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Best things to do in Croatia

Uncover the best things to do in Croatia’s Pula, Rovinj, Split and more.
Like other countries that face the Adriatic Sea – we’re looking at you Montenegro – Croatia comes loaded with shorelines that can make anyone and everyone smile. But, that’s not the only thing this place has up its sleeve. Its sightseeing scene can go toe to toe with history-soaked headliners like Italy and Greece. And, its nature offering has more than enough to make spots like Slovenia and Germany green with envy. But, with so much on the Croatia holiday buffet, where do you start? Don’t worry, we’ve got the lowdown on all the best things you should do, regardless of which part of Croatia you choose to drop your bags in. Read on for our top picks .

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Pretend you’re a gladiator at Pula Arena

Pula, on Croatia’s Istrian Riviera, came about when the Roman Empire was ruling things here way back in the 1st century. The town started as an important trading port, and after some back and forth between the Romans, the Venetians, and eventually the Yugoslavians, the town settled down to become of the area’s more laidback spots. Everything here revolves around one thing – Roman ruins. And of these ruins, one stands out above the rest, Pula Arena. It’s the bite-size version of Rome’s Colosseum, and worked in the same way – Gladiator matches, public shows etc. During your visit you can learn all about its history, and snap some pics in one of Pula’s top selfie spots. Our tip? Head to the top of the stairs next to the arena to get the coast in the background of your pics.

Check out our holidays to Pula.
Aerial view of Pula Arena.

Stroll along Rovinj’s waterfront

Drive 45 minutes up the coast from Pula and you’ll find Rovinj. Just like Pula, this place inherited some seriously good looks. A yacht-packed marina, waterfront eateries with patios that look out over the sea – some of them have ladders that lead down to the water – cutesy cobbled lanes loaded with Italian eateries and ice-cream shops, this place has them all. And, let’s not forget about the old town. This part of Rovinj sits on a rocky outcrop that juts out into the sea, so you’re properly spoilt when it comes to coastal views. While you’re here, don’t forget to head to the old town’s centrepiece, the Church of St Euphemia. It stands in the tallest spot in the city, so aside from getting a good look at its Renaissance-style artwork collection, you’re in the best spot to snap some pictures.

Check out our holidays to Rovinj.
Aerial view over Rovinj.

Unwind with a day out to the Plitvice Lakes

Picture the Lake District in your mind. See it? Sprawling lakes wrapped in greenery, rolling hillsides traced with walking trails. Take all that and halve it in scale, then you’ve got Plitvice Lakes National Park. But just because it’s smaller, doesn’t make it any less impressive. In fact, it’s the complete opposite. Swimming and recreational activities aren’t allowed in the lakes here, so the water’s almost as clean as it can get. Plus, in between each lake is a ladder of waterfalls, with wooden walkways that serve up perfect views – if you want one of the best selfies of your life, this is where to be. There are a bunch of walking routes for you to pick from here, and there’s multiple entrances to the park, so there’s a lot of variety for you to pick from when it comes to distance and difficulty. And, unlike the Lake District, there are plenty of mid-walk pitstop places, complete with cafés and scenic seating areas.
A young woman walking along a lake.

Take in the view on the Biokovo Skywalk

Speaking of legendary photography spots, they don’t get much higher in Croatia than the Biokovo Skywalk. This glass-floored bridge is built into the summit of the country’s second-tallest peak, Mount Biokovo, about an hour’s drive from the town of Makarska. The bridge itself is semi-circle shaped with a completely glass floor, and juts out from the side of the mountain’s 5,780-foot summit. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Italy from up here. If you’d prefer something a little less heart-pumping, there are a few walks that start around here – and you don’t sacrifice the good views while you do them, either. Afterwards, don’t forget to check out Makarska’s waterfront. There are plenty of sea-view eateries for you kick back in, and the ice-cream scene here is particularly good – we’re talking flavours like green apple, lemon and chocolate orange cheesecake.

Check out our holidays to Makarska.
View of the Biokovo Skywalk with people walking along the platform.

Head to Split and go island hopping

Split is one of the largest ports in the Dalmatian Coast. Just like Pula, it started off as a Roman trading port – which explains why there’s a UNESCO-approved Roman palace here – before becoming a city that offers up plenty in the ways of offshore experiences. You’ll find boats of all sizes lined up along the city’s waterfront, all offering outings to the area’s most scenic islands, including Brac and Hvar. But why should we visit them, we hear you ask. These spots dish up some of the region’s best shorelines, making them a must-see for any self-proclaimed beach fan. When it comes to choosing which boat to hop on for your trip, it all depends on what you’re after. Some day cruises are more laidback and take things slowly, others are about opening up the throttle and getting there quicker. Plus, there are some that take the party route and throw in club music and cocktails.

Check out our holidays to Split.
View over Split Town waterfront.

Soak up the sun on one of Dubrovnik’s beaches

Planning on heading to Dubrovnik for a city break? Don’t worry, this place has plenty of beaches to go alongside all the sightseeing that’s on offer. The majority of them have opted for pebbles instead of sand, including Banje Beach, which is about a 10-minute walk from the city’s old town – sounds like a perfect post-sightseeing pitstop to us. Size-wise, it’s on the smaller size, giving it a quieter vibe. Plus, there are loads of shaded seating areas, as well as a couple of spot you can grab food and drinks from.

Check out our holidays to Dubrovnik.
Banje Beach.

Treat your camera to a trip to Krka National Park

Waterfalls, fish-and-frog-filled streams, forests, oldy-world hamlets – Krka National Park packs in them all. Oh, and let’s not forget Instagram-ready lakes and hillsides that could give the Scottish Highlands a run for their money. Much like Plitvice Lakes National Park, this place is a walker’s paradise. Routes here weave across waterways and through forests, some even ending up smack dab in front of one of the park’s iconic waterfalls. During your visit, there are also spots where you can learn about what life was like in Croatia a couple hundred years ago. And, if you’ve got a hankering for something cold and sweet, there are plenty of food joints and ice-cream stands for you to pick from – sounds like the perfect day out to us.
Waterfalls, Krka National Park.
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And, for more inspo, check out where to stay in Croatia, or take a look at the 10 reasons to visit Croatia.

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Author: Ben Staff

Last updated: 26.02.2025

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