Things to do in Croatia - 30 sights and experiences

What to see and do in Croatia? With a long coastline on the Adriatic Sea, this beautiful country offers everything from sun and sea to history, food and culture. Here are all our top tips.

Things to do in Croatia - our top tips

We have been to Croatia many times. In fact, we've been there so many times that we've lost count. Our first visit was during a motorhome trip in 2011. A few years later, we returned with the campervan and followed the entire coastline, from south to north, for a month.

Then we've come back by plane and rented a car or camper van, travelled around, stayed for a weekend or maybe visited a Christmas market. Now we thought it was time to share our tips - on what to see and do in Croatia.

1. Swimming in Croatia's crystal clear waters

One thing you won't want to miss doing in Croatia is swimming in the crystal clear, often slightly shimmering green, waters. It is often said that Croatia has the clearest water in Europe, and this may well be true.

Croatia also has 180 miles of coastline on the Adriatic Sea, so there are many places to choose from for sunbathing and swimming. It's beautiful almost everywhere along the coast, and you can often swim from cliffs or piers. Sometimes you'll also find beaches, which can be sand, gravel or pebbles.

2. Visit Croatia's islands - Krk, Brač, Hvar, Vis...

Croatia has not only been blessed with a long coastline, but also with a large number of beautiful islands. In fact, the Croatian archipelago offers over a thousand islands, islets and skerries. Some of these islands can be reached by regular ferries and boat lines, while others may require your own boat.

Several of the larger islands are very popular and many tourists spend their entire holiday on one of the islands. Among the most popular are Krk, Cres, Pag, Brač, Hvar, Vis and Korčula,

3. sunbathing at Zlatni Rat beach

"Zlatni Rat" means "Golden cape" and is a beach in the small village of Bol, on the island of Brač in Croatia. The beach, which juts out into the sea like a point, is repeatedly included in various lists of beautiful beaches.

Another award-winning beach is Pasjaca beach, located south of Dubrovnik. This beach was named the most beautiful in Europe in 2019 by European Best Destinations.

4. Learn about salt, cheese and lace on the island of Pag

Salt has been mined on the island of Pag since Roman times, and today you can learn more about the 'white gold' at the island's small salt museum. There is also a small lace museum where you can learn about the once important production of lace.

Pag is also famous for the cheese Paški sir (cheese from Pag) and is a sheep cheese that is immensely popular throughout Croatia. "The 'secret' of the delicacy is thought to be, among other things, the raw materials - the small hardy sheep on the island eat grass full of salt and minerals blown in from the sea.

It is perhaps above all the beautiful sandy beaches that attract tourists to Pag. The large and beautiful Camping Šimuni, for example, has very nice beaches.

5. Sailing or boating in the Croatian archipelago

Croatia's beautiful archipelago is popular with sailors. If you have a skipper's licence and a crew, you can rent your own sailboat. Otherwise, you can join sailing trips with a skipper and crew.

Of course, you can also do many other boat trips in the archipelago, with smaller motorboats or with passenger ferries between the islands.

6. See Croatia's Unesco World Heritage sites

If you like discovering Unesco World Heritage Sites, you have a lot to look forward to in Croatia, where there are no less than ten heritage sites on the prestigious list.

1. Diocletian's Palace in Split
2. Old town of Dubrovnik
3. Plitvice Lakes
4. Eufrasius Basilica in Poreč
5. The historic centre of Trogir
6. Cathedral of St James in Šibenik
7. Ancient beech forests in the Carpathians and other parts of Europe
8. Stari Grad Plain
9. Stećci medieval gravestones 
10. 16th and 17th century Venetian defences

In addition to the above-mentioned World Heritage Sites, there are a number of sites on the Tentative List, i.e. properties proposed for the World Heritage List. There is also a wide range of intangible world heritage sites, such as lace making, the Alka knight games in Sinj, Klapa singing and gingerbread crafts in northern Croatia.

7. Hiking in Croatia's national parks

Croatia's national parks offer fantastic nature experiences. There are eight national parks in total, located in different parts of the country and also different from each other in many ways.

