Croatia, with its over 1,100 miles of meandering mainland coast and hundreds of scattered islands and islets, is a paradise for those who love to combine cultural sightseeing with beach relaxation. The rugged limestone mountains, historic harbor towns, and Venetian relics from the 1420-1797 occupation make it a perfect destination for adventure and leisure. Croatia offers exhilarating water sports like sailing, scuba diving, sea kayaking, and windsurfing, as well as land-based activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing. The local cuisine, featuring Adriatic seafood, olive oil, and wine, is a feast for the senses.

South Dalmatia: Dubrovnik and Korcula

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is Croatia’s most visited destination. Its UNESCO-listed old town is protected by sturdy medieval fortifications. Walk the full circuit of the ramparts, then explore the stone alleys filled with Baroque palazzi, elegant churches, museums, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The city is famous for its role as King’s Landing in *Game of Thrones*.

Korcula Town

Perched on a tiny fortified peninsula, Korcula Town is based on a herringbone plan with a series of stone stepped alleys leading up to a main pedestrianized thoroughfare. Visit the 16th-century cathedral and the Marco Polo Interpretation Centre, located in the explorer’s supposed birthplace.

Best Beach: Lopud

Escape Dubrovnik’s summer crowds with a ferry ride to the islet of Lopud, home to Sunj, one of Croatia’s rare sandy beaches. The sea is warm and shallow, ideal for children, and there are several beach bars hiring sunbeds.

Best Day Trip: Konavle

Visit the green and rugged Konavle region for a glimpse of old-fashioned Dalmatian rural villages. Have lunch by the waterfalls at Konavoski Dvori, then drive down to the 15th-century Sokol Tower at Dunave for superb views over the valley.

Where to Eat and Drink

- Konoba Maha: A rustic agrotourism eatery in the hills behind Korcula Town, serving local specialties like Zrnovski makaruni (homemade pasta with pesto, sundried tomatoes, and goat’s cheese) and barbecued lamb.

- Korta Katarina Winery: Located on the Pelješac peninsula, this winery offers guided tours and tastings of its highly esteemed ruby red Plavac Mali.

Where to Stay

- Hotel Mlini: Overlooking the seafront promenade and a lovely pebble beach in Mlini, just south of Dubrovnik.

- Hotel Excelsior: A luxury hotel with fine dining and a spa, located immediately outside Dubrovnik’s medieval walls.

Central Dalmatia: Split and Hvar

Split

Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, is backed by rugged mountains and fronted by a busy port. Within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO-listed Roman monument, Split’s old town is a labyrinth of stone alleys and Venetian-era houses. Explore the Roman peristyle (arcaded square) and the cathedral. The Mestrovic Gallery, set in a 1930s villa by the sea, displays works by Croatia’s greatest 20th-century sculptor, Ivan Meštrovic.

Hvar Town

Hvar Town, on the island of Hvar, is Croatia’s trendiest island destination. Built around a deep sheltered harbor, it is known for its pricey seafood restaurants and cocktail bars loved by yachters. The town is overlooked by a hilltop castle.

Best Beach: Zlatni Rat

Zlatni Rat is a 450-meter-long fine pebble spit jutting out from the coast in Bol on the island of Brac. It’s a fantastic spot for water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and scuba diving.

Best Day Trip: Krka National Park

From Šibenik, excursion boats sail up the River Krka to Krka National Park. The park features a series of rapids and seven waterfalls, with a network of raised wooden walkways through the lush woodland.

Where to Eat and Drink

- Pelegrini: Opposite Sibenik’s cathedral, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers sophisticated contemporary dining with dishes like hake with Jerusalem artichokes and prosciutto.

- Tomic Winery: Located in Jelsa on the island of Hvar, this winery showcases local grape varieties and offers VIP tastings paired with savory snacks.

Where to Stay

- Blue Sun Elaphusa: A family-friendly resort in Bol on Brac, just a 10-minute walk from Zlatni Rat beach.

- Maslina Resort: Offering peace and understated luxury in a pine-scented bay in Stari Grad on Hvar.

North Dalmatia: Zadar and Pag

Zadar

Zadar, North Dalmatia’s main city, is a cheerful university town with a tumultuous history. Its car-free old town centers on a Roman forum and includes the ninth-century Church of St Donat and the 12th-century Cathedral of St Anastasia. On the seafront promenade, visit the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun, two quirky installations by local architect Nikola Bašić.

