A Guide to Croatia’s Regions

Dalmatia is the southernmost region in Croatia. One of the most popular among tourists, it’s included on all small-ship cruise itineraries. The central counties of Split-Dalmatia, Sibenik-Knin, Zadar, and Dubrovnik-Neretva are all located here with the region stretching from the island of Rab in the north to its border with Montenegro at the southern end of the Dinaric Alps. coast is home to popular destinations like ancient Split and Dubrovnik with its medieval Old City. In fact, there are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites here, which include Dubrovnik’s historical core, Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Trogir‘s historical core, St. James Cathedral in Sibenik, and Hvar Island’s Stari Grad Plain. There are many secluded beaches, crystal-clear blue bays, pristine lakes, and vineyards throughout.

Dubrovnik

While it’s just a small city on the Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s most popular destinations. Its walled medieval Old Town served as King’s Landing in the hit series “Game of Thrones,” bringing it into the spotlight. Within the well-preserved stone walls, you can stroll the pedestrianized Stradun, a limestone street running through for exploring centuries-old landmarks. Some of the highlights include the Renaissance-Gothic Rector’s Palace, the Franciscan Monastery with Europe’s oldest still active pharmacy, opened in 1317, and Onofrio’s fountains which supplied the city with spring water for nearly 500 years. It’s also possible to walk atop the walls, for a view of the iconic St. Lawrence Fortress, the red-tiled rooftops, the sea, and nearby islands.

Split

Ancient Split offers something for everyone, including history enthusiasts who can explore Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, home to some of the world’s best-preserved Roman architecture. “Game of Thrones” fans will enjoy it too, as the palace cellars are where Daenerys trained her dragons. Plus, kids and adults enjoy climbing the ruins of the 7th-century Klis Fortress, tucked into the hills behind Split. It was also featured in the series as the city-state of Meeren. Just a short walk from the city center are sandy beaches like Bacvice with opportunities to swim and take part in watersports like standup paddleboarding. Day trips to nearby Cetina River Canyon for rafting, canyoning, ziplining, and other outdoor adventures are possible too.

Hvar

Sunny Hvar offers beautiful landscapes with postcard-perfect beaches edged by turquoise water, lavender fields, and lush hills covered with vineyards and olive groves. There’s a wide range of history to explore from Stari Grad, Croatia’s oldest town dating back nearly 2,500 years to the historic center in Hvar Town, home to Europe’s oldest still-active community theater. By climbing to the top of Fortica Fortress, you’ll enjoy a sweeping, panoramic vista of the town, harbor, the sea, and Pakleni Islands nearby. Outdoor adventurers can look forward to swimming, snorkeling, cycling, and more. Dining and nightlife in Hvar Town is world-renowned providing a wide range of options for fun after dark. There are beach bars, trendy clubs, pubs, Michelin-star eateries, and all-night parties.

Korcula

Forested Korcula is a small island but it’s one of the loveliest with dense pine trees, idyllic sandy beaches, and vineyard-covered hills. The crown jewel is Old Town Korcula, looking as if it stepped straight out of a storybook. It’s home to the top tourist sites, with narrow, winding streets and alleyways featuring landmarks like the Gothic-Renaissance St. Mark’s Cathedral and its bell tower. There are several museums, small independent shops, boutiques, galleries, and many traditional tavernas serving high quality local fare. Just a short drive south is Korcula’s grape-growing center, Lumbarda, ideal for wine enthusiasts. Above the small town of Vela Lucka is Vela Spilja Cave, one of the most important prehistoric archaeological sites with finds dating to 3,200 BC.

The Istria region is located in the north, lying just across the Adriatic Sea from Venice between the Kvarner Gulf and the Gulf of Trieste. It has a magnificent coastline with picturesque beaches and crystal-clear blue water for all sorts of fun. The inland is often compared to Tuscany with its medieval hilltop towns like beautiful walled Motovun, truffle-filled forests, lush green hills, vineyards, and olive groves. There’s lots of history to explore, including many Roman ruins with some of the best in Pula, home to one of the world’s six largest surviving Roman arenas, dating to the 1st century AD. The well-preserved Roman Forum is now the city’s main square. Romantic Rovinj offers seaside charms and a magnificently preserved Old Town.

