TOP-10 Beautiful Places for Recreation in Croatia
A country where every traveler finds something to his liking. It remains only to decide on a place of rest!
In this country, everyone will find an atmospheric place for relaxation and inspiration. Find out which resort to choose to get the best experience in our article, and before your trip, don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the new rules for entering Croatia.
Pine forests, olive groves, mountains and water so clear that you can see every pebble on the bottom. Add perfectly preserved old cities and interesting sights from different eras, and you will get the answer to the question: “Why should you vacation in Croatia this summer?”. Here are 10 of the most popular resorts, among which you will definitely find “yours”!
1. Dubrovnik
“He who seeks Heaven on Earth must visit Dubrovnik,” said Bernard Shaw. Travelers listened to the words of a prominent writer — the “Pearl of the Adriatic” is today the most visited city in Croatia and one of the most popular resorts on the Mediterranean coast.
The main attraction is the Old Town, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is surrounded by a wall (you can climb it and go around the entire city around the perimeter), which divides the present and the pastDubrovnik. Behind the gates you will find ancient churches (the Cathedral of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary, the Church of St. Vlasius), numerous narrow streets with endless stairs, squares with fountains and cozy cafes.
To take beautiful photos of Dubrovnik and its surroundings, climb the hill of Srd, from where, in good weather, you can see a view of 60 kilometers around. A cable car leads here (ticket costs €11 one way, €18 round trip).
The city managed to fall in love not only with thousands of tourists from different countries, but also with cinematographers. In the 60s and 80s, feature films with the participation of Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Mickey Rooney and other stars were shot here, in the early 2000s — TV series of the BBC channel, and in 2011 the popular resort had to play the role of the Royal harbor in the series “Game of Thrones”.
How to get there? The international airport is located 15 kilometers from the center of Dubrovnik. The most affordable way to get from there to the city is by bus (about €6), a more expensive option is to order a transfer or take a taxi (from €25).
Split
The second largest city in Croatia, often called the “flower of the Mediterranean”, is located on a peninsula off the coast of Dalmatia. Its main attraction is the historical center, which is a wonderful example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The pearl of the collection is Diocletian’s Palace, built between 298 and 305 AD. e. (included in the UNESCO World Heritage List). The complex is so large that it is like a city within a city, restaurants, hotels and shops operate on its territory. Local residents jokingly claim that you can sleep, eat and drink the best wines of Croatia without leaving the walls of the imperial palace.
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We recommend spending time on other interesting placesSplit. Take a walk along the embankment, visit the colorful market and swim on the beach of Bacvice. And if you want a more extreme vacation, learn how to drive a sailing yacht, go for a walk in a kayak or kayak, ride an electric bicycle or conquer one of the climbing routes under the guidance of an experienced instructor.
How to get there? The international airport is located 20 kilometers from the city center. From there, a bus (about €4) or a taxi (from €30 for a car) will take you to the city in half an hour.
Peljesac Peninsula
This thin stretch of land, located between the mainland and the island of Korčula, is considered one of the country’s leading wine regions. The “king” of Croatian wines Dingac and the equally famous Postup are produced here. Be sure to visit the tasting, during which you will be told about the path taken by the “drink of the gods” before ending up on store shelves and in the glasses of gourmets.
Those who are interested in fortifications will be interested in visiting the village of Mali Stogin. It was built in the 14th century, during the Dubrovnik Republic, as part of a powerful defense system. Gourmets will not feel deprived either — in the vicinity of Stogon there are farms where oysters and mussels are bred, where you can taste the freshest delicacies.
The villages of Orebych, Kuchishte and Lovyshte can boast of the best beaches on the peninsula. Windsurfers relax in the vicinity of the Vyganj resort, and fans of sports fishing choose Trpanj.
How to get there? Transfer from Dubrovnik airport to the city of Stogin by car will cost about €100, you will spend a little more than an hour on the way. You will have to pay about twice as much for the trip if your flight arrives at Split airport. You can save money by traveling by regular bus.
Rivne
In the past, it was a fishing village, and today it is a popular resort in the north of Croatia, far from the main tourist routes. It is very photogenic and boasts a rich history that can captivate even seasoned travelers.
The old town is located on the peninsula, its dominant and main attraction is the church of St. Euphemia. In the year 800, the sarcophagus with relics, which disappeared from Constantinople, strangely ended up under the wallsRovinia — in honor of this event, a basilica was built on the hill. Euphemia is considered the patroness of Rovinj, on September 16, the day of her memory, the city is flooded by numerous pilgrims.
By the way, this same church is also the best observation deck in Rovinj. The bell tower is 62 meters high, which allows it to occupy an honorable place in the list of the tallest buildings in Croatia. Climbing up the stairs, you will be rewarded with a gorgeous view of the city and the neighboring islands.
How to get there? The closest to the resort is Pula International Airport, a taxi from there to Rovinj will cost about €55. You can save as follows: arrive in Pula by taxi, and there take a bus to Rovinj, which departs several times a day.
Zagreb
Many tourists ignore the capital of Croatia, preferring seaside resorts. And for nothing — the narrow streets of the Old Town, numerous parks and museums are worth coming here for at least a few days.
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The main attractions of the Upper Town (the historical part of Zagreb): the Town Hall, St. Mark’s Church, the Presidential Palace, the History Museum and the Gallery of Primitive Art. In the modern quarters, it is worth visiting the archaeological museum and the Strossmayer gallery. Also of interest is Maksimir Park, the largest in the country, and the Mirogoj cemetery, where prominent residents of Zagreb are buried.
An hour’s drive from the capital is the Trakoschan fortress, built in the 13th century, one of the most visited castles in the country. Now this building houses a museum, where a rich collection of books, paintings, furniture and weapons is stored. A picturesque hiking trail is laid along the shore of the artificial lake.