Pag Town

Pag Town is a 15th-century walled Renaissance settlement on the island of Pag. Attractions include a proud church, the Bishop’s Palace, and the Lace Gallery displaying lace made by Benedictine nuns. The town is known for its flavorful Paski sir cheese made from sheep’s milk.

Best Beach: Sakarun

Sakarun beach, on the island of Dugi Otok, is a wide arc of smooth white stones fringing a translucent turquoise bay. It’s quite remote but can be reached by excursion boat from Zadar.

Best Day Trip: Paklenica National Park

From Starigrad Paklenica, hike up the dramatic Velika Paklenica Canyon to visit Manita Pec, a limestone cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.

Where to Eat and Drink

- Boskinac: Located in Novalja on the island of Pag, this Michelin-starred restaurant uses locally reared lamb and fresh Adriatic seafood to create sublime modern dishes.

- Wine Garden Zadar: A great place to taste local white Maraština and red Crljenak wines with platters of savory snacks in Zadar’s old town.

Where to Stay

- Villa Nai: A luxury boutique property on the island of Dugi Otok, set amid olive groves with eight rooms and suites, two restaurants, and an outdoor pool.

- Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel: A stylish mid-range hotel in Zadar’s old town with a lovely courtyard café-restaurant.

Kvarner: Mali Losinj and Rab

Mali Losinj

Mali Losinj, on the island of Losinj, is built around a long narrow sheltered bay. Historically a place of convalescence for Austro-Hungarian aristocracy, it now features several plush waterside hotels with spas.

Rab Town

Rab Town rises from the sea upon a small narrow peninsula. Its car-free medieval center features monasteries, churches, and four elegant bell towers.

Best Beach: Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach, on Rab’s northeast coast near Lopar, is a sandy one-mile strip with shallow sea, water sports facilities, and beach volleyball, ideal for kids.

Best Day Trip: Risnjak National Park

High above the Kvarner Gulf, Risnjak National Park offers hiking trails through meadows and woodland. The Leska educational path is an easy circular route suitable for families with kids.

Where to Eat and Drink

- Za Kantuni: Located in Mali Losinj, this restaurant serves tuna tartare with wild asparagus and slow-cooked lamb casserole.

- Nada Winery: Located in the hill village of Vrbnik on Krk, this winery offers tastings of its indigenous Vrbnicka Zlahtina wine.

Where to Stay

- Boutique Hotel Alhambra: A posh hotel on Lošinj, occupying two early 20th-century villas with retro design, Michelin-starred dining, and a spa.

- Isolano: A slick waterside boutique retreat in Cres Town, which opened in 2024.

Istria: Pula and Rovinj

Pula

Pula, Istria’s main city, is dominated by the Arena, a well-preserved Roman amphitheater. Other ancient Roman relics include the Forum Square, the Temple of Augustus, and a Triumphal Arch.

Rovinj

Rovinj is one of Croatia’s prettiest destinations. Pastel-colored Venetian-era façades line a sheltered harbor, filled with fishing boats and overlooked by an 18th-century hilltop church. South of town, Zlatni Rt park features pines, cypresses, and cedars, with tiny coves and pebble beaches.

Best Beach: Mala Kolombarica

Mala Kolombarica, within Kamenjak Nature Park, is an expanse of flat rocks jutting out into the deep blue Adriatic. It’s ideal for sunbathing and diving.

Best Day Trip: Inland Istria

Inland Istria features undulating hills planted with vineyards and olive groves, and walled medieval hilltop towns like Motovun. The region is known for its agrotourism eateries and rustic konobe (taverns) that serve local olive oil, cheeses, and truffles.

Where to Eat and Drink

- Monte: A Michelin-starred restaurant in Rovinj, serving Modern Mediterranean cuisine based on local seasonal produce.

- Meneghetti Winery: Located near Bale, this winery produces nine different wines and offers tastings by appointment.

Where to Stay

- Park Plaza Histria: A modern mid-range hotel by the sea, just outside Pula.

- Grand Park: An elegant contemporary hotel in Rovinj, offering gorgeous views of the old town across the bay.

Croatia’s diverse coastal regions offer something for everyone. From the historic charm of Dubrovnik and Split to the natural beauty of the islands and national parks, each area has its own unique appeal. Whether you’re exploring medieval towns, relaxing on pristine beaches, or indulging in local cuisine and wine, Croatia is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences.