Where to go in Croatia

Luxury Croatia holidays are definitely gaining popularity with holiday makers, whether you’re interested in a cheap family holiday or an All Inclusive holiday, we’ve seen a 319% increase in bookings this past year alone! Of course being the back drop to HBO’s Game of Thrones has brought this beautiful country to the forefront of many people’s minds who may not have thought to travel here previously, plus it’s already famous reputation for festivals is still going strong. – Ticket to Hideout anyone?

This European sunny spot is a delight to behold with so much culture and so many hidden gems. For those of you who still like to soak up the sun, Croatia has some of the most strikingly shaped beaches. Spend a day here and simply lay out until your hearts content!

Flights from the UK take approximately two and a half hours, so you’ll be exploring its Roman ruins and walking along those renowned cobbled streets in no time.

There’s really no bad place to go on holiday in Croatia, but there will be areas more suitable to your likes and wishes. If you’re looking for a last minute holiday to Croatia, If you’re wondering exactly where in Croatia to visit, we’ve rounded up our top spots below!

Where to go in Split
Where to go in Dubrovnik
Where to go in Hvar
Where to go in Croatia for beaches
Where to go in Croatia for nightlife
Where to go in Croatia for families

Split waterfront and Marjan hill aerial view, Dalmatia, Croatia

Where to go in Split

Croatia’s second largest city, Split is one of the Adriatic’s most vibrant. A perfect mix of modern life with ancient history, Split is always buzzing with a bustling waterfront and charming old town.

Old Town

Split’s Old Town is one of the first things you may want to roam around on your holiday to Croatia. A place that’ll keep you engaged for hours. The most famous and prominent landmark here is the Dioceltian Palace. Built by the Roman Emperor as a retirement home, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

If you’re a history buff like a lot of us here at HolidayHypermarket, you’ll simply love wandering these quarters. A town full of charming nooks, weave among it’s tiny lanes and browse local craft stalls to get your fill of souvenirs.

Beautiful square of the old town of Split in Croatia

Peristyle

The central square of the palace is another must see. Sit on the steps circling the Peristyle with a delicious cup of coffee and soak up the roman infused architecture. Its acoustics lend itself perfectly for theatre and opera performances. By day it’s awe inspiring but by night, this open air pavilion is mesmerising. It’s able to pull you right back to Roman times alongside the sounds of guitar strings and delightful singers.

Split, Croatia. Diocletian Palace peristyle in front of Cathedral of Saint Domnius bell tower.

 

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Where to go in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is probably the best known and most visited destination in Croatia. This well-preserved town is full of history and beautiful culture and offers tons of things to see and do.  There’s also many delicious restaurants and bars where you can go appease your pallets.

Whether you’d prefer to escape the city walls in a Kayak or take it easy with a batch of wine tasting, there’s fun to be had for all in Dubrovnik.

The famous cable car

Probably one of the most popular attractions of Dubrovnik, take the car ride to the peak of Srd mountain. You’ll witness unbelievable panoramic views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and island Lokrum!

Our top tip – take the trip approaching sun down! The top of Srd mountain is a prime photo spot and the best time is definitely around sunset. You can stop for a bite to eat and drink at the upper cable car station and grab a few souvenirs before you descend back down.

Cable Car Moving down from the Hill to Dubrovnik city center

Game of Thrones tour

Not only for the die-hard GoT fans, this walking tour which takes you around many filming locations of the HBO series is a great way to see the city! Many guides who take these tours have actually been extras on set themselves, and they’ll be more than happy to tell you a few anecdotes from behind the scenes.

Due to the series popularity drawing travellers to Dubrovnik, these tours can fill up fast so it may be worth booking this one in advance.

Set of Kings Landing from GoT

City Walls

Simply because they’re incredible and you just kind of owe it to Dubrovnik to awe over its defensive circle! If you only wish to spend a day or two exploring, then make sure you add Dubrovnik’s city walls to your plan of action.

They date all the way back to the 13th century and span for just over a mile. Consisting of 17 towers, 2 corner fornications and 5 bastions. – Remember your camera, the photo opportunities are awesome! It’s best to explore the city walls as early or as late as possible to avoid maximum crowds. Bring your camera, the photo opportunities are awesome!

view from city walls overlooking walls and sea with cliffs during the day in Dubrovnik

 

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Where to go in Hvar

Said to be one for luxury, Croatia’s Hvar finds visitors familiar with five-star luxury, secluded getaways and yacht lined waterfronts. A place that’s best to visit if you’re after sunshine and parties! Hvar gets the most hours of sun of all the islands in the Adtiatic Sea and it’s nightlife attracts numerous people from all around the world – including celebs.

