Five Croatian hotspots that deserve a place on your travel wish-list

We’re looking forward to another year of wish-list travel, and these five Croatian destinations rank among the most popular options.  

With its rich history, walled cities, and spectacular natural wonders, Croatia has become one of Europe’s favourite travel destinations, and it’s compact enough to tick multiple highlights off in one trip. As the year comes to a close, we’re thinking ahead to the memorable moments waiting in 2027 and beyond, and Croatia is a standout option. With that in mind, here are five Croatian destinations that deserve a place in your travel plans. 

The Croatian destinations we recommend in 2027 

Dubrovnik 

When it comes to Croatia’s most impressive spots, there aren’t many across the country that come close to Dubrovnik, ‘the Pearl of the Adriatic’. Its UNESCO-listed old town, which is enclosed by vast medieval walls, is compact and pedestrianised so you can take in all of its major highlights at a leisurely pace without needing to worry about travelling far. It’s also shared its streets with numerous films and series, including HBO’s fantasy epic, Game of Thrones.  

For the ideal introduction to the city, the Stradun (main street) is the best place to start. Here, several of the city’s most remarkable sights can be admired on one street, from the 16th-century Sponza Palace to St. Blaise’s Church, dedicated to the city’s patron saint. Another highlight to enjoy while in Dubrovnik is Mount Srd, and those who brave a cable car ride to the top can expect unobstructed views of the city’s red-tiled buildings and the Dalmatian Coast.  

Our recommended tour – Adriatic Coast – Dubrovnik, Neum & Mostar  

Split 

For a fascinating insight into the Roman heritage of the Adriatic Coast, look no further than elegant Split, Croatia’s second city. Here, it’s the contrast between the lively modern section of the Riva waterfront and the ancient stonework landmarks that make exploring the city so rewarding, and many consider Split an essential part of any Croatian itinerary.  

Grand Diocletian’s Palace is the centrepiece of the city and is highly recommended for any tour of the Dalmatian Coast. At the heart of this vast Roman residence, built as the retirement home of Emperor Diocletian, is the Peristyle Square, and here, you can take in an extraordinary collection of preserved marble features, architecture, and decorations. Elsewhere in the city is the Cathedral of St. Domnius, one of the oldest Catholic churches in the world, and Riva’s waterfront promenade, the perfect spot to escape the noise of the city for a few hours.  

Our recommended tour – Dubrovnik, Montenegro & the Dalmatian Coast 

Istria 

Set on Croatia’s north-western flank, the Istrian peninsula is shared between Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, and its rural towns feature a distinctive shared culture that’s been influenced by all three nations over the years. It’s for this reason that Istria remains one of Croatia’s most intriguing spots, and its unique highlights make it a must-see for many visitors.  

Of the region’s largest cities, Pula and are amongst the most popular and for good reason. Pula, famed for its Roman architecture and vast, 2,000-year-old arena, is a great place to start and a choice for culture buffs and casual explorers alike. Rovinj, on the other hand, which rises Venice-like out of the sea, tends to be livelier throughout the summer months and offers a more Italian-inspired experience. While here, don’t miss out on the Baroque Church of St. Euphemia or perhaps just meander around the town’s cobbled streets.  

Our recommended tour – Adriatic Discovery – Slovenia, Croatia & Italy 

Plitvice Lakes National Park 

Covering an area of almost 300 square kilometres, this inland national park is home to a number of truly magnificent natural wonders and presents a completely different side of Croatia to the country’s coastal regions. The main attraction across this UNESCO-listed reserve is, of course, its namesake lakes, and visitors can trace a path across a series of interconnected walkways to see all 16 of them.  

Here, the landscapes are characterised by dramatic waterfalls and marvellous natural pools, the colours of which shift between green and turquoise in the light, and each vista is best experienced on foot. If unspoilt natural beauty is what you’re looking for, you’ll find no shortage of it around the Plitvice Lakes, and an excursion here provides the ideal contrast to time spent on the coast.  

Our recommended tour – Croatia’s Istrian Riviera & Lake Bled 

Hvar 

Hvar, one of the largest Adriatic islands, continues to be a firm favourite for travellers looking for a Croatian escape with a difference, and it’s not hard to see why. Comprising colourful harbour towns, rolling lavender fields and a welcoming atmosphere, this delightful island provides more than a few ways to fall in love with life on the Croatian coast.  

A sensible starting point is Hvar Town, and with a guided walk through its walled old town, you’ll discover plenty of landmarks that are just as impressive as those found on the mainland. St. Stephen’s Square, flanked by traditional konobas (taverns), cafés and the imposing Hvar Cathedral, is ideal for both a slower paced few hours in the sun and a spot of sightseeing. Alternatively, if relaxation is what you’re looking for, the island has a wide variety of beaches leading down to pristine Adriatic waters that offer the perfect setting for a lazy day by the sea.  

Our recommended tour – Croatian Island Hopping  

Discover the best of Croatia with Newmarket Holidays 

Whether you’re keen to rediscover this Adriatic hotspot or explore it for the first time, Croatia offers an extraordinary range of distinctive highlights and always promises more to uncover. If you’d like to find out more about our itineraries to this delightful part of Europe or are keen to secure your spot on a 2027 tour, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today.