Best Places to Visit in Croatia: Islands, Hotspots and National Parks

Croatia does “easy travel” brilliantly. You can spend mornings in a UNESCO old town, swim in clear coves by afternoon, then swap heels for trainers for a vineyard walk or a gentle cycle the next day. It holds unlimited possibilities, endless charm, and effortless luxury. That's why Croatia constantly tops the "best travel destination" lists, as it's become a favourite for adventure travellers, cycling enthusiasts, luxury getaways, sailing holidays, and everything in between.

Quick Croatia Travel Picks for 2026:

• For relaxed island time: Mljet, Korčula, the Elaphiti Islands.
• For captivating cities and culture: Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb
• For nature days: Plitvice Lakes, Krka, Mljet National Park.
• For iconic islands: Hvar, Korčula

If you’re searching for the best places to visit in Croatia, Croatian islands not to miss, or Croatia summer travel ideas, these are the spots that consistently deliver.

Croatia hotspots in 2026: cities and coastal classics

Dubrovnik Old Town

Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, is iconic for a reason. The stone streets and sea views are superb, and the old town feels like a storybook. Here you have ancient architecture with modern Croatian cuisine and famous filming locations to stumble upon from Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and more. But the trick is timing: explore early or later in the day for a calmer experience and a more relaxed, luxury-style pace.

Split and Diocletian’s Palace

Split is one of Croatia’s best “base cities” because it gives you history, dining, and waterfront atmosphere in a small, walkable area. It’s easy to spend a few hours inside ancient lanes, then be back on the promenade for dinner. There's a large port that has regular ferries to the Dalmatian islands as well, making it easy to fit in some of it's most famous island hotspots.

Trogir

Trogir is compact, charming, and easy to love. Nicknamed "Venice of Croatia" it’s perfect if you want a beautiful old town that feels polished and unhurried, without the scale and intensity of the bigger coastal centres. Trogir is also close to Split, so it can be a better pick than busier Split, especially in peak summer.

Zadar

Zadar is a smart pick for travellers who want coastal Croatia with a calmer edge. It’s relaxed, easy to wander, and great for sunset walks, with plenty of good dining without the constant sense of being in a tourist queue. Less busy than Split, it has equal amounts of history and charm to discover.

Pula and Istria

Pula is a strong option if your Croatia plans lean towards northern coastlines and a more Italian-leaning food scene. The wider Istrian peninsula works well for scenic drives, long lunches, and cultural stops that feel a bit more local. It's a culinary heaven for food lovers, famous for the Istrian truffle in the region.

Zagreb

Zagreb is worth adding if you like cities with substance rather than beach-only travel. It’s café culture, museums, and relaxed neighbourhood walks, which makes it a great “balance” to the coastal buzz, especially if you are travelling in summer. In summer, there are plenty of cultural and arts festivals to discover, while also diving into the more create fusion food scene of this city.

Croatian islands to visit in 2026

Hvar (including Stari Grad)

Hvar has a glamorous reputation, but it’s at its best when you lean into the slower side: vineyard country, coastal trails, and long lunches with sea views. Stari Grad is a favourite base for a calmer, more grown-up feel with history baked into the streets. Hvar town is bustling with energy in summer, and though it's somewhat crowded, you'll be able to find the best island cuisine and cocktails in all of Dalmatia there.

Pakleni Islands

Just off Hvar, the Pakleni Islands are made for swimming days and unhurried afternoons. Think sheltered bays, unbelievably clear water, and that rare feeling of being “away from it” even in high summer. It's a great place to anchor for an afternoon of swimming and snorkelling if you're on a yacht holiday.

Šolta

Šolta wrestles with Hvar for being the "sunniest island in the Adriatic", and is the antidote to over-planned travel. It’s quiet, scenic, and ideal for a swim stop and a relaxed evening in a traditional konoba, where the menu is simple and the setting does the heavy lifting. Grab local figs and honey before you leave!

Korčula

Korčula offers that sweet spot between charm and comfort. The old town is beautifully walkable, and the island’s vineyards and beaches make it easy to mix culture, food, and outdoors without rushing. Some refer to it as "little Dubrovnik" because of its similar fantastical architecture, but Korčula has its own uniqueness to admire.

