Tourist Guide: 9 Places in Croatia You Must See
April 11, 2025
Croatia is a country that impresses with the diversity of its attractions. From stunning national parks to enchanting medieval castles to the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, there is something for everyone. In this guide, we'll introduce you to 9 unique places you absolutely must visit during your trip to Croatia. Whether you're a nature lover, a history enthusiast or simply looking to relax on sunny beaches, these attractions are sure to make your Croatian adventure unforgettable. Get ready to explore picturesque landscapes, immerse yourself in a rich culture, and experience the hospitality that Croats are known for. Here are the places that will make your trip special and leave a lasting imprint of the beauty of this Adriatic country in your hearts.
Ad
Natural wonders -. Croatia's national parks
Croatia is famous for its incredible national parks that are stunning in their natural beauty. The first item on our list is Krka National Park, located in central Dalmatia. This is a place where nature creates true wonders - cascading waterfalls, lush vegetation and crystal clear water. The park is easily accessible from nearby cities such as Šibenik (23 km) and Split (80 km). The best way to get here is by car or using organized tours. Admission tickets can be purchased online or on site, and prices range from 30 to 200 Croatian kuna, depending on the season (as of 2023). The park is open all year round, but opening hours vary depending on the season - it's worth checking the official park website for up-to-date information.
There are special educational paths and playgrounds for families with children. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and swimwear - you can swim in some places! The park also has refreshment facilities and restrooms. A unique attraction is a boat cruise on the Krka River, which allows you to admire the park from a different perspective.
Another amazing place is the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO-listed site. This is a true natural wonder, consisting of 16 lakes connected by cascading waterfalls. The park is located in central Croatia, about 130 km from Zagreb. It can be reached by bus or car. Entrance tickets cost between 80 and 300 Croatian kuna (2023 prices), depending on the season. The park is open year-round, but it's best to visit in spring or autumn, when there are no crowds.
The park has several trails of varying difficulty, so there is something for everyone. For families with children, we recommend route C, which is relatively easy and allows you to see the most beautiful places. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water - the walk can take several hours. There are restaurants and restrooms in the park, but it's a good idea to bring snacks with you.
The last but equally fascinating park on our list is Brijuni National Park, located on the Brijoni islands off the coast of Istria. It's a place where nature meets history - in addition to beautiful landscapes, you'll find the remains of a Roman villa and a Byzantine fortress. The island can be reached by ferry from Fažana. Entrance tickets cost about 200 Croatian kuna for adults and 100 kuna for children (prices as of 2023). The park is open all year round, but the best time to visit is from April to October.
Bicycles or electric vehicles can be rented at the park, which is a great option for families with children. It's also worth visiting the small safari, where you can see exotic animals. Remember to bring sunscreen and headgear - it's very sunny on the islands!
These three national parks are true gems of Croatian nature. Each of them offers unique experiences and sights that will stay in your memory for a long time. Whether you are a fan of active recreation or prefer quietly admiring the scenery, there is something for you in Croatia's national parks.
Charming coast and historical treasures
Croatia is not only national parks, but also a beautiful coastline and fascinating sights. One of the must-visit places is the Makarska Riviera, famous for its crystal clear waters and picturesque beaches. The symbol of this region is the Makarska Riviera Sign - a distinctive sign welcoming tourists. You can find it in the village of Dubci, on the road leading to Makarska. It is the perfect place for a souvenir photo and the beginning of your adventure on the Makarska Riviera.
The Riviera stretches for about 60 km, from Brela to Gradac. The easiest way to get here is by car or bus from major cities such as Split or Dubrovnik. Keep in mind that during the summer season the roads can be crowded. On the Riviera you will find numerous beaches, both sandy and pebbled, ideal for families with children. The water here is shallow and crystal clear. The Punta Rata beach in Brela, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, is worth a visit.
For those looking for more than just beachcombing, we recommend a trip to the Biokovo Mountains, which provide a picturesque backdrop to the Riviera. You can go hiking or take the cable car that will take you to the top of Sveti Jure, from where you can enjoy an amazing view of the coast and surrounding islands.
Another place worth visiting is Pavića bridge - a historic bridge over the Cetina River, located in Podgrađe. This 16th century bridge is not only a piece of history, but also a great place to take souvenir photos. The bridge is easily accessible by car, located on the D70 road. Near the bridge are small beaches on the Cetina River, where you can cool off on hot days. This is an ideal place for a short stopover while traveling through Dalmatia.
