8 Beautiful Places to Visit in Croatia You Shouldn't Miss Out on Your Next Europe Trip

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Croatia is a hidden gem in Europe that many travelers are just starting to discover. This country sits along the beautiful Adriatic Sea and offers stunning coastlines, historic cities, and amazing natural parks. If you are planning your next European adventure, Croatia should be at the top of your list.

Croatia is a great choice if you like a quieter alternative to Spain and Portugal. Beautiful sea and beaches, charming old towns and cities, you can find them all in this stunning country. According to the Budget Your Trip website, Croatia is one of the more affordable countries to visit in Europe, making it really worth exploring.

If you are planning a trip to this beautiful country, here are some of the best places to visit in Croatia you should put in your list:

This national park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Croatia. Located in central Croatia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its chain of lakes linked by many waterfalls. Wooden paths and trails allow you to move between lakes and enjoy the scenery. The park is also home to thick forests filled with wildlife. Highlights include the Veliki Slap, the largest waterfall, and the turquoise lakes that give the park its unique charm.

Hvar is a sunny island in the Adriatic Sea known for its mix of beaches, nightlife, and history. The main town, also called Hvar, has a harbor with yachts, old stone buildings, and a hilltop fortress called Fortica, which gives wide views of the town and sea. Around the island, you can discover quiet coves, hidden beaches, and small fishing villages. Hvar is also famous for its lavender fields and vineyards, which create a colorful landscape and give you a taste of local culture.

Dubrovnik is a coastal city with strong stone walls and streets full of history. Often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” it is best known for its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the walls, you will find narrow lanes, churches, palaces, and lively squares. Walking along the city walls gives you wide views of the sea and the red rooftops. Other highlights include Fort Lovrijenac, Rector’s Palace, and Stradun Street, which is the main street of the old town.

Vis Island is a quiet and unspoiled destination, different from many other busy Croatian islands. Once used as a military base, it was closed to visitors for many years, which helped keep its natural beauty. The island is best known for the Blue Cave, where sunlight creates a magical blue glow inside. Other popular sights include Stiniva Cove, a hidden beach surrounded by cliffs, and the town of Komiža, which has a charming harbor. Wine lovers will enjoy tasting local wines, which are among the finest in Croatia.

The Krka National Park is another haven for nature enthusiasts in Croatia. Found along the Krka River, it is famous for its series of waterfalls surrounded by greenery. The most popular spot is Skradinski Buk, where clear pools collect at the bottom of the falls. The park also has historic sites like Visovac Monastery, set on a small island in the river, and the Krka Monastery, which lies further upstream. With wooden walkways and shaded paths, it is easy to explore its forests and rivers at a relaxed pace.

The capital city of Croatia is often criminally underrated. Zagreb combines a historic old town with modern attractions. The upper town has cobblestone streets, colorful St. Mark’s Church, and the Lotrščak Tower, where a cannon is fired daily. The lower town offers wide squares, museums, and many parks such as Zrinjevac. Café culture is strong here, with outdoor terraces full of life. At Dolac Market, you can taste fresh local food and experience the daily rhythm of the city.

Korčula is a scenic island known for its old town. It is sometimes called “Little Dubrovnik” because of its stone walls and red-roofed houses. The town itself is full of narrow streets, small squares, and historic buildings linked to the explorer Marco Polo. Popular sights include St. Mark’s Cathedral and the town walls with their watchtowers. Across the island, there are beaches with clear water, olive groves, and vineyards. Talking about Marco Polo, you can also visit the Marco Polo Center. According to Korčula.net, here, you can learn about the life and legacy of the famous explorers, as well as the history of Korčula from the 13th to the 16th century.

Mljet is one of the greenest islands in Croatia, much of it covered by a national park. The park is famous for two saltwater lakes, Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero, where you can swim, kayak, or cycle around the shores. In the middle of Veliko Jezero, there is St. Mary’s Island, home to a Benedictine Monastery and the Church of St. Mary, built between 1177 and 1198. The island also has trails, quiet forests, and hidden bays, making it a calm escape from busier tourist destinations.