Best Places to Visit in Croatia for First-Time Visitors: Top Attractions and Must-See Spots

Do you plan on traveling to Croatia? Well, we're here to share everything from the best places to visit in Croatia for first-time visitors, to how to get to different cities, and from getting around, to unique activities around the country.

With picturesque orange roofed towns surrounded by vibrant turquoise waters, delicious food, and fun vibes, it's seriously impossible not to fall in love with this country.

We're traveled all of Croatia from top to bottom, and just adored one place more than another. The people are great, the cuisine is fresh, and they have excellent handicrafts. From picturesque towns to mind-blowingly gorgeous nature, we know you'll be impressed with this place just as much as we were. Are you ready to learn more? Well, here's everything you need to know for visiting Croatia.

📍 Where is Croatia?

Croatia is located on the western most part of Eastern Europe, along the Adriatic Sea. This Balkan country is very close to the Mediterranean, particularly Italy, which is only separated by the sea.

Croatia borders Bosnia & Herzegovina to its east, and Serbia to its north east. It also borders Montenegro to its south, and Slovenia and Hungary to its north. Additionally, the most north western corner of Croatia borders Trieste, Italy.

Entry Requirements for Croatia

Traveling in Europe can be a bit confusing, as there are different requirements for every country, within the EU, as well as within the Schengen Zone. That's why we're here to clarify a few things.

🛂 Visa Requirements for Croatia

In many European countries, the "90/180" rule applies for those that are not European. This means that in a 180-day period, tourists can only stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days in total.

Some countries are in the EU, but not part of the Schengen Zone, while some are in the Schengen Zone but not part of the EU. Some are in both of them, and some are in neither. This can be super confusing when trying to calculate your travels! 

When we traveled to Croatia in 2022 they were not part of the Schengen Zone, so we were able to travel there for 90 days without any issues. Now though, Croatia joined the Schengen Zone, so you'll need to keep this in mind when traveling there.

Local Adjustments for Visiting Croatia

Before diving into the best places to visit in Croatia for first-time visitors, we're going to go over a few more of the basics.

Whenever traveling somewhere new, there are things that you may forget about. These may be different from where you are coming from, and are what we call local adjustments. Here are a few of them to have in mind while traveling to Croatia.

🗣 What Language is Mostly Spoken in Croatia?

The official language in Croatia is Croatian. Croatians really appreciate when you try to speak even a few Croatian phrases, so we definitely suggest learning the basics. That being said- there's no reason to stress, as almost everyone speak English too.

💶 Currency: Does Croatia Use the Krona or Euro?

When we visited Croatia in 2022 they were still using the Krona. Now Croatia has joined the EU and is using the Euro.

Credit cards are accepted in many places. We do suggest carrying a bit of cash for tips, as well as drinks if you are going out.

🔌 What Plug Adapter Do I Need for Croatia?

Croatia uses the same plug types as the rest of Europe, which are types C & F. The standard voltage in Croatia is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

🚰 Is the Water OK to Drink in Croatia?

The tap water all over the country of Croatia is potable. Many restaurants will automatically bring bottled water when you ask for water. It can get quite expensive, so we always ask for tap water. It's pretty hit or miss, as some restaurants will gladly give it to you, while others will refuse.

We definitely suggest carrying a reusable water bottle, as there are many cities that have free fountains with drinking water for you to fill up.

💸 Is it Customary to Tip in Croatia?

The tipping culture in Croatia is typically 10% of the bill. Some of the best places to visit in Croatia for first-time visitors (such as Dubrovnik) you'll find people tipping a bit more, but it's definitely not necessary.

Also make sure to check your bill, because sometimes in nicer restaurants they will already include the service charge.

If you are taking a tour, it is highly encouraged to leave a tip. Also, if you sign up for a free walking tour, it is assumed that you will leave something, so please support the hard working locals with at least 5-10 euros.

The Best Places to Visit in Croatia for First-time Visitors

This country has so many great cities and locations to offer, that it can be hard to choose where to go! Well, we're here to share the best places to visit in Croatia for first-time visitors, as well as some more underrated locations.

⭐️ The Best Places to Visit in Croatia for First-time Visitors: The Most Popular Spots

When choosing where to go in Croatia, there are several great destinations. Here is a list of where to go in Croatia according to the most popular spots in the country.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

Split

Commonly mistaken as the capital, Split is one of the most well known and highly visited places in Croatia. Perfectly located in the center of Croatia along the coast, this is one of the best places to visit in Croatia for first-time visitors, and an excellent place to base yourself while staying in Croatia.

