Discover the 20 best things to do in Croatia in 2025 – from waterfalls and Roman ruins to island escapes and hidden towns. Plan your ultimate adventure.
From fairy-tale waterfalls and Roman palaces to secret islands and medieval towns, Croatia in 2025 is more exciting than ever. With upgraded infrastructure, better connections, and a growing slow-travel scene, there’s never been a better time to dive into this Adriatic gem. Whether you’re here for a summer road trip, a spring hiking holiday, or a September island-hop, this guide offers the 20 absolute best things to do in Croatia – tailored for travelers who crave authentic experiences, natural beauty, and cultural depth.
Explore the Dreamlike Plitvice Lakes National Park
With 16 cascading lakes connected by a network of tumbling waterfalls, Plitvice Lakes is Croatia’s most iconic natural wonder. Walking the wooden boardwalks is like stepping into another world – lush, green, and echoing with the roar of water. The colors shift with the seasons, from electric green in spring to golden amber in autumn. The park is divided into Upper and Lower Lakes, each with distinct character and viewpoints. You can spend a whole day exploring on foot or by boat. Don’t forget your camera – it’s a photographer’s paradise.
Roam Through Diocletian’s Palace in Split
Built in the 4th century by Roman Emperor Diocletian, this palace is not just a ruin – it’s the bustling heart of modern-day Split. Cafés sit tucked into Roman columns, while cellars house art galleries and boutiques. The palace is a living museum where history and modern life collide. At night, the peristyle comes alive with live music, locals sipping cocktails, and the hum of evening conversation. Be sure to climb the bell tower of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius for panoramic city views.
See the Sunset from the Pula Amphitheatre
Still standing proud after 2,000 years, the Pula Arena is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. Once the stage for gladiator battles, it now hosts film festivals, operas, and concerts. Its perfect ellipse shape and underground chambers add a theatrical touch to any visit. The stone takes on a golden hue at sunset, making it ideal for photographers. The small museum inside offers insight into Roman entertainment and local life in ancient times.
Walk the Walls of Dubrovnik
The City Walls of Dubrovnik wrap around the Old Town like a stone ribbon, offering unbeatable views of red roofs, limestone lanes, and the shimmering Adriatic. The walk takes about two hours, but every turn offers a new perspective – secret courtyards, churches, and the sparkling sea. There are plenty of shaded spots to rest, so take your time. Don’t miss the hidden cafes and tiny art galleries just below the walls. For the best light, aim to walk early morning or just before sunset.
Visit the Waterfall Paradise of Krka National Park
Often overshadowed by Plitvice, Krka has its own charm with accessible walkways and dramatic waterfalls. Skradinski Buk is the showstopper, but Roški Slap and the Krka Monastery offer tranquil alternatives. Take a boat ride to Visovac Island, home to a centuries-old Franciscan monastery floating on a glassy lake. You can swim near the lower waterfalls in designated areas. The surrounding area is full of rustic konobas serving local dishes like peka.
Take a Road Trip Through Istria’s Hilltop Towns
Istria’s rolling hills are dotted with medieval towns that feel untouched by time. Start in Motovun, famous for its truffles and film festival, then continue to Grožnjan, a bohemian haven filled with music and art. Oprtalj and Buzet offer views stretching all the way to Slovenia on clear days. Roads are quiet and scenic, perfect for slow travel. Local wineries offer tastings of Malvasia and Teran, often paired with homemade cheese and olive oil.
Island-Hop the Pakleni Islands
A short boat ride from Hvar Town, the Pakleni Islands are a sun-drenched chain perfect for exploring by kayak or taxi-boat. Jerolim and Stipanska are known for their beach bars and naturist beaches. Anchor in a hidden cove and enjoy snorkelling in crystal-clear water. You can also book a private skipper for a day of relaxed sailing. Pack a picnic and spend the day hopping from beach to beach.
Soak in the Sophistication of Hvar Old Town
Marble streets, Venetian palaces, and vibrant nightlife make Hvar Town a favourite among jet-setters and backpackers alike. The main square buzzes day and night, lined with cafes and local boutiques. Visit the 16th-century Arsenal, now an art gallery, or the Franciscan Monastery with its peaceful cloister. For sunset, head up to Fortica Fortress for a bird’s-eye view of the harbour. By night, the town transforms into one of the liveliest spots on the Adriatic.
Get Lost in Rovinj’s Romantic Old Town
This postcard-perfect town spills into the sea, with pastel houses rising above cobbled lanes. Rovinj is a place to wander without a map – every twist leads to a new view. Climb to the Church of St. Euphemia for sweeping vistas of the archipelago. Art galleries, wine bars, and seafood restaurants dot the streets. Don’t miss the farmers market at the foot of the old town for local honey, figs, and lavender products.
