Croatia attractions

Meštrović Gallery (Galerija Mestrovic) is an art museum dedicated to 20th-century Croatian sculptor, Ivan Meštrović. As his former home and atelier, the palace is an appropriate setting for the artist’s most important works, much of it religious, including a pair of walnut Adam and Eve figures and a powerful bronze Cyclops sculpture.

Part of a quintet of civic museums in Dubrovnik, the Ethnographic Museum (also known as the Rupe Museum) celebrates traditional Croatian folklife through exhibits on farming, handicrafts, and textiles. Game of Thrones fans may recognize the building—a 16th-century granary—as a recurring filming location featured in the show.

Begun in the 14th century and completed in the 1500s, St. John’s Fortress (Tvrđava sv. Ivana) defended Dubrovnik’s Old Port from seaborne assaults for hundreds of years. Today, the fortified tower is known for its Adriatic views and Ragusan history, and is home to the city’s aquarium and maritime museum.

Mirogoj Cemetery isn't your typical graveyard, and the carefully designed 7-acre (2.8-hectare) property feels more like an elegant park with its tree-lined walking paths, neo-Renaissance arcade, and scenic Mt. Medvednica backdrop. Visit this popular attraction for a relaxing stroll, and feel Zagreb's bustling urban energy melt away.

Among the most visited tourist attractions in Zagreb, the Zagreb 360 Observation Deck or Zagreb Eye is perched on the 16th floor of the Zagreb Neboder (Zagreb Skyscraper. The Eye’s observation deck offers spectacular panoramic views over the city’s old town, while a rooftop terrace bar makes a romantic spot for coffee or cocktails.

Sitting on the southern flanks of Mount Medvednica and towering over the suburbs of Zagreb, Medvedgrad Castle is one of Croatia’s most important medieval fortresses. Originally built in the 13th century, the castle was later abandoned to decay before being restored in the 1980s. Today, the castle and surrounding Medevinca Nature Park combine natural beauty and history.

A flamboyantly Art Nouveau building originally constructed for Croatia’s art offerings in Budapest’s Millennial Exhibition in 1896, the Art Pavilion (‘Umjetnicki Paviljon’ in Croatian) was taken down piece by piece and transported back to Croatia. There it was rebuilt on the verdant ‘Green Horseshoe’ designed by Milan Lenuci in the late 19th century and encompassing a string of parks, squares and monumental buildings in Zagreb’s Lower Town. Overlooking the manicured formal gardens and fountains of King Tomislav Square (Trg kralja Tomislava), the Art Pavilion mimics the nearby Croatian National Theatre in style, and its glass-topped dome is now a symbol of Croatian culture and one of the best-loved landmarks of the city. Painted in bright daffodil-yellow and adorned with stucco work and busts of Croatian artists and Renaissance Old Masters, the pavilion has a stately interior that was renovated in 2010 with ornate gilding, marble walls and floors and stained glass, with light flooding in from the central glass dome. Today it hosts a regular program of temporary art exhibitions, which can cover any medium from out-there Croatian video installations through to large-scale international exhibitions such as the works of Andy Warhol or the sculptures and lithographs of Alberto Giacometti.

For a scenic jaunt just a short drive from Zagreb's city center, Mt. Medvednica (Sljeme) offers a near-perfect mix of outdoor activities and fantastic vistas. Known for its network of protected trails, you can stroll, cycle, and trek in the woodlands, visit Medvedgrad—a centuries-old fortress—or hit the slopes at Sljeme Ski Resort.

The cliffs and lush forests of Krka National Park serve as a dramatic backdrop to the the waterfalls of Roski Slap. Located along the Krka River and peppered with historic water mills, Roski Slap features small cascades that make for pretty photo opportunities.

Tucked into a shaded cove in Marjan Forest Park just west of downtown Split, Bene Beach is a peaceful alternative to the busier city beaches. Only accessible by foot, this secluded beach is a popular choice for families thanks to ample shade, lifeguards on duty, and plenty of activities for children, including playgrounds and a water slide.

This Gothic-Renaissance-style church sits in the center of Korcula’s old town, surrounded by charming streets. St. Mark’s Cathedral, also called the Korcula Cathedral, draws visitors for two main reasons: art and architecture, plus the views from its cupola-topped bell tower. Check out the curious characters on the building’s façade before going inside to see two paintings by Tintoretto and finishing the visit with a climb to the top of the bell tower.