Split has a super vibrant nightlife, tons of history, and is extremely well connected to other islands and cities throughout the country. We spent 5 days here, and could have easily spent another 5.

Dubrovnik

If you're wondering what are the best places to visit in Croatia for first-time visitors, then a stop in Dubrovnik should be at the top of the list.

This medieval city is one of our favorites in Europe, and for good reason. It is simply stunning, it has plenty to do, and is beaming with history. I've been 4 or 5 times now, and I really never get sick of ever coming here.

Located at the southern tip of the country, you can easily visit here from either Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, or even Italy. We highly suggest starting or finishing off your Croatia trip with the city of Dubrovnik.

Do you want to learn about all of the great things to do in Dubrovnik, and what to expect? Simply click below to read our full article of this great city!

Zadar

This popular cruise port is actually the oldest continually habituated city in all of Croatia. Located along the Dalmatian coast, it is about 2 hours north of Split. Explore the cute downtown area, check out the sea organ, and watch the seaside light up with the "Greeting to the Sun" colorful light installation.

Want to prebook your transportation to Zadar? Here are a few popular routes:

• Split to Zadar
• Pula to Zadar
• Zagreb to Zadar

Rovinj

While most flock down to the south of Croatia, some of the best gems of the country actually lie all the way in the north. Rovinj is a prime example of that. While it's not typically on lists for the best places to visit in Croatia for first-time visitors, we're here to share why it should be.

This stunning village emulates exactly what you'd expect when you think of Croatia- charming alleyways, turquoise waters, and incredible seafront restaurants. We stayed here for just an afternoon, and really wished we had spent a few days!

Pula

You may have thought that the only colosseum worth visiting is the one in Rome, but think again! Pula is another great city located in the north of Croatia, and is just a short ride away from Rovinj.

We suggest coming here for a few hours to enjoy the stunning colosseum, and to grab a bite to eat before heading to the nearby national park.

Want to prebook your transportation to Pula? Here are a few popular routes:

• Split to Zadar
• Zadar to Pula
• Zagreb to Pula

Hvar

Hvar is the perfect mix of paradise beaches, historical towns, and celebrity-style night life. This island is another short ferry ride away from Split, and is worth at least a few days to explore all that it has to offer. Want to see why we loved it so much? Just check below for our full article about this wildly beautiful party island.

Brac

The island of Brac may just have one of the most stunning beaches in Europe. Home to Zlatni Rat (golden horn beach), this is a popular day trip from Split. We rented a car here and explored the cute villages, great viewpoints, and the cutest olive oil museum. Want to learn more? Just check down below for our full guide.

Zagreb

You didn't think we'd make a list of best places to visit in Croatia for first-time visitors without mentioning the capital right? Well, unlike most countries, Croatia's capital is much less visited than the rest of its cities.

This is because it is located inland. Therefore, is doesn't have the allure of the glistening waters, picturesque towns, and beautiful islands surrounding it. But does that mean you should skip it? Definitely not!

Zagreb is the cultural center of Croatia, and has tons of fun museums, and some great festivals. Want to learn more? We have a full article that you can check out below.

🌳 Best Places to Visit in Croatia for First-time Visitors: Natural Landscapes

Now that you know which cities and islands to check out, here is where to go in Croatia for the best nature.

Plitvice Lakes

One of the top things on our list of best places to visit in Croatia for first-time visitors is to check out the stunning Plitvice Lakes! This is more than just a few bodies of water.

It's a series of turquoise lakes and cascading falls that fill an enormous park, where you could spend hours upon hours exploring. There are a total of 16 lakes, 12 of them being the upper lakes, and 4 that make up the lower lakes. Located in Central Croatia, this is a great day trip from either Zagreb or Zadar.

Want to know everything you need to visit? Check out our full travel guide on Plitvice Lakes below!

Krka Waterfalls

This is another popular set of waterfalls in Croatia, with 7 in total. Located halfway between Zadar and Split (an hour from each), this makes the perfect day trip.

Unfortunately, you can no longer swim here, for protection of the natural environment at Krka. However, there are trails that go around the lakes so that you can admire the falls.

Want to book a tour to Krka Waterfalls? Here are a few different ones to choose from:

Cetina Spring

If you're wondering where to go in Croatia for the most epic drone shot, then Cetina Spring needs to be on your list. Also known as the "dragon's eye" Cetina is a cold water spring that resembles the eye of a dragon from above.

The water is a shockingly low 2-4 degrees Celsius, and despite the pain we endured to take the shot below, it was definitely worth it.

Note: If you plan on doing the same, we suggest bringing a float to go into the middle.

