14 things to see and do in Croatia

With its glittering coastline, architectural treasures and cosmopolitan cities, this Balkans beauty offers endless possibilities for exploring.

Bordering the aquamarine Adriatic and ideal for sailing, cruising or a land-based holiday, Croatia is glorious in summer, but May, September and October are also idyllic – and still balmy enough to dine al fresco. Croatia has ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Diocletian’s Palace in Split, one of the best examples of Roman architecture in the world.

The historic city of Dubrovnik is a delight to experience, with with its distinctive, red-tiled roofs, medieval city walls, palaces and white marble-paved squares. The town comes to life as the sun goes down, particularly during the month-long Summer Festival of arts, including music and theatre.

Lord Byron was not overstating the matter when he proclaimed Dubrovnik ‘The pearl of the Adriatic,’ and in 1979 the city of Dubrovnik joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Although medieval Dubrovnik was badly damaged in an earthquake in 1667, much of the original architecture remains, including a pharmacy dating back to 1317, one of the oldest in Europe.

Perhaps the best way to get a feel for the city is with a cable car ride up to Mount Srd, for astonishing views.

Fans of HBO/Sky Atlantic's Game of Thrones will recognise Dubrovnik as King's Landing, the seat of power in Westeros and home to the Iron Throne itself, and there are plenty of options when it comes to tours of some of the most recognisable locations, and some, including the Game of Thrones Walking Tour, are included in the price of the Dubrovnik Card.

Dotted with more than a thousand islands and scalloped by bays and shingle coves, Croatia’s coastline is ideal for exploring by small ship or island-hopping by catamaran. You can appreciate just how crystal clear the turquoise waters of the Adriatic really are. It’s no wonder that the sea around Croatia was the favourite haunt of Jacques Cousteau, as it is today for many underwater explorers.

The Dalmatian Coast is reminiscent of the Italian cafe culture, with a slow pace of life and afternoon siestas, so don’t expect anything to happen in a hurry here. If this sounds like your kind of holiday, then there is a wide range of small ship cruises taking in the sights of the Dalmatian Coast, including the picturesque fishing village of Hvar and Brac.

Among the many highlights of the region is beautiful Korcula, the sixth largest of Croatia’s islands, which is densely forested but features Korcula Town, where medieval squares, churches and palaces invite you to explore further. Of course, historic Split is also a must: crowned by the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, it offers a fantastic blend of old and new, as houses, shops and restaurants have emerged from the Roman architecture.

Murvica, a fishing village on the island of Brac, is a gem, offering sublime aquamarine waters, a white shingle beach and palm trees for shade. Hvar is well-loved for its dizzying array of lavender fields (at their peak in June and July) and unspoilt island Mljet, which is shrouded in forest and has two saltwater lakes, is a haven for wildlife.

The unique charm of cruising by small ship is how much closer you can get to lesser-known stretches of the coast. The Captain and small crew take great pride in their vessels and love to show their passengers the very best of their country. They’ll meander between untouched islets, pause at great spots where you can enjoy a little swimming, serve cuisine created from fresh local ingredients – accompanied by local wines, of course – and as you’ll share your voyage with a small group of fellow guests, you can expect an intimate and sociable atmosphere on board.

The Makarska Riviera is one of the most famous and picturesque tourist locations along the Croatian coast with countless sandy beaches, pine tree forests, sparkling waters and peaceful bays.

The area is also well-known for Biokovo Mountain which overlooks the coastal area. Makarska is the centre of the Makarska Riviera and has a rich cultural and historical heritage. The city is noted for its palm-fringed promenade where fashionable cafés, bars and boutiques overlook the charming harbour.

The Makarska Riviera includes the island of Vis, setting for the Mamma Mia! sequel, where a trip to the incredibly photogenic Stiniva beach is a delight.

Strolling through ancient Split reveals centuries of history, from the 3rd-century Diocletian’s Palace- one of the best examples of Roman architecture in the world, to the Cathedral of St Domnius. Originally the Emperor Diocletian’s mausoleum, it houses a granite sphinx that was brought back from Egypt by the emperor.

Admire the Golden and Silver Gates and Jupiter’s Temple, once a Roman temple and now a baptistery to St John – it too has a guardian sphinx, albeit a headless one!

Then enjoy a visit to the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments, which houses a collection of medieval stone monuments, as well as various weapons, tools, jewellery and coins.

Alternatively, seek out ancient Salona; once the third largest city in the Roman Empire, it boasts incredible Roman archaeological sites. Also worth a visit are the ancient walled city of Zadar, and Pula, known for its well-preserved amphitheatre.

Istria's natural beauty, stunning shoreline and continental climate are perfect for a sophisticated holiday. Surrounded on two sides by the sea and a short hop across the Northern Adriatic from Venice, Istria is heavily influenced by its Italian neighbours, yet retains its own distinct sense of identity.

Emerald-blue waters and secluded pebble shores sit effortlessly beside historic cities and natural wonders. Further inland, romantic hill-top towns rich in culture and hospitality warmly embrace visitors with home-cooked cuisine - offering rustic retreats ideal for rest and relaxation.

