These are ten tourist regions, ten chapters of the Croatian story, which are not measured in spaciousness but in the beauty and diversity of nature, heritage, culture and gastronomy...
Each of the ten tourist regions of Croatia is bursting with interesting destinations, towns, beautiful nature, exquisite aromas, sounds, and experiences that create memories and yearn to be discovered.
Dalmatia – Dubrovnik
From historic walls to wineries, from warm seas to a star-studded sky, southern Croatia offers adventures of all types. The land of the Greek hero Odysseus, famous explorer Marco Polo, and a rich culture invites you to explore its incredible landscapes, fascinating legends, and stunning beauty. A city that leaves nobody unmoved and the centre od the region is Dubrovnik, former Republic of Dubrovnik, well known beyond Croatian borders. You can start your journey there from its very core. 1,940 meters of medieval walls outline people’s dreams of freedom, and a performance stage leads to the stars during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival or to the Iron Throne in Game of Thrones. When you arrive in the old town, which is protected by UNESCO, don’t forget to shake the hand of the patron saint St. Blaise, who will show you the endless universe of life and thousands of years of history recorded there by works of art.
Three of the five existing forts form an integral part of the Walls of Dubrovnik: Minčeta, Bokar, and St. John. The other two forts, Lovrijenac in the west and Revelin in the east, are not connected to the Walls. The main street (Stradun) is the perfect spot for absorbing the beauty of stone compositions beneath the stars, while the Sponza Palace, the Rector’s Palace, the Large and Small Onofrio’s Fountains, the Church of St. Blaise, and Orlando’s Column will show you the side of the town that shall forever remain youthful. Explore a plethora of historical and natural sights by visiting museums, discover the green realm of the Trsteno Arboretum, and enjoy the panorama from the Srđ hill, which can be easily reached by cable car. Every view in Dubrovnik is limitless, every memory perfect, and every day seems too short. From there you can go to the next region – Dalmatia – Split, driving across the Peljesac Bridge that opened in July 2022. The bridge certainly makes travel along the coastline easier for many visitors to Croatia.
Dalmatia – Split
Authentic traces of great ancient cultures, stunning islands, a walk in the clouds, and a combination of the Mediterranean and the inland make Central Dalmatia the perfect place for your dream holiday. The lakes of this area come in many wonderful colours, the beaches are golden, the finest white stone is harvested here, and the towns are considered to be the “centre of the world”.
The centre of Dalmatia, or as its residents would call it, the “centre of the whole world”, is Split, the largest city in the Croatian part of the Adriatic coast. The old city centre, which is under the protection of UNESCO, is over 1700 years old and it was created when the Roman Emperor Diocletian decided to build his palace there.
Start your tour with the most important landmark, Diocletian’s Palace, a perfect specimen of Roman architecture and one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in Europe. Visit the magnificent Diocletian’s Cellars, a filming location for Game of Thrones, and continue walking towards the spectacular Golden Gate, which was once used only by the emperor and his family. Enjoy the beauty of Peristil, the former main imperial square. The opera performances that take place here during the Split Summer Festival sound quite impressive – especially against the backdrop of the Cathedral of St. Domnius, the patron saint of Split, located in the former imperial mausoleum, which is one of the world’s oldest Christian buildings. In the many layers of Split, you will find opposites that magnetically attract. This is the place where Roman mosaics and Egyptian Sphinxes go hand in hand with the Ultra Europe festival, and luxury yachts are moored right next to the old fishing port of Matejuška.
Dalmatia – Šibenik
Embraced by the Adriatic Sea and the mighty Dinara, the part of Dalmatia around Šibenik will amaze you with its national parks, magnificent rivers, and spectacular locations.
Welcome to the land of grandiose forts, pearly waterfalls, and Faust Vrančić – the flying man. The Šibenik region will turn you into an adventure novel hero ready to discover the highest mountain peaks in Croatia, the smallest islands in the Adriatic, and stone structures boasting traces of rich history. Throughout history, many writers have fallen in love with the beauties of Croatia, which inspired them to write their beautiful poems. One of them was the famous Irish writer and Nobel Prize winner George Bernard Shaw, who dedicated these magical verses to his muse – the Kornati islands: “On the last day of creation, God desired to crown His work, and thus created the Kornati islands out of tears, stars, and breath.”
