Croatia’s top 8 cities you must visit
Croatia is known for its beautiful coastline, islands and beaches, and scenic mountainous interiors. Its intriguing cities reflect the past foreign rule as well as the different cultures that influenced its art and architecture.
Here are 8 of the most interesting and Croatian cities you must visit by region.
Adriatic Coastal Cities
The Croatian coast stretches for over 1,500 kilometres along the Adriatic Sea and encompasses a series of beautiful seaside cities.
Dubrovnik
Old town and harbour of Dubrovnik, Croatia
The most famous of the Adriatic cities is Dubrovnik. Grandly encircled by its circular defensive walls and full of beautiful palaces, houses with orange-tiled roofs, churches and monasteries from the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque eras. Stroll along the 13th century city walls for stunning views overlooking the city and sea made popular by the television series, Game of Thrones.
Wander the maze of narrow, winding Old Town streets, passing such historic sites as the Pile Gate, the Rector’s Palace, St. Blaise church, Franciscan monastery and the Onophrian fountain. Outside of the walls, visitors will find beautiful beaches and terrific views over the city from Lovrijenac Fortress or by ascending a cable car to Mt. Srd, the mountain that serves as the city’s rocky backdrop.
Split
View over the rooftops of Split
Split is Croatia’s second largest city, and was founded in the 6th century B.C. Split is renowned for its Roman era buildings, most notable the fabulous Diocletian’s Palace, where the Roman Emperor Diocletian live. The Palace was built in the 4th century A.D. The complex includes the Golden Gate (the largest entryway), the villa where Diocletian retired and St Duje Cathedral, which was his mausoleum. Peristyle Square was the original Roman court, with two 3,500-year-old Egyptian sphinxes in the plaza. Many interesting finds from the Palace are now housed in Split’s Archaeological Museum.
Split has its own historic Old Town, much of which is built in and around Diocletian’s Palace. It hugs the seaside, providing wonderful city and ocean views. A paved, palm-lined seaside promenade connects the city to its beaches to both the east and west. Hike up to the top of Marjan Hill to enjoy sweeping views of Split.
Šibenik
St. Nicholas Fortress in Šibenik, Croatia
Šibenik is a very attractive town built on a hillside bay and accessible by a long narrow channel. It boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Cathedral of St. James was built in both Gothic and Renaissance styles between 1431 and 1535. While Venetian-era St. Nicholas Fortress sits on a small islet across from the Old Town. The buildings of its medieval Old Town rise uphill along winding stone alleys to the fortress of St. Michael.
Šibenik is also home to some beautiful beaches. The city is well positioned for excursions to some of Croatia’s best natural wonders, including the Krka National Park with its spectacular waterfalls and the Kornati islands offshore.
Read more about the amazing natural wonder in Croatia.
Zadar
The Cathedral of St. Anastasia, Zadar, Croatia
Zadar sits on a peninsula and offers Roman ruins along with modern art installations and a historic cobblestoned Old Town with interesting churches, romantic squares, and museums. The Church of St. Donatus, an early Byzantine church constructed in 800, was built atop an ancient Roman forum whose ruins can be visited. Visit the Zadar Cathedral with its impressive façade and bell tower, and the fascinating Archaeological Museum.
Along the seaside promenade look for two modern art installations. First is the Sea Organ, a series of marble steps leading to the ocean with tubes underneath that make musical notes when waves splash underneath. Second is the Greeting to the Sun, a circle of glass and solar light panels that put on an evening light show.
Istrian Peninsula
The Istrian Peninsula sits across the Adriatic from Italy, and is well known for its wines and truffles.
Rovinj
Rovinj is stunningly situated along the seaside, surrounded by protective city walls, and filled with colourful houses set along twisting cobblestoned walkways. Take a walk up to the St. Euphemia church overlooking the city for great views. Or you can relax on the boulders lining the shoreline and have a swim. Explore the artists’ works in galleries in the section of town called Grisia.
Wander the Old Town and the main Tito square with its Venetian-influenced architecture and clock tower and stop at one of the cafes along the seaside promenade for a meal or to try the local Istrian wines.
Pula
Aerial shoot of Arena ancient Roman amphitheater – Old town Pula, Croatia
The seaside town of Pula is famous for its Roma era ruins, including the spectacular Roman Amphitheatre, one of the most complete in the world. Other Roman era sights in the city include the Temple of Augustus, the Roman Forum, the Arch of the Sergii built to commemorate military victories, the Hercules Gate and spectacular Roman floor mosaics.
Pula offers a pretty Old Town, featuring Pula Cathedral, a large indoor market hall, the Kastell Fortress with sweeping sea views plus several beautiful beaches nearby. From Pula there are also boat trips to the stunning Brijuni islands National Park.
Northern and central Croatia
Zagreb
Croatian National Theater of Zagreb, Croatia
The cosmopolitan capital city of Zagreb sits at the crossroads of Central and Eastern Europe and was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Seek out the landmark Zagreb Cathedral and stroll the city’s medieval core with the beautiful St. Mark’s Church with its beautiful roof decorations, and the Lotrščak Tower with its picturesque viewpoint.
Other noteworthy sights include the Mimara Museum with its old master’s art collection, Dolac Market and Jelacic Square. The city is also a great jumping off point for trips to the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Read more here on creating the perfect itinerary in Zagreb.
Rijecka
The River Tunnel in Rijecka, Croatia (Photo from Visit Reikeka website)
Rijecka is Croatia’s third largest city, chosen as 2020’s European Capital of Culture. Located on Kvarner Bay, Rijecka has historic Old Town buildings and the majestic Trsat Castle with fabulous city views. There is historical architecture from its years under the Habsburg rulers, the Church of Our Lady of Trsat, the fabulous façade of the Capuchin Church of our Lady of Lourdes, the iconic yellow City Hall tower, and the market square to explore.
Rijecka is also well positioned for visits to the beautiful island of Krk or the mountainous Risnjak National Park.
