Best Cities For Travelling in Croatia 2024 – A Traveller’s Guide

Croatia is a charming country located in Southeastern Europe along the Adriatic Sea. With rugged mountains, over 1000 islands, historic sites, delicious cuisine and friendly locals, Croatia has become one of Europe’s top tourist destinations in recent years. If you’re planning a trip to Croatia, narrowing down which cities to visit can be overwhelming. To help you decide, here is an insider’s guide to the best cities in Croatia 2024 that you can visit on a Croatia Visa from UK.

Croatia’s Best Tourist Cities 2024 – Ultimate Guide to Traveling in Croatia

Top Destinations in Croatia For Travellers

1). Split

The vibrant port city of Split is one of the popular cities in Croatia for tourists. Located on the Dalmatian coast, Split offers a sublime blend of rich history, beautiful beaches, trendy restaurants and an exciting nightlife scene.

Top attractions in Split that you must visit include: 

• Diocletian’s Palace, an immaculately preserved Roman structure that now forms the historic core of Split
• Marjan Hill Park with hiking trails through pine forests leading to stunning vista points over the city and sea below
• And, the lively Riva seaside promenade lined with restaurants and cafes perfect for people watching. 

Split is one of Croatia’s most scenic cities. It also makes an ideal base to take ferry day trips to nearby islands like Brač, Hvar and Šolta. These islands reveal charming villages, isolated beaches and some amazing outdoor adventures places!

2). Dubrovnik

Surrounded by ancient stone walls, the old city of Dubrovnik is one of the best cities in Croatia for cultural insights. It impresses visitors with its well-preserved medieval architecture mixed with Croatian charm. Walk the incredibly well-preserved medieval ramparts that surround the old city centre. These provide sweeping views over orange roof tops and the shimmering Adriatic Sea. You can also relax with a drink at cliffside Buža bar, watching cruise ships glide by offshore.

Must-see highlights also include:

• the bustling Stradun pedestrian street, 
• elegant Baroque Dubrovnik Cathedral and 
• Lokrum island, a short ferry ride away, blanketed in forests with botanical gardens, an old monastery and peacocks roaming the trails.

3). Zagreb

As the nation’s lively capital, Zagreb proudly ranks among the must-see cities in Croatia 2024. It delights visitors with its Austro-Hungarian architecture, pavement cafes, colorful farmer’s markets and numerous museums. Must-see sights include the Gothic Zagreb Cathedral, Lotrščak Tower, St. Mark’s Church and the Museum of Broken Relationships. Ensure getting your Croatia Visa ahead of your travel to materialize your visit to top cities in Croatia for a relaxing getaway with your family.

Croatia’s Historic Cities To Visit in 2024

1). Pula

Dating back over 3,000 years, Pula is one of the best places to explore in Croatia with your friends or loved ones. It offers an open-air museum of Roman ruins like the magnificent Pula Arena along with Venetian and Austrian architecture. Beyond the amphitheatre and Forum, discover Pula’s arts scene, Istrian cuisine and beaches nearby for an exhilarating experience.

2). Zadar

Built on a peninsula with ancient ruins and Romanesque churches, Zadar deserves more than a quick stop. Marvel at unique attractions like the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation along the waterfront, view religious art at St Donatus Church and wander the Roman Forum. It is considered one of the best cities in Croatia for families. You simply need an Online Croatia Visa to realize an unforgettable family vacation in Croatia.

3). Šibenik

The oldest native Croatian town on the Adriatic coast, Šibenik is one of top-rated cities in Croatia for visitors. It charms holidaymakers with its 15th century Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral of St. James (a UNESCO site), four protected fortresses, the Italianate Šibenik town hall and typical Dalmatian stone homes.

Best Coastal Cities in Croatia

1). Rovinj

This charming seaside town on the Istrian peninsula dazzles visitors with stunning pastel-colored houses. These houses are crowded together on winding, narrow cobblestone streets leading up to hilltop churches with calming views over terracotta rooftops. Regarded among top Croatian cities for nightlife, this serene town’s harbour can be seen dotted with beautiful fishing boats. You can enjoy al fresco dining and sample local wines at one of Rovinj’s cozy restaurants and wine bars tucked away in old town alleys. Unwind at one of several scenic beaches south of town like secluded Punta Corrente favoured by locals.

2). Trogir

Situated on a small island with medieval cobblestone alleys, Trogir is one of Croatia’s top cities for history buffs.  The city is linked by bridges to the mainland and Čiovo Peninsula. Its remarkably intact medieval and Renaissance architecture led to its UNESCO World Heritage status. You can admire the ornate Romanesque portal flanked by lions as you enter the 13th century Trogir Cathedral. Afterwards, you can relax in a cafe along the palm-lined Riva harbourfront as luxury yachts drift past. Or wander through the intimate maze of pedestrian walkways shadowed by stone palaces and Gothic mansions.