The Kornati National Park consisting of 89 islands, islets, rocks, and reefs is the most beautiful Adriatic stone fleet, where time slows down and every day of your stay turns into a holiday.
The islands are adorned with the famous Kornati crowns, i.e. vertical cliffs facing the open sea. According to folk tales, the large slate, or Magazin’s slate, was created by fairies, and its kilometres of dry stone walls under the protection of UNESCO constitute an everlasting monument to human labour.
In addition to the famous Kornati islands, a true nautical paradise also awaits you on the other islands of the Šibenik archipelago. The secluded offshore Žirje, rich in fish, is the perfect place for modern Robinsons. The island of Kaprije was named after the Mediterranean caper plant whose buds are used as a spice. The most prominent coral divers in the Adriatic come from the island of Zlarin, while the smallest and most scarcely populated Adriatic island of Krapanj boasts masters of sponge harvesting and diving. You can learn more about them in the island’s Diving Museum.
Dalmatia – Zadar
Imagine the best sunsets, endless sandy beaches, authentic cuisine, and traces of ancient civilizations. The Zadar region of Dalmatia has it all, making it the perfect destination for all seasons.
This breathtaking landscape also inspired one of the most esteemed film directors in history, Alfred Hitchcock, who declared the sunset in Zadar to be one of the most beautiful in the world. The best way to enjoy this sun show is by visiting the unique Greeting to the Sun monument and listening to the magical song of the waves performed by the Sea Organ. Your cinematic experience will be complete once you feel the pulse of the city that has been attracting crowds of visitors for centuries. Traces of diverse cultures will show you the soul of the old town located on a peninsula.
You will also see the main street Kalelarga, a place of friendship and smiles, love and sadness – a place where the sea and the stone meet.
Unique spaces such as the People’s Square, as well as the ports of Foša, Varoš, and Arsenal are the spots to be if you wish to immerse yourself in the local culture. The three-thousand-year-old past is carefully preserved in the St. Donatus Church, the Forum, the Five Wells Square, the Duke’s and the Provveditore’s Palace, and in the unique Museum of Ancient Glass. The entire city centre is surrounded by medieval walls under the protection of UNESCO, known as the Walls of Zadar Uprisings, named after eleven uprisings of the Zadar people against the Republic of Venice. Enjoying the protection of as many as four patron saints — Zoilus, Simon, Chrisogonus and Anastasia – Zadar takes pride not only in its abundant archaeological and monumental treasures, jealously guarded down the centuries, but also in the fact that the foundations of the oldest university in the Land were laid here in 1396. The centre of this Mediterranean city hosts numerous events such as the music festival called Musical Evenings at St. Donatus, or the Zadar Dreams contemporary theatre festival, which turn summer evenings into cultural events. Furthermore, the world-famous Wings for Life Race shows the humanitarian side of Croatia.
Layers of history are woven into the entire Zadar region. One of the most prominent examples of this is Nin, the first Croatian royal town, where you can visit the smallest cathedral in the world – the Church of the Holy Cross – and the remains of the largest Roman temple on the Croatian part of the Adriatic. Also, don’t forget to rub the bronze thumb of bishop Gregory of Nin for good luck!
Lika – Karlovac
Welcome to the adrenaline-filled heart of Croatia. Every corner of Lika and Karlovac beckons, urging you to embark on an adventure, be it on two or four wheels, by boat or on foot.
Inspiring landscapes, magical forests going by the names of nobles, meandering rivers, and waterfalls cascading into a myriad of droplets are an irresistible invitation to explore this captivating part of Croatia. Explore the birthplace of one of the world’s greatest inventors, discover a mythical mountain with a house of its own, and visit ancient castles brimming with age-old wisdom – every corner promises new and exciting experiences.
All roads in this region will lead you to Karlovac, the town where four rivers – Dobra, Korana, Kupa, and Mrežnica – meet. The locals will tell you that each of these beauties has its distinctive character and a unique colour that sets it apart. Their rapids provide opportunities for various active pursuits – from fishing to rafting.
