\n
<\/p>\n
<\/noscript><\/p>\nWhile Croatia is a favorite summertime destination within Europe, it\u2019s highly underrated on the international scene.<\/strong><\/p>\nFor many years, it was ignored in favor of Spain, France, Italy, and the other major draws of Western Europe \u2014 or so it was until Game of Thrones<\/em>!<\/p>\nSince then, people around the world have had the opportunity to see the countless wonders of this magical place along the shores of the Adriatic Sea.<\/p>\n
From nature scapes to foodie delights to romantic castles, Croatia is a patchwork of all of my favorite things in the world.<\/em><\/p>\nDubrovnik is definitely a must-see, but there is so much more to Croatia! To truly dig into the unique local culture and see the diversity of the people in this magical county, keep on traveling!<\/p>\n
For the best of this Eastern European gem, here are 10 places to visit in Croatia (that aren\u2019t Dubrovnik).<\/h4>\n <\/p>\n
<\/noscript><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/noscript><\/p>\nPlanning Tip<\/h2>\n Forget deciding between a winter or summer excursion! In Croatia, the year is divided into high season, low season, and shoulder season.<\/p>\n
To find your perfect time, choose your adventure.\u00a0 Want a city break? A beach getaway? A spa retreat?<\/em><\/p>\nGrab my guide to the Best Time to Go to Croatia to decide on your perfect moment.<\/h4>\n <\/noscript>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/noscript>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
Pula<\/h2>\n Just south of Italy you will find the ultimate gourmet getaway: the oh-so-delicious region of Istria is a foodie wonderland.<\/strong><\/p>\nI ate and drank my way from top to bottom and I\u2019ve been dreaming about it ever since. As much as I love Italian food, Istria holds its own amongst the greatest culinary districts in the world.<\/p>\n
In the heart of it all, you\u2019ll find Pula.<\/h4>\n As the biggest city in Istria, this is a prime base for exploring the wider region. It has a fascinating blend of Roman, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian influences that you can see and feel through the city.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/noscript><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/noscript><\/p>\nSplit<\/h2>\n This vibrant city in Dalmatia (yes, that\u2019s where those cute spotted pups got their name!) is a beach lover\u2019s dream.<\/strong><\/p>\nSoak in the sun then go explore one of the world\u2019s most impressive Roman monuments at the Unesco World Heritage Site of Diocletian\u2019s Palace.<\/p>\n
Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and is a must-see. Famous for its ancient city center, the beautiful architecture here will take your breath away.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/noscript>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n
Zagreb<\/h2>\n Croatia\u2019s capital city has long been a transport hub where the Mediterranean region meets Central and Southeastern Europe.<\/p>\n
Wander the old town and take in the fascinating history of this historically crucial trading point.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe best thing about visiting the capital? Zagreb has beautiful spaces on par with Prague, Vienna, or Budapest but without any of the overcrowded tourist traps.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/noscript>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n
Krka<\/h2>\n A scene straight out of a fairy tale, visiting Krka National Park is the perfect retreat.<\/strong><\/p>\nWalk amongst the hundreds of waterfalls pouring into emerald green pools and take in the incredible biodiversity here. Bring your camera and walking shoes then make an afternoon of it.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/noscript>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n
Zadar<\/h2>\n This was a key city during ancient, medieval, and Renaissance times. The diverse range of people who have called Zadar home has left a rich cultural heritage.<\/p>\n
For nature lovers, the hidden bays and diverse wildlife mean that there are plenty of great day trips to be had here.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/noscript>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/noscript>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
Hvar<\/h2>\n Choose your adventure on this Adriatic Sea island. Explore the 13th-century walls surrounding the port town and learn about the history of the Renaissance-era Hvar Cathedral\u2014or party until dawn at one of the countless hotspots here!<\/p>\n
Hvar was one of the stops on The Yacht Week Croatia and we had a once-in-a-lifetime party experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/noscript>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n
Rovinj<\/h2>\n On the western coast of the Istrian peninsula, you\u2019ll find the charming cobbled streets of this fishing port.<\/strong><\/p>\nOne of the best (and most budget-friendly!) honeymoon destinations in the world, this romantic getaway will steal your heart.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/noscript>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n
Korcula<\/h2>\n Just off the Dalmatian coast, you\u2019ll find this island of thick forests, famous vineyards, and lines of olive groves.<\/p>\n
Taste your way around the many farm-to-table restaurants.<\/h4>\n Wander around the best-preserved medieval city center of the Adriatic. Lie on the beach and watch the world go by. Let the day guide you and plan plenty of time to explore.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/noscript><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/noscript><\/p>\nBonus<\/h2>\n Explore the Istria region as a whole! You could easily spend a week just sampling the fresh gnocchi, famous prosciutto, and feasting on the catch of the day.<\/p>\n
People come from all over the globe to sample the locally produced sweet wines and trek the dense forest to find those world-class truffles.<\/p>\n
Explore the best of the best in my Istria Complete Guide.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/noscript><\/p>\nLiterally can\u2019t pull yourself from the sea? Here are the sailing destinations in Croatia that you\u2019re going to love!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n