Top 5 tourist attractions in Croatia

Do you know the main tourist attractions in Croatia? Croatia is a destination that is getting popular. There are many places to visit in this country. Islands, national parks, historic cities and delicious food. But, as elsewhere, when planning a trip to Croatia, the question remains: where to start?

Italy's neighbor between Slovenia, Austria and Montenegro, Croatia has something to offer all types of travellers. For those who like to travel by car, this is the perfect destination. For nature lovers, Croatia has no shortage of activities. For those who love good (and cheap) food, you'll have plenty to eat.

Croatia has a coastline of 3,900 km that borders the Adriatic Sea. There are more than 1,200 islands that will delight beach and sun lovers. Croatia is an ideal destination for anyone planning a trip to Europe. This is a small but geographically diverse country with so much to see that it can be difficult to decide where and what to explore first. For those who want to dive into this adventure, here are the best destinations for beginners.

Must-see attractions

Dubrovnik

The medieval walled city of Dubrovnik has been one of Croatia's most popular tourist attractions for decades. But the fact that the city's walls, gates and towers were used as a backdrop for Game of Thrones has made the city a must-see for many. Dubrovnik is also an important stop on many Mediterranean cruises and is Croatia's most visited city.

Dubrovnik's main attraction is its stone walls dating back to the 10th century. Dubrovnik's walls surround the atmosphere of the old town, crowned by a 2 km long gate. From the top of the walkway there are views of the terracotta roofs, cobblestone streets and towers of the old town. Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Croatia.

With the turquoise waters of the Adriatic as a backdrop, other must-see attractions include the 16th-century Church of San Blas, the Franciscan Monastery, Onofrio's Fountain and the Rector's Palace. The best way to get to know Dubrovnik is to walk through its unique and narrow streets and discover its many hidden treasures: romantic cafe on the square, small chapel, old fountain, hidden gardens full of flowers.

Rovinj

Romantic and close to the sea, it is the most visited city in Istria. Which is the westernmost territory of Croatia. The city was founded in Roman times. The old part of the city is located in a circular area, almost an island bathed in the Adriatic. The city's architecture consists of colorful buildings and old Venetian palaces. They are all very beautiful!

Dominating the skyline is the 197-foot bell tower of Santa Eufemia. Climb the tower's 200 narrow steps for sweeping views of the rooftops and narrow streets of the old town, as well as some of the nearby islands dotted along the coast.

Below the cathedral, Grizzia is lined with galleries and shops selling souvenirs, jewelry and handcrafted art by local artists. The Corniche stretches south, past the fishing piers where fishermen mend their nets, to rows of seaside cafes and restaurants, while the famous rocky beaches are enjoyed by sun-seekers.

Zagreb

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia. Not long ago, the Croatian capital was ignored by tourists who preferred to head straight for the beaches and towns on the Adriatic coast. But history is changing as Zagreb attracts more and more tourists with its eclectic Austro-Hungarian architecture, socialist-era architecture, vibrant street art, museums and galleries, peaceful parks and hidden courtyards. Ban Jelacic Square in the center of the city comes alive throughout the day: the city's trams converge and many cafes are popular meeting places.

You cannot miss the square at the top of the city where the Lotrščak tower is located. Since January 1, 1877, every noon, Grichta celebrates noon by firing the cannon. The cannon shall give the punctual noon signal to the town church bell.

Another tourist attraction in Zagreb is the Church of St. Mark. It is estimated that the church was built in the 13th century. Its roof is very appealing, the design is made of tiles representing the coat of arms of Zagreb (white castle on a red background) and the coat of arms of the Trinity Kingdoms of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia.

Split

Croatia's second largest city is also one of its most important destinations. Split is located by the sea on the Dalmatian coast. In the city you can visit the well-preserved palace of Diocletian, built in the 4th century. The palace is located in the old town and can be accessed through four gates. It is a walled complex and a small town, with a maze of narrow streets covering 370 square meters.

The city of Split has more than 200 century-old buildings in this historic region, including churches, chapels, museums, cafes and many small shops. The majestic cathedral of Saint Domnius is located in the center of the city, and from the top of the bell tower you can have a panoramic view of the entire complex, as well as the harbor of Split and the mountains to the north.

The southern gate, known as the Bronze Gate, leads to the coastal town of Riva, and in this area you will find plenty of cafes and restaurants, and a place to see and be seen. Split also offers access to the islands of Brac, Hvar, Korčula and Vis via regular ferry routes that connect you to the mainland. Game of Thrones fans will be delighted to know that the clifftop Klis fortress, just 9 kilometers from Split, was also featured in the TV series as the city of Meereen. Wow!

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Of Croatia's eight national parks, this is by far the most visited. Visits are so numerous that the park has a limited number of spectators during peak season.

The park covers an area of ​​114 square kilometers and includes 16 beautiful blue-green freshwater lakes connected by cascades and waterfalls. 11 kilometers of signposted trails wind through the park between pine forests and unique geological sites. The park is available to people of all ages, including people with walking difficulties. You walk along the walkway past lakes, streams and waterfalls. The park is very organized and easy to visit. Don't be afraid to walk the 10 kilometer trail. The ride is so good that your walk will be smooth. A tip: leave early and avoid weekends!

The parks are fun to explore in any season and each has a different seasonal color scheme. However, summer is the busiest month, welcoming up to 15,000 visitors a day, making spring and autumn ideal times to explore the park. It can be visited in one day, but two days are more comfortable. You can stay at a hotel in or near the park. It is also possible to visit the park with a tour group from Zagreb.