Perhaps the most famous ones, Plitvice Lakes and Krka, offers hiking on wooden boardwalks, stunning lakes and lively waterfalls. Other national parks include exciting island groups and natural areas with high mountains and climbing opportunities. See the full list here:

1. Risnjak
2. Brijuni
3. Northern Velebit
4. Plitvice Lakes (Plitvicka Jezera) 
5. Paklenica
6. Kornati Islands
7. Krka
8. Mljet

8. Taste Croatian specialities

When visiting Croatia, you should of course take the opportunity to try Croatian specialities. Croatian cuisine is relatively rustic, while offering both exclusive and local delicacies. Because the country is so vast, and because it has taken in influences from different places, the food culture can be quite different in different parts of the country.

Many restaurants offer grilled lamb and grilled squid and fish, sometimes served with potatoes mixed with chard. If you want to try some more luxurious specialities, try oysters from Ston, crni rižoto (black risotto), prsut (air-dried ham) or truffles.

9. Try Croatian wine

Croatia is an exciting and important wine country in the Balkans, with a history dating back to the ancient Greeks, or even longer. The country produces mainly dry white wines, but also full-bodied red wines. They use local grapes such as graševina and plavac mali, but also international grapes such as riesling, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.

Croatia is also known as the birthplace of one of the world's most popular grapes, zinfandel. It was in the 2000s that it was discovered that the blue grape crljenak kaštelanski was identical to zinfandel, and now large plantings have been made of this 'urzinfandel'.

10. Experience the countryside and vineyards of Slavonia

Slavonia is a region in north-eastern Croatia, bordering Serbia to the east, Hungary to the north and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the south. This part of the country does not attract many of Croatia's tourists, so you can expect a unique experience.

Slavonia offers peaceful countryside, historic cities, beautiful nature, traditional food and, most importantly, wine. In this area, you can travel around vineyards, wineries and wine cellars. For example, you can visit Vina Belje, which is Croatia's largest producer of grapes.

11. Take a tour around Istria

Istria is the peninsula that extends into the sea in the north-west of Croatia. It offers beautiful scenery and many fine tourist resorts. If you make a round trip, you can discover places like Opatija, Labin, Pula and others, Fažana, Rovinj, Vrsar, Poreč, Motovun and Hum. Get ready for medieval towns, seaside resorts, fresh fish and truffle feasting.

12. Strolling in the medieval town of Rovinj

One of the most amazing places to visit in Istria is the medieval town of Rovinj. This charming and historic town is filled with narrow cobbled streets and beautiful Baroque and Renaissance houses that are tightly packed in the old town centre.

One attraction worth checking out is St Eufemia Cathedral, whose lookout tower offers great views of the whole city. There are also plenty of shops, cosy restaurants and nice swimming spots.

13. Impressed by the amphitheatre in Pula

The amphitheatre in Pula is located in southern Istria and is the sixth largest amphitheatre in the world. Construction began by Emperor Augustus between 2 and 14 AD and was completed by Emperor Titus in 81, on the orders of Emperor Vesapasian who also built the Colosseum in Rome.

In the Middle Ages, the amphitheatre was used for jousting and today it is used in the summer for concerts, operas, theatre and ballets. Every year since 1953, it also hosts a film festival. This is an impressive historical attraction to say the least.

14. Fascinated by the world's smallest city

The small town of Hum, located in Istria, is considered the smallest town in the world. The cosy little medieval town only has around 20 inhabitants, giving it its hard-to-beat record in the Guinness Book of Records.

Despite its small size, you'll find a museum and a restaurant here. Also, be prepared for the occasional tourist bus in high season.

15. Travelling around Croatia by motorhome or caravan

One way to experience Croatia is by motorhome, caravan or campervan. You can drive your own vehicle from Sweden, or fly down and hire a campervan locally.

There are plenty of nice campsites in Croatiabut perhaps not as many pitches. Many campsites are large and luxurious, but there are also sites for those who prefer small-scale, family-style camping. Check out the website Mini Camping for tips.

