Croatia is a beautiful and diverse central European country on the Adriatic Sea. With its rolling hills and historic cities situated on cliff-sides and coastal plains, this is an ideal destination for travelers seeking spectacular views, excellent culinary experiences, and exciting entertainment options. From ancient ruins and centuries-old monasteries to modern luxury resorts, there is something for everyone in Croatia.
Along with its lovely scenery, Croatia offers a range of attractions sure to please visitors from all walks of life. So whether you’re interested in history or art, culture or nature, there’s something for you here. From UNESCO world heritage sites to national parks to magnificent natural wonders – like waterfalls, lakes, and rivers – the country is full of unique attractions bound to amaze visitors.
Highlights include:
- Diocletian’s Palace in Split;
- Plitvice Lakes National Park;
- Dubrovnik Old Town;
- Ston city walls;
- Krka National Park;
- Rovinj old town;
- Samobor castle ruins;
- Cathedral of St James in Sibenik;
- Mljet Island National Park;
- Nin salt pans, Nature Reserves & Lakes Complexes, and much more!
If you’re looking for a unique travel experience filled with ancient sights and modern amenities, look no further than Croatia!
Historical Attractions
Croatia is known for its stunning natural beauty and historic sites. However, the country has a long and complex history shaped by various cultural influences and events. Tourists visit Croatia to explore its unique culture and history, including some iconic historic attractions.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best historical attractions in Croatia:
Diocletian’s Palace
Diocletian’s Palace is a World Heritage monument located in the Croatian city of Split. This Roman Palace served as the residence of the powerful Emperor Diocletian during the 4th century AD, later becoming a local settlement.
Exterior walls, which extend for nearly four kilometers (2.5 mi), still stand, although Medieval and Renaissance architects’ intervention has changed the original look of these structures in places. The Byzantine-style exterior comprises limestone and brick walls, fortified towers, and gates.
Inside, visitors may explore:
- The basement halls are filled with enigmatic sculpture displays, remainders of temples dedicated to Jupiter and Cybele that define their historic limits;
- Zeus’ temple is located on its northern side;
- several other monuments from early Christianity;
- workshops from different stages of history, such as cellars used by Jewish merchants during WWII; and
- An open-air theatre was recently restored.
The so-called Renaissance Gate is among the crucial entrances to this complex – it was erected in 1548 under pressure from Venetian authorities at that time – an important feature connecting people inside with its close environment around (and linking the old city center to Peristyle Square). The Republic Square, right next to the main entrance, is a must-see place filled with wonderful baroque edifices erected centuries ago. However, you will also find smaller churches spread all over settlements’ premises noteworthy since their architectural elements rescue precious pieces of history detailing each period they influenced on.
- Mark’s Church
St. Mark’s Church is one of Zagreb’s most iconic places of worship. Built at the beginning of the 13th century, it is part of a sprawling Baroque complex known as Gornji grad (Upper Town), which also includes Zagreb Cathedral and many cultural venues such as museums, galleries, theaters, and parks.
The impressive stone building stands out with its colorful tiled roof featuring the coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia – three historical Croatian regions. Inside, you will discover a treasure trove of artwork, including frescoes from different eras decorating semicircular walls at the altar and elsewhere in the church. Other attractions in this church include:
- Two stone lions guarding either side at the entrance
- Marble gravestones with carved Latin inscriptions commemorate some local dignitaries from ancient times.
St Mark’s Church continues to be an important spiritual center for many Croatian Catholics and hosts numerous ceremonies throughout the year, such as weddings and baptisms, as well as traditional Christmas Eve services. In addition to being a place for worship, its grand interiors make it one of Zagreb’s most popular tourist spots – making it no wonder that St Mark’s is considered one of Croatia’s most beloved historical attractions.
Walls of Dubrovnik
The Walls of Dubrovnik are a series of defensive stone walls surrounding the Old Town district of the southern Croatian city of Dubrovnik. The current walls, constructed from the 13th to 16th centuries, were modeled after older Byzantine fortifications and designed to protect the harbor and city against attack by ships and troops on land. It is approximately 2 kilometers in length, and these imposing fortifications stand upon a rocky ridge 20–25 meters high with towers, bastions, and fortified gates placed along its length. Described by Lord Byron as “The Pearl of the Adriatic,” they have been inscribed into UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 1979.