Rovinj

Incredibly atmospheric with a beautifully preserved Old Town dating back as early as the 7th century BC, Rovinj lies along the west coast of the Istrian Peninsula. Its cobbled streets are lined with vibrantly painted historic homes with bright wooden shutters, winding to the top of the town where you’ll find the Baroque Church of Saint Euphemia. From the nearly 200-foot-high bell tower, you can take in a stunning panoramic vista over the town and the sea. Learn more about the city’s past at the Rovinj Heritage Museum with a collection featuring artifacts from the Roman era. Art enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Adris Gallery with impressive contemporary works. Some of the prettiest beaches in Istria can be found here too.

Pula

Pula sits at the southern tip of the Istria Peninsula, offering a rich history, seen in its many Roman monuments. Not only is it home to a 1st century AD Roman amphitheater, an icon of ancient Rome and the most well-preserved example of how the Romans left their mark on Istria, but three Roman gates, and the Roman Forum that now serves as the lively main square. Pula is also renowned for its beaches which include both pebbly stretches and golden sands, all framed by clear turquoise water. Kayaking, jet skiing, swimming, snorkeling, and other watersports can all be enjoyed here. Plus, in the summer, Pula becomes a city of festivals with every public space hosting live international concerts, films, and plays.

Motovun

One of Istria’s multiple hilltop towns, Motovun is a favorite with its aesthetic appeal and history that dates back to medieval times. At its base is a dense forest where truffles can be found and visitors can even join tours to head out with the hunters and their dogs to experience what it’s like to find them as well as enjoy a tasting. Restaurant menus feature many truffle-related dishes like truffle risotto and truffle pasta, while specialty food shops offer many truffle-focused items too. It’s a joy just to wander the atmospheric cobblestone streets. The higher you go, the older the buildings are, with many built in Romanesque and Gothic styles. At the top, you’ll find the original 13th-century walls.

Porec

You’ll find the ancient Roman town of Porec north of Rovinj on Istria’s west coast. It has a nearly 2,000-year-old history with much of its past revealed in the historic center. The Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica is the most complete surviving complex of its kind, a group of religious monuments dating to the 4th century, including the baptistry, bell tower, and Bishop’s Palace where Euphrasius directed operations with its gem-studded mosaics. The Roman thoroughfare of Decumanus is dotted with historical attractions, ice cream parlors and souvenir shops, along with the City Museum. But most visitors come to soak up the sun on the beaches and enjoy a wide array of watersports, from parasailing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing to boating.

The Kvarner Gulf is a bay in the northern Adriatic tucked between the Istrian peninsula and the northern Croatian mainland. It boasts towering mountains and spectacular beaches with cobalt waters, drawing visitors who come to enjoy the mild climate and a variety of outdoor activities. The largest islands in the Gulf include Krk, Rab, and Losinj while its largest cities, Opatija and Rijeka, offer lots of appeal with a rich legacy of grand Habsburg-era architecture. Under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, many of the wealthy built their summer homes here. Some of the best snorkeling and diving can be enjoyed in the Gulf’s brilliant blue-green waters, and this is one of the best spots to swim alongside dolphins too.

Krk

The northernmost island in the Mediterranean, Krk covers 157 miles, making it one of the largest in the region as well, boasting diverse terrain with two mountain ranges and a beautiful coastline. From lively bustle Rupa Beach in Malinska to secluded coves near Stara Baska, you’ll find an impressive array of sandy shores and pebbly stretches. Veli Plaza, the main beach in Baska stretches over 1.5 miles while bringing opportunities for a variety of watersports. There are umbrellas and deckchairs, watercraft rentals such as paddle boats, and even a park with slides and trampolines. Krk is also rich in historic landmarks, including St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Church of Sveti Kvirin, both built in the 12th century as fine examples of Romanesque sacral architecture.

Rab

First mentioned in 360 BC as Arba, translating to dark, green forests, Rab Island also has an intriguing history but it’s most renowned for its spectacular nature. Along the southwest coast are pine forests and beautiful beaches while the northeast coast is known for its high cliffs with only a few settlements across the mostly barren land. One of the best places for beach lovers to be is the Lopar Peninsula which offers miles of golden sands along over 20 beaches and warm, azure water for swimming, sea kayaking, jet skiing, and more. Rab Town’s historical center is surrounded by ancient walls and boasts four bell towers, including the 85-foot-high Romanesque bell tower near Rab Cathedral, rising from the ancient stone streets.

