Croatia Landmarks

Top 25 Landmarks in Croatia

1)Diocletian’s Palace

This ‘palace,’ which was actually used as a military fortress, occupies roughly half of the old town area of Split. This ancient structure was built at the turn of the 4th century AD and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Entrance to the palace is free, though there may be a fee to enter certain buildings within the palace.

2)Brač Island

This tiny island is pronounced as “bratch,” and was originally called Brattia by the ancient Romans who originally inhabited it. Nowadays, the island is known for its rolling olive groves and its status as a quiet respite compared to the more touristy islands of Hvar and Korcula farther south.

3)Krka National Park

Named after the Krka River, Krka National Park boasts magnificent waterfalls, over 800 species of plants and over 200 bird species. The park is also home to Visovac Island which was settled by Franciscan monks in 1445. The Franciscan monastery is worth visiting as it contains a number of well-preserved artifacts, including a rare incunabulum of Aesop’s fables.

4)Pula Arena

Located in the port city of Pula, the Pula Arena is among the world's six largest surviving Roman arenas and is the only remaining Roman amphitheater to have four side towers entirely preserved.

5)Ban Jelacic Square

This elegant square is a fantastic location for people-watching amidst grandiose 19th-century buildings in the heart of vibrant Zagreb, Croatia’s world-class capital city. 

6)Plitvice Lakes National Park

Established as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s oldest and largest national parks. The park is famous for its distinctly colored waters that form a series of natural dams, lakes, caves and waterfalls.

7)Dubrovnik

The seaside town of Dubrovnik is touristy for a reason—the romantic charm of the historic Old Town coupled with the glittering turquoise waters of the Dalmatian coast is enough to enchant anyone.

8)Hvar Island

This celebrity haven is just as famous for its breathtaking beaches as well as its status as a party destination for the rich and famous, namely Beyoncé, George Clooney and Prince Harry, to name a few. Come for the celebrity sightings, stay for some of the finest red wine in Europe and the Venetian vibes of small-town Vrboska.

9)Lokrum

While you’re island-hopping, be sure to stop by the tranquil island of Lokrum, located a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik. Alternatively, those who are looking to work off last night’s black risotto and pelinkovac can opt to rent a kayak and paddle themselves there.

10)Zadar’s Old Town

Tracing its roots as far back as the Stone Age, Zadar is said to be Croatia’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Its top attractions include several Romanesque churches which were built between the 9th and 13th centuries.

Image from Miroslav Vajdic

11)Višnjan

The tiny hilltop Istrian village of Višnjan serves as an unexpected home to a renowned observatory where more than 100 minor planets, two comets and over 1,400 asteroids have been discovered. On Saturday evenings from May through September, visitors can participate in stargazing observations, children’s workshops and a tour of the observatory.

12)Gorski Kotar

Those looking to keep of the well-beaten path will be rewarded by paying a visit to the mountainous and well-forested region of Gorski kotar. Nature-lovers of all stripes will enjoy the region’s Risnjak National Park with its dramatic peaks and lush green valleys.

13)Samobor

On Sundays, the town of Zagreb empties and Croatian locals head to small peaceful towns such as Samobor. Samobor is known for its traditional gamey dishes and cream cake (samoborska kremšnita), which can be found in quaint coffeehouses that have hardly changed since poets during the Habsburg era gathered there.

14)Raša

Located on Istria’s east coast near Labin lies the nearly abandoned town of Raša, which was built in 1937 as one of Mussolini’s many industrialization projects. Architecture aficionados and history buffs will delight in the pre-war Italian architecture and the town’s colored past as a mining community where workers went on strike against their Italian overlords when Istria was still part of fascist Italy.