16. Charmas of the turn-of-the-century town of Opatija

Opatija is a seaside and tourist resort with a long history. Once upon a time, the rich elite travelled here to rest at a spa, and today all the beautiful turn-of-the-century buildings bear witness to this time. In this town you can also enjoy a long, beautiful promenade and many nice hotels and restaurants.

17. Follow the coast in Dalmatia

Dalmatia is one of four regions in Croatia and is located along the coast, in the southern part of the country. Travelling in Dalmatia allows you to follow the beautiful coastline, with the Adriatic Sea just outside.

Dalmatia is home to some of the most popular tourist resorts in Croatia, such as Zadar, Šibenik, Split, Makarska and Dubrovnik. Off the coast, the islands are dense, and some of the most famous include Brač, Hvar, Korčula and Vis. 

18. Listen to the sea organ in Zadar

Zadar is an exciting city that offers history from many different eras. The city has been ruled not only by the Roman Empire, but also by Venice, France, Austria-Hungary and Italy, which means that there are historical sights of a very diverse nature.

There are also several modern attractions, such as the famous sea organ. This unusual musical instrument, created by Croatian architect Nikola Bašić, plays the music of the sea. Pipes have simply been inserted under a staircase, creating sound as the waves push air in.

Right next to the sea organ, you can also check out the installation "Greeting to the Sun", also created by Nikola Bašić. The work consists of three hundred glass plates with solar panels that absorb sunlight during the day, which are transformed into light after dark. The site is also known for its incredibly beautiful sunsets.

19. Peek inside the world's smallest cathedral

The Croatian city of Nin has over 3000 years of history, and is also the city where the first Croatian kings lived, which is why it is often referred to as the 'Royal City of Nin'.

In Nin you can check out a Roman temple and a statue of the influential 10th century bishop Gregory of Nin (Grgur Ninski), who fought for the use of Croatian in the church instead of Latin.

In the royal city of Nin you will also find the Church of the Holy Cross, which is considered the world's smallest cathedral. This special little building, built in the 9th century, once served as both a sundial and a calendar.

20. Enjoy camping luxury at Zaton Holiday Resort

Do you want to experience a camping resort with extra everything? Then book your holiday at Zaton Holiday Resort, located just north of the city of Zadar. This resort is huge, very well-maintained and has everything you could wish for (except small scale). 

There are over 1000 camping pitches, 300 caravans, 500 apartments, several glamping tents and a 'mini train' for those who want to get around the site. There's also a giant pool area and activities such as adventure golf, a kids' club, water sports, mountain biking, horse riding and big shows.

22. Boat trip on the river Cetina in Omiš 

Omiš, located just south-east of Split, has a history as a 'pirate town'. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the villagers of this medieval town were pirates, attacking merchant ships with fast boats that slipped into the Cetina River.

Today you can experience the river by taking various boat trips. If you want to explore even more of the surrounding area, you can visit the historic forts of Mirabella and Starigrad, located high in the mountains.

22. Walk around the ruins of Diocletian's Palace in Split.

Split is an amazing city with a fascinating history. Already 200 years after Christ, the Roman Emperor Diocletian built a mighty palace on the site, and today the ruins offer one of the most well-preserved Roman palaces in the world.

Inside the palace grounds you will find many historical sights, including the Golden Gate, which once served as the main gate. For the benefit of tourists, Roman knights may also be seen wandering around or welcoming the 'residents' from a grand staircase.

23. Attend the Alka horse riding tournament in Sinj.

Sinj is a small inland town not far from the city of Split. Here you can experience a different side of Croatia, with beautiful nature, delicious home cooking, dramatic history and several Unesco heritage sites.

If there's one thing Sinj is really famous for, it's the "Alka" knighting tournament, which every year, on the first weekend of August, attracts crowds of visitors. The ceremony begins with a solemn procession and lasts for three days, centred on the iron circle 'alka', which the knights must hit with their lances.

The tournament originated at a time when knightly tournaments were common around Europe and, unlike elsewhere, the tradition has been kept alive here. Sinj also has an interesting museum, an old fortress and the Church of Our Lady with the miraculous Madonna.

