9 Most Breathtaking Towns In Croatia
Croatia is a fabled Adriatic land of exceptional beauty, so much so that it became one of the main filming locations of the hugely popular Game of Thrones. So, if this unmissable destination is not at the top of your travel bucket list yet, it should be. Start exploring in Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, to immerse yourself in the town’s long history while you look out across the medieval walls to the sea. Or wander along the harbor of romantic Rovinj to see the pastel houses and winding alleys that seem to tumble straight into the tranquil turquoise sea. Throughout these and other breathtaking towns, you will also find coastal coves, misty hills, ancient island ports, and incredible natural wonders. Keep reading to discover why Croatia is the stuff of legends when it comes to Mediterranean travel.
Dubrovnik
If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you will want to do a lot more than just admire the views when you get to Dubrovnik. This is quite a large town with just over 40,000 inhabitants, and also a town where you can walk the walls entirely around it. As you make your way across the walls, you will have a great view of the famous terracotta roofs below and the sea in the near distance. You can also see the renowned and stunning Dubrovnik Cathedral from the walls. Getting back to Game of Thrones, you can visit some of the locations that depict King’s Landing (capital of the Seven Kingdoms). The walk of shame scene was filmed at the Jesuit Staircase near Gundulić Square. The city walls themselves form the backdrop of the King’s Landing forts. And, Fort Lovrijenac represents the exterior of the Red Keep. If you want to see all the filming spots, you can sign up for a guided two-hour tour, during which you can also see some of the sights that make Dubrovnik a breathtaking town. At the end of an exciting day, take the local cable car to the top of Mount Srd to watch the sun set over the sea.
Grožnjan
The medieval town of Grožnjan, or the City of Artists, sits on a hilltop overlooking the Mirna River. As its nickname suggests, this beautiful place draws artists from all over Istria and features more than twenty independent art galleries and studios. After viewing some of the striking art pieces and handmade souvenirs at Galerija Studio PI and Gallery Fonticus, you can take a stroll down the streets of the Old Town, taking in the historic buildings. Afterwards, head to one of the nearby local vineyards, such as Kabola Winery, for a tasting and tour. Back in town, you can grab a delicious lunch at Mama Maria while enjoying the views. And, if you want to do something active while taking in the views, head to the Parenzana biking and walking path. The path was once an old railroad and is now a popular place for people to get their steps in while looking out at the breathtaking landscapes.
Rovinj
Sun, sea, and true Croatian beauty await an hour away from Grožnjan in the coastal town of Rovinj. Strolling along the pretty harbor is a favored activity for many couples, purely because of the romantic atmosphere. If you want to view the town from a different angle, you can climb the Church of Euphemia tower. But, if you have a fear of heights, you may not want to chance climbing the steps up the tower, as they have gaps between them, which means the higher you climb, the further the distance you can see when you look down. If you have no fear of heights, you will enjoy spectacular views from the top. Should you prefer experiencing Rovinj from the ground, you can make your way to Plaža Balota, where you will find rock platforms allowing you to soak up the sun and dip your toes in the water. For more of a swimming beach, head to The Golden Cape (Zlatni Rt) park south of town, where you can go swimming, hiking, and cycling.
Motovun
Less than an hour inland from Rovinj lies Motovun, a tiny but stunning town that also sits on a hill and is visible for many miles. It is only twenty minutes away from Grožnjan, and a place that many believe is a source of positive energy. Motovun is said to sit at the intersection of three ley lines, also known as Dragon Lines. It is believed that the lines are where Earth releases positive energy, which, along with the serene atmosphere of Motovun, helps improve mood and health. The town’s aesthetic is also bound to do wonders for your mood as you look at the historic buildings, including houses built in the Middle Ages and the bell tower constructed in the 13th century. When you walk the town walls, you can look out over the breathtaking Mirna River Valley and the Motovun forest in the morning mist. If you visit during July, you can combine natural beauty with beauty found on screen when you join the Motovun Film Festival. You can also take the short drive to Hum, the world’s smallest town, where you can walk the two streets and see the locals’ houses covered in flowers.