Visit Croatia’s Oldest Lighthouse – Savudrija
Just outside Umag, the Savudrija Lighthouse has guided ships since 1818. It stands 36 meters tall and is still operational today. Surrounded by rocky beaches and pine forests, it’s perfect for a coastal picnic or bike ride. In summer, you can swim in the clear waters nearby. According to legend, the lighthouse was built by a nobleman in memory of a forbidden love.
Fall in love with Hum – The Smallest Town in the World
With just a couple dozen residents, Hum holds the title of the world’s smallest town. Stone houses line a single cobbled street, ending at a Romanesque church. The town is steeped in Glagolitic heritage, with monuments to the ancient Slavic alphabet. Try biska, a mistletoe brandy made using a centuries-old recipe. Each June, Hum hosts a celebration of Istrian culture with music, food, and traditional crafts.
Bike and Swim at Cape Kamenjak
Located at Istria’s southern tip, Cape Kamenjak is a rugged peninsula with wild beaches and rocky cliffs. Rent a bike in Premantura and follow dusty trails to hidden coves. Stop for a swim in turquoise waters, or a drink at the laid-back Safari Bar hidden in the forest. Look out for rare orchids and dinosaur footprints along the trail. Early morning is best for wildlife spotting and cooler rides.
Explore Brijuni National Park
Once Tito’s private paradise, the Brijuni Islands are now a national park open to the public. The main island features Roman ruins, a safari park with exotic animals, and carefully preserved Mediterranean gardens. A tourist train takes visitors around the island, but cycling offers more freedom. The museum tells stories of past visitors including world leaders and celebrities. Pack a swimsuit for a dip in the park’s quiet coves.
Swim at Zlatni Rat Beach on Brač Island
Zlatni Rat, or the Golden Horn, is a striking V-shaped beach near Bol. Its shape shifts with the wind and currents, making it a dynamic natural wonder. The beach is lined with pine trees offering shade and snack stands. Windsurfers flock here for the afternoon maestral wind. Nearby, the town of Bol has charming cafes and a waterfront promenade. Hike up Vidova Gora for a panoramic view of the beach from above.
Step Back in Time in Trogir
Connected to the mainland by a short bridge, Trogir is a maze of narrow alleys, stone buildings, and Romanesque churches. The Cathedral of St. Lawrence, with its intricately carved portal, is a highlight. The waterfront promenade is ideal for an evening stroll, especially when local musicians fill the air with music. Trogir’s old-world charm is balanced by lively cafes and art shops. It’s a peaceful alternative to nearby Split.
Swim into Odyssey’s Cave on Mljet
According to legend, Odysseus was shipwrecked and held here by the nymph Calypso. Today, the cave is accessible by swimming or kayaking from nearby Saplunara Beach. The cave is open-roofed, with deep blue waters glowing under the sun. Mljet itself is one of Croatia’s greenest islands, with a national park covering its western half. Don’t miss the twin saltwater lakes and the island monastery on Veliko Jezero.
Time Travel in Rab Old Town
Rab is a medieval gem with four iconic bell towers rising above its old town. Narrow streets open into stone squares lined with cafes and galleries. The town is lively in summer with concerts, festivals, and artisan fairs. Its beaches are some of the best in Croatia, with both sandy and pebbly options. Rab cake, a local almond-based delicacy, is a sweet souvenir to take home.
Explore the Lunar Island of Pag
Pag is known for its stark, moonlike landscape and strong cultural identity. Drive across the bridge into a world of salt pans, stone walls, and sparse vegetation. Visit the town of Pag for its lace-making tradition and delicious Paški sir (Pag cheese). Zrće Beach near Novalja is Croatia’s top party spot, with clubs hosting world-famous DJs. Inland, explore quiet villages and olive groves where time seems to stand still.
Trek to the Blue Lake of Imotski
Nestled in a deep karst sinkhole, the Blue Lake is a surreal natural formation that changes color with the season. A steep path leads down to the lake for swimming in summer. When water levels drop in late summer, locals even play football on the dry lakebed. Nearby Red Lake is deeper and more mysterious, ideal for adventurous hikes. The nearby town of Imotski has a charming stone square and a growing wine scene.
Fall in Love with Zagreb
Croatia’s capital is a cultural hub with a relaxed, almost Central European feel. Stroll through the Upper Town for panoramic views, gas-lit lanterns, and the famous Lotrščak Tower cannon. The Lower Town offers museums, parks, and some of the country’s best cafes. Zagreb’s street art and quirky museums – like the Museum of Broken Relationships – add creative flair. Visit in Advent season for one of Europe’s best Christmas markets.
Why Visit Croatia in 2025?
In 2025, Croatia continues to shine as a top-tier travel destination. Roads are improving, lesser-known gems are more accessible, and sustainability efforts are enhancing the visitor experience. Whether you’re hiking a coastal trail, tasting wine in a hilltop village, or diving into a sea cave, this country rewards explorers at every turn. So rent that car, book that ferry, lace up those hiking boots – and get ready to fall in love with Croatia, one stop at a time.