Losinj

Losinj is known as the “Island of Vitality.” The fresh, salty sea air, unique microclimate, and aromatic flora like lavender, pine, and eucalyptus trees, lemon trees, and Mediterranean flowers have long drawn many to enhance wellness and enjoy a relaxed retreat. Made up of two islands, Veli (Big) and Mali (Small), there are many uncrowded beaches while the Dolphin Way promenade on Mali Losinj is a top spot for dolphin watching, with some 250 bottlenose dolphins inhabiting the area. The island also hosts the Losinj Aromatic Garden with over 250 different wild herbs and spectacular views stretching to Velebit Mountain. Cikat Forest Park, also on Mali Losinj, boasts abundant flora and fauna with strawberry bushes, olive and pine trees, migratory birds and butterflies.

Rijeka

Rijeka is the capital of the Kvarner region, a modern metropolis with a 20th-century port home to mostly secessionist-style buildings with neoclassical palaces tucked between. It has an Austro-Hungarian center and a number of historic landmarks, including its symbol, the City Clock Tower. Originally a gate from the waterfront to the center of the Old Town, was one of the few structures to survive the 1750 earthquake. From the hilltop Trsat Castle complex, enjoy a sweeping vista of the town, multiple islands, and the Kvarner Gulf. The main promenade is where the city really comes to life, lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, perfect for strolling and experiencing the unique cafe culture. Visitors can also explore Rijeka’s renowned local music scene.

Central and Northern Croatia combine natural beauty with historic sites and modern attractions. Zagreb is a popular base as the cosmopolitan capital of the country, renowned for its many museums, historical landmarks, and incredible street art scene that can even rival Berlin’s. Beyond the capital city, you’ll find a landscape with lush hills, rivers, thermal springs, and medieval towns. There are several national parks too, including the most famous in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes with its nearly 100 waterfalls and dazzling lakes in brilliant shades of emerald and turquoise. The landscapes throughout are so picturesque they’ve been featured in many paintings. After the Loire River Valley in France, continental Croatia boasts the world’s highest concentrations of castles, something sure to leave a lasting impression.

Zagreb

Zagreb has a long and intriguing history that dates back to the Roman era. The Zagreb City Museum is the place to go to learn about its past from Roman times through today. The Archaeological Museum is another great venue for history enthusiasts with nearly a half-million items spanning from prehistoric to medieval and numismatic. The city was divided into two different towns before being united in 1851, but they remain distinct areas. The medieval Upper Town is set atop a hill, home to the historic stone gate, part of the old walls, and the iconic 13th-century St. Mark’s Church. The Lower Town is more modern and busier while the world’s shortest funicular, running less than 217 feet, links the two.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

The most famous and largest national park in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park covers nearly 30,000 hectares. A UNESCO-listed site, it’s renowned for its 16 interconnected lakes with stunning hues ranging from brilliant turquoise to deep emerald. There are nearly 100 waterfalls laced between and all around surrounded by lush greenery. It’s filled with diverse plant and animal life, including all sorts of birds, gray wolves, lynx, and brown bears. Divided into the Upper Lakes and Lower Lakes sections, there are hiking routes that wind throughout, crossing footbridges and boardwalks while showcasing the fantasy-like scenery. You’ll find the highest waterfall in the country in the Lower Lakes section. Veliki slap, translating to “great” or “large” waterfall plunges nearly 256 feet.

Varazdin

Often referred to as one of the most underrated cities in Croatia, Varazdin is about an hour’s drive north of Zagreb. It’s home to indulgent spas, Baroque architecture, and some of the best beer in the country. There are dozens of breweries and craft beer bar rooms, and history enthusiasts will find plenty to explore too. The well-preserved Old Town features a stone fort that’s managed to survive nearly 900 years. It was transformed during the Renaissance era and now provides one of the finest examples of 16th-century defense systems in Central Europe. The 16th-century Town Hall is one of Europe’s oldest while the Baroque Varazdin Cathedral, built in the 17th century, is one of the most important Baroque churches in northwest Croatia.

