The 7 best places to visit in Croatia

Zadar is one of the largest cities in the country. The old city is surrounded by ramparts and attracts tourists in search of history and culture. The city is home to several historical monuments such as St. Anastasia's cathedral and St Mary's church, dating back to the eleventh century. Take a walk down to the pier and discover the singing stairs. The Sea Organ is a 230 foot long architectural sound and art project that opened to the public in 2005. Musically tuned tubes were built underneath the stairs allowing the noise of the waves to create an eerie melody. Unfortunately the city of Zadar was completely destroyed during the Second World War and the rest of the city is not really worth the detour.

The two-hour ferry ride from the city of Split will lead you to the popular island of Hvar. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, historical towns and great places to party, this island has everything you need for a relaxing vacation. Start by visiting the small but lively city of Hvar where you will discover plenty of local restaurants among the shaded streets and stone walls. A pleasant moment to sit back and contemplate local life. Then head up to the fortress and gaze at the impressive views overlooking the city. Since you're on an island you might as well head to the beach ! Zavala or Dubovica are both good options but there are many unexplored creeks all over the island. If you're staying for a couple of days then it's definitely worth taking a boat or a kayak across to the Pakleni Islands and going to Mlini Beach, known for its natural beauty.

Split is the second largest city in Croatia after Zagreb and is certainly one of the most charming. Thanks to its large pedestrian zone, visiting the city centre is a pleasant excursion. Discover the city's attractions including the Riva promenade along the seafront and the red-brick buildings in Republic Square. A 40-minute drive down the coast will take you to the fascinating village of Trogir, located on a peninsula. This historic, walled city is home to a well-preserved architecture dating back to 2500 years. With its narrow streets and quaint atmosphere, Trogir is classified a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A great outing for the day if you're visiting Split.

Tourists often decide to skip the visit to Krka national park, (pronounced Keurka), particularly if they've already been to Plitvice. This is a huge mistake in my opinion as Krka park has lots to offer. Although it's smaller and somewhat less impressive than its neighbor, there is a warmer atmosphere and fewer tourists.
Enjoy a magical moment in this natural environment as you follow the two-hour itinerary, over wooden pontoons and past lush green surroundings. Follow the trail and walk through the water, past lakes and waterfalls. Afterwards you can take a dip in the Skradinski Buk waterfall… unlike in Plitvice where swimming is prohibited.

In my opinion, this national park is reason enough to take a trip to Croatia. It is one of the most stunning natural areas in Europe and continues to attract visitors day after day. Plitvice stretches over 182 square miles and boasts dozens of lakes with interconnecting waterfalls. A gorgeous, natural setting built on wooden pontoons.
The Plitvice National Park is divided into two sections: the Upper Lakes and the Lower Lakes. There are several routes to choose from, allowing you to make the most of the time you have. Easily accessible with its own bus network (Stations marked ST on the map) and boat shuttles (Ports marked P on the map), I would advise you spend at least 2 days here.
Several hikes are available to visitors ranging from 20 minutes up to eight hours. Don't miss the park's largest waterfall, the Veliki Slap. You will also appreciate the peace and quiet off the beaten track. Diving in the heart of such natural beauty will leave its mark on you forever. Visiting Plitvice is the perfect opportunity to appreciate Nature's wonders and think of new ways to preserve it.

Dubrovnik is nicknamed the pearl of the Adriatic. A stroll in the city will get you wondering whether its name is due to its stunning coastline or its rare and precious appearance. Dubrovnik is a fortified city, its ramparts are classified World Heritage by Unesco. Visitors flock there to discover the history of the city's famous ramparts that have never yielded to its enemies. Don't miss this two-kilometer tour around Dubrovnik, preferably in the morning!
There is plenty to explore during the day, strolling through the cobbled streets and past flowered balconies or sitting and relaxing in front of the Assumption Cathedral. Enter the heart of the old city by the Pile Gate to the west or through the door of Ploce, closer to the port.
Take the time to visit the island of Lokrum, home to a curious legend and discover the "buza" which provides access to the sea through the ramparts. Have a lazy day at Dubrovnik's famous Banje Beach or opt for the quieter choice of Bellevue Beach.

The island of Brac is located in the heart of the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the 700 Croatian islands. Located on the Southern tip of the island is the quaint village of Bol. A ten minute walk from the village centre will lead you to the island's well renowned Zlatni Rat Beach, otherwise known as the Golden Horn. This spectacular beach stretches out into the water in the shape of a triangle, allowing you to access the sea from both sides. As often in Croatia, the water is crystal clear with beautiful shades of blue. For those who prefer the cool of the shade, there are plenty of beach bars and a trail leading through the forest. Bear in mind the sand is not white and soft but paved with small pebbles which gives it a unique charm. Those looking for action can try out all sorts of watersports including windsurfing, kitesurfing or kayaking.