The Best Travel Destinations in Croatia
Croatia has charmed Finnish tourists and has become one of the most popular summer travel destinations. The country has earned its popularity: a beach holiday and a cultural trip meet in Croatia's atmospheric old towns, nestled in the embrace of the turquoise Adriatic Sea.
Croatia's landscapes and attractions are so epic that they have also become familiar from the world's most popular television series, Game of Thrones.
The sea off the coast of Croatia is among the cleanest in the world. The area's low level of industry and suitable sea currents mean the water is crystal clear. When swimming near the shore, you can easily see all the way to the bottom, so Croatia is also a good place for snorkeling and diving.
Across the Adriatic Sea is Italy, which has greatly influenced Croatian culture, especially its delicious cuisine. The country is an exciting mix of Latin influences and Balkans. And with Croatia's prices being right, can you imagine a better destination?
At the beginning of 2025, Croatia joined the euro and the Schengen area, making travel even easier! To top it all off, Finnair flies directly to Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik.
Southern Dalmatia or northern Istria?
Croatia can easily be divided into two tourist regions: the stunning Dalmatian coast, stretching from Split to Dubrovnik, and the beautiful Istrian peninsula, centered on Pula.
Dalmatia, located in the southern part of Croatia, is the most classic and popular part of Croatia, while Istria, located in the north, is an emerging tourist destination with a strong Italian influence.
If you are traveling to Croatia for the first time, you should head to Dalmatia, for example Makarska, located between Split and Dubrovnik, which is described in more detail on the page Best beaches in Croatia.
This way you can experience the most amazing sights in Croatia, such as the old towns of Split and Dubrovnik, as well as the most beautiful islands of Hvar, Brac and Korcula.
Below are the best travel destinations in Croatia from south to north.
Dubrovnik – the most beautiful city in Croatia
Croatia's most stunning attraction is Dubrovnik, located right on the southern tip of the Dalmatian coast, one of the most beautiful fortified cities in the world. Dubrovnik's snow-white old town is also known from the Game of Thrones series, and you can explore the filming locations independently or by joining a guided Game of Thrones tour.
Most of Dubrovnik's hotels are located outside the Old Town. There are no large hotels within the Old Town walls, but there are plenty of apartment accommodations. A really charming hotel in the Old Town is Apartment House Lina. It is worth booking in advance, as the guesthouse is very popular for good reason. Right next to the Old Town Gate is one of Dubrovnik's most acclaimed accommodations, Heritage Villa Nobile.
Dalmatian rannikon saaret Hvar ja Korcula
Dubrovnik is the most famous of the fortified cities in Dalmatia, but by no means the only one. Hvar and Korcula are located on their own islands, which are easily accessible by ferry from Split.
Hvar is known as Croatia's party center, where jet-set vacationers can enjoy their holidays. By far the most popular destination on the island is the lovely Hvar Town, where the island's most stylish hotels (such as the Adriana Spa Hotel), restaurants and bars are located. The town's marina is home to stunning yachts.
The island of Hvar is a favorite harbor for sailors in the Adriatic Sea. The harbor of Hvar Town and the island's small coves are filled with yachts and sailboats in the summer.
Korcula, on the other hand, offers wonderful peace. When driving around the island, you can admire the rolling terrain, vineyards and cove-like coastline.
The most notable of Korcula's attractions is the old town of Korcula, where interesting places to visit include the city wall, St. Mark's Cathedral and the city museum. Among the accommodations in Korcula's old town, the boutique-style aparthotel Kanavelic Place is particularly charming.
Split, a favorite destination on the Croatian coast
Split is a place like no other. Split is a much larger coastal city than the previous ones, where you can experience local life alongside tourism even in the middle of summer. The heart of Split is the amazing old town, dating back to Roman times.
Right in the heart of Split's old town, you'll find wonderful hotels, such as the magnificent, old-world Hotel Peristil, with rooms featuring original palace walls and a view of the cathedral. There are also many other highly rated places to stay in the old town, most of which are individual apartments. They cost around 100 euros per night in high season, although you can get a clean, simple room for as little as 50 euros.
