10 Best Places to Visit in Croatia

In Southeast Asia, the ten best in almost any country stays the same 12 months a year but in a swing climate such as you have along the Adriatic, the ten best in Croatia will depend on the time of year you visit.

Sunbathing in Hvar in July may be excellent, but two months later, it is a refrigerator. In November, you can still visit Brijuni Islands (picture below) in Istria, but many places close down at the end of November. In Croatia, even in the Winter, there are still many places to visit.

Seaside Village in Croatia. Source: aesta1

We went to Croatia in November, and we did not run out of places to explore in the 20 days we were there. Dubrovnik is stunning as an archaeological statement 12 months a year. Split is the same. The remnants of past civilizations that all contributed to what the world is today can be seen live in and celebrated in Croatia with a great local wine glass.

But again, I can name twenty other places that will beat the ten I have here. For now, though, enjoy and know these places a bit more.

Old Town of Dubrovnik. Source: aesta1

1. Dubrovnik
This historic walled section of town paved with limestone offers medieval churches, museums, restaurants, palaces, and so many other engaging features that you can explore. However, in your exploration, don't miss the Franciscan Monastery. Although the main draw here is the old Apothecary, still a working pharmacy today, the Monastery parts are just as absorbing. After watching the old pharmacy still dispensing today, roam the monastery corridors and look up at the paintings to get a sense of how the monks lived at that time.

Enjoy the old market of Gunduliceva Poljana, buy fresh fruits and sample some of the Croatian sweets. As you let your smell guide you, you'll find the Fish Market and right beside it is the restaurant, Nostromo. Go in there if you are a fish and seafood lover, and you will not regret it. The locals recommend it.

Walk the walls, especially during sunset, to be entranced by the dramatic views of the city.

Close by are some fascinating islands, and surprisingly, there are still tours that go to these islands. As long as you keep yourself warm, the trips are fun. There are also villages including Cavtat where you can eat al fresco, watching the sea tells its story of the day. Or, drive through Konavale and see the charming village and its agricultural charm.

Peristyle in Split. Source: aesta1

2. Split
Diocletian has indeed built a Palace and a garrison that now serves as the Old Town of Split. Within this fortified area are churches, restaurants, museums, apartments, hotels and shops. Go under the cellars and have a tour of the ruins of the Palace.

The Cathedral was originally the tomb of Diocletian. This tomb did not survive the demolition, and on it, they built a vast basilica.

As you enjoy looking at some of the valuable features of the Palace, listen to beautiful singing. That's the Dalmatian Klapa using the Dome of the Palace's acoustics and singing some traditional Dalmatian songs. Not only is it worth listening to, but it is also even more engaging to join in.

Solin. Source: aesta1

3. Solin
A short drive from Split, history buffs will enjoy exploring this place. You can also take the bus, and here's the site for timetables: BusCroatia.

Solin is the oldest Roman settlement though even before the Romans, this was already an established community. It was here that the Romans martyred the early Christians.

The Roman remains include a theatre, basilicas, and other things in a Roman city of quite importance.

The coastal highway from Split up to Rovinj is in a marvellous shape and is an incredible drive. The endless views keep unfolding, and it is a memory you will keep for a long time. I'd vote for it over some of the California coastal drives but make sure there is no Bora when you drive through it. This wind can be powerful and intimidating.

Rovinj. Source: aesta1

4. Rovinj
Rovinj is like Venice, but you like the real Venice, you can take a day trip from here. It's a coastal city that is ready to be enjoyed. Parking is so easy and inexpensive.

Close to the parking is the fresh market where you can get the obligatory truffles and olive oil and fresh fish and produce. Walk-on and the squares by the water have many cafes and restaurants where you can partake of the best seafood and other specialties of the area.

You can climb up the hill where the Cathedral is and pay homage to the body of St. Euphemia. On your climb up, look at some of the medieval houses and their features. They are lovely. But when you come down, sit in one of the alfresco restaurants facing the ocean and enjoy it.

Coastline of Croatia. Source: aesta1

In the summer, most of the coastline is a beach. It's an easy drive for most Europeans, and the Adriatic is beautiful, warm and clear. Viewing that sea from the mountains is the equal of the Amalfi Coast. Rovinj and Pula are all coastal cities and the most popular of all the other smaller ones worth visiting.

Pula, Croatia. Source: aesta1

5. Pula
Pula was a major surprise for us when we arrived there. We have seen many Roman ruins but did not know how grand this amphitheatre is right in the middle of the city. There are Roman ruins to explore in the area, and after you've done this, the tiny coastal villages await.

Coastal Town of Croatia. Source; aesta1

Bizarre and neighbouring fishing villages in the north are a wonder in the Spring and the Fall but a zoo in the tourist season. As there were only a few tourists in November, we enjoyed walking its seaside and talking to some fishermen.

Drive through Vsar, Umag, Porec and Savudria. The seaside stroll is the most enjoyable for us.

Brijuni Islands and Fanzana. Source: aesta1

6. Fanzana/Brijuni
There is nothing like the small coastal towns of Istria to draw you to this country. Even in November, you can enjoy the sun and the alfresco cafes and restaurants in these towns. Fanzana is a sunny little town with the islands of Brijuni a small distance from its shores.
This national park was where the first agreement of the non-aligned nations under Yugoslavia's leader then, Tito and Egypt's leader, Nasser. Today, it has a hotel, a golf course, a safari and a train that brings visitors around.
We even had a good boat trip to Brijuni Islands with a guide. But the crowning glory of this trip to Istria is the Olive Festival in Vodjnan.

7. Vodnjan
We were lucky that our guide mentioned this, so from Fanzana, we drove straight to Vodjnan. We enjoyed tasting the various olive oils, truffles white and black and marinated in different olive oils, wines, meats, cheese and other delicacies of Istria. Know the dates of this festival next year and don't miss it.

Motovun and Buzet's towns are close by, and there you can join the search for the most valued truffles and enjoy dishes with the best olive oil and truffles.

Vondjan/Istria Products. Source: aesta1

Where is Vodnjan?

8. Peljisac Peninsula and Ston
For the wine connoisseurs, this is the place to visit. There are wineries from where you can sample some of Croatia's best wines.

Coming back from Istria and Split, enhance the drive to Dubrovnik with a stop at this walled city of Ston, where you can sample the best oysters we've ever tasted. It tastes of the sea, and that's all you need. They have some of the best salts ever produced in the same way they did it centuries ago.

There are tours from Dubrovnik which you can easily arrange with the many tour operators, some even with kiosks right in the Pile Gate of the walled city.

Ston Croatia. Source: aesta1

9. Korcula
About 67 kms. from Ston, this old city is said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo and as such, is an attractive place to visit. Add to this its vineyards and olive groves, the island is a great day trip from Dubrovnik.

10. Plitvice
A 295-sq.-km forest reserve in central Croatia has terraced lakes and waterfalls extending into a limestone canyon. The drive through the mountains is breathtaking and, in November, there can be snow enhancing the beauty of this park.

Seafood Platter. Source: aesta1

Here's a bonus. Find a restaurant in or next to a fishing port and order a seafood platter. Amazing! From the boat to the chef, to your plate with a freshness you may never have experienced. Montalbano would have wept.