroft

The island of Mljet is one of the larger islands off the coast of Southern Croatia. Over two-thirds of the island is covered by forest with the western half of the island declared a National Park. The island contains two salt lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero, that are located at the western end of the island. In the middle of Veliko Jezero, there is a small island with an old Benedictine monastery.

9. Euphrasian Basilica

cc by Berthold Werner

The Euphrasian Basilica or the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Mary is a basilica in Poreč, Croatia. It is one of the best examples of early Byzantine architecture in the Mediterranean region. The present basilica was built on the site of an older basilica during the period of Bishop Euphrasius. It has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997.

8. Gornji Grad

cc by Suradnik13

Gornji Grad is one of the districts of Zagreb, Croatia, and translates as Upper Town. It developed as two separate towns: Kaptol and Gradec. The towns merged in the 1770s. Gornji Grad is a neighborhood with a large historic value due to it containing both Kaptol and Gradec, the old parts of Zagreb, among other peculiarities, such as touristically frequented first Zagreb cemetery, Mirogoj.

7. Diocletian's Palace

cc by currystrumpet

Diocletian's Palace is an ancient palace built by the Roman emperor Diocletian at the turn of the fourth century CE in preparation for his retirement. It lies in a bay on the south side of a short peninsula running out from the Dalmatian coast, four miles from Salona, the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Today, it is the center of the city of Split.

6. Pula Arena

cc by Orlovic

The Pula Arena is the name of the amphitheatre located in Pula, Croatia. It was constructed in 27 BC – 68 AD and is among the six largest surviving Roman arenas in the World. A rare example among the 200 Roman surviving amphitheatres, it is also the best preserved ancient monument in Croatia. Today it is a popular Croatia attraction and used to host a variety of festivals and performances during the summer months.

5. Korcula

cc by Remus Pereni

The island of Korcula is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic Sea, with abundant vineyards and olive groves. Its southern coast is formed by small beaches and quiet coves. The island’s capital is also called Korcula, this ancient city is among the most beautiful towns on the Croatian coast. The biggest and the most beautiful building of Korcula is the Cathedral of St. Marco, built in Gothic-Renaissance style and completed in the 15th century.

4. Rovinj

cc by Miroslav Vajdic

Rovinj is the most beloved town in  Istria, a top sight in Croatia, and one of its most romantic spots. With its pastel-coloured houses clustered together on steep winding streets and topped by a Venetian bell tower. It is a popular tourist resort and an active fishing port. The area around Rovinj has been described as an “outstanding scenic wonder” because of the pristine beauty of the indented coastline and its forests.

3. Hvar

cc by Mark Heard

Island Hvar and especially Hvar town is one of the most popular attractions in Croatia. Hvar Town is estimated to draw around 20,000 people a day in the high season. Hvar town, set in a picturesque natural bay, with the Pakleni island chain protecting it to the south, is a popular port for yachts sailing around the Adriatic. Hvar Town may be the most stunning town on the island but Stari Grad, the oldest village on the island, and Jelsa, as well as a smattering of small villages, dotting the coast or nestled in the lush interior are well worth a visit.

2. Dubrovnik

cc by Alessandro Pili

Dubrovnik is a Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea, in the region of Dalmatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, a seaport and the centre of Dubrovnik-Neretva County. The walled city was built on maritime trade. Dubrovnik is steeped in stunning architecture and sculptural detail, and boasts spectacular churches, monasteries, museums...

1. Plitvice Lakes National Park

cc by Emmanuel Tabard

Plitvice National Park in Croatia is considered to be one of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe. Due to its natural beauty and significance, this system of 16 interlinked lakes and a large forest complex around it were set aside as a national park in 1949. The area around the lakes is home to an extremely wide variety of animal and bird species. Rare fauna such as the European brown bear, wolf, eagle, owl, and lynx can be found here. In 1979 the park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.