Top 35 Attractions in Croatia

As an independent country, Croatia appeared on the map of Europe quite recently - in 1991. In the past, the territory of the state was under the control of the Romans, French and Austro-Hungarians, and was part of Yugoslavia. Significant places and objects remained from each era. The historical centers of Dubrovnik, Rovinj and Trogir will allow you to get acquainted with the history of Croatia in full. There are many buildings included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Sea Organ in Zadar is one of the unique modern facilities: with its help, the sea and the wind give open-air concerts. The most beautiful beach in the country is the Golden Horn, located on a spit protruding into the sea. And national parks like Mljet are practically untouched natural beauties with rich tourist potential.

What to see and where to go in Croatia?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Dubrovnik

The walled city is sandwiched between rolling hills and the sea. Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th century, and some arches, churches, towers that have survived to this day were built around this period. The fortress walls stretch for 2 km. The height reaches 25 meters, and the width is 6 meters. They seem to grow out of the rocks, turning the city into a sea fort with full-fledged defensive fortifications. The walls acquired their current appearance in the 16th century.

Plitvice lakes

This protected area is located in the central part of the country. The complex of lakes was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. The water is so clear that you can see the bottom and the fish, of which there are many. Swimming is prohibited, as well as disturbing the natural balance of natural attractions in any other way. Periodically, new waterfalls appear in the valley. Now there are about 140 of them.

Pula Amphitheater

One of the largest surviving ancient Roman amphitheatres. In the past, it accommodated about 23 thousand people, now - 5 thousand. Until the 5th century, battles were fought within the walls of the majestic building. Gradually, bloody fights replaced fairs and other city events. A museum has been opened in the underground halls of the amphitheater. The main exhibits are archaeological finds that tell the history of these places.

Rovinj

Most of the houses in the Old Town of Rovinj were built in Mediterranean style over 100 years ago. Another important difference is the bright colors of the outer walls. In 1963, these quarters were officially named a cultural monument, and the sights here are literally around every corner. Three gates have also been preserved: the Portico, the Mutual Gate and the Gate of St. Benedict. They are an integral part of the fortress wall that once surrounded the city.

Trogir

Under each ruler, Trogir, located on the Adriatic coast, continued to develop, decorate and follow fashion. For this reason, the mixing of styles on its streets is a familiar sight. Renaissance and Baroque buildings side by side with Romanesque churches, and the local cathedral is a real work of architectural art. The historical center of Trogir is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Korcula

This city, based on the island of the same name, is called the most "Venetian" on the Adriatic coast. It is easily accessible by ferry, departing from various Croatian ports. In winter, the resort is empty, and in summer it is filled with vacationers. Houses are characterized by decorations in the form of tribal emblems, balconies and passages. The city walls date back to the 13th century, but acquired their present form after numerous restorations and rebuildings.

Palace of Diocletian (Split)

Built in Split at the turn of the 3rd and 4th centuries. For its construction, materials brought from Turkey and Egypt were used. Included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as the best preserved palace of the Roman Empire. The central building has a rectangular shape and is similar in layout to the camp of a Roman legion. Under him, there were temples in honor of Jupiter, Vinera and Cybele. The mausoleum is well preserved.

Euphrasian Basilica (Poreč)

Part of a vast architectural complex in the city of Poreč. The basilica bears the full name "Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary" and has the status of a cathedral. A mosaic ribbon frames the front part of the asp. The front wall is decorated with mother-of-pearl inlays on stone slabs. The canopy over the altar was made of marble in the 13th century, and the canopy is supported by columns and also decorated with mosaics.

Hvar fortress

Built in the 16th century on a hill. It was rebuilt under different rulers. Especially significant in terms of changes in appearance was the period of Austrian rule. An observation post and barracks appeared in the fortress. In the halls there is a collection of amphoras, as well as artifacts dating from the Middle Ages and earlier eras. The walls offer a picturesque view of the Paklenski Islands and Hvar.

Fortress Lovrijenac (Dubrovnik)

The construction of a fortress near Dubrovnik was necessary for defense. Cannons mounted on the walls of Lovrijenac controlled all approaches to the city from land and sea. The fortress became a continuation of a 40-meter hill, which increased the visibility for the guards. The thickness of the walls varied from 60 cm to 12 meters. This was done in case the fortress was captured: a few volleys from Dubrovnik would have returned the territory to the control of the Croats.

Temple of Augustus (Pula)

Refers to the Roman period of rule. The temple was built in Pula in honor of Emperor Augustus. It was part of a triad - a complex of similar structures that has not survived to this day. Initially, pagan gods were worshiped here. Over time, the temple came under the auspices of Christianity. After restoration in the middle of the last century, the sights returned to their former appearance, and inside they arranged a permanent exhibition of bronze and stone sculptures.