The largest passenger port in Croatia and one of the busiest in the Mediterranean, the Port of Split (Luka Split) connects Croatia’s second-largest city with destinations all over the region, from nearby islands to other countries. The port is located within walking distance to the Old Town, as well as Split’s bus and train stations.

Paklenica National Park is a pilgrimage spot for climbing enthusiasts, but there's plenty to experience for travelers of all stripes. Here, you'll find two massive canyons, the Mala Paklenica Educational Center, which has displays about local flora, a few old abandoned village structures, a cave, and plenty of hiking opportunities.

Originally built in the 12th century, Dubrovnik Cathedral was destroyed in the 1667 earthquake that struck the city and rebuilt in the baroque style by Italian architects. The cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and its treasury contains gold and other artifacts dating to medieval times.

Located 10 minutes’ walk from downtown Split, Croatia’s oldest museum boasts a 150,000-strong collection of ancient, medieval, and early-Christian objects, making it a must-visit for history buffs. Exhibition highlights include the country’s largest collection of gems, pottery excavated from the waters of central Dalmatia, and armour that dates back thousands of years.

Whether you’re fumbling your way through a mirror maze, “walking” across the ceiling, or entering a “zero-gravity” room, Zagreb’s Museum of Illusions is designed to challenge your perceptions and make science fun. One of two such museums in Croatia, it’s full of entertaining exhibits, brain-teasing puzzles, and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.

Step into the Zagreb Botanical Garden, and experience a luscious, sprawling oasis set over 11 acres. Founded in 1890, the garden boasts more than 10,000 plant species, including palms, aquatics, and native Croatian plants.

Home to over 3,750 artifacts and artworks that span three millennia of history, the Mimara Museum—housed in a grand, neo-Renaissance palace in the Lower Town—is one of Zagreb’s highlight institutions. Opened in 1987, the collection ranges from ancient pottery and canvases by the Old Masters to Qing-dynasty objets d’art.

A one-time capital of Croatia, Varazdin lies in the forested hills of the country’s northern Zagorje region, near its borders with Slovenia and Hungary. With its baroque townhouses, cobbled streets, museums, and medieval Varazdin Castle—called the Old Town (Stari Grad)—the town has plenty to offer sightseers and history buffs.

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.

Housed in a wing of the battle-scarred Napoleonic Fort Imperial, this museum—also known as the Homeland War Museum—honors the soldiers and civilians killed in the Croatian War of Independence and siege of Dubrovnik in the early 1990s. Its location atop Mount Srđ affords dramatic views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea.

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.

This small museum in a historic Dubrovnik townhouse pays tribute to the 16th-century Renaissance playwright Marin Držić, often referred to as the “Croatian Shakespeare.” Scenes from Držić’s life and plays are recreated through set pieces and waxwork character models, alongside period furniture and modern art exhibitions.

One of Croatia’s largest contemporary art museums—and described as the most significant art museum to open in Zagreb in a century—the Zagreb Museum of Contemporary Art (Muzej Suvremene Umjetnosti), or MSU, is housed by an architecturally daring glass-and-concrete structure. Today, it hosts a boundary-pushing collection, temporary exhibitions, and cultural events.

Just south of the Sava River lies the oasis of Bundek City Park (Gradski Park Bundek). A hidden gem of tranquility, the park boasts sprawling greenery, shimmering lakes, and shaded walking paths. Visitors can enjoy a host of activities, including paddle boating, cycling, and picnicking. The park blends natural beauty and modern amenities to create a recreational haven.

For a not-so-typical Croatian art experience, the Museum of Naive Art (Hrvatski Muzej Naivne Umjetnosti) chronicles the often-overlooked 20th-century naive art movement and its many self-taught artists. Widely considered the first museum of its kind, art fans can explore galleries with thousands of drawings, works on glass, and sculpture.

With turquoise waters surrounded by lush pine forests set against a backdrop of soaring mountains, the Bacina Lakes (Bacinska Jezera) are one of Croatia’s most enchanting hidden wonders. The seven lakes, six of which are interconnected, are off the radar for most tourists, but they provide an idyllic setting for outdoor activities.

Visit the island of Lokrum to see its Benedictine Monastery, dating back to the early 11th century. Located just 600 meters from the shoreline of Dubrovnik, Lokrum is easily accessed via a quick boat ride. Discover the history of the monastery, which was expanded over several centuries and displays several architectural styles.

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.

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.