Croatia is a Balkan treasure with pristine beaches, picturesque towns and incredible nightlife scene. Here are the most beautiful cities to visit in Croatia this summer.
Croatia is not just a beach holiday destination, although the country has some of the most pristine beaches in the region. Croatia also has a lot to offer when it comes to culture and architecture. From the hilltop town of Šibenik, dating back to the 11th century, to the famous Dubrovnik with its walls. This is a round-up of the most beautiful cities in Croatia that you absolutely have to visit at least once on your Balkan trip.
Split – Home of the Diocletian Palace
Split is the second-largest city in the country and the de facto capital of the Dalmatia region. Split is known for its architectural wonder – Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is an incredible sight to see. Asides from that, the old town of the city is filled with small alleyways, beautiful stone and marble squares, and the Riva, a harborside that is lined with palm trees and inviting cafes.
Asides from stunning architectural wonders with Roman and Greek influences, the city has a breath-taking backdrop of the Dalmatian Mountain range. Hike up the nearby hill at the end of the Riva and watch how the sun sets down behind the mountains with the whole city in your eyesight.
Trogir – Step Back into the 15th Century
Only a 30-minute drive away on the west side of Split, Trogir is one of Europe’s best-preserved examples of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site a city was surprisingly never attacked. This is why you can wander around the streets and see original buildings dating back to the 15th century.
If you are a fan of ancient Greece or imperial Rome history, you will love exploring Trogir, learning about its history, and discovering every hidden square or alley. Asides from the historical part, Trogir is a perfect vacation town with small pizzerias, open-air wine bars, lovely balconies overlooking the historical center, and even pebbled beaches.
Dubrovnik – Architectural Wonder by the Adriatic Sea
Although Dubrovnik is probably the most visited and most popular city in Croatia among travelers and tourists, it would be simply unfair not to include the city in the roundup of the most beautiful Croatian cities. Dubrovnik gained a lot of popularity because of its significance in Game of Thrones and Star Wars.
Dubrovnik is named a UNESCO World Heritage and the whole old town is protected by UNESCO because of its rich history. Walking around the old town you will notice Venetian-baroque architecture mixed with Ottoman influences. Do not skip the famous walls of Dubrovnik that surround the whole historic center. The walls offer the best view of the city from all angles.
Šibenik – The Oldest Town in Croatia
Located in the north of Dalmatia, close to the more well-known city of Zadar, Šibenik is the oldest town in Croatia. Dating back to 1066, Šibenik will make you feel like you stepped back in time. Historic fortresses, beautiful monasteries, squares, churches, and stunning waterfront promenade make this town of the most exciting historical destination in the country.
The best part is that Šibenik is situated on the sloped hill on which the famous fortress of Sveti Mihovil rests. The fortress offers an incredible view of the city and the whole region including nearby islands and the Mediterranean Sea. What is more, you can reach Krka National Park, which is just a 15-minute drive from Šibenik.
Hvar – Not Just a Party Destination
Hvar Island is often named one of the most beautiful islands of Croatia because of its stunning beaches, wild nature, and, of course, the harbor town of Hvar. This small harbor town on the western edge of the island will easily steal your heart if you have a soft spot for smaller towns with stone alleyways, small family-run seafood restaurants, and marble squares.
The whole island is covered with rugged hills which give the island and the town a lovely charm. The city is mostly known for its parties during the peak season, however, if you end up in Hvar in the off-season, you can enjoy the tranquility of the town just for yourself.
Photo: Dreamer4787/shutterstock
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