Things to do in Croatia

Top things to do in Croatia

With its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Croatia offers a mix of outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, and coastal relaxation:

Sail the Dalmatian Coast: Island hopping between Hvar, Brac, Korcula, and Vis is one of the best ways to experience the Dalmatian Coast's crystal-clear waters and charming seaside towns. Hire a yacht or a powerboat and spend endless days discovering the quaint appeal, beaches, restaurants and attractions of these islands.

Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park: This UNESCO-listed park is Croatia's largest and oldest. Famous for its cascading waterfalls and chain of 16 terraced lakes, enjoy a breathtaking walk by the water and hike amongst the dense fauna and lush greenery.

Discover Diocletian’s Palace in Split: One of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world, this historic 4th century palace in Split is now home to bustling cafes, shops, and hidden courtyards. Enjoy a drink within the palace ruins, before savoring an alfresco meal from one of the traditional Dalmatian restaurants which line the surrounding piazzas and ancient cobbled side streets.

Taste Croatian Wine in Istria: The Istrian Peninsula is Croatia’s wine country, where you can explore vineyards and sample top-quality wines like the signature white grape, Malvazija and robust red grape, Teran. Kick back and drink in the views of Istria, along with a glass of one of the region's rich red wines.

Relax on Zlatni Rat Beach: Located in Bol on the island of Brac, this iconic beach is known as the 'Golden Horn' due to its distinctive shifting shape and golden sands. Its the ideal beach for swimming, whilst the afternoon gusts (which occur on one side of the spit of sand) make it an ideal spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Explore Dubrovnik Old Town: Walk the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik at leisure over 2-3 hours and soak in the breathtaking views of the Adriatic. Immerse yourself in the buzzing Old Town, a designated UNESCO world heritage site. Game of Thrones fans will also recognize many iconic Kings Landing filming locations, including Pile Gate and Fort Lovrijenac.

Unique things to do in Croatia

For travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, Croatia offers plenty of hidden gems and unusual adventures:

Explore the Blue Cave on Bisevo Island: A surreal natural wonder, this sea cave can be found in the small cove of Balun on Bisevo Island. It is a unique attraction, in that is glows with an ethereal blue light when the sunlight reflects off the sandy bottom. Take a boat trip through the cave and marvel at its unworldly qualities. For a unique day trip, take a boat tour from Hvar to explore the Blue Cave and the Green Cave on the small island of Ravnik, before soaking up the beautiful cliff-lined beach at Stiniva.

Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb: Check into the heartbreak hotel, with a trip to this quirky museum, founded by artists Olinka Vištica and Dražen Grubišić. This museum showcases objects and stories from failed relationships from around the world, with emotive pop-up exhibitions and healing workshops. Who says you can't fix a broken heart on holiday?

Sit on the Iron Throne: For those hoping to spend the day on the island of Lokrum, hop on a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island. Explore the Benedictine monastery, which internally houses the unique Iron Throne, from the world-famous Game of Thrones show. Afterwards take a tour around the botanical gardens and learn of the island's mysterious past, and even curse!

See Zadar’s Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun: Looking for the best spot in town? If you're in Zadar, then it's here! This unique waterfront installation offers a beautiful view of Zadar's islands and the sunset. This well-known tourist attraction is a popular gathering place, with the installation playing music using the movement of the waves. As dusk sets in, the solar-powered light display creates a mesmerising night time spectacle.

Explore abandoned military tunnels in Vis: Once a secret Yugoslav military base, Vis Island has hidden submarine tunnels and caves waiting to be explored. The secret submarine base in Parja Bay in particular is an impressive destination to reach by boat. Indeed, it affords all the intrigue of a James Bond movie. Large enough to shelter a submarine up to 110 metres long, enjoy a unique holiday moment swimming inside this impressive structure.

Go truffle hunting in Istria: Why let the Italians have all the fun? If you're into the distinctive flavours of truffles then head to Istria, for a guided truffle-hunting tour. Enjoy exploring the beautiful Istrian forests in the autumn. Afterwards, enjoy tasting these prized delicacies - for a unique, gastronomic-fuelled day.

Kayak around Dubrovnik’s City Walls: For a unique perspective of Dubrovnik, take a sea kayaking tour around the 900-year old fortified city walls. Start off from Sveti Jakov Beach and paddle around the medieval city walls and across the azure waters, to the mysterious island of Lokrum. Relax and enjoy a scenic picnic lunch, before kayaking back at sunset.

