Croatia has gained fame for Dubrovnik and Split, but it’s full of lesser-known destinations that sparkle just as bright. From coastal towns and wine country to islands alive with tradition, this edited list highlights off‑the‑beaten‑path wonders alongside familiar classics—now in bite‑sized format for easy browsing.
Šibenik
Often overshadowed by nearby Split and Zadar, Šibenik is a medieval coastal city with a stunning UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral, built entirely from stone without mortar. Its hilltop fortresses give sweeping Adriatic views, while narrow stone lanes hide wine bars and seafood spots that feel untouched by heavy tourism. It’s also a gateway to the nearby Krka National Park waterfalls.
Vis Island
The farthest inhabited island from Croatia’s mainland, Vis is a slow-paced haven with crystal-clear coves, vineyards, and fresh-caught seafood. Once a military base closed to outsiders until 1989, it has preserved a peaceful, authentic vibe. Boat trips to the Blue Cave on nearby Biševo Island are a bucket-list highlight.
Trogir
Trogir’s UNESCO‑protected old town sits on a tiny Adriatic island near Split, offering beautifully preserved Venetian architecture, ancient churches, and a harbor that frames your stroll with sea views. Historic and compact, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxed day steeped in ambiance.
Korcula Island
Korčula, the medieval island town often considered the birthplace of Marco Polo, charms visitors with its narrow, fishbone‑laid lanes, Renaissance St. Mark’s Cathedral, and vine‑lined beaches. Expect local sword‑dance performances, rooftop bars like Massimo, and affordable €2.50 pints set against a backdrop of history and sea.
Rovinj
If historical architecture and sunbathing are two of your favorite things, you’ll feel completely at home in Rovinj. Located on the Istrian coast, Rovinj is a town that was built by many different civilizations, including the Romans, the Franks, the Venetians, and the Hapsburg Austrians. It’s like a stunning melting pot of history. Rovinj is one of those towns that you can explore freely almost without the need for a map because St Euphemia’s Basilica’s towering spire will always help you to find your bearings.
Hvar
Hvar is a popular Croatian destination for student vacations as well as for anyone looking to leave the mundanity of everyday life behind. This town can be found along the Dalmatian coast and it provides a lot of options for activities depending on your personal idea of fun. For a more relaxing time, you can sip coffee and cocktails by the harborside, but if you prefer to stay active, there are also plenty of hiking trails and beaches to explore. If you’re in Hvar for long enough, you can do both.
Pula
If you find yourself near the Istrian Peninsula, you should spend some time in Pula. This town is a piece of Roman history, associated with the reign of Augustus Caesar, and the ancient amphitheater remains one of Croatia’s main attractions. At the tip of Istria, Pula centers around its enormous Roman amphitheater and stone‑lined streets that echo past civilizations. It’s a cultural gem that’s often skipped in favor of coastal hotspots—but just as rich
Dubrovnik
Perched on Croatia’s southern coast, Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town offers cinematic views of red‑tiled rooftops and the Adriatic beyond. Walking the stone ramparts feels timeless, with the city’s fortress spirit and vibrant café life woven into every alley. You’ll be very busy in Dubrovnik, but don’t forget to make time for food! We recommend Barba, which serves Croatian seafood and street food dishes for affordable prices.
Mljet Island
For those who are visiting Croatia for its natural beauty, Mljet Island is an unmissable stop. From coastlines and lakes to forests and vineyards, there’s so much untouched nature to behold during a short stay on this island. If you’re interested in Greek myths and legends, we recommend the cave famously associated with the hero Odysseus, and if you want to break up your natural sightseeing with some architectural exploration, there’s also a beautiful Benedictine monastery.
Plitvice National Park
Croatia’s oldest national park is UNESCO‑listed and famous for its cascading turquoise lakes and waterfalls set among lush karst landscapes. With travertine formations evolving over millennia, this natural wonder feels like stepping into a living painting.
Zadar
If you’re visiting the Dalmatian region of Croatia (perhaps stopping in Hvar), you should also try to find some time to spend in Zadar. The small resort town of Zadar is perfect for tourists who would like to appreciate the ancient historical aspects of Croatia whilst enjoying some modern comforts at the same time. During your time in Zadar, you could visit the Roman Forum and St. Donat’s Church, or catch a light show at the Sea Organ by Nikola Basic.
Split
Split is another area of Croatia that provides an equal balance of old and new, as well as the natural and the man-made. Explore this historic coastal city with this 3-day itinerary. You can still see parts of the town as it was in the 4th century as well as Gothic and Egyptian architecture, so Split gives the impression of a walk through history. At the same time, you can leave the history of Croatia and step back into the present day by frequenting some of the cocktail and beach bars on the Riva promenade.
Motovun
If the more modern aspects of Croatia don’t interest you as much as the idea of immersing yourself in parts of its history, you might like to spend some time in Motovun. Motovun is a village in the valleys of central Istria. Due to being quite remote and rural, the village isn’t usually overly populated by tourists, so it’s the ideal place for a peaceful vacation. From the picturesque cobbled streets to the forest just a short distance away, Motovun offers plenty to admire.
Zagreb
Croatia’s historic capital, Zagreb, mixes medieval charm around the Stone Gate with lively street markets and contemporary café culture. Great for a city break, it’s often overlooked but well worth a few days’ exploration. Zagreb is Croatia’s capital city, and therefore, it’s one of the country’s centers of activity. Despite primarily being an ancient city, Zagreb has modernized significantly, with a thriving nightlife scene, complete with street performances and plenty of bars.
Krka National Park
Krka National Park is famous for its lakes, waterfalls, and other national landmarks. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Croatia. These waterfalls, also known as cataracts because of the high volumes of water that can be seen crashing over the precipices, are the natural result of algae growth, making them an interesting as well as enchanting sight for those interested in natural ecosystems.
Varazdin
Varazdin may not be the most popular tourist spot in Croatia (even though it used to be the country’s capital city, not many people nowadays have heard of it) but it’s somewhere you should consider staying if you love history and good food. This city is located on the border of Slovenia and it’s known for the Stari Grad District, which is home to Varazdin Castle and numerous Baroque towers. You can learn a lot about medieval history in the context of Croatia from a short stay in Varazdin.
Rijeka
If you feel called to visit the coastal regions of Croatia but also want to be able to enjoy city living during your travels, Rijeka has the best of both worlds. Rijeka, located in the Istrian panhandle, is close enough to the coast that you can take in the sea views, but the parades on Korzo Street, Rijeka Carnival, the Governor’s Palace, and the city’s famous cathedral are more than enough to keep you entertained in town for days.
The Zagorje Region
The Zagorje Region is one of Croatia’s most precious hidden gems. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of tourist season and see Croatia at its most peaceful and rural and immerse yourself in the local community, this is a must-visit destination. Lovers of good wine will appreciate the vineyards and cellars of Zagorje as well as the history of wine production in the region, which can be traced back to the Romans.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.