The Must-see Destinations in Croatia
Every twist and turn of the Dalmatian coastline reveals more amazing destinations in Croatia to add to your list of must-see places. We have put together guides to some of the top locations in Croatia for you to look through. First off, choose the region you want to sail from and then you will bring up all the destinations that are within easy reach during your sailing holiday.
Which destinations in Croatia are on your bucket-list? If you are wondering what is the best way to make the most of your holiday to Croatia, read more in our blog article on The best way to see Croatia.
If you want to delve deeper into the wonderful National Parks, look through the nature lovers selection!
Split
No visit to the region would be complete without coming to Split to walk along it's glorious seafront promenade with bars, restaurants, street performers and a magnificent view, especially at night. Enjoy the typically narrow polished limestone streets while you explore the Diocletian's Palace, one of the world’s most impressive Roman monuments and a [...]
Zadar
The city of Zadar is the oldest in Croatia, settled 3000 years ago. It is known for the Venetian and Roman ruins and buildings that fill the historic old town peninsula. This dynamic and vibrant city is less crowded than its southern peers of Split and Dubrovnik, but holds just as much interest. In [...]
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik This pearl of the Adriatic coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and should be on your 'bucket list'. There are so many highlights to see in Dubrovnik, it will take you a few days to get round them all! Arrive by sea or air One of the last remaining walled towns, its [...]
Šibenik
This beautiful ancient city is situated on the mouth of the river Krka, sheltered from the sea by the passage of Saint Anthony. It was founded by the Croats and was the seat of King Petar Krešimir I. Over the course of its history, it has been through the hands of Venice, Byzantium, and Hungary and [...]
Kornati Islands & National Park
There are two parts to the Kornati Archipelago, those islands that come under the protection of the Kornati National Park, and the wider Kornati islands. The Kornati National Park The Kornati National Park is a wonderful collection of 89 islands, islets and reefs, stretching over 216km². The area was declared a National Park in [...]
Trogir
This tiny, old Croatian town is squeezed onto a little island that is 500m long and 250m wide; located between the mainland and Čiovo island. Trogir is full of history and the whole island is a UNESCO World heritage site. There is a maze of winding streets to explore as well as a wide seafront promenade [...]
Krka National Park
Krka is one of the must see places on the Dalmatian coast. This awe-inspiring National Park is packed full of amazing waterfalls and natural wonders. There are seven distinct travertine waterfalls within the park so there is enough here to keep you busy exploring for several days! Skradinski Buk As a minimum you should [...]
Vis
Known as the emerald isle, Vis is a green and lush enclave which is the furthest inhabited island from mainland Croatia. It's strategically important position has been recognized throughout history as the key to controlling the Adriatic. Ownership has changed hands down the ages leaving a wealth of architectural and historical treasures. From fortifications [...]
Korčula
Marco Polo’s hometown of Korčula, justly known as 'little-Dubrovnik', will take your breath away with it's amazing medieval architecture. Walk through the fortress enclosed in stone walls with romantic cobbled streets and other hidden treasures. It is rich in vineyards and olive groves, so dinner comes served with one of the best white Croatian [...]
Hvar
Hvar town is one of the most fun-loving destinations in all Croatia, some even call it a 'second Ibiza'. The intricately carved Venetian architecture and wide stone seaside promenade make Hvar town one of the must see destinations, especially at night. Newcomers quickly settle into the Hvar rhythm: beach, sundowner drinks at Hula-Hula Hvar, [...]
Lastovo
The 46 islands around Lastovo form an archipelago that is one of Croatia's beautiful Nature parks. Like Vis to the northwest, the island of Lastovo was only recently opened to the public. It used to be a military base, therefore it has a relatively unspoiled charm. There is a mass of marine life, ancient [...]
Mljet
Legend says Odysseus was shipwrecked on this island and he remained there, a captive of the nymph called Calypso, for 7 years. Experience the natural beauty of Mljet National Park where you can cycle, walk and kayak around the two famous saltwater lakes. The water temperature is higher than the sea, which is great [...]
