Top 7 Things to Do in Croatia for First-Time Visitors

If you are visiting Croatia for the first time, the best places to start are Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes, Hvar, Zagreb, the Kornati Islands, and Istria.

These seven destinations capture the country’s essence: dramatic history, living Roman ruins, national parks that feel otherworldly, island life shaped by lavender and stone, and a capital city brimming with cultural depth.

Croatia isn’t just another Mediterranean stop – it’s one of the few countries where medieval towns, untouched islands, and authentic village life still coexist.

Whether you’re walking Dubrovnik’s city walls, sailing into the Kornati archipelago, or eating truffle pasta in Istria, these experiences will shape how you see travel itself.

1. Dubrovnik’s Ancient Walls

The Old Town of Dubrovnik is encircled by limestone walls dating from the 8th to 16th centuries. Stretching 1.2 miles and rising to 82 feet, they were both defensive structures and symbols of prosperity.

Why visit:

Best strategy for visitors:

• Arrive when the gates open at 8 AM to avoid cruise ship crowds.
• Start at Ploče Gate for breathtaking coastal views with fewer people.
• Allow at least 2 hours to walk the full circuit.

Even after hundreds of visits, locals say they still notice new details in the stonework.

2. Split and Diocletian’s Palace

Split’s city center is built inside Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, constructed in 305 AD. Unlike Pompeii or Athens, this isn’t an archaeological site – it’s a living city where life continues amid Roman walls.

Walking through the palace feels like time travel. You’ll see laundry hanging between 1,700-year-old columns, kids playing football on Roman paving stones, and open-air cafés under imperial arches.

What to experience in Split:

3. Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes is often described as Croatia’s natural cathedral, and it’s not hard to see why. Sixteen lakes connect through nearly one hundred waterfalls, cascading down in steps that range from gentle streams to roaring torrents.

Depending on the time of day, sunlight, and minerals in the water, the colors shift between emerald green and bright turquoise. For many first-time visitors, the first glimpse of the lakes through the forest canopy feels like stepping into another world.

The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not only for its beauty but also for the way the landscape is constantly reshaping itself. Over thousands of years, limestone deposits have created natural dams called travertine barriers.

These dams are still growing and changing, which means the waterfalls and lake shapes you see today won’t look the same in a decade. No two visits are ever identical.

For the best experience, it’s worth planning carefully. Booking the earliest entry ticket allows you to enjoy the quieter hours before day-trippers arrive.

Many guides recommend beginning with the Upper Lakes, which are less crowded and more peaceful, before working down to the Lower Lakes and their famous waterfalls.

A full visit can take four to six hours if you want to see the park properly, with enough time to pause, take photographs, and simply take in the atmosphere.

Locals say that spring and early autumn are the best times to visit. In spring, the waterfalls are at their fullest from snowmelt, while autumn brings dramatic colors as the forest surrounding the lakes turns golden and red.

Visitors often compare Plitvice to a fantasy film set – but here, unlike on a screen, everything is alive, constantly shifting, and evolving.

4. Hvar Island: Lavender, Sun, and Seaside

Hvar is Croatia’s most famous island, and for good reason. It enjoys more than 2,700 hours of sunshine each year, making it the sunniest spot in the country. But sunshine is only part of its appeal.

The scent of lavender, mixed with pine and sea salt, lingers in the air during summer, especially when the fields bloom in June and July. Walking through the villages of Velo Grablje or Brusje at this time feels like stepping into a sea of purple, accompanied by the hum of cicadas and distant church bells.

Hvar Town, the island’s main settlement, offers a different kind of atmosphere. Its Renaissance square, St. Stephen’s, is one of the largest in Dalmatia, framed by elegant Venetian architecture.

The town is lively in the evenings, with open-air cafés, bars, and a nightlife scene that draws both backpackers and yacht owners. Yet just outside the square, in quieter lanes, you’ll find women selling handmade lace and locals chatting on doorsteps, showing that Hvar hasn’t lost its traditional rhythm.

When the town gets busy, the Pakleni Islands are just a short water taxi ride away. Each has its own character: Palmižana for lively beach clubs, Sveti Klement for hidden swimming spots, and Jerolim for naturist beaches.

Whether you’re looking for a social scene or total seclusion, there’s an island to match.

Hvar offers both simplicity and sophistication, making it a destination that appeals equally to history lovers, beach seekers, and those chasing a vibrant nightlife.

5. Zagreb: Croatia’s Cultural Capital

While most tourists stay on the coast, Zagreb offers a deeper look at Croatian life.

Walking the cobbled streets of the Upper Town, you’ll hear the daily noon cannon from Lotrščak Tower, see St. Mark’s Church with its iconic tiled roof, and feel the Austro-Hungarian influence in architecture and cafés.

Why Zagreb belongs on your list:

Zagreb balances history with modern life, giving visitors a richer perspective beyond the beaches.

6. Kornati Islands

@visit.kornati Summer in Kornati, Croatia ✨🇭🇷 #croatia #kornati #lojena #croatiatravel #travel #peaceful #islandlife ♬ original sound – Visit Kornati

The Kornati archipelago has 89 islands and islets, often described as “the stone pearls of the Adriatic.” Their bare limestone cliffs rise straight out of the sea.

Why Kornati is special:

Meals in Kornati aren’t rushed affairs – they’re slow, social, and often unforgettable.

7. Istria: Croatia’s Tuscan Twin

Istria is Croatia’s northern peninsula, shaped like a heart and known for its blend of cultures. It’s where Roman ruins, Venetian towns, and truffle forests meet.

• Pula: Roman amphitheater that still hosts concerts.
• Rovinj: A fishing town with colorful houses stacked on the coastline.
• Truffle hunting: From September to December, hunters with dogs search oak forests for prized truffles.

Food in Istria: