Dotted with scenic pebbled beaches and dazzling islands, Croatia is a beautiful country bordered by four countries – Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovenia, Serbia, and Hungary.
The southern tip touches Montenegro and the body of its crescent shape forms a long coastline with the Adriatic Sea.
This small yet geographically diverse Mediterranean country is a travel hotspot that offers everything from serene & postcard-worthy national parks to UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Stunning waterfalls, gorgeous beaches, hiking trails, and rich history – Croatia has so much to offer that one trip will fail to satiate you.
Strangely Croatia was never on my bucket list, but after just a few days exploring this fabulous country I can’t wait to go back!
Here are my top 20 things to do in Croatia including the places I visited and the ones I want to see!
Top 20 Very Best Things To Do In Croatia
1. Walk the City Walls in Dubrovnik’s Old Town
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is one of those places that really lives up to the hype. With its terracotta rooftops, winding alleys, and dramatic sea views, it’s no surprise it’s nicknamed the Pearl of the Adriatic.
The star of the show? The City Walls.
These mighty stone fortifications wrap around the entire Old Town — about 2 km or 1.25 miles — and are hands-down one of the best ways to take in the beauty of Dubrovnik. You’ll get sweeping views over the Adriatic, spot Lokrum Island just offshore, and see the rooftops glow golden in the early morning light.
If you can manage it, go early and catch the sunrise. It’s quieter, cooler, and the light on those red roofs is something else.
And for my fellow Game of Thrones fans — this is King’s Landing. You’ll recognise the streets and gates instantly, and there are some great themed walking tours that bring the filming locations to life (yes, I did one and yes, it was brilliant).
2. Experience the Magic of the Blue Cave
If you’re based in Split or Hvar, a day trip to the Blue Cave on Biševo Island is well worth it. It’s one of those bucket-list experiences that actually lives up to the photos.
The cave is famous for its glowing neon-blue light, caused by the sun bouncing through the water and lighting up the limestone walls. It’s surreal, beautiful, and surprisingly peaceful — if you time it right.
That said, it’s very popular, and during peak season it can feel a bit chaotic. If you can, try to go in shoulder season (May or late September is ideal), and just know that it’s only accessible via official guided tours.
If you’re in Split, I highly recommend doing a full-day Blue Cave tour that includes island hopping to Hvar and a few other stunning spots along the Dalmatian coast. It’s a full day on the water, but honestly? One of the most scenic days I’ve ever had.
3. Hike to Odysseus Cave on Mljet Island
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, Croatia has plenty to keep the heart pumping — from canyon hikes to coastal climbs. But one of the more memorable day hikes has to be the trail to Odysseus Cave on Mljet Island.
Mljet itself is home to a stunning national park, filled with pine forests, saltwater lakes, and quiet hiking trails. But it’s not just nature that makes it special — there are ancient Greek ruins, Illyrian tombs, and centuries of history scattered across the island.
The hike to Odysseus Cave starts in the small town of Babino Polje. It takes around an hour, and while the trail isn’t too difficult, it does get rocky in parts. Once you reach the edge? You’ve got two options: jump in, or watch from above.
To actually enter the cave, you’ll need to swim — there’s no path in. So if you’re not a confident swimmer, definitely take a lifejacket or stick to admiring it from the cliffs.
It’s a raw, beautiful slice of the Dalmatian coast — and well worth the effort if you’re up for a proper nature fix.
4. Wander Through the Waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s true natural showstoppers — and it’s not hard to see why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spanning over 7,000 acres, this protected wonderland is home to 16 crystal-clear lakes and more than 90 waterfalls, all nestled at the base of the Dinaric Alps. The colours alone — turquoise, teal, emerald — are worth the trip.
Centuries of mineral-rich water flowing over limestone have shaped the landscape into a fairytale network of lakes, cascades, and shallow travertine pools. Wooden walkways and forest trails wind through the park, making it easy to explore at your own pace.
One of the highlights is Kozjak Lake, where you can hop on a quiet electric boat and float across the still, glassy water — pure peace.
It’s one of eight national parks in Croatia, and easily one of the most photographed.
Top tip: Unless you’ve hired a car, I’d recommend booking a guided day trip from Split or Zagreb. You’ll get transport, park entry, and a guide to help you make the most of your time without any of the planning stress.
5. Take a Day Trip to Krka National Park
If you’re staying in Split and want a taste of Croatia’s wild side without the long drive to Plitvice, Krka National Park is a brilliant alternative — and honestly, just as beautiful in its own way.
Like Plitvice, Krka is known for its waterfalls. But here, you can take a boat ride along the Krka River, winding past cascades and through lush forested canyons. I recommend starting your trip in the town of Skradin — from there, you can hop on a boat that’ll glide you right into the park. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a lovely way to kick off your visit.
There are wooden boardwalks, lakes, quiet trails, and lookouts perfect for a picnic or just soaking up the view. It’s a dream for photographers, bird watchers, and anyone who just wants to be out in nature for the day.
