Croatia is a unique place of natural beauty and elegant architecture, boasting Venetian-influenced cities, ancient walls, a spectacular coast, and over a thousand islands.

Its popularity among foreign tourists has grown dramatically in recent years: the number of tourists increased from 10.4 million in 2010 to a record 19.6 million in 2019, writes the Independent .

Warm weather in Croatia already comes with spring, and summer brings average temperatures of around 25 degrees in many parts of the country. A summer full of sunshine and little rainfall makes Croatia an incredibly attractive destination.

Many visitors want to see the marble streets and medieval walls of Dubrovnik, or perhaps Split’s waterfront, but Croatia also has several lesser-known destinations that are equally worth visiting, from islands like Korčula to a whole host of national parks like Plitvice Lakes.

For those who want to visit this jewel of the Adriatic, these places are a good start:

Zagreb

Zagreb often falls into the background next to destinations on the coast and islands, but it is worth visiting the Croatian capital, known for its relaxed atmosphere. Tourists can enjoy the medieval Upper Town, walk through stone streets and get to know historically valuable buildings, but they can also walk to the Lower Town, built under the influence of Austria-Hungary. The main street, Tkalčićeva, is a charming mix of cafes, bars and restaurants, and wacky museums like the Museum of Broken Relationships await visitors.

When to visit Zagreb

In Zagreb, the temperature drops significantly in the winter, so it is better to visit the Croatian capital in the summer. The driest month is August, and average daily temperatures are a pleasant 22 degrees.

Dubrovnik

Perhaps the most famous Croatian destination, Dubrovnik is located in the south of Dalmatia, and boasts a spectacular walled old town. Walls from the 16th century surround paved streets dotted with shops and restaurants, and there tourists can also see buildings from the Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic periods and enjoy the view of the untamed coast and the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. The beaches are attractive, especially Lapad and Copacabana, and the Lovrijenac fortress became popular because it served as the Red Fort in the Game of Thrones series.

When to visit Dubrovnik
At the height of the tourist season, a huge number of tourists come to Dubrovnik, but that’s when the city’s temperatures are highest, so it’s better to visit the city in June or September. There is little rain and a lot of sun. Average temperatures during that period are around 24 degrees.

Split
The second largest city in Croatia is a mixture of eclectic architecture, beautiful coastline and a whole range of historical influences. There you can find some of the best-preserved examples of Roman and Venetian architecture outside of Rome and Venice, the labyrinth of the old town and lively beaches like Bačvica. The city is full of pedestrian-only areas, and there are shops and restaurants at every turn.

Diocletian’s Palace is a large complex that makes up half of the old town, and Marjan Forest and Matejuška Harbor are popular destinations for daily socializing. For those planning to stay for a while, the port is a good way to visit the islands of Hvar, Brač, Vis or Korčula.

When to visit Split
To avoid crowds, the Independent recommends visiting in May or June, when average temperatures are between 20 and 23 degrees and there is little rain.

Hvar
The popular summer resort and one of the most famous Croatian islands is about an hour’s boat ride from Split. The town of Hvar is the largest place on the island, and visitors can see the medieval castle Fortica towering over the Venetian architecture, as well as the lively square of St. Stjepan in Stari Grad. Jagodna, Pokonji Dol and Bonj are among the most beautiful beaches in the city.

Hvar, in addition to its incredible beaches and elegant architecture, is also known for being one of the best destinations in Croatia for parties.


When to visit Hvar
May and June are the best months to visit Hvar because the temperatures are not too high, and tourists can then avoid the big summer crowds.

Rijeka
Another Croatian port city, Rijeka is often on the back burner for tourists, but it is more than worth a visit. It is a city where the influences of the rule of Venice and the Habsburg Monarchy are visible. The main Croatian port stretches along almost the entire coast. The popular Korzo offers visitors a whole range of shops and restaurants. It is not surprising that the beaches are also popular, especially Sablićevo, Kantrida and Kostrena.

When to visit Rijeka

Rijeka sees more rain than more southern locations in Croatia, but the driest month is July. Average temperatures are around 24 degrees, and the city can be visited even at the height of the tourist season because it is not as crowded as in Dubrovnik or Split.

Zadar

Historical influences are visible at every step in the old part of Zadar. On the Roman streets, there are Venetian gates, cathedrals and castles, as well as the Zadar Roman Forum. Part of the defensive walls in Zadar – under the protection of UNESCO, has become a popular promenade along the coast. Tourists come here to admire the sunset and the sea organ, and many will also visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park with its spectacular lakes, caves and waterfalls.

When to visit Zadar

Zadar is also less popular than the main tourist destinations in Croatia, so it can be visited in June or July.

Pula
Pula is the largest city on the Istrian peninsula, and it is home to the best-preserved example of Roman architecture – the Pula Arena. Built more than two thousand years ago, its passages and galleries are the main tourist attraction in Pula, and films are shown in the arena during the annual film festival in July.

The Temple of Augustus and the forum are also from Roman times, and the city also shows the influences of Venice and Austria-Hungary. You can walk around the old town for days, but the Pula Castle, the church of St. Francis and the Zerostrasse tunnels are also worth a visit, as well as the beautiful sandy beaches.

When to visit Pula

The weather in Pula is very diverse, so it is best to visit the city in summer or early autumn. June and September have the best weather, when daily temperatures average around 20 degrees.

Korčula

Korčula is a small but popular island south of Hvar. With dense pine forests and small towns and villages, the main attraction is the town of Korčula, a smaller alternative to Dubrovnik. The old town consists of stone streets, towers and a cathedral, as well as stone houses with red roofs. Visitors can also see the alleged birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Outside the town of Korčula itself, there are several beaches on the island and other towns worth visiting such as Blat or Vela Luka.

When to visit Korcula

A good time to visit is June and September, when the weather is still pleasant and crowds are minimal.

Zagorje

The Zagorje region is a rural area known for its castles, churches and rich greenery. It is popular among the people of Zagreb, and in recent years it has become a destination for rest and relaxation. Zagorje is full of dense forests and green hills, studded with medieval castles and churches, the most famous of which is Trakošćan and the Basilica of Our Lady of Bistrica. The region is very peaceful, although it can be more crowded in the summer.

When to visit Zagorje

July and August are the most visited months, but they are also the driest, with average temperatures of around 22 degrees.

Source: N1 HRV