Rovinj, a city on the western coast, is criss-crossed by enticing winding alleys and narrow paved staircases. The old town of this pretty fishing port was once an island; today it is watched over by the baroque hilltop Church of St. Euphemia and it boasts two harbours, perfect for watching the industrious fishing boats come and go.

Out in the bay lies the island of St Catherine, ideal for catching a boat over to and enjoying a peaceful picnic.

Sveti Lovrec is a remote village in the heart of Istria and close to Porec and Rovinj. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the current layout of the town dates back to the construction of the church of Sveti Martin in the 8th century. There are a few shops and restaurants in the vicinity and the village makes a great base from where to explore this fascinating area of Istria.

Also situated on Istria’s west coast, reminders of Pula’s 3000-year old history will greet you at every turn. Its majestic amphitheatre, once the site of bloody gladiatorial fights is still in use by the local people, usually for music festivals. The reconstructed Temple of Augustus is dedicated to the goddess Roma and Emperor Augustus.

Alternatively, you could discover some of the city’s parks – many of which date back to the Austro-Hungarian period.

In Dubrovnik you can visit the Franciscan Monastery and Cloister, which dates from 1317. The collonaded cloister garden is a world away from the busy main street, a place of contemplation and tranquillity.

It has a wide central walk with stone benches and an ornamental well at one end. Master sculptor Mihoje Brajkov created elegant Romanesque twin columns with capitals carved with plant and animal motifs here. Then, in 1435, he added a pierced stone balustrade with fantastical carved monsters.

The original plants were oranges, laurels and vegetables, but in the 19th century, palms and flowering shrubs including crêpe myrtle replaced them.

At first glance the wide steps leading down to the sea in the coastal city of Zadar just look like a place to soak up some sun, and perhaps dangle your feet into the waves.

However, underneath the concrete, descending down into the sea, there’s a series of pipes that are ‘played’ by the motion of the waves to create a haunting melody. Together with the Sun Salutation, a circle of solar panels set into the floor nearby that light up at night, it makes for a surreal evening of very interesting sights and sounds.

And if you needed something more to tempt you, it was also here that Alfred Hitchcock proclaimed the sunset to be the most beautiful in the world!

Established in 1985, Croatia’s Krka National Park is of astounding natural beauty.

Skradinski buk and Roski slap are the two main waterfalls in the park, the first with a drop of 46m. There are also several archaeological remains of unpreserved fortresses in the park’s vicinity dating back as far as the Roman times.

Krka National Park, which is also home to Visovac Island, the site of a Franciscan monastery. Protected by a ring of cypress trees, parts of the monastery date back to the 14th century.

Explore the spectacular waterfalls on a full-day optional excursion on Saga’s highly commended tour, Adriatic Coastal Explorer.

Located in pretty Sibenik’s old town, and blending Gothic and Venetian Renaissance styles of architecture, the UNESCO-protected Cathedral of St James is a fascinating example of the way architecture evolved in the hundred-odd years it took to build, between 1431 and 1535.

Made entirely of stone quarried from the neighbouring island of Brac, it features an interesting frieze on the exterior wall of over 70 faces, sculpted with varying expressions.

There’s no better way to get close to the picturesque coastal villages and dramatic scenery of Makarska than following the coastal paths connecting Makarska with Brela and Tucepi on foot.

From the village of Simici in the Makarska Riviera you can follow the path to Gornja (Upper) Podgora, located at the foot of the Biokovo Mountain.

In 1962 a massive earthquake devastated this village, leaving behind the ruins of churches and a large keep. Following the earthquake, almost the entire population of Gornja Podgora moved to the coast, creating the port and resort of Podgora as it is today.

Overlooking the port you can see a monument known as the ‘Wings of a Seagull’ built in remembrance of the partisan navy formed here during World War II. From Podgora you can then make your way to the seaside resort of Tucepi, four kilometres south-east of Makarska, via the beautiful Osejava peninsula nature park.

While you're in Croatia it’s also worth visiting Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, just three hours from Dubrovnik. The town’s Old Bridge, Stari Most, which stood across the River Neretva for 427 years until it was destroyed during the Balkans war in 1993, was rebuilt in 2004 and is now a powerful symbol of reconciliation and peace.

Set in woods populated by bears, wolves and rare birds, the crystal-clear Plitvice Lakes are formed by natural dams and connected by cascading waterfalls. The 16 lakes are located halfway between the Croatian capital Zagreb and pretty Zadar on the Dalmatian coast and are accessed by walkways and hiking trails.

Renowned for its vineyards, the lush, heart-shaped peninsula of Istria is a must for foodies. Artisanal delicacies include honey, truffles and olive oil; visit the wineries and sample the region’s most famous wine, Malvasia Istriana. Sophisticated Zagreb has chic cafés and nightlife; but for fresh fruit and street food head for Dolac farmer’s market. Sample melt-in-the-mouth štrukli (baked filo dough and cottage cheese) and maybe enjoy a glass of the Croatian national drink, a herbal rakija, with dried figs.

The beautiful island of Korcula, famed for pine forests and hidden coves, is the place to sample traditional Croatian food including makaruni (homemade pasta), black risotto and pašticada (braised beef), plus of course, fabulous fresh seafood.

Discover the beautiful country of Croatia for yourself. Find out more about our holidays to Croatia.