24. Hang out in glorious Trogir

Trogir is a very special town consisting of three parts - the main part on the mainland, the Old Town on an island and the island of Ciovo outside the Old Town.

Discovering the old part of the city, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architecture, is wonderfully charming. For example, you can check out the 13th century Abbey of St Dominic, the 14th century Cathedral of St Lawrence and the 15th century Kamerlengo Fortress.

25. Holidaying on the Makarska Riviera

The Makarska Riviera is the name of a long and popular coastline along the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. The 53 kilometre long coastal strip starts in Brela, which is south of Split, and continues down to Gradac.

The main town on the river is the city of Makarska. Other popular resorts include Baška Voda and Podgora. What to do along the river? Enjoy the sun, swimming, boat trips, restaurants and holiday life. Plus, driving along the coast is incredibly beautiful.

26. Discover Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a fascinating city, full of interesting sights. The Old Town, surrounded by a magnificent city wall, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and full of historic buildings. Some of the most interesting sights include the city wall, the pedestrianised Stradun, the Rector's Palace and the cable car.

There are also plenty of places to visit for Game of Thrones fans. The following filming locations can be found in Dubrovnik:

• Dubrovnik and its walls (King's Landing)
• Island of Lokrum (Quarth on the continent of Esso)
• Lovrijenac Fortress (The Red Keep, home of the Lannisters)
• Trsteno Arboretum (King's Landing Castle garden)

27. Live the city life in the capital Zagreb

Zagreb in Croatia is a cosy and interesting capital city. Here you can experience everything from grand buildings and green parks to markets, cafés and restaurants.

Don't miss taking the funicular to Gornji Grad, the historic old town in the upper part of Zagreb. Also don't miss the relaxed promenade Tkalcic, where you will find many cosy restaurants. Another popular destination in the capital is the unusual Museum of Broken Relationships.

28. Treat yourself to spa and wellness

Sun and swimming are great, but it can also be cosy to enjoy a spa and wellness - especially during the season when sea bathing may not be so appealing. There are plenty of hotels in Croatia that offer spas, wellness, gyms and various treatments. Treat yourself to a spa weekend in Croatia, for example in Split, Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Pula or Opatija.

29. Take part in a Croatian event

Why not take part in a fun event or festival? We know of the occasional food festival in Dubrovnik and the Olive Picking World Cup on the island of Brač, and we ourselves once took part in a food festival. chocolate festival in Opatija and the last time we were in Split there was football madness in the streets. Of course, there are also plenty of other cultural, musical and sporting events.

What events or festivals are happening right now? To find out, you can check the Croatian Tourist Board's calendar of events.

30. Celebrating Christmas at a Croatian Christmas market

Why not discover a Croatian Christmas market? The Christmas market in Zagreb has repeatedly been voted the best Christmas market in Europe. The capital may not be big for a capital city, but when it comes to a Christmas market, it's all in.

Precisely everything is decorated and illuminated, and everywhere you will find stalls selling crafts, Christmas decorations, jewellery, hats and mittens, toys, delicacies and Christmas sweets, as well as typical snacks such as the "Christmas cake". fry and licitar hearts.

More suggestions on what to do in Croatia?

Do you have any other suggestions on what to see and do in Croatia? Please leave a comment in the comments section!

Things to see and do in Croatia - good to know before travelling

• Capital city: Zagreb
• Residents: Around 3.9 million (2021)
• Language: Croatian (English is often excellent, especially in tourist centres).
• Currency: Euro from 1 January 2023 (previously Kuna)
• National Day: 30 May
• Price mode: Prices are lower than in Sweden, but higher than in several neighbouring countries
• Time difference: None
• Emergency number: 112
• El: As in Sweden
• FlightsThere are different flights to choose from. In 2023, SAS will start flying directly from Stockholm to Dubrovnik, Split and Pula.
• Car/caravan: Of course, you can also take your car or motorhome to Croatia. For example, drive through Germany, Austria and Slovenia.