Dubrovnik, a medieval aristocratic republic from the 12th to the 19th century and the best preserved walled city in the Mediterranean, is one of Croatia's main tourist attractions.
The following list of towns (listed in alphabetical order) is only a selection of the possible destinations to explore in Croatia. Please visit the web site of the Croatian National Tourist Board for more recommendations on towns and villages to visit.
Dubrovnik, a medieval aristocratic republic from the 12th to the 19th century and the best preserved walled city in the Mediterranean, is one of Croatia's main tourist attractions. It is one of only three European cities ranked as a World Heritage Site of zero-category by UNESCO and was named by the English poet Lord Byron as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. The enchanting landscape, including the nearby islands, the beaches, the numberless historical sites, the warmth of the climate and the local people will all provide for an unforgettable experience.
Opatija, in the northern Adriatic, is one of the most popular resorts on the Croatian coast. It used to be a favourite winter resort of the Central European elite and aristocracy, known for its well-tended parks, small botanical gardens and numerous restaurants, as well as for both its turn-of-the-century and modern hotels.
Osijek is the largest city in Slavonia whose rich history has left an abundance of cultural and artistic heritage. The oldest part of the city is Tvrđa, a preserved Baroque centre. But to truly experience Osijek visitors must try the fish stew, shepherd's stew, spicy kulen sausage, smoked ham and local wine in one of Osijek's restaurants. The city is alive throughout the year, but summer is packed with events and festivals for all ages.
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Poreč is probably the most visited resort in Istria, known for its hotel settlements, its Blue and the Green Lagoons and the islet of St. Nicolas in the vicinity. A Roman colony since the 2nd century BC, Poreč is a town with a preserved Roman urban pattern and unique Ancient Roman, early and late medieval buildings. The most outstanding being the Basilica of Euphrasius, built in the 6th century on the site of an earlier basilica from the 4th century and of the even earlier Maurus’ Oratory, of which floor mosaics have been preserved.
Pula is an ancient town on the southern tip of Istria, known for its 2,000 year old amphitheatre, one of the world's best preserved buildings of the kind. Pula, the largest town and port in Istria, a communication economic and administrative centre, is an attractive place to spend a holiday for many tourists, with some 2,350 hours of sunshine a year.
Rijeka is acity of history, culture and fun. Attractions include the central town squares, the main pedestrian street (the Korzo) and the Old Town, and in the evening visitors can enjoy city’s restaurants, theatre productions and night clubs. The most recognisable image of Rijeka is surely Trsat, a medieval fortified town built by the Croatian Frankopan princes and the famous Marian shrine.
Rovinj is also a famous resort in Istria, with many historical sacral buildings and Renaissance and Baroque palaces. The old nucleus is situated on a peninsula, previously an island connected to the shore in 1763.
Split is the second largest city in Croatia and the regional capital of Dalmatia, built inside and around the historical Diocletian's Palace from the third century, included in the UNESCO world heritage list. Today, Split is the urban, cultural, business and administrative centre of Dalmatia and an important Croatian port. It is also a city with a 1700-year old tradition, a variety of archaeological, historical and cultural monuments and the warmth of a Mediterranean city.
Umag is a town on the coast which is perhaps best known in the world thanks to tennis. It has been host to the ATP tournament for years and to many of the stars of this sport. The town has much to offer to tourists: sea, beaches, greenery, sports facilities on the coast and caving and mountain terrains in the hinterland.
Varaždin, in the north of Croatia, has a diverse and rich cultural heritage which is a part of its tumultuous past. It is a town of museums, exhibitions, fashion, students and also a town of modern life. It is most proud of the historic Old Town, where there are palaces, churches and monasteries dating back to the Baroque, Art Nouveau and Rococo periods and has one of the oldest town halls in Europe.
Zadar is an ancient Mediterranean port city. The old town, surrounded by walls and towers on a peninsula, is connected by a bridge to the new, urban part of the city and is a symbol of the city. In a city with the most beautiful sunset, set in a maritime archipelago facing a multitude of islands and islets, which protect the city from the strong winds, visitors can enjoy the symphony of the Sea Organ and magical urban light installation Pozdrav suncu (Greeting the Sun) near the new harbour for cruise ships.
Zagreb is a vivacious European metropolis that has well preserved its Central European charm. It is the capital city of Croatia and the country's political, economic and cultural centre. Zagreb’s has an Upper Town characterised by Baroque architecture, while the Lower Town has a number of open-air markets, parks, an abundant selection of crafts and a large choice local cuisine. The most valuable natural heritage sites near Zagreb include the nature park Medvednica, the town of Samobor (famous for its carnival) and the Žumberak Hills (also near Samobor) with natural phenomena such as caves and waterfalls.
Zrće Beach, Novalja is a long pebble beach on the Adriatic island of Pag in the northern part of the Croatian coast. It is located near Novalja, about 4 km from the town's centre. It is one of over 100 Blue Flag beaches in Croatia. The beach is a well-known Croatian summer destination for partygoers, with several all-hours discotheques and beach bars operating during summer months. It regularly features shows by internationally renowned DJs at the peak of the Croatian tourist season in July and August.
