The country of Croatia is located at the intersection of Central and Southeast Europe. The region has beautiful beaches, caves, national parks, historic towns, charming villages, and delicious food and wine. Here are the top 10 best places to visit in Croatia.

Number 10. Dubrovnik

The famous old town of Dubrovnik rose to fame during the filming of HBO’s Game of Thrones series. As a result, Dubrovnik has become a must-visit destination on the Adriatic Coast. The mass crowds and influx of tourists have made this city into a bit of a tourist trap (which is putting it mildly). If you’re visiting Croatia for the first time, don’t miss Dubrovnik. 

Number 9. Lopud

In addition to long sandy beaches, Croatia offers the wild sands of Nin near Zadar and the serene arc of Šunj on Lopud island. There are countless coves, bays, swimming shingles, diving rocks, and swimming shingles on the country’s long and fractured coast (nearly 6,000km). There are some beaches that can be reached by car. There are others that require a taxi boat or the agility of a mountain goat. There are nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine per year on sandy arcs like Pokonji Dol, which is framed by two shabby-chic beach bars. 

Number 8. Plitvice Lakes National Park 

Croatia has eight national parks covering terrain as diverse as Italy,  making the Adriatic a mecca for activities such as skiing, diving, and inter-island swimming. At Plitvice, waterfalls cascade through bucolic countryside, creating a sybaritic habitat for wolves, eagles, wildcats, and deer – as well as hikers and bikers. You can swim in the Krka river in Krka National Park, which is home to the Plitvice lakes.

Number 7. Kornati Islands 

Kornati Islands off the northern Dalmatian coast are a sailor’s paradise with crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and spectacular bays. One of Croatia’s most spectacular and unique natural parks, with 140 or so uninhabited islands, this is the densest archipelago in the Mediterranean. 

Number 6. Split 

Split is another popular city on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. As another gateway to the outlying islands, this city is large, busy, and has a lot to offer. In addition to its beaches, Split is known for its fortress-like center. This is the best time of year to visit due to the Mediterranean climate. 

Number 5. Motovun 

Croatia has unquestionable coastal charms, but inland, the scenic landscapes and hilltop medieval hamlets of Istria are reminiscent of vintage Tuscany. Among them is Motovun, a quaint walled town perched atop a hill above vineyards, truffle forests, and the 53-km-long Mirna River. 

Number 4. Pag 

For nine months of the year, Pag is as silent and magical as a desert. From late June to late August, Zre beach becomes a Croatian Ibiza: famous Zagreb nightclubs Aquarius,  Kalypso, Noa, and Papaya play music and beautiful people sip cocktails. At 4 pm, you’ll be on the beach stretching out before the action starts. 

Number 3. Rab

Rab is an island of sand in a land of shingles. On the Lopar peninsula in the north, there are many bays with fine enough sand for building castles. Rajska has shallow waters and a large number of gelaterias. You’ll prefer Livačina (cooler, livelier) around the bay, or Sahara (wilder, nuder, and only accessible on foot). 

Number 2. Korčula 

On the Lumbarda peninsula, everything you associate with Adriatic Coast holidays – sun glare, beaches, sapphire seas, crisp white wine – meets. This beach has blue shallows and biscuit-colored sand for 400 meters. Grk is an ancient grape that grows behind it. Free tastings of dry white in informal family vineyards: Bire and Zure are excellent. 

Number 1. Zagreb 

It’s always a good time to visit Croatia’s largest city – picturesque and festive in midwinter, sunny springs, mild autumns, and not-too-stifling summers. Its ‘horseshoe’ of nine parks often hosts food stands and music stages,  as well as cooling shade and leaping fountains during the summer months. What’s the best part? It’s the lack of crowds that makes Tkalieva Ulica, the gossipy strip of alfresco bars, so attractive.

Croatia is a coastal country in eastern Europe. Surrounded by the Adriatic Sea and the Bulgarian Sea to the north, Serbia in the south, and Hungary and Austria in the east. Croatia’s capital is Zagreb, and its largest city is Split. It’s known for its stunning beaches and region known as “The Heart of Croatia.”