Even today, from its sun soaked beaches to magical national parks and from Dubrovnik city architecture to centuries old cultures, every section of Croatia’s beauties keep me remembered until last breath. If you made decision to make journey to Croatia, surely it could be yours too.
For me it is a highly tedious task to figure out which one is the best place to visit in Croatia. I know you may come from different travel backgrounds and seek distinct travel things. Each place you’re heading is trying to give some sort of travel vibe and unique travel experiences. Therefore, Croatia stand as one of the rarest countries on earth that welcomes every kind of backpacker.
To make it simple, this time I wish to bifurcate the best places to visit in Croatia according to types of travelers and their preferences. No matter what kind of backpackers you are and searching places for couples, families, nightlifes, young adults, beaches or summer, don’t worry Croatia is the ultimate gateway to all of them.
Best Places to Visit Croatia for Couples
There are some places in Croatia that are exclusively ideal for couples or looking for intimate vibes.
1. Dubrovnik
Starting your day from the old city of Dubrovnik could be the ultimate gateway for lovely couples. You may wonder how exactly this old city is going to be a couples friendly location, but its several intimate cliffside sunset settings and romantic atmosphere make Dubrovnik recognised as “World’s Most Romantic City”.
Start your day with your partner from its white limestone streets. These streets always look like polished marble, when both are walking its streets you’ll have the opportunity to pass amidst narrow stairways and tiny squares, allowing you to feel less distractions from crowds to make some candlelight dinner for more romantic times.
Since you’re a couple I strongly recommend that you should spend more time at Buza Bar. Its cliffside views are really amazing and consuming wine along with watching rocks outside of City walls is next level.
Most of the lovely couples always head to the city’s private look out points. But my favourite is Mount Srd, where you and your partner can take a cable car to reach its top to get the most aerial views of the city and nearby beaches/islands.
Evening take your partner to St. Jakov Beach and spending some time with the sunset or even boat ride, it could be a great option to reach Lokrum Island and Betina Cave from there.
2. Rovinji
After Dubrovnik, I wish to extent best place to visit for couples is Rovinji. A lot of people believe that Rovinji is a charming Istrian fishing port and it is true. But did you know that beyond its fishing heritages, the city blends numerous settings and things to newly married partners or couples. If you’re one, say thanks to the city’s narrow cobblestone streets, seaside dinings and relaxing atmospheres.
Start your day at Rovinji Old Town where there are a good number of spots to help you to spend time with your mate. St. Eufemija Bell Tower is my favourite one. The tower allows you to hike its top to see how beautifully the city is covered by the hills. Try to climb in the evening. It could be a great time with your mate to see the beauty of St. Mark’s Campanile.
There are plenty of places you can hang out. But I strongly recommend both of you at Mediterraneo, the most intimate setting cocktail bar features an outdoor terrace set right above the sea where both will enjoy evening cocktails along with enjoying eye-catching views of St. Catherine Island and St. Andrew Island at a time.
Go sunset boat ride at Batana and it could be a great way to understand your partner in different scenarios. Since it is a traditional fishing boat both will understand how Rovinji fishing culture works and to know fishing lights. Sunset at Mulini Beach is a perfect place to dance with partners at its live music and DJs.
3. Other Best Places for Couples
- Zagreb
- Istria
- Kornati National Park
- Hvar Town
- Vis Town
- Trogir
- Opatija
Best Places to Visit in Croatia for Families
Croatia is even welcome if you’re going with your family and there are the best places to visit.
1. Šibenik
The country is filled with a lot of adventure and historic things which are even explore by your family members, especially with kids. In that list Šibenik would be number one. Since the city stands as a gateway to the country’s popular Krka National Park, surely you and your family members expect a lot more activities.
Let’s start from Krka National Park itself. Take a walk with your kids to Krka waterfalls (just 15 minutes’ drive) where they will really love how 7 different waterfalls are combing one another. Out of that Skradinski Buk Waterfall is a bigger one and discharges waters so massively. If you have time left, try to visit nearby lakes like Visovac and Miljevci Basin to spend more time with surroundings.
Helping your children to understand the region’s history is good and if you wish to do that in Croatia, start from Šibenik City Centre. While walking its street you can briefly explain to your kids that most of the buildings, especially Churches and Cathedrals like St. James were built during the 15th century. However, Robert Visiani Park green spaces like pine trees, and playgrounds make kids play and watch splashing water from fountains. Both St. Michael’s Fortress and Šibenik Town Hall are great places to learn history.
When you are looking to spend more time with family at nature’s sides, try Jadrija Beach and Banj beach, both located within 15 minutes’ drive from city point. At Banj Beach you can rent beach beds and umbrellas to sleep on its sand to make a more tranquil experience and see epic sunsets. But Jadrija beach allows kids to kayak and swim in its water. Don’t forget to try snacks and drinks that are popular at both beaches at nearby restaurants.
Maybe it is a better idea to make your dinner and breakfast at Šibenik’s renowned family friendly restaurant than usual. Restaurants like Argola and Pluto’s Burger Bar help you maintain some privacy with family at its outside terrace and help to take some brilliant photos of city’s buildings and attractions.
2. Makarska Riveria
Go with your family members to Croatia’s most remote region for a better tranquil and leisure experience and for that I strongly insist you to visit Makarska Riviera. Since it is a small town on the Adriatic coastline there are more chances to spend its long stretches of pebble beach and kids friendly beach activities.
Those visitors who come to Makarska Riviera start their day from Makarska Harbour. From here members have an opportunity to book a ferry to Island Bracč, while traveling by ferry to the island there are plenty of inhabitants and Biokovo mountain ranges and Split regions views are easily accessible. During summer harbour waves are more calm that help your children to try paddleboardings.
The beach is the ultimate gateway here to do most of your activities. The beach is filled with water parks, playgrounds and leisure walking paths that help kids to spend most time here and do different sports like bouncy castles. Interestingly there is a Restaurant Riva and Tempera are exclusively known for kids friendly where kids can try Bikun Pizzeria snacks.
Visit the City town centre to explore Biokovo Nature Park, located just 9 km away. The park is home to wild animals that can be seen through quad safari rides and botanical gardens to spot local fauns and butterflies. Its glass floored skywalk is really amazing where you can teach your children local surroundings from above 1,228 heights. I insist you to spend your full day at Makarska to see its epic sunset.
3. Other Best Places for Families
- Plitvice Lakes
- Istria Peninsula
- Elaphiti Islands
- Zagreb
- Zadar
- Nin
- Medulin
3. Best Places to Visit in Croatia for Beach Lovers
Beaches are an integral part of Croatia’s nature-friendly destinations. I know some of you are positively coming to Croatia to spend more time at beaches/islands instead of its history or architecture. Don’t worry, the 2 places below are for you.
1. Brač Island
I think it is a good idea to start your beach expeditions from the largest island in Dalmatia. Yes, Brač Island is the most favourite island to nature centric backpackers in Croatia, thanks to Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) often ranked as the country’s beautiful beach.
Start your Island trip from Zlatni Rat itself, thankfully just located 2 km away from the harbour town of Bol. What you’ll appreciate here is, its half kilometers of coastal stretches, especially the “tongue shape” of sand stretches (unique pebble spit that shape with current and winds), are really interesting to watch. This V shaped bay can be perfectly visible from Split and don’t miss to remember to watch while there.
However, if you’re a big fan of surfing (any kind of surfing) and snorkelling start from here. Since there is a vast amount of beach activity equipment’s, it allows your kids to play jet skis and kayak to western side of the small bays and fine forest.
Don’t finish your trip in Brač Island until you step into the soil of Supetar. If you go to the northern side of the Island where one largest town is vividly recognised for its little village called “Milna”. These villages adhere to churches, yacht marinas, winery and cafes and bars.
For getting Supetar travel in more better experience I insist you to rent a bicycle and ride to till Postira. During your cycling journey it would be a great opportunity to see remote regions and reach Blaca Monastery and Vidova Gora.
2. Vis Island
Wanting to visit some of the most pristine, hidden coves and crystal clear waters in the Adriatic, Vis Island is the ultimate option. Since you’re a beach lover, I promise you Vis will be available along with peaceful atmospheres and crystal blue caves which make your beach trip more tranquil.