A beautiful experience awaits here, from the imposing walls of Dubovac to the historical town centre called the Star because of its hexagonal shape, enveloped in the fragrance of linden trees. The tall steeple of the Holy Trinity Church, an important landmark for centuries, adds to the town’s unique charm. The soul of the city, however, is in the water surrounding it. Discover the enigmatic life in the rivers at the freshwater aquarium Aquatica. Immerse yourself in the allure of the Korana on Foginovo Beach and Recreational Area. It’s not just rivers that pass through Karlovac – some of the most beautiful roads in Croatia, the famous Lujzijana, Karolina and Jozefina connecting cities and people, love and happiness, mountains and the sea run through Karlovac, too. They are no mere roads; they showcase this region’s rich history and stunning nature. From the opulent Caves of Barać to the proud fortresses such as Nehaj in Senj and the historic towns at the foot of Velebit such as Gospić or Otočac, you will learn about the Senj Uskoks, the medieval knights, and countless legends.
In Smiljan, the birthplace of one of the greatest scientists in history, a completely different magical house awaits you. The Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre guides you through the fascinating journey of a man whose numerous inventions were ahead of his time.
Kvarner
The deep blue of the sea and the dark green of the forests, the land of dolphins, griffon vultures, and lynxes, an interlacing of islands and mountains – this is what makes Kvarner such a wondrous destination.
Balancing between the Adriatic Sea and Gorski Kotar, this region offers a unique blend of experiences. Spend your winters skiing on Platak with a view of the sea, and in the summers, set sail on the dreamy blue vastness of the Adriatic. Discover hidden beaches, explore the charming island towns, and embark on adrenaline-filled active holidays amidst the villas of the Kvarner Riviera. This region promises to be the canvas for countless new and memorable experiences.
Nestled between the sea and the land, Gorski Kotar is the Croatian Narnia.
This kingdom of nature boasts a green wilderness, embraced by the magnificent rivers Dobra and Kupa and the lakes Lokvarsko and Čogrljevo. Explore inspiring landscapes shaped by canyons and caves, making for a truly enchanting experience. Risnjak National Park was named after the lynx (ris in Croatian) – the rarest of all European beasts – which chose these vast forests for its home. Whether you seek the warm autumn colours, the idyllic white landscapes of winter, or the refreshing summer greens, numerous walking and cycling paths await to guide you to crown jewels like Kamačnik, Zeleni Vir, Vražji Prolaz, and the Lokvarka Cave. Follow the walking path along the river Kupa from its spring in a charming turquoise lake, and you’ll discover the Butterfly Valley, a haven for almost 500 different species of these beautiful, fragile creatures. Kvarner is an ideal destination for modern explorers. Učka Nature Park, Grobnik Alps, and the cliffs of Bijele and Samarske Stijene are among those rare places in the world where you can still experience truly untouched nature. Or you can walk through the streets od the main city of Kvarner – Rijeka, the biggest harbor in Croatia.
Istria
Welcome to the Croatian land of magic, also known as Istria.
From the grandiose Arena, built by fairies according to legends, to gentle hills peppered with magical towns, paradise islands, and stone pearls off the Adriatic shore lulled to sleep by the sea – every detail of the largest Croatian peninsula will amaze you. As soon as you pass the mysterious mountain of the Učka Nature Park, you will be greeted by a green and blue rhapsody, an intoxicating Mediterranean garden and a forest realm where fragrant truffles grow, and history blossoms in stone alleys, courtyards, and walkways.
For thousands of years, the town of Pula has been the cultural centre of the Istrian microcosm. Walks on ancient pavements and rich film nights will undoubtedly provide a unique experience.
At the very centre of this area is the Roman amphitheatre, the sixth largest amphitheatre in the world, a magnificent ode to the region’s rich history and the most beautiful stage under the stars. The Pula Arena is the site where spectacular events such as the Pula Superiorvm – Days of Antiquity, the Pula Film Festival, and many famous concerts are held. Nearby, you will find the ancient Forum square, the social hub for many Pula citizens and visitors. If you want to turn your visit into a historical experience, be sure to sip some coffee against the view of the Temple of Augustus. Pula is a town that owes its timeless beauty to the greatest empires. The Arch of the Sergii or the Golden Gate, the fort system, the Twin Gate, and the Gate of Hercules are attractions that history buffs wouldn’t dream of missing out on.
