Offering pristine waters, beautiful beaches, stunning natural surroundings, incredible historic sites, as well as hundreds of charming islands, Croatia’s coastline is filled with hidden gems and gorgeous spots simply waiting to be explored. Whether you’ve planned a luxurious sailing vacation or a relaxed backpacking trip, you’ll surely be amazed at just how many wonders this small country has to offer. To that end, here are some of the best things to see and visit on Croatia’s coastline, for the most memorable travel experience:
1. Dubrovnik
A Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the most popular travel spots in Croatia, the coastal city of Dubrovnik is a truly mesmerizing destination. With its mighty walled-in nature, the city offers sturdy towers, baroque churches, medieval monasteries, and picturesque squares, combining quaint architecture with a colorful history to make one of the most charming locations you could visit on the Croatian coastline.
However, the city has much more to offer than the stunning historical walls and forts. Surrounded by a thick, lush forest, Lapad Bay is a stretch of delightful pebble beaches ideal for relaxation. For a different perspective, taking a cable car trip to the Srđ vantage point will make for the most extraordinary view of Dubrovnik’s rugged beauty.
2. Split
If you wish to experience life as it was thousands of years ago, Diocletian’s Palace set in Split, one of the most impressive Roman remains in the world, is the ideal place to visit. The labyrinthine streets of this bustling quarter, the heart of the city of Split, are also filled with interesting bars, boutique shops, and great restaurants, wonderfully blending modern aspects with ancient life.
After all, getting lost in the maze of passageways, narrow streets, and courtyards is among the most enchanting things you could experience in Croatia, and it’s thankfully small enough to effortlessly find your way back. To take a break from the palace walls, you could also visit the palm-dotted, marble-paved Riva along the coast for a refreshing and relaxing drink.
3. Hvar
Whether you’re a lover of culture, a Mediterranean foodie, or a cocktail bar enthusiast, there’s truly no better place to get your tan on than the island of Hvar. Charming old towns, crystal clear waters, and stunning beaches surrounded by lush green nature make this destination ideal for everyone from the rich and famous relaxing in luxe resorts to the young travelers enjoying the dance bars and top-notch restaurants.
To fully experience this beautiful part of Croatia, it might be wise to find the best yachts for charter in the area and book a luxurious sailing experience. With an experienced captain and crew by your side, you will be able to experience the best Hvar has to offer and select other appealing destinations on the Croatian coastline to visit, for a glamorous yacht journey you’ll never forget.
4. Mljet
For a different island experience, Mljet is a more laid-back and relaxed destination covered in dense pine forests and stunning natural wonders. According to legend, Odysseus was stranded on this island for seven years, and it’s quite easy to see why he would take such a long time to leave.
The whole western part of Mljet is actually a national park, where you’ll be able to come across glistening cobalt blue lakes, a charming monastery, as well as the Pomena port, a quiet and incredibly picturesque spot. But that doesn’t mean you should overlook eastern Mljet either, as it offers small quiet bays, beautiful beaches, as well as a few sublime local eateries, all perfect for a relaxing Croatian vacation.
5. Zadar
Situated on an interesting thumb-shaped peninsula, Zadar’s old town truly stuns with its abundance of culture and history. From charming churches and great museums to impressive Roman ruins protruding from the streets, a simple walk around Zadar will give you a wonderful insight into Croatia’s colorful history and the significance it has for the country today.
For a more modern take, the city also offers an abundance of bars ranging from shabby chic to incredibly classy where students and artsy types tend to spend their days, while food lovers often opt for one of the many brilliant eateries available in the city. Backpackers are well served in Zadar by great hostels as well, while families generally choose boutique hotels or the surrounding beach resorts, making Zadar the perfect Croatian destination for every type of traveler.
With stunning landscapes, welcoming locals, and some of the most unique travel experiences, Croatia is a wonderful country worthy of a spot on your bucket list. And with the incredible destinations mentioned above, you’ll surely find a place on Croatia’s beautiful coastline worth your visit.
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