💎 Best Places to Visit in Croatia for First-time Visitors: Lesser Known Gems

Now that you know the best places to visit in Croatia for first-time visitors, let's get into some of the hidden gems, or lesser known places. Here is a list of where to go in Croatia a bit off the beaten path.

Makarska

Located just an hour south of Split, and 2 1/2 hours up the coast from Dubrovnik, this town is normally overlooked by first time tourists. However this beach town with its mountain backdrop is simply stunning.

Makarska has plenty of shops lined up right in front of the water, waterfront restaurants, and fun water activities to offer. They also have plenty of boat excursions, as well as a port for ferries to different islands.

Want to prebook your transportation to Makarska? Here are a few popular routes:

• Split to Makarska
• Zadar to Makarska
• Dubrovnik to Makarska

Vodice

Also an hour from Split, Vodice lies just up the coast from this popular Croatian city, as well as just 1 hour south from Zadar. Vodice is the perfect stop while traveling from Zadar to Split, or vice versa.

The small beach town has some cute cafes, shops, and these awesome hexagonal concrete platforms where tourists and locals alike set up and sunbathe.

Want to have your transportation prebooked? Here are a couple options:

• Zadar to Vodice
• Split to Vodice

Looking to stay a night in Vodice? Simply check out the map below:

Tribunj

Just a couple kilometers down the beach from Vodice, you can find an adorable hidden gem of a town. Tribunj was actually recommended to us by our friend from Split, who has a friend living here.

This charming town is a small island connected by a bridge, where you can enjoy walking the quaint streets and grab a delicious meal. Head to Stray Cat for a drink, and the owner's cousin's restaurant for some fresh seafood.

Sibenik

Now let's keep heading bit down the coast for another impressive city. Sibenik is actually much bigger than some of the other quaint villages we mentioned.

Located on the water, this place is full of restaurants, shops, and great architecture. It's known for its 15 century cathedral, 14th century palace, and for being the gateway to the Kornati Islands.

Primosten

Just bit further down the coast we have another adorable city that is a round peninsula full of orange roofed buildings. Primosten has beaches on each side, and the inside has cute streets full of shops with local handmade goods.

Make sure to check out Gift Shop Olive for hand crafted products made from olive trees, as well as the white marble jewelry.

Korcula

This island is the perfect mix of ancient history and coastal bliss. Like many other beautiful islands in Croatia, you'll be able to enjoy beautiful orange roofed buildings, narrow walkways, and glistening turquoise waters. Korcula can be visited by bus or ferry from Split, Orebic, or Dubrovnik.

Kornati Islands

This archipelago is known for its oddly dry terrain, and can be visited on a tour from Zadar or Sibenik. This national park has 89 islands, islets, and reefs, making it super interesting to explore by boat excursion.

Ready to explore the Kornati Islands? Here are some day trip excursions that you can take to see them:

Mljet

This is the southernmost and easternmost island of the larger Adriatic islands. Mljet is known for its delicious wine, olives, and goat cheese. Covered with dense forest, this island is super underrated and yet to be discovered by many tourists.

Want to take a trip here from Dubrovnik? Here are some awesome boat tours we found:

Trogir

Just a half hour outside of Split lies a fairytale town called Trogir. With its large castle and seaside restaurants, this is the perfect place to enjoy a day trip or at least a nice afternoon. Get lost in the historic town, climb the ancient tower, or enjoy the beautiful harbor.

Want to prebook your transportation to Trogir? Just click the links below:

• Split to Trogir
• Zadar to Trogir

Losinj

Located in the northern Adriatic Sea, Losinj is known for its lush vegetation and stunning shorelines. If you're looking for where to go in Croatia for less crowds and equally stunning nature, then this should definitely be added to your list.

Want to visit Losinj? Here is the ferry that you can book to get there:

• Pula to Losinj Ferry 

Porec

Located all the way in the north west of the country, Porec is another stunning village to check out if you're visiting Rovinj. Lined with cute boutique shops and adorable cafes, the vibe here is captivating and will leave you wanting more of quaint Istria.

Make sure to check out the trundle shop in own, which is family owned and also offers tours of their entire process.

Prebook your transportation to Porec:

• Pula to Porec
• Rovinj to Porec

What to Do in Croatia for First-time Visitors

Now that you know the best places to visit in Croatia for first-time visitors, let's check out all of the fun activities you can do! If you're wondering exactly what to do in Croatia for an epic trip, then here is a list of some awesome things to do throughout the country.

🏘 Get Lost In the Charming Towns

Croatia just may be one picturesque when it comes to its towns. Large clusters of orange roofed buildings surrounded by glistening turquoise waters can be found all over, and many of them are pedestrian only.

