The Istria is a famous tourist region whose landscape can be compared to that of Tuscany or Provence and is the closest and most easily accessible from Western Europe.
The following list of regions (listed in alphabetical order) is only a selection of the possible destinations explore while in Croatia. Please visit the web site of the Croatian National Tourist Board for more recommendations on regions to visit.
Dalmatia is a region of long beaches, pine woods and the ancient towns of Zadar, Šibenik, Split, Trogir, Omiš and Dubrovnik, that testify to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Croatia.
Dalmatia is also home to some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands including Korčula (the birthplace of Marco Polo), Brač (which has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean - Zlatni rat - which is also a windsurfing paradise), Hvar, Vis, Mljet and others. Dalmatia is also known for its good wines and friendly people.
Istria is the most developed Croatian tourist region, closest and most easily accessible from Western Europe, whose landscape can be compared to that of Tuscany or Provence. Numerous peoples and cultures, from Roman times to today, have left evidence of their cultures in the architecture, wall painting and in the rich church architecture. Vineyards and picturesque little towns are scattered all over the interior of the peninsula. Some of the major coastal tourist centres are the towns of Poreč (under UNESCO protection), Pula (with its amphitheatre) and Rovinj.
Kvarner adjoining Istria, has several popular resorts, from the celebrated tourist centre Opatija to Kraljevica and Crikvenica. The area is frequented by tourists in winter as well, due to its mild climate and easy accessibility. The carnival season, from January until March, is particularly interesting. Tourists, who want to experience nature, certainly must visit the islands, with their well preserved flora and fauna. The most visited island of Kvarner is Krk, there are a number of other beautiful islands such as Cres, Lošinj and Rab.
NOTE: The borders of each region are roughly drawn.
View Regions to visit in a larger map
Lika - Karlovac region. This region in the continental part of Croatia is the link between the Dalmatian coast and the central part of Croatia. Adorned by lakes, meadows, springs, streams and rivulets, magnificent hills and mountains, this area is a beautiful, calm and pleasant destination for visitors. It is in this region that the Plitvice Lakes National Park is located, as well as the National Park of Northern Velebit. (See section on Nature and National Parks http://www.studyincroatia.hr/about-croatia/tourist-destinations/nature-and-national-parks).
Slavonia. The largest urban centre of Slavonia is the city of Osijek dominated by the famous Tvrđa (Fort) as Slavonski Brod is dominated by the 18th century Baroque fortress, one of Europe’s best preserved and largest fortresses. As the largest Slavonian city and a university centre, Osijek is also a city which has produced as many as two Croatian Nobel Prize winners: Lavoslav Ružička and Vladimir Prelog. Slavonia has many castles, and horse fans can explore the famous Lipizzaner stud farm. Lipizanner horses have been bred here since 1806.
Central Croatia is a region rich in history and cultural heritage. In the Northern part of this region, the town of Varaždin is home to palaces, churches and monasteries dating back to the Baroque, Art Nouveau and Rococo periods and has one of the oldest town halls in Europe. The region of Zagorje, located in north-western Croatia, offers numerous medieval castles and fortifications, churches and archaeological sites that attract visitors. In vicinity of the town of Krapina, there is also an archaeological site where over eight hundred fossils were found belonging to Neanderthals.
