10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Croatia in 2023
Welcome to the land where the sun shines bright on the shimmering Adriatic Sea, where ancient walled towns whisper tales of centuries past, and where nature unveils its grandeur in a symphony of colours.
As we end the year 2023, it’s time to dust off your travel plans and set your sights on this breathtaking country. From the cascading waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park to the mediaeval charm of Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. So, buckle up as we take you on a journey through the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Croatia in 2023 and beyond.
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit. With its cascading lakes and stunning waterfalls, it’s a paradise for nature lovers. The park is home to 16 interconnected lakes that range in colour from azure to green, grey, and blue. The colours change constantly depending on the quantity of minerals or organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight.
But here’s something you might not know: the park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and over 140 bird species, making it a fantastic spot for wildlife watching. To reach Plitvice, you can take a bus from Zagreb, Split, or Zadar. Plan to spend a full day here to truly enjoy the park.
2. Dubrovnik Old Town: Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a beautifully preserved mediaeval city with stunning architecture. The hit Netflix series “Game of Thrones” was filmed in Dubrovnik, which served as the fictional city of King’s Landing.
In fact, fans of the series will recognize the city walls as the backdrop for many of the show’s most iconic scenes, including the ‘Battle of Blackwater’. You can take a guided tour that will take you to all the filming locations in the city. But here’s another interesting fact: Dubrovnik was a powerful independent merchant republic in the Middle Ages, known for its skilled diplomacy that managed to keep it independent even during the time of the powerful Ottoman Empire.
You can reach Dubrovnik by plane, bus, or ferry from various locations. Spend at least a day exploring the city.
3. Hvar Town: This glamorous island town is known for its sunny beaches, lavender fields, and vibrant nightlife. Hvar Town might be the most stunning town on the island for the chic jetsetters, but the rest of the island is full of vineyards, olive groves, and lavender fields that are worth a visit.
The island is also home to “Stari Grad Plain” – a UNESCO World Heritage site, which has remained practically intact since it was first colonised by Ionian Greeks from Paros in the 4th century BC. It’s a unique example of the ancient Greek system of agriculture.
Another interesting fact about Hvar is that it’s known as the island of lavender. In fact, in the late 1960s, Hvar produced 8% of the world’s lavender oil. You can still buy lavender products all over the island. You can reach Hvar by ferry from Split. A couple of days would be ideal to enjoy what Hvar has to offer.
4. Diocletian’s Palace: This ancient palace is a living monument – a city within a city where life has been buzzing for thousands of years. The palace is one of the best-preserved monuments of Roman architecture in the world. Built in the 4th century AD as a retirement residence for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, the palace complex covers about 31,000 square metres and includes a military fortress, the imperial residence, and the town itself.
Here’s an interesting fact: Diocletian was the only Roman emperor who voluntarily retired from the throne, and he spent the last years of his life in this palace. Today, the palace is alive with shops, restaurants, and even homes, making it a unique place where the past and the present coexist. You can reach Split by plane, bus, or ferry. Spend at least a day to explore the city and the palace.
5. Rovinj Old Town: With its colourful houses and charming cobblestone streets, Rovinj is like a scene from a postcard. The town is dominated by the baroque St. Euphemia’s Church, which offers a panoramic view of the town and the Adriatic from its bell tower.
But did you know that Rovinj was actually an island until 1763?
It was only connected to the mainland by filling in the channel. Another interesting fact is that Rovinj is known for its batana boats, a traditional flat-bottomed boat used by the locals for centuries. There’s even a museum dedicated to it, ‘the House of Batana’. Rovinj is easily accessible by car or bus from many Croatian cities. A day would be enough to enjoy the town.
6. Zlatni Rat Beach: This unique beach is known for its golden pebbles and crystal-clear waters. The shape of the beach shifts with the changes in tide, currents, and wind, making it a unique sight to behold. But did you know that the name “Zlatni Rat” translates to “Golden Cape” in English? This name perfectly describes the golden pebble beach that extends out into the Adriatic Sea like a hand reaching out.
Another interesting fact is that Zlatni Rat is often referred to as the “Croatian Miami” due to its popularity among windsurfers and jet-setters from around the world. You can reach Brač Island by ferry from Split. Spend a day here to enjoy the beach and the local area.
7. Pula Arena: This remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre is one of the best in the world. Built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, it’s the sixth largest surviving Roman arena and one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Croatia.
The Pula Arena was used for gladiator fights in Roman times and could accommodate about 20,000 spectators. But here’s an interesting fact: the Pula Arena is the only remaining Roman amphitheatre to have four side towers and all three Roman architectural orders entirely preserved.
Today, it’s used for concerts, film festivals, and even a local hockey game, making it a living piece of history. You can reach Pula by bus or plane from various locations. Spend at least half a day to explore the city and the arena.
8. Krka National Park: This stunning national park is named after the river Krka that it encloses. It’s known for its series of seven waterfalls, the most famous of which is Skradinski Buk. This natural and well-preserved ecosystem is popular for swimming and picnicking. But here’s an interesting fact: Krka National Park is home to the second hydroelectric power plant in the world and the first in Europe, which was built just two days after the first hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls.
Today, the park is a place of unique and rich flora and fauna, with over 800 species of plants and a diverse range of bird species. You can reach Krka National Park by bus from Šibenik. Spend a day here to fully enjoy the park.
9. Zagreb: As the capital city of Croatia, Zagreb is a bustling metropolis that perfectly blends modern attractions with historic charm. The city is known for its beautiful squares, parks, and diverse architecture, from the mediaeval structures in the Upper Town to the contemporary buildings in the Lower Town.
Here’s an interesting fact: Zagreb is home to the world’s shortest funicular. With a track length of just 66 metres, the Zagreb Funicular connects the Upper and Lower Towns and has been in operation since 1890.
Another intriguing fact is that Zagreb hosts one of the most unique museums in the world – the Museum of Broken Relationships, which exhibits personal objects from failed relationships, donated by people from all over the world. You can reach Zagreb by plane, train, or bus from various locations. Spend a couple of days here to fully explore the city.
10. Korčula Old Town: This charming mediaeval town is known for its beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architecture, including the stunning St. Mark’s Cathedral. The town is also famous for its traditional Knight’s dance celebrating the Turkish invasions of the 15th century.
Here’s an interesting fact: Korčula claims to be the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. While this is disputed, the town is home to a museum dedicated to him, and visitors can even explore a house said to be his birthplace. You can reach Korčula by ferry from Split or Dubrovnik. Spend a day here to fully enjoy the town.
Croatia is a country that truly has it all – stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the best places to visit in Croatia in 2023!