Simply wandering the quaint alleyways and soak up the vibe of this beautiful country is exactly what to do in Croatia once you get anywhere new.

🏛 Dive Into the History

Not only are the towns here super charming, but there is so much history throughout Croatia. Dating back to the 7th century, Dubrovnik is a great example of a place you'll want to dive right in and learn all about its history.

Head over to Pula and you'll find an ancient colosseum that dates all the way back to 27 BC! Make sure to take at least one walking tour in whatever city you choose to travel to.

🏝 Go Island Hopping

Did you know that Croatia has a total of 1,244 islands and islets in total? Well, although only 48 are inhabited, we can promise you that you'll ever get bored from all the beauty out there. There are so many stunning islands in Croatia- some that we mentioned already, and plenty of other small ones that you can visit. 

We highly suggest spending at least a night or two staying on one of the islands such as Hvar, Brac, or Korcula. There are plenty of ferries serving a great deal of the islands, boat tours, or private charters that you can get to check some of them off your list.

⛵️ Take a Boat Trip

Speaking of island hopping, sailing around is definitely one of the best things to do in Croatia. Whether it's checking out different islands, joining a sunset sail, or doing a late night booze cruise, this is the number one thing on our list of what to do in Croatia.

🤤 Invest in the Art of Truffle

In the past few years, truffle has been becoming increasingly more and more popular. This delicacy is native to Croatia, especially in the north of the country.

There are plenty of towns that have truffle shops, and even one that we found that has a full class about truffle hunting! Try the samples, speak with the owners, and indulge in the most delicious truffle infused products.

💜 Discover the Magic of Lavender

Another thing that is abundant in Croatia is lavender. There are big lavender fields that you can visit, one of the most popular being in Hvar. If you don't happen to visit in June though, there are lavender products sold year round in Croatia. Don't miss out on checking out all that this beautiful plant has to offer.

Want to book a tour to see the lavender? Here are two that you can do in Hvar:

🎉 Attend a Festival

If you're wondering where to go in Croatia to have fun, then you're in luck. From top to bottom Croatia is known for its party vibes, especially for its epic festivals. "Festival season" starts as early as May, and goes til as late as September.

When we went to Zagreb in the end of May there were 3 festivals in one week, and they told us that it stays like that until the summer ends. So if you're looking for lots of food & drinks, then get ready to have an epic time in Croatia.

🛥 Go Wild at Yacht Week

Speaking of wild parties, Croatia is home to one of the most insane events of the summer. Yacht week is actually the whole month of July, and it's when you rent out a yacht, and island hop, visiting various music festivals.

Rent a full yacht with your friends, or join a public one. Either way, get ready to party all day and all night for this epic event.

Best Places to Visit in Croatia for First-time Visitors: What's the Best Way to Get Around Croatia?

While many countries in Europe are easily connected by trains, we found that renting a car is really the way to go in Croatia. The cities themselves are extremely pedestrian friendly though, so If you're planning on traveling to just one city, then can go ahead and skip renting.

However, if you plan on visiting some of the hidden gems, we definitely suggest getting your own form of transportation. If you're sticking to traveling between cities, then taking the bus from one to the other will be the most efficient in terms of price and practicality.

🚌 Buses in Croatia

Here are a few popular routes throughout the country that you can book:

• Dubrovnik to Split
• Dubrovnik to Zagreb
• Split to Zagreb
• Split to Dubrovnik
• Zagreb to Split
• Zagreb to Dubrovnik

🚗 Driving in Croatia

The roads in Croatia are very well paved, especially in comparison to some of the other countries in the Balkans. Because of this, driving is super easy, and if you take the coastal highway, the views are just stunning.

The only thing that is not ideal about driving in Croatia is maneuvering inside cities. You pretty much have to pay to park anywhere, and it can add up quite quickly. Also, the streets can get super narrow in cities like Split for example.

If you want to explore a lot of the country, including its hidden gems, then renting a car in Croatia is definitely a great option! Just keep the car parked outside the city centers, and use them for getting from one city to another, or exploring the nature on the outskirts.

What to Do in Croatia: Local Food & Drink

The cuisine in Croatia is actually much more similar to Mediterranean countries, than to some of the other Balkan ones. Just like Italy, Croatia thrives off of fresh seafood, and super tasty olive oil.

Truffle is also a key ingredient, and can be found in many dishes. Homemade pastas are a prime base, and they have plenty of cured meats like Dalmatian prosciutto to indulge in.

I personally think Croatian cuisine is one of the most underrated out there! It is light, fresh, and super flavorful.