How to get there? There is an international airport 17 kilometers from the city, which receives regular and charter flights from different countries. For €4, the shuttle will take you to Zagreb’s central bus station, you can also take a taxi or order a transfer.
Korčula Island
According to one version, the famous traveling merchant Marco Polo was born here. This island, which stretches for 50 kilometers along the Adriatic coast of Croatia, is covered with forests, vineyards, olive groves and is famous for its excellent sandy beaches. Its capital is Korčula, an old city surrounded by a fortress wall. People come here to soak up the spirit of the Venetian Renaissance, visit colorful markets and see St. Mark’s Cathedral, which has preserved its appearance since 1806. Other attractions include the Prince’s Palace, the Franciscan Monastery, the Church of All Saints, the Chapel of St. Peter, and the Marco Polo House-Museum.
If you are determined to sunbathe and swim, go to the village of Lumbarda, in the vicinity of which there are 3 beaches: sandy Vela Pržina, rocky Bilin Žal and gravel Tatinja. You can get here from Korčula by bus or taxi.
How to get there? The island is connected by bus with Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik, however, the transport runs only once a day. From the mainland, buses and passengers are transferred to Korčula by ferry in 15 minutes. The closest is Dubrovnik — from here you can get to your destination in 3 hours, the ticket costs about €15.
Pula
Legend has it that Pula was founded by the Argonauts, this version is confirmed by finds made during archaeological excavations. The city, located on the southern edge of the Istrian peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, reached its peak in ancient Roman times. An amphitheater for 23,000 spectators, built in those years, has been preserved to this day.
Pulu changed patrons many times until it came under the rule of Croatia, so it differs from many other resorts in appearance and can boast of a rich cultural heritage. In addition to the same amphitheater, which resembles the Roman Colosseum, it is worth seeing the triumphal arch of Sergius, the temple of Augustus and the Hercules gate, which belong to the same era. We recommend including in the program the Kastel fortress (XIV century), which now houses the maritime museum, the Franciscan monastery, which houses an excellent collection of paintings, and the Marine Park, a shady oasis that is pleasant to walk on even on the hottest day.
How to get there? The airport is located 6 kilometers from the center and can be reached by domestic flight from Zagreb. A taxi into the city will cost you from €15, the shuttle is cheaper, but it does not run every day. Bus and rail connections have also been established between the capital and the resort.
Zadar Peninsula
An ideal place for history lovers and those who dream of a quality beach vacation. Its capital — Zadar — represents a unique combination of cultures: here you can see the ruins of the Roman forum, houses built in the 19th century, and Romanesque churches… You can take a look at all this magnificence at once by climbing the City Tower, where there is an observation deck.
A modern landmark — Greeting to the Sun — is also worthy of attention. It is a circle with a diameter of 22 meters, lined with glass plates in which solar cells are embedded. This system charges all day, and in the evening the light show begins, steadily collecting enthusiastic reviews. The musical accompaniment is provided by a sea organ, which transforms the noise of the waves into melodies.
The clear sea attracts lovers of “lazy rest”, as well as fans of diving and underwater hunting. The most famous beach of the resort is Kolovare (pebble, partially covered with sand), awarded the “Blue Flag” for its cleanliness. For less crowded beaches, head to the island of Ošljak, which is accessible by ferry.
How to get there? If your flight arrives at Split airport, you can take bus #37 to Trogir, and then change to a bus to Zadar. In general, the trip will take about 2.5–3 hours. You can reduce travel time by ordering a transfer or using taxi services. From the capital of the country, Zagreb, Zadar is separated by a seven-hour train journey.
Island of Hvar
One of the most beautiful and hot (the sun shines here for 2718 hours or 113 days a year) islands in Croatia. Hvar impresses the imagination of travelers with its landscapes, which include lavender fields and green vineyards. In the main city of the island, surrounded by a wall built in the 13th century, Gothic palaces, ancient churches and a large fortress await you. The central square of Hvar is considered one of the largest and most beautiful in the country, surrounded by interesting historical buildings such as the Arsenal (17th century) and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
If you prefer an active vacation, you won’t have to be bored on the island either. You can raft on the Cetina River or test your strength during a jeep safari.
For lovers of small towns that are not spoiled by the attention of tourists, we recommend visiting Stary Grad. It is strangely similar to the resorts surrounding the Italian Lake Garda and is not yet crowded with vacationers. You will find a good sandy beach (a rarity for Croatia and neighboring Montenegro) in the village of Vrboska.
How to get there? You can cross from Split to Stari Grad by ferry after 2 hours and €6. There are also high-speed catamarans from Split to the city of Hvar.
Island of Brac
It is covered with pine forests, vineyards and olive groves, famous for its rosé wines and restaurants serving delicious fish and seafood dishes. An interesting fact: on the island, not far from the town of Pucisce, ivory-colored stone is mined, which is used to cover many famous buildings, for example, the White House in Washington.
The most popular resorts of the island: Bol and Supetar. Not far from Bol is the famous Zlatni rât pebble beach, a cape whose shape and size are constantly changing under the influence of wind and sea currents.
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Supetar is convenient for two reasons: it is connected by regular transport to the mainland and to most of the interesting settlements on the island. Near it is the museum village of Shkryp, it is also worth seeing the “Pustelya Blatz” monastery, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the Drohonyva caves with stone bas-reliefs.
Brač is also suitable for fans of active recreation. Here you can do diving (there are many underwater caves in the bays), windsurfing, rock climbing, kayaking and other sports.
How to get there? A ferry will take you from Split to Supetar or from Makarska to Sumartin for €5, the trip lasts 50–60 minutes. On a high-speed catamaran, you can cross from Split to the cities of Bol and Milna.