Ban Jelacic Square (Zagreb)

The central square of the Croatian capital. Named after the Austrian commander, who was of Croatian origin. He held the title of ban - the ruler of the country for 11 years. The square was broken up in the 17th century and was called Harmitsa. The area is closed to cars, but many tram routes intersect here. Attractions nearby: the first high-rise building in Zagreb, the building of the largest bank in the country, the Mandushevac fountain.

Croatian National Theater (Zagreb)

The current appearance of the theater premises was acquired in the 60s of the last century, and the cultural center itself was founded in the 19th century. Viennese architects were responsible for the design of the building. This is the main theater and opera stage of the country. It was attended by actors, singers, musicians and conductors of world renown. Among them are Ivan Zaits, Sarah Bernhardt, Franz Liszt. In 1995, the centenary of the theater was widely celebrated.

Museum of Broken Relationships (Zagreb)

Also referred to as the "museum of divorces". In 2011, the Zagreb attraction received a prize from the European Museum of the Year award. The founders of the collection are Olinka Vistica and Drazen Grubishic. These artists were once a couple, and after the breakup, they decided to keep memorabilia - a symbol of their happy past. Gradually, the exhibition was supplemented with exhibits provided by other ex-lovers.

Oceanarium Pula

In 2002, the Austro-Hungarian fortress of Verudela was given over to the Oceanarium. The architectural landmark built in 1886 was restored and adapted to new needs with the latest technology. Among the inhabitants of the aquariums are representatives of the Adriatic Sea, guests from the tropics, freshwater fish from European lakes and rivers. The largest aquarium is home to sharks. Since 2006, the Sea Turtle Rescue Center has been operating at the Oceanarium.

Sea Organ (Zadar)

Not far from the port in Zadar, stone steps stretch for 70 meters along the embankment. They are the surface part of the sound system, which also includes 35 polyethylene pipes. Different diameters and lengths, as well as angles of inclination, allow the force of sea water to drive air through the structure and get the sound of wind instruments. The architect of the attraction is Nikola Bašić.

Church of St. Mark (Zagreb)

One of the oldest buildings in Zagreb. It is located on the square of the same name near the parliament building. Fires and earthquakes are the reasons for the constant rebuilding of the church in the past. Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles can be traced in architecture. The interiors are decorated with frescoes depicting members of the royal family. Two coats of arms are laid out on the tiled roof of the church: the triune kingdom that once existed on the territory of Croatia and the capital itself.

Zagreb Cathedral

The time of foundation is considered to be the end of the 11th century. It was built in honor of the ascension of the Virgin Mary and two saints: Vladislav and Stefan. Centuries later, walls appeared around the cathedral. The south tower was used as a military observation post in the 17th century. The presbytery became the burial place of the commander Erdödy and Cardinal Stepinac. In 1993, the image of the sight got on a banknote of 100 kunas.

Split Cathedral

The Cathedral of Split is the oldest functioning cathedral in the world. The former imperial mausoleum is the basis of the cathedral. And the whole complex can be divided into three parts, which were built in different eras. The Catholic attraction is located on the territory of the Diocletian Palace. Numerous reconstructions did not affect some details: wooden doors, a Gothic altar, a crypt and arks with relics.

Church of St. Euphemia (Rovinj)

Founded in the first half of the 18th century. Previously, on this site in Rovinj stood the church of St. George, but it became too small for parishioners arriving from all over the area. A bell tower was built nearby - a simplified copy of a similar Venetian bell tower belonging to St. Mark's Cathedral. The sarcophagus with the relics of Euphemia is placed behind one of the altars. Marble was actively used in the interior decoration of the church.

Cathedral of St. James (Sibenik)

Construction stretched for more than a hundred years and was completed in 1536. The height of the dome is 32 meters. 74 sculptures surround the altar from the outside. Statues of Old Testament prophets adorn the baptistery. The cathedral has the status of a cathedral in the city of Sibenik. It is one of the seven Croatian churches called "small basilicas". Since 2000, it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Mirogoj Cemetery (Zagreb)

It is one of the most beautiful park-cemeteries in Europe. Created in Zagreb in 1876. The central building of the complex is the Peter and Paul Chapel. Its architect is Hermann Bolle. Prominent Croats of various denominations are buried in the cemetery. In addition to individual graves, there are several memorials here. Among them are the Monument to the Yugoslav National Heroes and the Wall of Pain, dedicated to the victims of the war for the independence of the country.

Baredine Cave

Limewater made a cave near the city a real work of art: stalactites and stalagmites formed from its drops on the floor and ceiling. They resemble statues from different viewing angles. A crater more than 65 m deep leads to underground lakes. Here, small crabs crawl along the walls. The halls of the cave are illuminated, and a special hiking trail has been laid out for visitors. At the entrance there is a museum with ancient pottery.