Krka is one of the most accessible national parks in Croatia and makes for an easy, stress-free day trip from the coast. Just pack comfy shoes, a water bottle, and your camera — you’ll want it.
6. Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb
If you’re heading to Croatia’s capital, make sure the Museum of Broken Relationships is on your list. It’s one of the more unusual — and surprisingly moving — museums you’ll come across.
What started as a travelling exhibition turned into a permanent space in Zagreb in 2010, filled with personal items donated by people from around the world. Each one tells the story of a relationship that ended — romantic, familial, or otherwise.
Some stories will make you laugh, some will punch you in the gut, and others will feel eerily familiar. It’s intimate, emotional, and completely human — the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left.
And if it all feels a bit heavy? You can decompress at the on-site Brokenships Bistro or browse the quirky gift shop for a little something to take home (besides emotional baggage).
It’s not your typical tourist attraction — and that’s exactly why it’s worth seeing.
7. Bask on Zlatni Rat Beach (Golden Horn), Brač Island
Zlatni Rat — also known as the Golden Horn or Golden Cape — is one of Croatia’s most iconic beaches, and it’s easy to see why.
From above, it looks like a golden arrowhead stretching into the sea, surrounded by water in every shade from pale turquoise to deep navy. But look closer, and you’ll see it’s not sand — it’s fine, smooth pebbles that shift with the wind and waves, subtly changing the beach’s shape over time. Pretty cool, right?
This natural phenomenon has been protected as a geomorphological monument, and it can host up to 10,000 people at peak times — though I recommend going early or in shoulder season for a more relaxed vibe.
You can spend the day sunbathing, floating in the calm shallows, or if you’re feeling active, try windsurfing, kayaking or diving. It’s one of those places where you can be as lazy or adventurous as you like.
An easy day trip from Split or Hvar, it’s a great spot to unwind and soak up that dreamy Dalmatian coast energy.
8. Explore Diocletian’s Palace in Split
You can’t visit Split without wandering through Diocletian’s Palace — it’s not just a tourist site, it is the heart of the city.
Built in the 4th century as a retirement palace for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, this UNESCO World Heritage Site now forms nearly half of Split’s Old Town. But don’t expect a roped-off museum — this place is very much alive.
Over the centuries, the palace has been transformed into a maze of shops, cafés, apartments, and tucked-away courtyards. Around 3,000 people still live within its ancient walls, and you’ll find everything from live music in the square to craft stalls and hidden wine bars down narrow alleys.
It’s one of the few places in the world where you can sip a coffee where emperors once ruled and stroll through Roman corridors that now echo with buskers and laughter.
While Split doesn’t have walkable city walls like Dubrovnik, it offers its own gems. Don’t miss Saint Domnius Cathedral — one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals still in use — and if you need a break from the buzz, head out to nearby Marjan Forest Park for sweeping views, pine trails, and a proper dose of nature.
9. Take a Road Trip Through Istria
If you’re a foodie (or just love a good road trip), don’t miss Istria — the heart-shaped peninsula in northwest Croatia known for its rich olive oil, world-class wines, creamy goat cheese, and luxurious white truffles. It’s a flavour-packed gem that often gets overshadowed by the coast, but it’s one of my favourite regions to explore.
The best way to see it? Rent a car or camper and take your time. While there are buses, they rarely get you to the small hill towns and local producers that make Istria so special.
You’ll wind your way from the glittering Adriatic coastline to medieval villages perched on hilltops, passing Roman ruins, vineyards, and stone cottages along the way.
Be sure to stop in Pula (for its impressive Roman amphitheatre) and Rovinj (a gorgeous coastal town with Venetian flair). But also make time for the lesser-known charmers — Grožnjan, an arty hilltop village, and Motovun, famous for its truffles and fairytale views.
Down on the coast, Rabac offers some seriously postcard-worthy beaches, and if you’ve got time, pop over to Poreč to see the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica.
This is Croatia at a slower, more indulgent pace — and perfect for a DIY adventure with a side of wine and cheese.
10. Discover the History and Charm of Pula & Rovinj
If you’re heading through Istria, make sure to stop in Pula — the region’s largest city and an absolute treat for history lovers.
The highlight is the Roman Amphitheatre, one of the best-preserved in the world (and still used for concerts and events). But that’s just the start. You’ll also find the Temple of Augustus, the Arch of Sergii, and the Monastery of Saint Francis, along with a late 14th-century Romanesque church tucked into the city’s quieter corners.
Don’t miss the Museum of Olive Oil (yes, it’s a thing — and it’s excellent), plus a hilltop fortress with sweeping views and a fascinating local history museum.
Further up the coast, Rovinj is pure coastal charm. With its colourful Old Town, narrow cobbled streets, and art galleries hidden in alleyways, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to wander slowly. And when you’re ready to cool off, head to nearby beaches like Lone Bay, Amarin, or Monte — perfect for a swim and a bit of downtime after all the sightseeing.
Both cities are ideal stops on an Istrian road trip — one for history and ancient ruins, the other for laid-back beauty and beach time.