Nature lovers paradise
Croatia is home to eight National Parks and ten Nature Parks that benefit from official protection of the government. What is more, half of these wonderful destinations are in the Dalmatian region of Croatia. The scenery is awe-inspiring, diverse and nature flourishes under the environmental protection. These parks are a haven for wildlife both on land and in the surrounding seas and will not fail to wow photographers, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
National Parks in Dalmatia
Krka is one of the must see places on the Dalmatian coast. This awe-inspiring National Park is packed full of amazing waterfalls and natural wonders. There are seven distinct travertine waterfalls within the park so there is enough here [...]
There are two parts to the Kornati Archipelago, those islands that come under the protection of the Kornati National Park, and the wider Kornati islands. The Kornati National Park The Kornati National Park is a wonderful collection of 89 [...]
Legend says Odysseus was shipwrecked on this island and he remained there, a captive of the nymph called Calypso, for 7 years. Experience the natural beauty of Mljet National Park where you can cycle, walk and kayak around the [...]
The Velebit mountains in the northern-most corner of Zadar county provide the backdrop to the Paklenica National Park. This is a wonderful land of high peaks and deep ravines and canyons that create a paradise for rock climbers and hikers. One of the destinations in Croatia that will please outdoor enthusiasts.
There are nine hiking trails in total 150km long each set at a different level but all requiring mountaineering equipment. For cyclists and walkers, there is an 8km trail between Starigrad and Reljan.
Matina Peč is a fine example of a karst cave, open to the public, where you can see the stalagmites, stalactites and stacks formed over millennia by the water passing through the limestone caves.
The park is home to some impressive animal species, including peregrine falcons, golden eagles, short-toed snake eagles and bears among others.
Nature Parks in Dalmatia
The 46 islands around Lastovo form an archipelago that is one of Croatia's beautiful Nature parks. Like Vis to the northwest, the island of Lastovo was only recently opened to the public. It used to be a military base, [...]
Part of the Dinaric Alps, Biokovo mountain rises up from the Adriatic Sea, providing amazing views across the Makarska Riviera. The park covers an area of 196km2 and it is home to the highest peak in Dalmatia (St. Juraj 1762m). It became an official Nature Park in 1981 due to the unique geology and biological diversity. There are botanical gardens as well as 30 walking and cycling trails.
Officially declared a Nature Park in 1988, Telašćica is found at the southern end of Dugi Otok (Long Island), covering 70.5km2. You combine visits to this nature park and the Kornati National park – ticking off two of the destinations in Croatia in one go!
Telašćica bay is a wonderful natural harbour. Imposing cliffs rise up to 161m on one side of Dugi Otok, known as the ‘Stene’. While on the other side are peaceful beaches. The seafloor reaches depths of 90m and there are good diving opportunities near the cliffs. Highlights include the saltwater lake, Jesero Mir as well as breathtaking views from Grpašćak Fortress.
Vransko Jezero is the largest natural lake in Croatia. It is situated on the coast near Biograd-na-Moru with the southern shore marking the border between Zadar and Šibenik-Knin counties. This is one of the best destinations in Croatia for bird watchers, if not the whole of Europe!
The lake gained Natural Park status in 1999 and covers an area of 57km2 (of which 30km2 is the lake itself). This is a globally reknowned bird santcuary which is vital to birds in Europe and attained Ramsar Site status in 2013. Over 250 bird species have been recorded and over 100,000 overwinter in the reedbeds.
Feed your Croatia Craving!
If any of these destinations in Croatia are firmly on your bucket-list of things to do, let us know when you get in touch. We can make sure that you have time during your sailing holiday to visit all the destinations in Croatia that you really want to see. And if you have too many to choose from, you will just have to come back again.
Don’t worry – you will be happy to do that because once you have been to Croatia, you will leave a bit of your heart there. Expect withdrawal symptoms from this wonderful country, you will end up craving Croatia! That is ok though because we have a helpline to aid addicts! Get in touch.