Croatia Highlights
Adriatic islands, medieval walled cities and Plitvice's turquoise lakes
Croatia is one of Europe's most beautiful and diverse destinations — Dubrovnik's UNESCO walled city, Split's Roman Diocletian's Palace, the turquoise lakes of Plitvice, the lavender fields and nightlife of Hvar, and hundreds of Adriatic islands make it one of the Mediterranean's most rewarding countries.
Top Croatia Highlights to Visit
Handpicked destinations for the ultimate croatia highlights experience
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Sixteen turquoise lakes connected by waterfalls — Croatia's most spectacular natural wonder
Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia's most visited attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a system of 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls, set in a forested canyon in the Dinaric Alps. The lakes range in colour from azure to green to grey depending on the minerals, organisms, and light, and the wooden boardwalks that wind between and above the waterfalls make it one of the most beautiful walks in Europe. The park covers 300 square kilometres and is home to bears, wolves, and lynx.
Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Site — 16 turquoise lakes connected by waterfalls
- Wooden boardwalks above and between the falls
- The Great Waterfall (Veliki Slap) — Croatia's highest at 78 metres
- Bears, wolves, and lynx in the surrounding forest
- The extraordinary colour range of the lakes — azure, green, and grey
Things to Do
- Walk the lower lakes boardwalk
- Take the boat across the main lake
- Hike the upper lakes trail
- Photograph the Great Waterfall
- Spot wildlife in the surrounding forest
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
April–June and September–October; avoid July–August crowds
Recommended Duration
Full day
Typical Cost
Entry from €10 (off-peak) to €40 (peak season)
Travel Tips
- ·Book tickets online in advance — the park has daily visitor caps
- ·Arrive at opening time (7am) to beat the crowds
- ·Wear waterproof shoes — the boardwalks can be wet
- ·Combine with Zadar (2 hours) or Split (3 hours)
Nearby Attractions
Split & Diocletian's Palace
A Roman emperor's retirement palace that became a city
Split is Croatia's second city and one of the Mediterranean's most extraordinary urban experiences — a living city built within the walls of a 4th-century Roman emperor's retirement palace. Diocletian's Palace, begun around 295 AD, covers 30,000 square metres and its walls, towers, and gates are still intact. Within the palace walls, 3,000 people live and work in apartments, restaurants, and shops built into the ancient Roman structures. The Peristyle (the palace's ceremonial courtyard), the Cathedral of Saint Domnius (built in Diocletian's mausoleum), and the Golden Gate are the highlights.
Highlights
- A living city within a 4th-century Roman palace
- The Peristyle — the palace's ceremonial courtyard
- The Cathedral of Saint Domnius — built in Diocletian's mausoleum
- 3,000 people living within the ancient walls
- The starting point for Dalmatian island-hopping
Things to Do
- Explore the palace cellars
- Climb the Cathedral bell tower
- Walk the Riva promenade
- Take a ferry to Hvar or Brač
- Eat at a restaurant in the palace walls
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
April–June and September–October
Recommended Duration
1–2 days
Typical Cost
Free to explore; Cathedral from €5
Travel Tips
- ·Fly direct from London to Split (2.5 hours)
- ·Stay inside or near the palace walls
- ·The palace is best explored in the early morning before tour groups arrive
- ·Combine with Dubrovnik (3 hours by bus) and island-hopping
Nearby Attractions
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