Other Things to Know About Visiting Croatia

Now you know the best places to visit in Croatia for first-time visitors, how to get around, and what to eat in Croatia for an epic trip. But here are a few other things to keep in mind:

📆 What Month is Best to Visit Croatia?

When it comes to when to visit Croatia, it really depends on what kind of trip you are trying to have. For the best parties, and to experience the lavender, you'll want to visit in July.

If you like partying but want slightly fewer crowds, you could visit in June, or later in August. If you want perfectly warm weather and a quieter trip, then we recommend September or May.

Another great time to visit is in December. This is when you can experience the Christmas markets, as well as a winter wonderland at Plitvice Lakes.

☀️ Weather & Packing for a Trip to Croatia

The weather in Croatia is a bit warmer than the rest of the countries around the Balkans, and is also one of the sunniest countries in all of Europe.

We suggest bringing plenty of sunscreen, a swimsuit, and towel for all of the great swimming spots. Bring water shoes for the pebble beaches, and comfortable shoes for exploring the cities and large natural areas like Plitvice Lakes. Finally, make sure to bring a refillable water bottle to fill up at the free fountains.

🎒 Packing List for Visiting Croatia

• Sunscreen
• Sun Glasses
• Hat
• Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
• Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting) 
• Sneakers (for the hikes)
• Bathing Suits 
• Towel
• Sun Dresses
• Nice Clothing for going out at night
• Zippered Bag or Backpack (to secure your belongings) - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
• Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
• Drone (We use the Mavic Mini 4 Pro because it's super light and has great quality)
• Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
• Standard Lens for a dynamic range (we use the Sony GM 24-70)
• Wide Lens to capture great panoramas (we use the Sony GM 14 F1.8)
• Telephoto Lens to capture the landscapes closer up (we use the Sony GM 70-200)
• Tripod to get pictures while no one is around or for multiple shots from far away (We use the JOBY Rangepod Tripod)
• Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
• Travel Adapter (we use Insignia travel adapters)

💸 Average Prices: Is Croatia Expensive?

When it comes to prices, Croatia is significantly more expensive than the surrounding countries. However, it can actually be pretty comparable to prices in some Italian cities.

Dishes in restaurants cost around $10-20, and hotels average from $30-50/night depending on the exact area. While it can get pretty pricey for someone who is in vacation mode, it also can be done on an average budget if you do it right.

Note: Keep in mind, we visited before Croatia changed the the euro, and we have heard since then prices have increased from what they were.

🛍 Souvenirs to Get in Croatia

This summer we went to 16 countries, and out of all of them, we definitely did the most shopping in Croatia. A lot of the clothing comes from Italy, so they have a great boutique selection. Most beach towns have cute shops, so make sure to check them out to bring yourself something to take home!

🤤 Truffle

Another thing you need to bring home with you is truffle. There are endless amounts of delicious truffle products that you can find in specialty shops, and some even in the super markets! Some of our personal favorites are the truffle infused olive oil, truffle chips, and truffle paste.

🍯 Other Culinary Items

Another thing that we loved in Croatia was all of the natural honeys, jams, and infused liquors. We took back homemade fig vodka, a variety of jams, and even lavender infused honey. Don't miss out on all of the markets that Croatia has to offer.

🪵 Olive Wood

Walking through souvenir shops in Croatia you'll find a great amount of products made from olive wood. From cutting boards trays to cutlery and glasses, you'll be tempted to fill your whole kitchen with these stunning pieces.

💜 Lavender

Finally, this country is really known for their lavender. While we got lavender infused honey. there are also pouches of fresh lavender, as well as plenty of toiletries infused with lavender. It's great for relaxation, and smells incredible.

🤔 Is Croatia Worth it?

Croatia is one of our favorite countries in Europe! With tons of history, fun parties, delicious food, and so much natural beauty, it's hard not to fall in love with Croatia.

⏳ How Many Days Do You Need to See Croatia?

With so many incredible places, you could easily spend a few weeks in this gorgeous country. In 7-10 days you can certainly see the best places to visit in Croatia. For first-time visitors, we'd recommend 10-14 days though.

Croatia is an insanely beautiful country, with so much to offer. We spent three weeks there, and could've easily spent a few more with all of the different islands. That being said, you can definitely explore such a variety of things in the country with any amount of time frame.

So are you ready to discover some of the best places to visit in Croatia? For first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike, these are places we know everyone will fall in love with.

Want to explore other countries nearby? We have a ton of Balkan travel guides for you to check out.

We love planning trips, and with our expertise we are dedicated to helping other people have the most epic ones. With Scratch Your Mapa Travel Planning you can now adventure more and save money along the way. Want to learn how? Take a peak at some of our travel planning packages.

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