For lovers of history and architecture, Trakošćan Castle should be a must-see. Located in northern Croatia, about 80 kilometers from Zagreb, this fairytale castle is one of the best preserved monuments in the country. The castle is open to the public all year round, and admission tickets cost about 40 Croatian kuna for adults and 20 kuna for children (prices as of 2023). The castle is easiest to reach by car, but you can also take a bus from Zagreb or Varaždin.
Trakošćan Castle is not only an impressive building, but also a beautiful scenic park with a lake. Special tours and educational workshops are available for families with children. The castle also has a restaurant where you can enjoy local specialties. Remember to wear comfortable shoes - touring the castle and walking through the park can take several hours.
Another fascinating monument is Petrapilos Castle, located in Istria, near the village of Buzet. This medieval fortress, although partially in ruins, is stunning for its atmosphere and views of the surrounding area. The castle is open to the public from April to October, and entrance tickets cost about 4 euros (as of 2023). There is a short but steep path to the castle, so it is advisable to bring comfortable shoes.
Although Petrapilosa doesn't offer as many amenities as Trakošćan, it is a place that allows you to feel the spirit of the Middle Ages. For children, it can be a fascinating history lesson. There are also vineyards of the Istra region near the castle, so adults can combine the tour with tasting local wines.
These places are just a few of the many treasures that the Croatian coast and interior hold. Each offers a unique experience and allows you to better understand the history and culture of this fascinating country. Whether you choose to relax on the beaches of the Makarska Riviera or wander through medieval castles, you are sure to find something that will be remembered for a long time.
Hidden treasures and amazing views
Croatia is a country that still manages to surprise you with its hidden treasures. One such place is the Vranjača Cave, located near Split, in Kotlenice. This fascinating cave, discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, delights with its stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is open to the public all year round, with entrance tickets costing around €10 for adults (as of 2023). Children under the age of 7 can enter for free.
The cave is easiest to reach by car - it is located about 30 km from Split. The tour is guided and lasts about an hour. Inside the cave there is a constant temperature of about 15°C, so it is advisable to take a warmer sweatshirt with you. For children, it's a fascinating adventure and a geology lesson in one. Remember to wear comfortable, non-slip footwear - the cave can be damp.
Near the cave there is a small bar where you can rest after exploring. Also consider combining a visit to the cave with a trip to the nearby Mosor Nature Park, where you can enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
Another fascinating place to visit is Modra Špilja (Blue Cave) on Biševo Island. This is one of the most magical places in Croatia, where the sunlight, reflecting off the white bottom of the sea, creates an amazing blue effect inside the cave. The cave is open to the public from May to October, and the best time to visit is between 11 am and 1 pm, when the light effect is most intense.
To reach Modra Špilja, you must first get to the island of Vis (ferry trips from Split), and from there rent a boat to the cave. Entrance tickets to the cave cost about 100 Croatian kuna (prices as of 2023). The cave tour itself is short, about 15 minutes, but the experience is unforgettable. Due to the need to pass through the narrow cave entrance by boat, the visit may not be suitable for young children or people with claustrophobia.
Also worth a visit near Modra Špilja is Stiniva beach on the island of Vis, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. It is an ideal place to relax after the excitement of visiting the cave.
At the end of our tour of Croatia, it is worth mentioning lesser-known but equally fascinating places. One of them is Glagolitic Alley, located in Istria, near the town of Hum. This is a unique road of remembrance, along which monuments have been set up dedicated to the ancient Croatian alphabet - Glagolitic. The avenue is accessible all year round, and admission is free. It is an ideal place for an educational walk, during which you can learn about the history of Croatian writing.
Another interesting place is Croatia Sahara in Đurđevac - an area of sand dunes that give the impression of a miniature desert. This is a unique place where you can feel like you are in the Sahara without leaving Europe. There is a fee to enter the 'desert' area, but prices are affordable. It's a great place for a family trip and some unusual photos.
Croatia is a country that constantly surprises with its diversity. From blue caves and sandy beaches to mysterious caves and unique cultural attractions, there is something for everyone. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure or education, Croatia has much to offer you. Remember to check current availability and ticket prices when planning your trip, as they are subject to change. Also, be a responsible tourist - respect the nature and culture of the places you visit. Croatia will surely repay you with unforgettable memories and a desire to return to this beautiful country.
Similar articles
Ad