For a tranquil experience, let’s start from Stiniva Cove. You’re not going to find a natural swimming pool like Stiniva Cove in the entire Croatia. Such a magnificent swimming pool covered by the towering limestone cliffs which opened into a narrow entrance to the beach. Surely its crystal clear waters and surrounding limestone cliffs motivate you to swim in its water and lay down on its sand.
At the same time Blue Cave will sit next to Stiniva Cove. Another scenic hidden cave often called Biesevo where you can reach through rental boats or kayaking with your partner to see how beautiful its blue lights are.
If you finish the beach experience early and are looking to indulge its surroundings, you have an option called “Komiža“. Take a rental bike to see how systematically built local stone houses and fishing businesses works in local villages.
I wish to remember you first but I will do now that this Vis Island has historic significance. How I would know this is through island military base. Once you go through its military base it unlocks how massive a military tunnel is, where today bunkers, submarines and historic cold war runners exist.
3. Other Best Places for Beach Lovers
- Zlatni Rat
- Punta Rata
- Sahara Beach
- Lubenice
- Sveti Jakov
- Pasjača
- Sakarun
Best Places to Visit in Croatia for Nightlife
Love to spend more time with best nightlife at Croatia, choose these 2 options;
1. Hvar Town
Too conscious about nightlife and visiting to enjoy vibrant nightlife in Croatia, I recommend you head to Hvar Town. The town often called “Pear of the Adriatic” welcomes those who’re ready to enjoy summer night life’s, spend time at world class beach clubs and mingle at high energy dance parties.
Choosing the right place for your nightlife is a crucial and tedious task to everybody. But I suggest you visit Carpe Diem Beach. I like its nightlife vibes from its location of relaxing beach lounge. Since it is located at Carpe Diem Beach, you’ll be much blessed to dance with international DJs and cocktails under stars of pine forest.
Hula Hula Hvar is the most demanding summer session nightlife venue. Even today thousands of visitors coming to Hvar town just mingle with people to enjoy the evening with its epic sunset views. However, Central Park Club is an ideal space if you truly want jazz music, classy and lively nightlifes.
Chic Beach club is more unique and exhibits hidden cocktail bars into mediaeval stone walls, where you can dance with your partner while the sun slowly fall into sea. Despite these options, there are plenty of party vibes you’ll get throughout the city, just go through once.
2. Zrće Beach
Another popular party destination in Croatia witnessing several massive open air clubs and 24/7 daily festivals. Indeed Zrće Beach welcomes you through its world class DJs and energetic crowds.
Clubs like Papaya, Aquarius, Kalypso and Noa Beach Club are the most happening places in Zrće Beach. Each one blends state of the art sound systems, natural swimming pools where you can dance overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
But what I really like about nightlifes in Zrće Beach is its non-stop entertainment. Common features you can observe here are pool parties during the day time, sunset session and night electronic dance music session separately. Additionally, during the summer season nightlife turns even more vibrant. Yes, music festivals are held throughout the beach such as Hideout, Sonus, Techno and hardcore events. During summer around thousands of nightlife lovers especially from Europe are coming to be part of that. You can be one of them.
Interestingly beach local atmospheres and crowds even accelerate your spirit of dance. The crowd is primarily composed of young travelers and music lovers. Zrće Beach is exclusively recognised as a party zone where you can mingle with your partner at a more noisy vibe to experience the country’s best clubbing experiences.
3. Other Best Places for Nightlifes
- Pag Island
- Dubrovnik
- Split
- Zadar
Best Places to Visit in Croatia for Young Adults
If you’re young, enthusiastic backpacker choosing Croatia for daring and adventure activities, choose these places to explore;
1. Split
Most of the time visitors come to Croatia to appreciate its history and brilliant architecture. If you’re young and looking to know the country’s rich historic and cultural energy with modern vibes, Split could be a great option to start.
Today Split stands as the second largest city of Croatia, after Zagreb, and boasts some of the historic evidence like Diocletian’s Palace, Old Town and mediaeval old cathedrals.
Let’s come to the original point about how exactly Split is an ideal city for young adults. At the beginning I mentioned the city combines both historic and modern vibes. Besides the historic city, Split is home to some of the contemporary features.
Start from Bacvice beach, often known for its Picigin game. It is a traditional adult friendly local ball game where young adults dive, catch and leap balls at its shallow water. The interesting thing here is, the Picigin game is a great way to make social interactions, reduce stress and fun filled activities for you.
