Croatia attractions

One of the scenic highlights of the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia’s Blue Lagoon (Krknjasi Bay) represents the best of this seaside region. A shallow natural swimming hole located off the east coast of Drvenik Veli—and protected by two smaller islands—the lagoon is known for its glass-clear water and turquoise hue. Little wonder it’s an essential stop on island-hopping tours.

Running beneath Zagreb’s Upper Town, Gric Tunnel (Tunel Gric) is a curious reminder of the city’s World War II history. This former air raid shelter connects Mesnička Street and Radićeva Street, with several other offshoots and exits along the way. The tunnel is usually ittle more than a route for getting across town, but occasionally it’s used as a temporary exhibition space.

A small but charming bay just a stone’s throw from Dubrovnik’s Ploče Gate, Banje Beach offers views straight across to Lokrum Island. There’s a mix of sand, pebbles, and rocks to sunbathe on, with calm, clear blue water for a swim. Meanwhile, guests head to the Banje Beach restaurant, lounge, and club for fine Mediterranean dining by day and high-end parties by night.

Located just outside of Split in Croatia, Salona is an ancient town that brings Greek and Roman history to life. Once the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, Salona is home to ancient ruins, including thermal baths, an amphitheater, and a Roman aqueduct. The golden light on the stone is reason enough to visit these beautiful Roman ruins.

With its soaring mountain peak (the second-highest in Croatia) and its proximity to the Makarska Riviera, Biokovo Nature Park makes a powerful first impression. Boasting dramatic views, a range of hiking and cycling trails, and a new Skywalk attraction that invites brave visitors to step onto a transparent, cliff-edge walkway, the park is an ideal day-trip destination for visiting nature lovers.

Dubrovnik Cruise Port is historically a popular stop for cruises touring the Adriatic and remains one of the busiest cruise ports in Europe. Providing easy access to the picturesque medieval city of Dubrovnik—known as a filming location for the Game of Thrones television series—Dubrovnik Cruise Port is a frequent start point for expeditions up and down the Dalmatian Coast, city and wine-tasting tours, and, of course, Game of Thrones–themed excursions.

A tawny half moon of pebbles and fine shingle, nestled between forested promontories below a historic church, Sveti Jakov Beach may be small but it’s perfectly formed. In fact, many locals consider it Dubrovnik’s most attractive beach. The views across to Lokrum Island are ample recompense for the 150-odd stairs you need to descend to hit the strand.

The high walls of Kamerlengo Castle watch over the boats and yachts that line Trogir’s scenic waterfront. This 15th-century Venetian fortress, once used to defend the city, now serves tourists by providing them with unparalleled views across the orange rooftops of this historic town on Croatia's Dalmatian coast.

Marco Polo House is a museum on the Croatian island of Korcula that is dedicated to the famous explorer, Marco Polo. While the place of his birth is unknown, this house claims ties to the world traveler. The museum is dedicated to his life and travels, revealing historical details about global trade. Visitors won’t want to miss climbing a flight of narrow stairs to the loggia, which offers views over the rooftops of Korcula’s old town.

Standing proudly over the historic buildings and homes of Trogir, the Cathedral of St. Lawrence is one of the main landmarks of the UNESCO-listed Croatian town. Its square tower offers complete panoramic views, while down at ground level, the cathedral is intricately detailed, especially around its main entrance and within the Renaissance-style Chapel of St. John.

As Zadar’s closest Blue Flag beach, Kolovare Beach is hugely popular with both locals and travelers, providing clear waters ideal for swimming and ample space for sunbathing. Fringed by pine trees, there’s a long stretch of pebble beach that curls around the bay, plenty of family-friendly amenities, and a variety of water sports on offer.

Rough rock walls line Zerostrasse, a series of tunnels from World War I that run under the city of Pula, converging below the Kastel fortress. Galleries fill the chambers, while artifacts and information displays hug the tunnel walls, all providing context about Zerostrasse’s creation and use.

Rocky coastline skirts the edges of Golden Cape Forest Park, a large recreation space covered in man-made forest, south of Rovinj. Also known as Punta Corrente or Zlatni Rt Forest Park, the park features green spaces lined by trees and connected by trails, as well as a string of pebble beaches along its north shore.

Whether you’re feeling your way through the Vortex Tunnel, laughing at yourself in the Mirror Room, or solving mind-boggling puzzles, the Museum of Illusions Zadar will challenge your senses and open your mind. Inspired by the Museum of Illusions Zagreb, it makes a fun diversion from city sightseeing.

With sweeping views across the Bay of Kastela and Split, rugged but low-lying Mt. Kozjak (Mali Kozjak) offers hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and ziplining. There are around 50 miles (80 kilometers) of marked trails through forest and over open ground, some running across to neighboring mountains. Tiny and photogenic chapels add cultural interest to the summits.

Surely one of Croatia’s most bizarre museums, Froggyland is the life’s work of taxidermist Ferenc Mere—a unique project that includes over 500 stuffed frogs arranged into fun dioramas, where they play sports, go to school, and carry out everyday human tasks. Fun, quirky, and utterly captivating, it has to be seen to be believed.

Split’s Ethnographic Museum (Etnografski Muzej) has been showcasing Dalmatia’s rich cultural heritage since the beginning of the 20th century. Located within Diocletian’s Palace, the museum comprises historical exhibits, a 7th-century church and medieval courtyard, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Split Old Town.

Due to their wide cascades and travertine tiers, the Skradinski Buk waterfalls are hailed as the most impressive in Krka National Park. As one of a dozen waterfalls along the Krka River, the falls are a popular spot for hiking, swimming, and boat cruises.