Samobor

Located in the Zagreb metropolitan area, less than 16 miles west of the capital, Samobor is a charming village with cobblestone, historic castle ruins, and delicious food. King Tomislav Square, its main square, is a highlight with Baroque architecture and pretty bridges. It hosts a farmers market along with many boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Many eateries here and throughout the town offer exceptional traditional dishes like strukli and patka s mlincima, with outdoor seating for dining on a pleasant day. Sitting atop Tepec Hill, a 20- to 30-minute hike will bring you to the ruins of Samobor Castle, originally built in the 13th century. To learn more about Samobor’s past, visit the Samobor Museum which displays artifacts related to the town’s history.

Located in the northeast, Slavonia doesn’t see many visitors, offering more of an authentic Croatian experience while being a great place to avoid the crowds. The city of Vukovar in the eastern part of the region, revolves around Croatia’s largest river port, where the Vuka and Danube rivers meet. Although many of the historic buildings were damaged during the Croatian War of Independence, you’ll find Baroque architecture and landmarks that were rebuilt such as the Franciscan Monastery. One of the best places to witness rich traditions such as folklore, dance, and music is in Vinkovci which hosts the annual Vinkovci Autumn Festival in September. Here you can experience the region’s heritage, complete with colorful costumes, and the sounds of bagpipes and tamburitza.  

Vukovar

Vukovar is one of Slavonia’s main cities, located on the right bank of the Danube River where it meets the Vuka River. It’s been influenced by Croatian, Central European, and Danubian cultures for over 800 years. Once ravaged by war as a symbol of the 1990s’ wartime destruction, taking a stroll through the Baroque city center today, it doesn’t look much different than any other Croatian town. The monumental Cross on the Danube reveals its sobering past while representing freedom today, erected to honor those who gave their lives for an independent Croatia. The Eltz Castle complex, one of the most monumental feudal architectural complexes in Slavonija, was nearly destroyed but was reconstructed and now hosts the Vukovar City Museum.

Osijek

Osijek is the largest city in Slavonia and its cultural and economic center. Set along the right bank of the Drava River, it’s divided into Downtown, the 19th-century New Town, the Uptown, the Fort, and Retfala. Some of the top attractions include the Museum of Slavonia which includes exhibits on the region’s history, Roman tombs, stelae, and more. There is a riverside zoological garden while the main square, Trg Ante Starcevica, holds great historical significance with notable landmarks like the Croatian National Theatre. Built in 1866, the Baroque auditorium is decorated with elements of Moorish architecture. Osijek’s restored cathedral is the country’s tallest building outside of Zagreb and boasts remarkable neo-Gothic ornamentation with gargoyles staring down as you enter.

Dakovo

Located in the heart of Slavonia, Dakovo is known for its Lipizzaner horses, colorful folklore tradition, and magnificent cathedral. St. Peter’s Cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful you’ll find between Venice and Istanbul. Inside are over 40 frescos and a main altar standing nearly 50 feet in height. Delve into its rich traditions by attending the annual Djakovo Embroideries Festival in early July where you’ll see the lavishly decorated traditional folk costumes, folklore singing and dancing, and more. To see the spectacular white Lipizzan horses Dakovo is known for, head to the State Stud Farm, one of Europe’s oldest horse farms, dating to 1506. Other highlights include the 14th-century Church of All Saints, the Bishop’s Palace, and Strossmayer Promenade.

Kopacki Rit Nature Park

Only 7.5 miles northeast of Osijek, between the Drava and Danube rivers, Kopacki Rit Nature Park is one of Europe’s largest wetlands. A paradise for birdwatchers, nearly 300 different bird species have been recorded here. A UNESCO biosphere reserve, it boasts a remarkable array of vegetation from oak, willow, and poplar forests to grassland and aquatic flora. Depending on the season, you can see water ferns, reeds, water lilies, ryegrass, and more. Water levels reach their peak in the springtime when snow melts in the Alps, flooding the rivers and attracting a huge influx of birds, including white-tailed eagles, great white egrets, kingfishers, cormorants, woodpeckers, white and black storks, and many geese and ducks.