Once I searched for where to make the best Island hopping in Croatia, I got an answer: Split. The city has easy and direct access to ferry connections for island hopping. From the Central ferry terminal where you have the option to choose to visit islands like Vis, Hvar and Brac.
Since you’re an adult fellow, surely taking some daring activity has some meaning in your travel journey. In that sense I insist you choose cliff jumping at Marjan Hill, hiking at Mount Mosor or Mount Kozjak and enjoy the vibrant beauty of Marjan Forest Park sunset.
2. Pula
If you have done your outdoor activities, island hopping and historic expeditions at Split, then Pula is a vital option to continue your bustling and entertainment experiences. Despite being characterized by the Roman Colosseum, Pula has something to you if you like carnival charm.
Pula Arena Summer Concerts are the most demanding and loved by young stars. The festival is filled with open air shows and pop up at the century old Roman Colosseum. Pula Arena is held during the summer season, especially from June to September. If you’d like to mingle at most crazy electronic dance music events and DJ, choose Cave Romance held in the outskirts of Pula.
Apart from festivals and entertainment options, Pula has an equally ideal location to the beach, bustling nightlifes and hangouts. Looking for hangouts with your friends and trying local cuisine styles, I recommend taking a leisure walk at Kandlerova alleyway where along with strolling you have an opportunity to find social cafes and bars.
To make an additional energetic experience I strongly recommend you to extend your travel to visit nearby beaches such as Galebove Stijene and Valkane Beach. These beaches help you to indulge in activities like kayaking, scuba diving and cliff jumping.
Whether you come to Pula as a student or learn to know its history and museums, choose Olive Museum. It helps you to understand more through attending its interactive sessions, guided tours, food displays and buying olive woods wines and cosmetics.
3. Other Best Places for Young Adults
- Pag Beach
- Vodice
- Makarska
- Dubrovnik
- Hvar
- Zagreb
- Brac Island
Best Places to Visit in Croatia in Summer
1. Korčula Island
Even though you’re coming to Korčula Island to seek summer experience, I promise you will surely get it. And at the same time you’ll be even more blessed to enjoy the same travel vibe like Dubrovnik offering. That’s why the island is often called “Little Dubrovnik”.
There are ample reasons behind it, and it is much closer to your summer vacation. Ranging from cooler sea breezes, lush greeneries to mediaeval architectures and white wine cultures make it one of the popular destinations in Croatia for summer lovers.
When we talk about how to start your summer time at Korčula Island, I would suggest you to spend more time at beaches. Most of the beaches at Korčula Island are ideal during summer, its blue waters are calm, easy to snorkelling and swimming, and perfect season to take ferry rides to nearby islands and hidden coves like Przina.
In summer island temperature could be around 25℃ and I feel it really helps you to do activities especially at the beach. Although I choose to walk its old town and attend music events and sword dance events at the same time.
2. Plitvice Lakes
I haven’t mentioned Plitvice Lakes before because I thought that this national park is perfectly suitable for summer lovers. The reason is very simple: the national park will not open year round, you have to head there late April. Watching its cascading waterfalls is really interesting to see in a fullest way.
As we know, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a World Heritage Site home to the country’s most extensive waterfalls series and lakes which are often attractive by its turquoise waters and spectacular boardwalks located above the lakes.
The park covers around 300 square km and stands as the largest national park in Croatia. Once you enter inside, you’ll be impressed by its interconnected lakes that create cascading waterfalls which through a series of tufa barriers create the most epic emerald colors. Since waterfalls are not swimmers’ choice, instead choose its pathways to enjoy these incredible beauties from the top.
There are 16 lakes you can see and each one is eye-catching enough not just to see, but to even take perfect photos in cameras. Since lakes open only during summer, obviously you might experience lakes amidst heavy crowds. What I personally advice is to start your day here early in the morning and it helps you not just to see waterfalls freely, but also to encounter local wildlifes like bears or wolves. Did you know park even ideal location to travel during winter and want to know how to Travel Plitvice Lakes during Winter?
3. Other Best Places for Summer
- Krk Island
- Makarska Riveria
- Pag Island
- Sibenik
- Vis Island
- Cavtat
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