The walls form part of a complex defensive system using three major defense lines:
- The first line was provided by the sea, with ships blocking any effort to gain access to the bay around Dubrovnik;
- Secondly by 5–6 kilometers long, complex system of fortifications around star-designed settlements that acted as an outer buffer zone protecting against land-based attacks;
- The third line was constituted by a 1–2 kilometer pattern of walls forming a circular defense perimeter surrounding the core area or historical center.
It encompasses several kinds of defense structures, such as two circular forts positioned at either end (St Lawrence Fort at Mlječe Bay on the West side and Revelin Fort on the East), two round towers on two bastions (Bellevue and Minčeta Towers), fifteen semicircular buildings between them and five entrance gates. The gates are guarded by three large 1-to-2-storeyed concave-shaped tower fronts – Bokar, Ploče, Pile & Porporela Gates defending the southeast side port mouth. Walls are all together in harmony but most significantly characterized by the world’s popular four-sided stonework construction technique called opus quadratum.
Natural Attractions
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, Croatia is well-known for its stunning natural attractions. From spectacular waterfalls and forests to majestic mountains and beaches, the country provides a wealth of choices for natural beauty. There are plenty of opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore, with something for everyone regardless of interest.
Let’s take a look at some of the top natural attractions in Croatia:
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s most treasured natural attractions. The park is located in the mountainous region of Lika, northwest of Zagreb. The park is known for its 16 cascading lakes, formed by centuries-old travertine dams created by natural processes and now separated by an elaborate system of boardwalks.
The waters at Plitvice Lakes range from blue-green to deep cobalt, depending on the mineral content, and are fed exclusively by the mountains surrounding them. The system of lakes is home to over 75 varieties of small mammals, more than 90 species of birds, numerous amphibians and reptiles, thousands of different kinds of insects, and some 260 plant species.
Visitors to this stunning part of Europe can explore numerous trails that wind through lush pine forests and around waterfalls designed for photographs or take a ride on a scenic panoramic cable car or open train trams.
Other attractions within the park include:
- Several terraces offer sweeping views across its cascading lakes.
- A brewery from the 18th century where visitors can sample local microbrews and traditional Croatian fare.
- A museum that traces its history back to the Stone Age era.
Whether looking for an educational journey into ancient history or simply taking in some astonishing views – Plitvice Lakes National Park will certainly not disappoint!
Krka National Park
Krka National Park is located in the stunning Dalmatia region of Croatia and is known for its roaring waterfalls and breathtaking landscapes. This national park is truly a sight to behold and offers visitors a wealth of activities to enjoy. From kayaking down the thrilling rapids of the Krka River to exploring its flora and fauna, Krka National Park boasts attractions that will leave an indelible impression on anyone’s mind.
One of the main attractions within this park is Skradinski Buk, a scenic section of the river with 17 beautiful cascading waterfalls spanning 900 meters in length. Throughout Skradinski Buk, visitors can participate in numerous activities such as swimming, fishing, and bird/wildlife watching. In addition, multiple forest trails allow visitors to explore all sorts of vegetation, including aquatic plants such as lotus and water lilies, ancient pine trees, and dense laurel forests.
The Visovac Lake was once the home of Benedictine Monks devoted to spiritually protecting Croatia from Ottoman invaders. During their centuries-long occupation from 1493 until 1813, today, it serves as a protected habitat for several species of animals, including endangered Dalmatian Pelicans and terrapins, fish eagles, diverse flora and fauna, as well as other protected species like wolves and Eurasian griffon vultures.
Other activities provided by Krka National Park include:
- Boat tours that offer views across the unique topography of dense river canyons surrounded by unspoiled nature.
- Guided trekking tours allow visitors to gain insight into local wildlife while appreciating diverse landscapes.
Mljet National Park
Mljet National Park is located on the eastern side of the island of Mljet in Croatia, and it is one of the country’s most popular natural attractions. The park covers an area of about 5,400 hectares (13,000 acres), most of which is an area of coastal fruit and olive groves and mixed deciduous forest.
