10 MOST BEAUTIFUL SMALL TOWNS OF CROATIA TO ESCAPE THE CROWDS!

If you prefer a calmer holiday, these small towns of Croatia will be perfect for you!

Many people want to visit Croatia but don’t enjoy overcrowded destinations and there are quite a few of those here. As a Croatian, I have to say those busy places are popular for a reason, they’re absolutely stunning. But if you really dislike crowds, here’s my list of 10 gorgeous small towns in Croatia that are fairly close to bigger, more popular destinations.

That way, you can still visit famous cities like Dubrovnik, Split, or Hvar, and then return to a peaceful, charming town at the end of the day. Of course, these places aren’t completely empty, they’re still very loved, but they don’t attract the same massive crowds as the most famous spots.

TOP 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL SMALL TOWNS OF CROATIA:

LOPUD

One of my absolute favourite calm and quiet places in Croatia is the island of Lopud. This car-free island is a true paradise in the Adriatic Sea, only about an hour away from Dubrovnik by ferry. Lopud is famous for its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, where you can enjoy beautiful natural landscapes, crystal-clear sea, and delicious fresh seafood in great local restaurants.

This is where I spend a lot of my time during summer, and I definitely prefer staying on the island and taking a ferry for a day trip to Dubrovnik rather than staying in the busy city itself.

The island’s real gem is Sunj Beach, a long sandy beach with shallow waters. It’s perfect for families, as well as for anyone who enjoys sunbathing or snorkeling. Many visitors from Dubrovnik come here on day trips, so crowds mainly appear in July and August during the peak season. It’s good to know that the first ferries usually arrive around 11 AM and the last ones leave around 7 PM, which means you can still enjoy peaceful mornings and quiet evenings on the island even in the middle of summer. Here’s a guide on how to spend a day on Lopud, but I’d definitely recommend staying a bit longer if you can!

OMIS

Omis is a beautiful town where you can enjoy nature and fun activities. Being close to Split, it’s perfect for easy day trips to the city, while still allowing you to have a peaceful stay. It’s located between the stunning Cetina River and Adriatic beaches, so it offers adventures like rafting, kayaking, and ziplining. If you prefer sightseeing instead, you can visit historical places like Fortress Mirabella and explore the charming Old Town. The food in Omis is excellent, and there are lovely beaches both in town and in nearby villages. I love spending time in this small town, especially outside of July and August when it’s much less crowded. Here are the best 5 things to do in Omis.

STON

Ston is a true hidden gem of Croatia, located less than an hour from Dubrovnik. This town is full of history, natural beauty, and incredible food. If you prefer a calmer holiday, it can be a wonderful choice.

In Ston, make sure you walk the impressive Walls of Ston, explore the ancient saltworks, and try some of the best fresh oysters and seafood in Croatia. Once you finish exploring the town, drive around the beautiful Peljesac Peninsula and enjoy its stunning wineries and beaches. Peljesac is one of my favourite parts of the country. If you don’t want to stay in Ston, I’d suggest checking out the village of Zuljana, which has beautiful beaches and is quite close to the ferry to Korcula.

Check out the guide to Ston and the guide to Peljesac to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you!

SAMOBOR

If you want to escape the crowds of Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, you should visit Samobor. Samobor is a picturesque town known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and delicious cuisine. It’s only a 20-minute drive from Zagreb, and the perfect place where you can explore the charming Old Town, visit the ruins of Samobor Castle, and stroll along the peaceful Gradna River. Another thing you can’t miss is trying the famous dessert kremsnita, which is the main reason many people visit this small town.

Samobor can also be a great place to stay if you don’t want to be in busy Zagreb. Here’s a guide to Samobor you can check out!

GROZNJAN

One of my absolute favourite towns in Istria is Groznjan. This stunning hilltop town is known for its artistic charm and beautiful views. In Groznjan, you can explore many art galleries and enjoy music and art festivals. You can also wander through the medieval streets of one of the most magical old towns in Croatia. It’s only about an hour away from the very popular, and often crowded, Rovinj so this is a great alternative for those who want to explore Istria away from the crowds.

CAVTAT

If you’re dreaming of visiting Dubrovnik but want to avoid the crowds, Cavtat is the perfect choice. This picturesque coastal town will give you a wonderful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, and it’s only about 30 minutes from Dubrovnik.

In Cavtat, you can explore the charming old town, enjoy delicious Dalmatian cuisine, and swim in some of the Adriatic’s clearest waters. Cavtat is ideal for a relaxing getaway on the coast, and you can easily visit Dubrovnik by car or boat. Here’s how to spend your time in Cavtat.

TROGIR

If you want to visit Split, this small town might be an even better choice. Trogir is famous for its history, stunning architecture, and coastal charm, and it’s only about 30 minutes from Split. In Trogir, wander through the UNESCO-listed Old Town and enjoy the beautiful waterfront promenade. In the evenings, enjoy delicious Dalmatian cuisine by the sea. Trogir also has several lovely beaches where you can enjoy the Adriatic without the crowds of Split, and there’s the beautiful island of Ciovo just a few minutes away. Here’s what to do in Trogir!

SIBENIK

Sibenik is another beautiful town not far from Split. Staying in Sibenik lets you explore its incredible Old Town landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral. You can also relax on the stunning beaches along the Riviera and visit one of Croatia’s most beautiful national parks, Krka, which is just a few minutes away. Sibenik is only about an hour from Split, so it’s a great choice for a calmer holiday while still being able to visit Split whenever you like. Here’s a guide on what to do in Sibenik!

SLUNJ

If you’re planning to visit Plitvice Lakes and need a place to stay, Slunj is a great option. This hidden gem is surrounded by stunning nature and rich cultural heritage.

Right next to Slunj is Rastoke Village, often called “Little Plitvice,” with charming waterfalls to explore. From there, you can easily visit Plitvice Lakes National Park for breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures. Slunj is perfect for a calm, nature-filled holiday and offers an unforgettable experience off the beaten path in central Croatia.

PULA

Finally, the last town on this list is Pula, a beautiful city where ancient history meets coastal charm. Pula is just 40 minutes from the very popular Rovinj, but it’s much calmer and less crowded. The city is historically significant, with well-preserved Roman ruins, including the impressive Pula Arena. You can relax on nearby beaches or take a boat trip to the beautiful Brijuni National Park. Overall, Pula is perfect if you enjoy calm, charming towns with plenty of history and stunning surroundings. Here’s what to do in Pula!

MY PERSONAL TAKE ON THE BEST SMALL TOWNS OF CROATIA

All of these small towns are truly amazing. My personal favorites are Lopud, Cavtat, Groznjan, and Omis, but I also love any town or village on the Peljesac peninsula, which is still relatively undiscovered. Choosing any of these as your base will make for an unforgettable stay!

CONCLUSION: SMALL TOWNS OF CROATIA

For anyone who loves small towns and wants to avoid the crowds, these places are some of the best spots to stay in Croatia. They feel more authentic, and they let you experience a different side of the coast than the usual hotspots. Croatia’s small towns are truly amazing and can easily rival the country’s most popular destinations!