Trogir
Trogir is the archetypal Croatian town, and probably the one most people picture when they think of Croatia. This postcard-perfect place sits along a charming waterfront (on a tiny island) and offers you the chance to walk medieval streets and climb the St. Lawrence Cathedral Bell Tower. The Old Town is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you will feel the historic atmosphere as soon as you start exploring. From Old Town, you can walk to the waterfront promenade to watch the yachts showing off on the gorgeous water. At the end of the waterfront sits the 15th-century Kamerlengo Castle, which once protected the town, especially during Venetian rule. If you want to spend some time swimming, you can take a water taxi to Čiovo Island (connected to Old Town via bridge) and enjoy the waters of Okrug Gornji Beach.
Primošten
Called Croatia’s prettiest seaside village, Primošten on the Dalmatian coast, lives up to its nickname on all levels. The town sits on a round peninsula that stretches out into the sea. Its beaches are incredible, strewn with white pebbles that lie along the turquoise water. Behind the coast lie the town’s vineyards and olive groves. There are around twenty beaches around town and a cycling trail that starts out along the waterfront. If you want to take some pictures of your Primošten trip, head to Beach Bilo for a backdrop of bright blue inlet water. Afterwards, you can walk the Seawall Loop, which winds around the Old Town. Then head to Old Town to wander the narrow streets, see the Church of Saint George built in 1485, and take a photo of the fisherman statue.
Pučišća
Pučišca is another breathtaking town on a Croatian island, this time the island of Brač. The white stone buildings framing the blue water will leave you in awe of the town’s beauty. It is a true fairy tale village with castles, fortresses, and palaces all over. There is also the Stone Masonry School, one of only three left in the world, where ancient stone carving is still taught. After trying your hand at carving, you can view a couple of the thirteen fortresses on the coastline before heading to Sv. Roko Beach. If you want to walk on soft sand, Lovrečina is the only beach nearby with actual sand. (The rest are fairly rocky). If you visit during the summer, you can catch several music concerts performed by enthusiastic participants of music courses held every year in July and August.
Rastoke
Rastoke is located a short distance from the Plitvice Lakes, which are an unforgettable sight too. The area that the town sits in continues to evolve due to a phenomenon called tufa formation. Here, the Slunjčica River continues to deposit calcium carbonate to create waterfalls and cascades, in a similar fashion to the Plitvice Lakes. There are 23 falls throughout Rastoke, with some looking like they should be immortalized in a fairytale. One is even called Fairy’s Hair. In addition to stunning waterfalls, Rastoke is also known for its historic windmills. One of the mills sits by the Old French Bridge, creating just the right atmosphere for a sunset visit. But, if you really want to get that fairytale feeling, walk the path along the Korana River bank and simply marvel at the views. Afterwards, make your way to the Rastoke Fairy Garden to walk the beautiful trail and explore the caves along the river.
Ozalj
Most visitors to the breathtaking town of Ozalj visit the Ozalj Castle first. The castle dates back to the 13th century and was once inhabited by noble families who ruled the roost from within its massive walls. You can walk through the castle today and also visit the on-site museum. The museum holds several archaeological finds and an exhibition dedicated to the local painter Slava Raškaj, who became famous for his watercolor depictions of Ozalj’s landscapes. Below the castle, you will find one of the oldest hydroelectric power plants in Croatia. When you have uncovered the fascinating history of Ozalj, make your way to Etno-Park Trg. This open-air museum preserves the town’s heritage in a magnificent location near the Kupa River. You will see reconstructed barns and houses that show how past generations lived. You can also watch live demonstrations of woodworking and weaving as you make your way through the park.
Discovering The Beautiful Spirit Of Croatia
Once you land on Croatian shores, you will soon realize you are not on a typical Mediterranean vacation. Instead, you will find yourself on a journey that retraces times gone by and allows you to see some of the most beautiful towns in the country. As you watch the mist rise off the falls in Rastoke or walk the ramparts in Dubrovnik, you are essentially ‘traveling’ through a living history that was built by Romans and Venetians in years long gone by. If you are after a vacation that will stay with you beyond the selfies and photographs, Croatia is the destination for you.