Blue Grotto (Bishevo)

The cave in the Balun Bay of Biševo Island is popular with tourists because of its unique natural phenomenon. In clear, sunny and windless weather, once a day for several hours, the grotto is filled with blue radiance. Boats of certain sizes can swim inside: no more than 5 meters in length and 1 meter in height. Nearby is the Green Grotto - another unique natural attraction.

Marjan Park (Split)

It is believed that the park on this territory existed in the time of Emperor Diocletian. In Split, this is one of the most picturesque places. Its "highlights": a cozy church, a mini-zoo, equipped picnic areas, jogging paths, tennis courts, rock climbing cliffs and romantic corners. You can climb the stairs to the Marjan hill and see the surroundings: the sea, the city, the Kozyak lake, the Klis fortress and the nearby islands.

Mljet

Tourists stay on the island of Mljet for the most part because of the national park of the same name. It occupies 5375 hectares of the northwestern territories, including part of the water area. For lovers of landscapes, here is heaven on earth: panoramic views of the coast, sea cliffs and mountains covered with greenery open from different points of the island. 90% of the area is covered by forests. Salt lakes are located among them - not fully studied natural objects.

krka

The national park is spread over 109 km² between the cities of Sibenik and Knin. The status of a national park was granted to the valley of the Krka River in 1985. Seven large waterfalls formed on the channel. The flora is diverse, and there are few fish species, but 10 out of 18 are endemic. Migratory routes of birds pass through this area. Within the park there are an ethnographic museum and two monasteries: Franciscan and Serbian Orthodox.

Brioni

In 1983, a group of islands in the north of the Adriatic Sea became a national park. The total area of ​​the territory is 7.42 km². It includes 14 islands and reefs, as well as the water area. Brioni is separated from the mainland by a strait. Sea urchins are found off the coast - a sign of the purity of the water. At the moment, the Croatian government is developing a project to turn the archipelago into a popular high-class tourist area.

Lokrum

Island near Dubrovnik. There is no permanent population. The area is slightly less than 0.7 km². Boats to the mainland run on a regular basis. Natural attraction - Dead Lake. Fort Napoleon, the Botanical Garden with peacocks and the ancient Benedictine monastery are the main reasons to visit Lokrum. Rocky beaches are wild, but equipped with comfortable descents into the water.

Mount Srd

At the foot of the Srd lies Dubrovnik. The highest point of the mountain is 412 meters. From here you have a breathtaking view of the city. During Napoleonic times, a fortress was built on top. It also came in handy in the Croatian War of Independence. Now there is a military museum inside the fortress. The cable car takes you to the top in about 3 minutes. An alternative is a 2 km long hiking trail.

Biokovo

The second highest mountain range in Croatia. The highest point is 1762 meters. The length is 25 km with a width of 10 km. A natural park on an area of ​​196 km² was established in Biokovo in 1981, when the territory belonged to Yugoslavia. Its status was confirmed in 1998 - already as part of an independent Croatia. On the descent to the sea there is a large Botanical Garden. There are ruins and foundations of buildings on the mountain.

Aquapark Istralandia

Modern and the first water park in Croatia. It has been operating since 2014 near the city of Novigrad. The complex includes 12 slides of different heights, almost 1.5 km of tubes for descent, the largest artificial wave pool in Eastern Europe, a children's pool with a pirate castle, 5 restaurants, bars, a currency exchange office, a small market. Tickets can be purchased for the whole day or half a day. Prices change depending on the season.

Zrce beach (Novalja)

Novalja, the city where the beach is located, is called the "Croatian Ibiza". This is the main tourist center of the island of Pag - with endless parties, dance music and various outdoor events. On the beach, in addition to discos, there is an opportunity to relax in comfort and lovers of outdoor activities. Volleyball courts, rental of jet skis and boats, cafes with national dishes - all this is in abundance.

Golden Horn beach

One of the visiting cards of Croatia, the most beautiful beach in the country. It is located on a spit that protrudes more than 600 meters into the sea. The name is due precisely to the unusual shape of the beach. The nearby town of Bol is surrounded by greenery. On the coast there is something to do in any weather: water skiing, windsurfing, scuba diving, jet skiing. The beach has everything you need for a comfortable stay, but during the season it is very crowded.

Makarska riviera

It stretches for 60 km on the coast of the Adriatic Sea in Central Dalmatia. Riviera is a rather narrow strip of land, sandwiched between the Biokovo mountain range and water. Resort villages here pass one into another, sometimes they are separated by groves. From here you can take ferries to the islands of Hvar and Brac. The climate, equipped beaches and developed infrastructure have made the area popular with tourists.