City of Zagreb
As the capital of Croatia, Zagreb has many historical sights, museums, and beautiful green oases that would delight any visitor. It is one of the oldest Central European cities and a perfect combination of rich heritage, lively rhythm of street life, and a multitude of attractions that will awaken all your senses.
With its extensive public transport network, hop on – hop off, cycling, and segway tours, Zagreb is a city offering a variety of opportunities for exploration.
In the centre of the city, you won’t be able to miss Ban Josip Jelačić Square, which can serve as your starting point for discovering all of Zagreb’s treasures. At the Manduševac fountain, you will learn all about the legend that gave the Croatian capital its name and the most recognizable symbols of Zagreb are just a short walk away.
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the largest sacred building in Croatia, with elegant spires adorning the landscape of Zagreb. In the same neighbourhood, you will find the Dolac market, a beautiful living monument to local foods that will amaze you with its charm and authenticity. After becoming familiar with the best flavours and smells of Zagreb, head towards the Upper Town, where history is carved into every stone. The Stone Gate is the only preserved city gate that was part of the former defence system, and through it, you will be able to enter the historical Gradec.
Central Croatia
In the realm of the great rivers Drava, Mura, and Sava, you will find picturesque hills dotted with castles, green plains with scattered medieval towns, landscapes so beautiful that they feature in many a painting, and thermal springs that have long been used for their healing properties.
Whether you’re interested in the history of the prehistoric man of Krapina, the idyllic landscape of Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, or the romantic rural life of Hrvatsko Zagorje, Central Croatia is the place to visit. The heart that we wear on our sleeve here is the Licitar Heart, our legends about Veronika Desinićka and the Black Queen are still being passed down the generations, and the Saint Martin’s Day celebrations renowned for the custom of ‘baptising’ wine add a unique touch to our cultural tapestry.
After the valley of the river Loire in France, continental Croatia boasts the highest concentration of castles anywhere in the world. About them you can read in a separate text in this magazine.
Venture into the area surrounding the Croatian capital, and you’ll step into a realm of traditional crafts, little towns and villages under a blanket of green, local cuisine, and rural tourism.
Embark on a leisurely stroll or a bicycle ride through the enchanting landscapes of two nature parks (Medvednica and Žumberak – Samobor Hills). For a unique experience, explore the ornithological reserve of Crna Mlaka, where the beauty of nature unfolds with trees, streams, and meadows.
The undulating terrain is perfect for grape cultivation. Explore the wine roads to discover why Plešivica is hailed as the Croatian version of the Champagne region and hear stories of Isadora Duncan and Charlie Chaplin, who once visited this region. Samobor welcomes you with the splendour of baroque architecture on its main square.
For those who seek healing in the embrace of nature, there are no better destinations than Lonjsko Polje Nature Park and the Mura-Drava Regional Park. Here, you can witness the joyous gallop of horses and observe storks creating their nests in Čigoč, the first European stork village.
Slavonia
Where the Danube meets the sky, where vineyards grace impressionist landscapes, where mountains are steeped in legends, and the European Amazon thrives beneath the twilight sky – that’s where you’ll find the magic of eastern Croatia.
Situated on what used to be the shores of the Pannonian Sea, Slavonia boasts the most beautiful cathedral from Venice to Istanbul, horses as white as snow, castles of noble families, and the advanced culture of Vučedol.
The Golden Valley, as Romans called it, is the meeting point of the mighty Danube and the lovely Drava and Sava. Its embrace holds the splendours of nature that can be seen in the most beautiful sunflowers and the best grapevines.
A wealth of nature can be found in Kopački Rit Nature Park, a playground of the Danube and the Drava, where millions of colours and smells make up a magical world of water. The Croatian Amazon is one of the best-preserved wetlands of Europe, a mosaic of lakes, forests and meadows where the grand white-tailed eagle reigns supreme. Put on your exploring boots and sail away to the dreamy landscapes of Kopački Rit. Join the company of deer or wild boar on your walk or horse ride. The majestic oak forest in the northern part of the park stands guard outside Tikveš Castle, where noble families and the state elite from the time of the Habsburgs to Josip Broz Tito once relished the picturesque scenery.
Source: Croatian Tourist Board