Things to do in Croatia with Family

Croatia is a fantastic destination for families, offering kid-friendly beaches, fun outdoor activities, and cultural attractions:

Go Island Hopping: Hire a powerboat or a yacht enjoy some carefree island hopping moments with the family. Sail through the stunning Kornati National Park, moor up in quaint island bays for a spot of lunch or drop anchor for some impromptu snorkeling and fun in the water.

Go on a Pirate adventure in Omis: "A'hoy there!" Families can enjoy being stowaways for the day, with a swashbuckling pirate cruise from Omis. Sail on board this themed life-size pirate ship and enjoy a fun-filled cruise along the Cetina River. With storytelling and activities for kids, this themed cruise offers a great way to sightsee and sail in the peg-leg steps of the former pirate town's most notable scoundrels.

Visit Aquapark Istralandia: Located near Novigrad in Istria, this water park is packed with slides, pools, and thrilling attractions, perfect for an exciting family day out. After all the high-octane fun, unwind in the hydromassage pool or tuck into a tasty poolside meal and sun-drenched holiday cocktail.

Stomp around the Dinosaur Park, Funtana: T-Rex fans can stomp along to this prehistoric-themed park, nestled in a stunning forest and canyon setting between Porec and Vrsar. Home to 80 life-sized dinosaur replicas, interactive exhibits, and a 'roarsome' collection of rides, enjoy sinking your teeth (or herbivore tongues) into a memorable family day out!

Explore Zagreb’s Technical Museum: Covering all areas of technology, kids will love the hands-on exhibits, including old planes, trains, and a real-life replica of Nikola Tesla’s lab. Perfect for all-weather fun, prepare to be 'transported' to a family-friendly universe of fun!

Swim in the Krka Waterfalls: Staying in nearby Sibenik? If so, the Krka National Park has to be one of the top things to do in Croatia! Take a refreshing dip in the waterfalls - from 1st June - 30th September. For those looking to take a dip, head to the waterfalls' designated swimming spots at Roški Slap, Stinica and Pisak. Enjoy the refreshing swim after your hike and marvel at the surrounding scenery - the most impressive of which is 'Skradinski Buk', the large travertine cascade system which makes the perfect backdrop to family photos.

Romantic things to do in Croatia

Couples looking for a romantic getaway will find plenty of dreamy experiences in Croatia’s charming coastal towns, serene islands, and picturesque countryside:

Take a hot air balloon ride over Istria: Floating over rolling vineyards and medieval hilltop towns is a magical way to experience Croatia’s countryside, as well as celebrate a special anniversary, or indeed proposal! Offering a truly timeless way to take in the scenery, you can choose from a basket capacity of 2-6 or even a larger group of 12 - for an idyllic way to capture a lasting holiday memory.

Relax in a secluded bay in the Pakleni Islands: These pristine islands near Hvar offer quiet, secluded beaches ideal for couples seeking privacy. The best couple-friendly options include the quieter beaches on the southern side of Sveti Klement, the largest island, or the northern side, which offers unspoilt bays like Čarnjeni, Duboka, or Vlaka.

Enjoy a romantic boat ride on the Gacka River: Couples can easily embark on a love boat holiday moment, with a relaxing tour along this peaceful inland river. Surrounded by pristine natural beauty and wildlife, the calm river is also the ideal spot for some paddle boarding.

Dine at a seaside restaurant in Rovinj: The old town of Rovinj is filled with an abundant array of scenic seafront eateries, quaint, candlelit restaurants and ambient old town bars, perfect for a romantic evening out. For those looking for the ultimate way to impress, a private in-villa chef creates a fine dining experience within the exclusive home comfort of your Croatia villa.

Watch the sunset in Zadar: Alfred Hitchcock once said Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world. Experience these legendary moments together along the waterfront, while listening to the ambient Sea Organ’s melodies. Afterwards, head into the city for some romantic cocktails and gourmet dining.

Croatia’s diverse attractions make it an incredible destination for all types of travelers. Whether you're looking for history, adventure, family fun, or a romantic escape, this beautiful country has something unforgettable to offer. Enjoy!

For an unbeatable way to make your family, group or romantic break in Croatia even better, unlock an amazing place to stay, with our luxury Croatia villa rentals. Equipped with scenic hot tubs, private pools and optional Concierge, every moment of your holiday can be elevated and surpassed, with Top Villas.