Hvar Town from Tvrdava Fortica

See Hvar Town from a different perspective high up from the Tvrdava Fortica. This Venetian fortress built in the 13th century once acted as a shelter for locals, but is now a beautiful place to sit and gaze out over those red roofs and white washed walls of the old town. You can even see as far as the Pakleni Islands and surrounding turquoise waters to the distance! – Entrance pricing can seem a little steep for this one but you only need read reviews to see how utterly worth it, it is!

Wide angle aerial view of Hvar city and the bay from the Spanish fortress

Sail the Pakleni Islands

If you like exploring, the un-spoiled Pakleni Islands are only a breeze of a boat ride away from Hvar’s mainland. You can swim, snorkel and sail around the coves!

Pakleni islands, Croatia

Carpe Diem

Looking for nightlife, Carpe Diem is the place to head. With a reputation of housing the yachting elite, VIPs and celebs, this cocktail swigging hang out may just be one of the best clubs in Hvar.

From morning until late evening… well right through to the early hours of the following morning, Carpe Diem offers DJ sets, stunning scenery and an aesthetic that moves perfectly in line with the day’s events. From a chilled and relaxed atmosphere derived from smooth jazz sets or live bands into the ultimate clubbing atmosphere which is said to have a borderless and ageless spirit, no matter your likes – time spent at Carpe Diem will be unforgettable.

Happy friends cheering and drinking cocktails at beach party outdoor

 

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Where to go in Croatia for beaches

The first thing to say about beaches in Croatia is that very few of them are actually sandy. However, Croatia’s stunning coastline will still knock your socks off!

A consistent beach award winner and arguably one of Croatia’s best, Zlatni Rat beach certainly has that Instagram WOW factor! Located in Bol and overlooking the island of Hvar, it’s lined with palm trees and boasts a long stretch of pebble sands. – Fun fact: this actually changes shape dependent on winds!  With the Adriatic Sea as its backdrop, this picture perfect setting also hosts all the amenities you may require for the most amazing beach day.

Zlatni Rat beach, Croatia

Sveti Jakov beach is another go to, especially if you’re already fancying Dubrovnik! Located close to Dubrovnik’s main square, this small but beautiful beach is ideal for escaping the crowds in high season. You’ll need to be able to walk down more than 100 steps to get to it and stroll for around half an hour from Dubrovnik’s Old Town but we promise it’s worth it!

Dubrovnik’s famous city walls and lines of pine trees form the backdrop for this beach. Another one formed from pebbles, the beach provides ample shade for those who need it along with a cafe for any needed refreshments! It’s perfect for those who wish to stay central to the city but still get your fix of beach life.

Sveti Jakov Beach, Dubrovnik, Croatia

For more information on Croatia’s beaches – click here!

Where to go in Croatia for nightlife

If you’re looking for a destination that’s full of culture but still bags you a decent night out, Croatia holds the gold. No matter if you’re an intense party goer or like something a little more laid back, Croatia can definitely cater to your nightlife needs.

We’ve already mentioned Hvar as being a go to for nightlife in Croatia but we’d also highly recommend Novalja on the Island of Pag!

It’s known for its famous Papaya Day & Night Festival in the month of July and has even been compared to Ibiza. Marvel over unbelievable scenic views whilst working your way through jugs of delicious cocktails.

Party on Zrce Beach with not only food and drink but jet skiing and bungee jumping to keep you entertained. Or head to Kalypso, a beach sport bar that allows you to sip cocktails, dance the night away and listen to good music well into the early hours! Want to know more? – We’ve got an entire blog on this for you to read right here.

Dj playing summer hits at sunset beach party with trumpet jazz performer

For more information on Croatia’s nightlife – click here!

Where to go in Croatia for families

Although great for young party goers and those seeking culture, a holiday to Croatia can also be great for families!

Family time deserved an entire blog of its own so you can read all about where to go for a family holiday in Croatia right here!

Ready to book your Croatian getaway? Find all the latest deals here.