Croatia is an excellent destination for beachgoers searching for sun and sea and travelers interested in culture, cuisine, and nature.
With over 1,000 kilometers of coastline extending from the Adriatic Sea to the Ionian Sea, many natural attractions and activities awair you on the islands in between these two seas.
Croatia is a popular tourist destination attracting millions of people each year. One of the reasons it’s such a popular vacation spot is that there are so many beaches.
Croats love to visit their shores but have no problem with others. The best beaches in Croatia are characterized by their natural beauty, clear waters, and small pebbles that create a fantastic contrast between the sand and the sea.
For its diverse landscape ranging from the flat Dalmatian coast to mountainous regions, Croatia also boasts plenty of natural attractions. We should also mention the beautiful architecture of its towns and cities.
So, what are the best spots to visit this year? We have prepared a list of 6 places we love the most and that shouldn’t be missed on any traveler’s list. Here we go.
1. Makarska
Makarska is one of the largest cities on the Adriatic Sea. It has a unique climate because it’s shielded by mountains and has beautiful beaches.
The beaches are ideal for tourism for their clear blue waters, excellent accommodation, and facilities. Many hotels and villas surround this city. There are also plenty of camping spots around it.
Some of the most popular activities at Makarska are surfing and diving, along with various sports like basketball, football, riding bicycles, sailing boats, and windsurfing.
Makarska simply has a lot to offer during summer. On the other hand, in winter, it can attract snowbirds searching for peacefulness.
2. Zadar
Zadar is another city in Dalmatia known as the cultural center of Dalmatia because of its many cultural and historical sites. In fact, its center was built in the 9th century.
The city’s architecture attracts plenty of tourists, as many historical and cultural monuments are listed on the UNESCO world heritage list. Another thing this city can boast of is its beautiful sunsets and many unique museums, churches, and galleries.
This coastal hideaway has also got wonderful pebbly beaches with clear waters. It is a popular destination for sailing and fishing and has many hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafes along the waterfront. Other activities you can engage in are kite surfing and windsurfing.
The sea here is gentler than the Mediterranean Sea, making it easier for swimming or boating, too.
3. Split
Well-known for its famous palace, Split is another beautiful city located along Croatia’s coast. It’s densely populated with many old buildings. It’s one of the most attractive destinations for tourists because of its unique culture, architecture, and entertainment.
Its architecture consists of ancient monuments listed on the UNESCO world heritage list. It also offers various museums, churches, and galleries that tourists can enjoy and numerous cafés and restaurants that provide excellent service.
There are also some wonderful beaches, most of which are within walking distance of the city center. They have a lot of activities to offer, including swimming, paddling, and a promenade along the shore where you can walk and enjoy an ice cream or a drink.
Traveling on a budget? Check out best hostels in Split.
4. Šibenik
Located on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, Šibenik is a city known mainly for its cuisine and hidden, unspoiled beaches.
The town has many restaurants (with Pelegrini restaurant being the most praised one) and hotels, which tourists can find at the seaside. There are also many cafés, bars, and pubs that you can go to for a drink or dinner.
Šibenik also has several museums with rich art collections as well as trendy galleries, such as the Gallery Juraj Dalmatinac. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of cultural events throughout the summertime.
Last but not least, its not-so-crowded beaches are another thing visitors love. It is ideal for snorkeling, swimming, diving, or sailing. Adventure enthusiasts will appreciate the possibility to canoe on River Cikola or bungee jumping from Šibenik Bridge.
5. Hvar
Hvar is a small island with a lot of character tucked away in the waters of the Adriatic Sea. It’s a trendy tourist spot known for its crystal-clear waters, archaeological sites, and seascape that attracts visitors worldwide.
This island is surrounded by historical monuments, marinas, and yacht clubs which serve as an essential part of the local economy. The island also provides a favorable habitat for many diverse species, including butterflies, birds, reptiles, deer, and hares. In early summer, the island gets covered in fragrant lavender.
There are numerous activities that await you along the coast of this island, such as surfing, swimming, and fishing. History lovers will have something to engage in as well, as the island is surrounded by historical monuments from the Roman Empire and remains from the Bronze Age.
6. Vis
Vis is another island that boasts a town that bears the same name. The island is covered in pine forests, natural pastures, and fertile lands. But the main specialty of Vis is the exquisite wine produced there – Plavac Mali and Vugava.
Also, it has many beaches with white sands and clear blue waters ideal for swimming, relaxation, snorkeling, or fishing. The beaches are surrounded by many high-end resorts and hotels where visitors can stay for several days or even the whole summer. There are also many marinas filled with yachts.
The town center of Vis is filled with beautiful old churches and buildings worth visiting. What’s more, Vis was one of the filming locations of Mamma Mia 2 where it pretended to be a Greek island. Well, no wonder this island might be the best spot to spend your vacation.
Conclusion
These were some of the best destinations you can go to for a relaxing holiday in Croatia. The seaside towns have many accommodation options and restaurants and bars where you can enjoy great food, swim, and sunbathe.
What’s more, you can enjoy them without any hassle because of the well-developed information systems. If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday at the beach, you can get information about the best beaches for every season, depending on what you want to do.
There are also a lot of activities and water sports you can engage in. In terms of entertainment and nightlife, different bars and restaurants offer great food, drinks, and fun activities.
The weather is an essential factor when choosing a holiday destination, and it is beautiful in Croatia in summer. See you there!