Mljet (Mljet National Park)

Mljet is the island you choose when you want your Croatia to feel greener and calmer. With pine forests and saltwater lakes, it’s perfect for gentle cycling, easy hikes, and kayaking in scenery that genuinely slows you down. Almost 3/4 of the island is protected, so you'll get to experience the Adriatic's largest reef and natural beauty without crowds or industrial developement.

Elaphiti Islands

Close to Dubrovnik, the Elaphiti Islands are ideal for low-effort beauty. You get peaceful villages, easy swims, and a softer pace that suits couples and friends who want to unwind without losing that island-hopping feel. Don't miss out on the exceptional sunsets from port towns in these islands.

Šćedro

Šćedro feels wonderfully removed, with a quiet, natural character that’s hard to find on the mainland in peak season. It’s the sort of place that stays in your memory because it is simple, peaceful, and reached by sea. It's a place to truly disconnect, experience Croatian island life, or spend a night under the stars on a yacht.

Croatia national parks and nature days for 2026

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice is Croatia’s headline nature experience for many travellers. The lakes are famously vivid and the boardwalk trails are beautiful, making it a proper full-day outing that feels different to the coast. It's busy in summer, so make sure you plan ahead.

Krka National Park

Krka is a brilliant choice for a nature day that fits neatly into a coastal itinerary. It’s popular for good reason: waterfalls, walkable routes, and an easy escape from the heat when you want a change from towns and beaches. Just a 45 min bus or car ride from Split, this is an easy national park to squeeze in before or after a tour of the Croatian islands or a road trip.

Mljet National Park (yes, it belongs here too)

Mljet is one of the rare places that works for both island-hopping and national-park scenery. If you want nature without sacrificing comfort and convenience, this is one of Croatia’s easiest wins.

A simple way to plan your Croatia Travels (without hassle)

A classic approach is to pair a city or two with island time, then add one “big” nature day. For example: Split plus nearby islands, then Korčula and Mljet, finishing with Dubrovnik and the Elaphiti Islands, with Krka or Plitvice slotted in where it makes sense for your route.

If you want to tick off Croatia’s best islands, coastal hotspots, and nature days in one well-paced trip, the easiest way is to choose a route that strings them together logically. If that sounds like your kind of travel, have a look at Yacht Getaways’ Croatia Cruises and pick the itinerary that matches your dates and preferred start point!

FAQ: Croatia travel questions for 2026

When is the best time to visit Croatia in 2026?

Late May to June and September are ideal for warm weather with fewer crowds. July and August are hottest and busiest.

Is Croatia crowded in summer?

Yes, especially in Dubrovnik and Split in July and August. Start early, book key activities ahead, and consider the shoulder season if you prefer quieter travel.

How many days do you need in Croatia?

Seven days works for one coastal region plus a few islands. Ten to fourteen days is better if you want both national parks and a city like Zagreb.

Which Croatian islands are best for a relaxed, luxury-style trip?

Mljet and the Elaphiti Islands are excellent for a slower pace. Korčula is a great mix of charm, comfort, and easy day trips.

Hvar or Korčula: which is better?

Hvar is best for variety, vineyards, and scenery across the island. Korčula is best if you want a compact old town base with a romantic, easy-going feel.

Is Mljet worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature, walking, cycling, and calm swims. It’s one of Croatia’s most peaceful islands.

Krka or Plitvice: which should I choose?

Plitvice is the bigger “wow” landscape for many travellers. Krka is often more convenient from the coast and a short journey from Split, so it can be easier to fit into a summer itinerary.

Is Croatia good for cycling holidays?

Yes, particularly on islands and in national park-style landscapes where the scenery is the point. Mljet is especially suited to gentle cycling days, but there are plenty of Croatia cycling tour options out there.

Do I need to book ferries in Croatia in advance?

In peak summer, yes for popular routes and fixed dates. If you prefer flexibility, travel earlier or later in the season.

What is the best base for first-time visitors to Croatia?

Split is a strong all-round base for islands and day trips. Dubrovnik is unbeatable for scenery and historic atmosphere.