The park’s main features are two saltwater lakes, Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero, with an ornate 12th-century Benedictine abbey presiding over them from a small island in Veliko Lake. Visitors can boat around the lake or take a guided kayaking tour. A path connects the two lakes via a scenic stroll that takes around 15 minutes. There is also a walking path along the western shoreline bordering all four corners of Mljet National Park, where visitors may spot some rare bird species nesting along this path. Most notably, the European Roller bird or ‘Grande Quetzal’ as it is known in Mexico (the same species can be seen on Mexican stamps!)
Cultural Attractions
Croatia has a rich history and culture, which makes it a great place to visit. There are plenty of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and monuments. These cultural sites can provide unique insights into the country’s way of life and heritage.
From Zagreb’s Museum of Arts and Crafts to Krapina’s Neanderthal Museum, there are plenty of opportunities to discover the country’s past. So let’s dive in to explore some of the top cultural attractions in Croatia:
Museum of Broken Relationships
The Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb, Croatia, is a unique and thought-provoking museum that explores the often-overlooked emotions connected with the end of relationships. This one-of-a-kind experience allows visitors to explore an artistic manifestation of heartache through exhibits that feature objects and stories from various backgrounds.
Over the past decade, people worldwide have contributed items and stories to the collection located in Zagreb’s old quarter. Items exhibited range from personal letters to wedding dresses, all thoughtfully curated to give visitors an intimate look into the human experience. The exhibition helps explore complex topics such as love, loss, memory, identity, longing, and other universal emotions that come hand-in-hand with breaking up with loved ones.
Each display offers more than just stories from former lovers—some include descriptions by current or former art collectors or tenants describing their experiences. This museum is a must-see to gain insight into the relationships and emotions that come with their ending.
Dubrovnik Summer Festival
The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is one of Croatia’s most popular cultural attractions. Held each year from June until September in Croatia’s most beautiful city, the festival includes theatre, classical music, opera, and jazz events at some of the city’s most famous old buildings.
The 600-year-old Rector’s Palace is home to many main theatre performances. Other performances are held at iconic locations within the city walls, such as St Blaise’s Church and step outside the city walls at Mount Srd. In addition to the stunning backdrops for performances, audiences will get an excellent opportunity to sample some of Croatia’s freshest gastronomical specialties, including top-quality fish and beef dishes. At the same time, they enjoy live music concerts in various venues throughout the town every night.
The festival highlights Croatian culture with professional performers and renowned artists contributing to energized interactive young theater performances. Art galleries often display drawings from acclaimed artists or eclectic foreign shows by theater companies from around Europe, offering a unique flavor during this season in Dubrovnik. A highlight for visitors is always watching cultural landmarks such as Sponza Palace become alive with music and sight for a few hours during the performance rituals on full moon nights during the summer season.
If you find yourself in Croatia anytime between June through September, make sure you don’t miss out on this unique cultural experience!
Zagreb Puppet Theatre
The Zagreb Puppet Theatre, located near Zrinjevac Park, is an iconic cultural attraction in the Croatian capital and one of the world’s oldest. Founded in 1948 by Božidar Jakac, the theatre puts on spectacular puppetry performances that combine music, sound effects, stage lighting, and handmade costumes. As one of Croatia’s most excellent theatres over the last 60+ years, it has become known for its avant-garde puppet performances and special events. Visitors to the theatre can expect a memorable experience as they witness talented puppeteers bring their creations to life.
Since its founding, the theatre has put on over 200 premieres and multiple award-winning productions known across Europe and beyond. Famous productions like ‘Winnie Trail’ (1983) have graced stages worldwide, each performance utilizing unique puppets made from wood or synthetic materials with plush fabrics for cloths. The stories behind these performances span from fantasy fables to realistic dramas, each play having its original music score adding depth to every scene of action and adventure. With various puppet styles, from marionettes to rod puppetry, and innovative ways of combining physical effects into every performance, this theatre is sure to please any audience, from children to adults alike!
Conclusion
Croatia is a small country with a lot to offer. From its rich historical landmarks to its stunning beaches, Croatia appeals to adventurers from all walks of life. It also provides some of the best European prices regarding eating out, transportation, and accommodations. So whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping action or a place to relax, Croatia has something for everyone.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Croatia, one thing is sure: the breathtaking landscape, stunning architecture, and age-old attractions will create lifelong memories that you won’t forget!