3). Hvar

Tempting travelers with its sunny climate, vibrant nightlife, and aromatic lavender fields, Hvar is Croatia’s must-visit cities for nature lovers. The scenic island of Hvar has become one of Croatia’s most popular destinations. You can base yourself in the port town to explore top sites like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Spanjola fortress and nearby Pakleni Islands. A Croatia Visa UK is all you need to explore the best cities in Croatia 2024 with your kids and spouse. Simply apply online to get your visa on time. 

Top Cities in Croatia For Foodies

1). Zagreb

Croatia’s capital entices foodies with cosmopolitan dining, bustling cafés and colorful open-air markets. You can sample cheese and meat delicacies at Dolac market, sip coffee at gardens like Cica, enjoy bistro fare and craft beer along Tkalčićeva street and taste innovative cuisine from young chefs. Consider adding Zagreb to your Croatia city travel itinerary 2024 for an ultimate gastronomic adventure. 

2). Split

Traditional Dalmatian cooking meets global inspiration in Split where the seafood, wines and olive oils are top-notch. Try signature dishes like black risotto, pašticada beef stew and Marjan cake in the Old Town. Dine harbourside along the Riva or at a seaside café with your special one for an unforgettable experience. 

3). Rijeka

As a leading port city, Rijeka’s eclectic culinary scene reflects influences from Italy to Hungary and beyond. For epicures, Rijeka is one of the best Croatian cities for vacation. Graze at the lively markets, tour Istrian wineries in the region, enjoy hip bistros and stylish coffee houses in the Korzo downtown area.

Croatia’s Hidden Gem Cities 2024

1). Varaždin

Often overlooked on tourist itineraries, northern Croatia’s best preserved Baroque township, Varaždin is one of the best cities in Croatia for architecture. It captivates visitors with astonishing 18th-century architecture including:

• ornate churches, 
• luminous white-and-pastel-hued aristocratic palaces and 
• an elegant historic core centered on Trg Kralja Tomislava (King Tomislav Square) ideal for strolling. 

Beyond gaping at the architecture, you can soak up Varaždin’s old-world charm at one of several sidewalk cafés on graceful Šetalište Franje Tuđmana park. Or browse boutique shops around historic Stančić Palace, and visit landmark cultural draws like the Baroque-style Town Museum within historic Herzer Palace.

2). Poreč

Situated on the verdant Istrian Peninsula, Poreč is one of the best cities in Croatia 2024. It makes an ideal base to discover remarkable historical attractions like :

• the 6th century Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site awing visitors with glittering Byzantine mosaics, 
• ecclesiastical art treasures at the Diocesan Museum housed in the former Bishop’s Palace nearby, and 
• the intricate floor mosaics at the 5th century “House of Two Saints” aristocratic Roman villa. 

Beyond history, relax on nearby beaches like the Blue Flag awarded rocky Zelena Beach with sweeping water views from its café terraces and Sv. Nikola island beach reachable by tourist boat just a 15-minute ride across calm waters. 

3). Samobor

Nestled in the Samobor Hills just west of Zagreb, this medieval town is one of the best cities in Croatia for adventure. It entices the visitors with its small-town ambience, hiking trails, artisan shops and gastro pubs that serve sweet Samobor cremeschnitte cake. You can spend a few hours wandering Samobor’s cobblestone streets and grab picnic provisions for Livada or Tepec forests.

Croatia’s Charming Small Cities 2024

1). Cavtat

Overlooked as mainly a stopover enroute to nearby Dubrovnik, this coastal village deserves your attention. Thousands of holidaymakers are heading to this charming city for a rejuvenating vacation with their loved ones. It has become one of the best cities to visit in Croatia 2024.

While here, you can meander the pedestrian promenades, sunbathe next to historic villas, hike to St. Nicholas church and try seafood at harborfront cafes. Don’t miss exploring secluded beaches south of town and taking a day trip to Elaphite Islands for an unforgettable experience. 

2). Opatija

This seaside gem on the Kvarner Gulf is being considered among Croatia’s top travel spots 2024. It attracts tourists with belle époque architecture, coastal walking trails threading past aristocratic villas, sandy beaches and a laidback ambience. Beyond Opatija’s lush parks and grand hotels, don’t miss trying the original torta cake recipe invented here in 1953.

3). Korčula Town

Enchanting visitors with its curled shape jutting into sea, medieval Old Town and quiet alleys lined with stone houses, vineyards and olive groves, Korčula Town immerses you in island culture. Marvel at St Mark’s Cathedral, shop small boutiques, watch Moreška sword dances and enjoy soothing coastal views with a glass of Pošip white wine.

Conclusion

With stunning coastal scenery, well-preserved medieval cities and a host of cultural attractions, Croatia offers an exciting variety of destinations to discover based on your interests. Focus your time finding the right balance between must-see hot spots and charming smaller cities and islands that reveal rich history, artistry and natural beauty off the beaten path.

Whether you seek magnificent architecture in Dubrovnik, pulsing nightlife in Split, culinary delights in Istria or sailing adventures in Dalmatia, this Croatia travel guide on the Best Cities in Croatia 2024 will ensure your trip is memorable. 

Apply for Croatia Visa from UK by simply booking your Croatia Visa Appointment in advance for an easy-peasy travel. Let your enthralling Croatian journey begin!

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