Want to visit Croatia? Interested in seeing luscious rolling hills, olive groves, a walled town, a blue cave, and Roman ruins? Then let us introduce you to a few of our favorite must-see spots in Croatia. https://www.1000treks.com/

1. Croatia Travel Guide: A Few of Our Favorite Must-See
Spots
Want to visit Croatia? Interested in seeing luscious rolling hills, olive groves, a walled town, a
blue cave, and Roman ruins? Then let us introduce you to a few of our favorite must-see spots in
Croatia.
Croatia is famous for its beautiful rocky beaches, dramatic coastline, the world-renowned Game
of Thrones locations, and, of course, its delicious local cuisine. Sound good?
Let us guide you to our favorite Croatian holiday destinations that are packed full of land and
sea adventures, culture, wonderful locals, and food!

2. Located in the Southwest of Europe, travelers flock from all over the world to vacation amongst
some of the wonders of the world.
With an abundance of UNESCO world heritage sites, you will find yourself traversing
sensational scenery, lakes, national parks, and a jagged coastline surrounded by the Adriatic sea.
In our opinion, it is one of the most diverse areas of Europe.
So why should you go? If you’re not already in love with the idea of an adventure there, let us
guide you through our favorite spots in Croatia, where we think every traveler should visit in
their lifetime.
Table of Contents:
Dubrovnik: Take a Step Back in Time
Elafiti Islands: An Abundance of Tranquility
Hvar: Home to Lavender, Wine, and History…perfection?
Pakleni Islands: A Slice of Heaven
Split: A City Of Color
Dubrovnik: Take a Step Back in Tie

4. With areas dating back to the 7th century, Dubrovnik is packed full of culture, giving you a real
sense of Croatia’s history.
With almost 2km (1.2 miles) of historic walls that surround the city, its winding narrow streets
and traditional houses are ready to be explored.
Let’s take a closer look at why Dubrovnik is the perfect place to kick off your Croatian
adventure.
History: Wall-to-Wall with Culture
Founded in the 7th century when refugees fled to the coastlines from the barbarians, and
originally called Ragusa, Dubrovnik has survived earthquakes and sieges, shaping it into the
beautiful city that you see today.
The city walls were built in the 16th century, and house hidden fortresses, towers, and
monuments inside. Dubrovnik itself has been named a UNESCO world heritage site, offering
protection to this famed city.
This dazzling city offers newer areas to explore, however the Old Town is famous for being one
of the most protected and preserved medieval cities in the world.
Old Town is the perfect place to wander cobblestone streets, try the local wine, and learn about
Croatia’s fascinating history.

5. Here it is still possible to get glimpses into churches, monasteries, and palaces that are
intertwined with cobbled paths which have remained unchanged for centuries.
As well as the beautiful town, the Old Port hosts its own view of Dubrovnik’s dramatic coastline.
With plenty of forts that once protected this lucrative area, it is now the home to an array of
boats.
You can still see the remnants of the old shipbuilders within the port, which is the perfect area
for an evening stroll after you get your fill of delicious Balkan cuisine.
Many travelers head to Dubrovnik for the role it played in the famous TV series, Game Of
Thrones. With many of its historical sites being used in the series, you can wander the streets
bumping into recognizable areas and re-enacting your favorite scenes. Or, if you like, you can
even take a Game of Thrones tour!
Bringing in new cultural aspects to this old city invites many different types of travelers from all
over the world. Dubrovnik offers a glimpse into its history and transports you back in time all
within its city walls, offering rare sightings that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world.
Coastline: Beautiful Cliffs and Calm Waters
As well as its beautiful cities, Dubrovnik has some of the most dramatic coastlines in Europe.
From secluded beaches that offer privacy and perfect swimming, to rugged dramatic beaches
surrounded by cliffs, there really is a beach for everyone.

6. Croatia’s Adriatic coast offers some of the most gorgeous beaches around. A very popular tourist
destination is Banje Beach, frequented by both locals and tourists. It is located just outside
Dubrovnik’s Old Town and offers crystal clear waters and a chance to swim while gazing up at
the historical walls of the city.
It is the perfect place to dip in the Adriatic sea and cool off from the Croatian sun. In a prime
location, make sure you get there early to grab a lounge chair or try one of the many watersports
available.
For the more adventurous traveler, some beaches can only be accessed by boat or kayak, giving
you a sense of discovery as you explore coves that have been hidden for centuries.
Dance Beach is not for the faint-hearted – you have to either snorkel or kayak to visit. But it’s
well worth the trek, as this sandless beach offers some of the best snorkeling in Dubrovnik
thanks to its crystal clear waters.
Don’t forget, if you love adventure, there is scuba diving in Dubrovnik, something we
recommend. You can also check out the many famous hiking trails to get some of the best views
of the coastline.
Food: Adventure Awaits