Split and Dubrovnik can be reached by car in about four hours. Previously, you had to have a passport with you – as the road ran for 15 kilometers through Bosnia and Herzegovina – but now the Pelješac Bridge, which opened in 2025, offers a direct connection to Dubrovnik without crossing the border.
Istria Peninsula and Pula
Beautiful old towns and magnificent landscapes can also be found in Istria, close to the Slovenian border. The center of Istria is Pula, with a population of 85,000, which shows a strong ancient Roman influence: in addition to the magnificent amphitheater, Pula's attractions include the triumphal arch and the Temple of Augustus. The streets of Pula's old town are still paved with Roman-era stones.
Pula has an international airport and a diverse range of hotels. From Pula, you can easily explore the picturesque small towns of Istria – and even take a day trip to Venice by boat.
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One of the highlights of the Istrian coast is the bohemian town of Rovinj, whose pastel-colored houses and beautiful fishing harbor are reminiscent of the Venetian era. If you fall in love with Rovinj, an atmospheric place to stay is the Hotel Angelo d’Oro, built in an old Venetian house.
Istria's attractions also include the Byzantine Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, Poreč is best known for its beaches. On the beach is the Tamaris Resort, voted the best family holiday destination in Croatia, where affordable package holidays are organised.
The mountainous interior of Istria is dotted with small villages and towns, each more charming than the other. A culinary destination is Motovun, known as the “truffle capital” of Istria. A trip to Istria is only complete after a thorough truffle meal! You can enjoy Motuvun in peace if you stay overnight in one of the town’s hotels, such as the magnificent Boutique Hotel Kastel.
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia
Croatia is a unique travel destination because, although the Croatian capital Zagreb is a charming city, most tourists skip it altogether. The reason is simple: the appeal of Croatia's coast is immense, and the inland capital has nothing so special to offer that tourists would head specifically to Zagreb.
Zagreb has a picturesque old town, a lively café culture, and atmospheric hotels like the Art Nouveau Hotel Capital. But it lacks world-class attractions.
From Zagreb, you can explore the stunning Plitvice National Park or the castles on the Slovenian border, about an hour and a half away from Zagreb. Tarkoska Castle has been rebuilt in a neo-Gothic style that looks like a fairytale castle, while Veliki Tabor offers a more medieval atmosphere.
The Croatian coast of Pula is about three hours from Zagreb and four hours from Split.
Finnair flies directly to Zagreb.
Plitvice – Croatia's best nature destination
Although tourism in Croatia is largely concentrated on the coast, there is also at least one world-famous tourist destination in the interior of Croatia, the Plitvice National Park. It is difficult to imagine a more beautiful landscape! Waterfalls connect the 16 emerald green, forest-surrounded small lakes of the Plitvice National Park. The landscape is like something out of a fairy tale.
Plitvice is a couple of hours' drive from both the capital Zagreb and the coastal city of Zadar. If you want to stay near the national park, there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses outside Plitvice, such as the lovely Plitvice Ethno House.
A trip to Croatia
Finnair flies directly from Helsinki to the Croatian capital Zagreb and to the most popular coastal destinations Dubrovnik and Split several times a week during the summer season.
Most Finnish travel agencies organize package tours to Croatia.
Croatia is part of the Schengen area. The currency is the euro. The price level in Croatia is cheaper than in Finland.
Getting around in Croatia
It is definitely worth renting a car in Croatia so that you can freely explore the Dalmatian coast or the Istrian peninsula. You can also travel by car in the archipelago, thanks to ferries and car ferries.
You can rent a car for 30 euros per day. Gasoline is slightly cheaper in Croatia than in Finland. The traffic is quite good compared to many other Mediterranean countries. A Finnish driving license is sufficient to rent a car.
Croatia Tours and Activities
You can also experience experiences on a Croatia holiday by participating in a guided day trip. There is everything on offer, from wine tasting to snorkeling and catamaran trips to walking tours.
Croatia experiences
This Croatia guide has been created by travel journalists and bloggers who have traveled to Croatia several times: Antti Helin, Ville Palonen, Arna Grym and Henna-Mari Koski.