8. No European adventure would be complete without trying the local cuisine, and Dubrovnik does
not disappoint! With a variety of dishes, from black risotto, to Zelena Menestra (translated as
“green stew”), to the famous dessert in Dubrovnik, Rožata (a traditional medieval desert of
caramel custard), there is no short supply of delicious food in local restaurants.
Croatian food often uses fresh local ingredients with a focus on seafood. Dubrovnik is the
perfect place to try traditional Croatian cuisine, as its location on the coast means there is
fantastic access to an abundance of fresh seafood.
Some of the best local restaurants are Orsan Yachting Club and Glorijet, offering local and
affordable food. You can also find many Michelin star restaurants here if you fancy taking your
food to the next level.
Dubrovnik is also famous for its olive oil production in the surrounding areas of the city, with
many local tastings available in the historic center. It’s a great way to support local production
and taste some delicious products.
What’s not to love about Dubrovnik? It’s certainly one to be added to your bucket list.
Elafiti Islands: An Abundance of Tranquility

9. When we think of Croatia, we can’t help but include the secluded Elafiti Islands on the
Dalmatian coast. These nearby islands are located in the northwest of Dubrovnik and are made
up of Kolocep, Sipan, and Lopud.
Offering the perfect day trips to escape the busy tourists of Dubrovnik, these islands embody
tranquility, spoiling you with charming villages, delicious food, a national park, and historical
sites.
Let’s take a closer look at the Elafiti Islands and why they should be on your Croatian bucket
list:
Kolocep: Crystal Clear Waters
With a population of 300 and a totally car-free island, Kolocep is the closest of the islands to
Dubrovnik. Famous for its clear waters, it’s the perfect location for scuba divers and snorkelers.
One of our favorite spots here is the blue cave, a fantastic place to snorkel. When the sun hits the
ocean, this area comes to life with bright blue waters and great visibility. Grab your snorkel
because you don’t want to miss this unique blue cave.
As well as its fabulous coastline, Kolocep has a number of interesting churches that stem back to
the 9th century, allowing you to explore a different angle of history.
There are some fantastic walks and cycle routes in Kolocep. Whether you walk from one side of
the island to the other, follow the tiny paths through the olive groves, or take the coastal cliff
route around the island (this one is for the adventurous), it’s a wonderful place to explore.
Sipan: Seafood and Sensational Views
Sipan is the largest of the Elafiti islands and offers a beautiful mix of coastline and culture.
Šipanska Luka and Suđurađ are the two small towns in Sipan, where you can explore some of the
43 churches on the island. A few have had a modern makeover, however you can still see the
spirit of the past in Sipan.
There are also palaces on the island that make you feel like you have stepped back in time, like
the Vice Stjepović-Skočibuhae Palace, which is the most famous among them.
Hiking isn’t in short supply in Sipan, with beautiful walks on the island, you can meet locals,
admire the sparkling water, and head off the beaten track.
Did you know Sipan made it into the Guinness World Record Book for having the largest
number of olive trees per square meter? As well as an abundance of olives, Sipan has fig trees,
vineyards, oranges, and pomegranates to try. Food lovers, this place is for you!
With local fresh fish caught in the area, you can enjoy some delicious Croatian fish dishes right
by the water after your day out walking.

10. Lopud: Quaint Cafes and The BEST Beaches
Inhabited since Roman times, Lopud was purchased by the Republic of Dubrovnik in the 11th
century. Like many of Croatia’s islands, there is a beautiful blend of cultures represented in its
architecture and historical sites.
Famous for having one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik, it really is a treat. Lopud is covered in
lush green hills, complimenting the natural beauty of the coastline, a rare sight in Croatia. With
monasteries, fortresses, and ruins to explore, there is something for everyone.
The most famous attraction on Lopud is the 5th-century Franciscan monastery. Founded in 1483,
it is found on the east side of the island overlooking Lopud Bay. It is a beautiful site that
regularly hosts many visitors, along with art, cultural events, and even retreats.
This lovely island has a range of restaurants and cafes to keep you busy after a day of exploring.
From the local Croatian cuisine to international favorites, Lopud is waiting to welcome you with
open arms.
Hvar: Home to Lavender, Wine, and History… Perfection?

11. Hvar island, located on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, is packed full of natural beauty, cobbled
streets, and slices of Croatia’s history. In our opinion, Hvar is the perfect place for pretty much
everyone.
With a mild climate, rows of vineyards, fields of lavender, and ancient olive trees, you’re sure to
be wowed by all that Hvar has to offer. With over 2,800 sunshine hours per year, get your
sunscreen ready as we explore this special island.
History: Snippets of Culture
Did you know that Hvar hosts one of the most significant prehistoric sites in the Adriatic sea?
They found fragments of pottery from 4BCE in a small cave in southern Hvar. These relics
depicted a boat, making it the oldest depiction of a boat in Europe. Now that’s something
special!
The Croatians arrived in the Middle Ages, many using Hvar as a stopping destination for both
sailing and pilgrimage. You can see the impact of the first settlers through Hvar’s rich
archeological and architectural legacy.

12. Later down the historical timeline, Hvar was sought after by many countries until it became part
of The Republic of Croatia, resulting in many other cultural influences on the island.
Hvar really has a mixture of history, making it fascinating for history lovers, as every corner
holds a new cultural surprise.
On the island, there are many historical sites that must be explored. Hvar has the oldest theatre
in Europe, which was founded in 1612. It’s a fantastic site to explore and learn how it was used
over the years.
Finding Spanish influence in the city is easy with the famous Hvar cathedral that was built
during the Venetian reign. It dates back to the early 16th century and offers panoramic views of
the city.
Each wonderful site offers a glimpse into the Renaissance period and aspects of Venetian culture
found within Hvar town.